Knowledge and Understanding So to understand things as they are and not only under the dark shadows of humane appearance First of unity of Spirit As God is a Spirit pure holy and undefiled and of purer Eyes than can behold Iniquity and that he must have all his Companions and Citizens of that new Jerusalem like himself and as Christs promise is to prepare a place for his people in that promise Let not your Hearts be troubled in my Fathers House are many Mansions and I have prepared a place for you John 14.1 2 3. And will have them with him so will he have them to be like his Father and him holy as they are holy blessed are the pure in Spirit for they shall see God Mat. 5.8 The natural Man is so cloyed with the liquorish relish of carnal things that he cannot raise his affections to the true contemplation of the things of God and therefore the Children of God must be made spiritually minded The Natural man receiveth not the things of God for they are foolishness unto him neither indeed can he know them because they are spiritually descerned but he that is Spiritual judgeth all things 1 Cor. 2.14 15 16. Christians are new Creatures and with them old things are passed away and all things become new they are the Temple of God God dwelleth in them who can have no fellowship with the flesh therefore they must be spirituallized for they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit 2 Cor. 5.19 To be carnally minded is Death but to be spiritually minded is Life and Peace because the carnal mind is enmity against God for it is not subject to the Law of God neither indeed can be so then they that are after the flesh cannot please God 2 Cor. 6.15 16 17 18. Secondly Union of the Spirit is to be of one Spirit to mind the same things as God and Christ did before the World began they have and had one and the same purpose intention and mind to do the same things Peace and Unity of Spirit in Counsel and otherwise is the greatest Comfort and Strength of a Society and this is the Harmony of Heaven How doth David magnify this choice blessing How pleasant a thing is it for Brethren to dwell together in unity it is like the precious ointment upon the Head that ran down upon the Beard even Aarons Beard that went down to the Skirts of his Garments as the Dew of Hermon and as the Dew that Descended upon the Mountains of Zion for there the Lord commanded the Blessing even life for evermore Psal 133. all The Lord is a Spirit of Meekness and Peace and by Christs Doctrine the blessing is to the Meek and his Command is to resemble him in the Spirit of meekness I am meek humble and lowly in mind learn of me Mat. 11.28 29. He unites all the Hearts of his People to the unity of glorifying him to have their share of it in constant Hallelujah's see Gods Promise to Christ and the Spirit of the Lord shall rest on him the Spirit of Wisdom and Understanding the Spirit of Counsel and Might and of the fear of the Lord Isa 11. to 10. O the admiration of Gods free love and goodness to the Godly in their elevation to such a state of Glory that he makes them all join in such Elogies of his praises that they prompt one another to their perpetual ecchoings of his everlasting glory see what the Apostle adviseth in this case Keep the unity of the Spirit in the Bond of Peace let the same mind be in you which was in Christ Jesus ye are all called to one hope in Christ Jesus Ephes 4. to 7. To be of the same mind with Christ Jesus is to have the same Will and Purpose which he had as well in doing as in suffering and to do and suffer to the same Ends and Purposes for which he did or suffered any thing Christ did and suffered all things by the joint advice and in obedience of his Father The Father worketh hitherto and I work Lo I come to do thy Will in the volume of thy Book it is written of me Psal 4.6 7 8. Heb. 10.5 In his sufferings and acting in the mystery of Man's Redemption he did all by the resolution of Heaven the Father and Son did agree and join in the Spirit God so loved the World that he gave his only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have Eternal Life Joh. 3.16 17. Here the Father sends and the Son obeys and cometh and both agree in one in the Spirit In the matter of his Passion on the Cross they concur in one Father if thou wilt let this cup pass over but not my Will but thy Will be done Mat. 26.39 42. The Fathers purpose was that Justice should be satisfied by the Death of the Son on the Cross and the Son humbly submits It is finished and yields up the Ghost John 19.30 Rom. 3.25 26. And so in all the course of his Life as well as at his Death all his steps are squared according to the Will and Counsel of the Father as we see in the History of the Gospel From hence in imitation of Christ are taught to us these two great Duties First Submission Secondly A resignation to the absolute Will of God First Submission In all Afflictions Chastisements and Sufferings in all cases we are to exercise the duty of Submission My Son despise not thou the chastning of the Lord nor faint when thou art rebuked Heb. 12.5 to 12. Chearfulness without murmuring and a Patient bearing up under every dispensation is the duty of submission and with the Apostle to glory in the Cross of Christ Gal. 6.14 God forbid that I should glory in any thing save in the Cross of Christ by whom the World is crucified to me and I to the World And with the Apostle James count it all joy when you fall into divers Temptations Jam. 1.2 The Holy Apostle Paul was a great Proficient in this learning of submission I know how to want and how to abound and in every condition therewith to be content Phil. 4.11 12. And this should be the course and care of all who resolve to follow Christ Jesus to frame their mind and will under all dispensations to submit and acquiesce to the Will of God This was Holy Davids practice under his so severe and great affliction when he had fled from before his Son Absolom who had usurped his Crown and when weeping barefoot and ashes on his head sent back from him the Ark of God the want of which was a great ingredient to his affliction If I shall find favour in the Eyes of the Lord he will shew me both it and his Salvation but if he say I have no pleasure in him lo here I am let him do to me what seemeth good
how injurious slander and reproach is to the reputation of a Christian and how ill it is resented by the Spirit of God in Scripture for the Lord accounts his People so nearly related to himself that he will not have them injured so that he accounts the Injury done to them to be done to himself He that toucheth you toucheth the Apple of miâ—e Eye Zach. 2. and 8. There is that speaketh like the piercing of a Sword but the Tongues of the Wise is Health Prov. 12.18 And though Malice and Prejudice may raise a slanderous report nevertheless neither in mans esteem at long run nor in Gods account shall it have any weight but shall be wiped off in course of time although the Innocent and Godly may suffer for a time Lips of Truth shall be established for ever but a Lying Tongue is but for a moment Prov 12.18 19. Let such farther consider how detestable lying slandering and reproaching is to God Lying Lips are an abomination to the Lord but they that deal truely are his delight Prov. 12.22 We see that the railing Blasphemous Reproaches of Rabsecah and the great King of Assyria against the People of God is accounted by God against himself Whom hast thou reproached and blasphemed and against whom hast thou exalted thy voice and lift thine Eyes on high even against the Holy One of Israel By thy Messengers thou hast reproached the Lord and hast said c. 2 Kin. 19.22 23. read all and read chap 18. Let such further Consider What badge and brand of folly is put upon Peevish Uncharitable Narrow and Censorious Persons who either raise slanders or by reporting foment them He that hideth hatred with lying Lips and he that uttereth slander is a Fool in the multitude of words there wanteth not sin but he that refraineth his Lips is wise The Lips of the righteous feed many but Fools die for want of Wisdom It is a sport to a Fool to do mischief but a man of understanding hath Wisdom Prov. 10.18 to 24. Prov. 26.21.22 See the words By the blessing of the upright the City is exalted but it is overthrown by the Mouth of the wicked He that is void of Wisdom despiseth his Neighbour but a Man of understanding holdeth his peace a Tail-bearer revealeth Secrets but he that is of a faithful Spirit concealeth a Matter Prov. 11.11 12 13. Let all such remember that such reproaching slandering and defaming do more mischief to themselves at the long-run than to the Godly for that the Godly shall be justified by their Integrity both before God and Man and the malice of the wicked shall be retorted upon themselves The Righteousness of the upright shall direct this way but the wicked shall fall by his own wickedness an Hypocrite with his mouth destroyeth his Neighbour but through knowledge shall the just be delivered the righteous is delivered out of trouble and the wicked cometh in his stead Prov. 11.5 to 10. His own Iniquities shall take the wicked himself and he shall be holden with the Cords of his sin Prov. 5.22 23. Let such persons also consider the Character given in Scripture to the Malicious and Slanderers His mouth is full of cursing and deceit and fraud under his tongue is mischief and vanity he sitteth in the lurking places of the Village and in the secret places doth he murder the Innocent his eyes are privily set against the poor he lyeth in wait secretly as a Lyon Psal 10 7. to 11. By which may be gathered that such are accounted treacherous and murderers in Scripture language But let us on the other hand observe and consider the event of all the prepensite malice of the wicked against the godly and we shall find it stored up to their own ruine He hath prepared against him Instruments of Death he Ordaineth his Arrows against the Persecutors Behold he travelleth with Iniquity and hath conceived mischief and brought forth falshood He made a Pit and Digged it and is fallen into the Ditch which he made His mischief shall return upon his own head and his violent dealing upon his own pate Psal 7.13 14 15 16. The Lord shall cut off all Lying Lips and the Tongue that speaketh proud things Psal 12.3 Let us observe what the Psalmist foretells shall be the end of slanderers and slandering Tongues Thy Tongue deviseth mischief Like a sharp Rasor working deceitfully Thou lovest evil more than good And lying rather than to speak righteousness Thou lovest all devouring words O thou deceitful Tongue God shall likewise destroy thee for ever he shall take thee away and pluck thee out of thy dwelling place and root thee out of the land of the living Psal 52.2 to 6. Let us view the revilings and reproaches of God-almighty and his People by the King of Assyria and his Messengers in that 2 Kings 18. And the Judgments of God both on Messengers and their Master in that 2 Kings Chap. 19 The Spirit of God is so compassionate even to the offenders amongst his People that though he will not have sin and offencies amongst them go without chastizement yet will he have Mercy and and Charity to be so mixed with Justice that his People may not be reduced to despair in reference to Gods purpose toward them as in that famous place of his own Justice and Clemency For I will not contend for ever neither will I be always wroth Lest the Spirit should fail before me and the Soul which I have made For the Iniquities of his Covetousness was I wroth I have seen his ways and will heal him I will lead him also and restore comfort unto him and to his mourners Isa 57.15 to 19. In which we see Mercy so mixed with Justice Clemency and Bounty that Correction and Chastizement is only intended of God for the good and reclaiming of his People and not for their destruction We find also by Gods direction in the punishment of offences by Judges amongst the People of Israel the very number of stripes to be inflicted were appointed and not to be exceeded Forty stripes he may give him and not exceed least if he should exceed and beat him above these with many stripes then thy Brother should seem vile unto thee Deut. 25.3 Whereby it is clear that the Lord will not have the very Sinners amongst his People to be made contemptible by the inflicting of Justice upon them but will have the Rod only used to reclaim the stubborn and their name and reputation nevertheless to be kept up so as they neither despair in themselves or should be reproached by others if they could be reclaimed Prejudice and Passion will expose to contempt which is expresly cautioned against and implied in these words then thy Brother should seem vile unto thee This calls on all professing Religion for the Spirit of meekness compassion charity and tender heartedness even to such as are either under the Rod of affliction or taken under any infirmity to sin especially
on their Repentance and to check that heat of uncharitable judging or reviling which is freequently pressed in Scripture especially by the Holy Apostle Eph. 4. Throughout the whole chapter where he exhorteth to unity peace and love in particular instances and expresseth the same by many arguments First They are all of one body and one spirit one hope of our Faith verse 4. Secondly One Lord one Faith one Baptism ver 5. Thirdly One God and Father of all by which they are Brethren ver 6. Fourthly They have all several gifts and all useful and therefore none either to be despised or envied all being given for edifying of the body ver 7 to 16. Fifthly They are all joined and compact together in the unity of the Spirit as the Joints and Sinews unite the Body they are Members all of the same body ver 16. Sixthly They are all Members one of another ver 25. And therefore concludes with the Command of these Heavenly Duties be ye angry and sin not let not the Sun go down on your wrath neither give place to the Devil Let all bitterness and anger and clamour and evil speaking be put from you with all malice and be ye kind one to another tender hearted forgiving one another even as God for Christs sake hath forgiven you ver 26 to end And the same Apostle elsewhere let us not Judge one another any more but judge this rather that no man put a stumbling block before his Brother Rom. 14.23 Put on therefore as the Elect of God holy and beloved bowels of Mercies kindness humbleness of mind meekness long suffering forbearing one another forgiving one another and above all these things put on Charity which is the bond of perfectness Col. 3.12 13 14. See how zealous this holy Apostle is to unite the People of God in Love throughout his whole writings Let nothing be done through strife or vain glory but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than themselves look not every man on his own things but every man on the things of others Phil. 2. to 9. The whole Scriptures run in this strain above all things have fervent Charity amongst your selves for Charity shall cover the multitude of sins 1 Pet. 4.8 and add to Godliness brotherly kindness and to brotherly kindness Charity 2 Pet. 1.7 And above all this we have the express command of our great Lord and Lawgiver Jesus Christ be ye therefore merciful as your heavenly Father is merciful Luk. 6.36 a new commandment I give you that you love one another as I have loved you that ye also love one another John 13.34 To conclude this discourse it were desireable that all of the Profession of Christianity though of different methods and worship would seriously consider how much it is the incumbent duty of all Christians to study the unity of the Spirit in the bond of Peace how agreeable it is to the Command of Jesus Christ from his own Mouth as also by his Messengers as well in the old Testament as under the new Have we not all one Father hath not one God created us why do we deal treacherously every Man against his Brother Mal. 2.10 How much it would remove the stumbling of Heathens Idolaters Atheists and the Prophane who are much scandalized by the Divisions of Christians and more especially of the reformed Churches how much it would strengthen their hands against the Enemies of Truth and what great inducement it might be to invite the dissolute and prophane to join in a body or Church incorporated by love and serving of God with one consent what ease satisfaction comfort and delight it would create to each other when differences janglings and contention about lesser things were removed and the substantial part of Religion to wit holiness towards God Charity and Brotherly kindness with one another were more sincerely pursued How much it would adorn the pretious Gospel of Jesus Christ such unity would be like that pretious Ointment on the Head which run down to the Skirts of the Garment Psalm 133. and would give a most pleasant savour to all the beholders and to Christians themselves like the Churches Spikenard Myrrhe and Camphire Cant. 1.12 13 14. and being once experimentally found will constrain them to sit down under the shadow of God who is Love 1 John 3.16 and Wisdom Pro. 8.1 with great delight and would undoubtedly find his fruit pleasant to their taste Cant. 2.13 This also would be a special mean to entangle others into the Net of the Gospel From all which we plainly see the unexpressible freedom of this Grace and love of the second Covenant which as first founded in Free-grace is also accomplished unto us by the mystery of his love and to enquire into the Tenure and Condition of this Covenant cometh next in course This Covenant of Grace Mercy and Salvation is between God and Man by the Mediator Jesus Christ and the Conditions thereof are mutual on Gods part and Mans part The Justice of God being offended by Mans falling in disobedience and the Counsel of Heaven designing Mans Restoration by means above mans apprehension and capacity the bounty of Heaven makes a Proclamation â—f indemnity and free pardon and God so loved the World that he gave his only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have eternal life Joh. 3.16 This is the great Magna Charta of Mans Restoration and Eternal Happiness and as it come of the good Will of God is free nevertheless for the honour of Justice and for the further security of Mans future happiness this Covenant is circumscribed with conditions First On Gods part a free Pardon and reward of Eternal life Secondly On Mans part believe But as we have already shewed that Man rendering himself incapable of doing any good much less to satisfy Divine Justice or in his own strength to manage a new stock of mercy the Wisdom and Infinite Goodness of God in the Counsel of Heaven before the World began hath setled this contrivance that Jesus Christ the only begotten Son of God and Second Person of the Holy Trinity should become surety to Justice and undertake for poor lost Man and as Christ is responsable to Justice for Man so Man is tyed up also in the New Covenant to terms so that the Covenant stands also on Conditions between Christ and Man Christ performing to God for Man and procuring to Man the benefits of that new Covenant viz. absolution from Sin and Eternal Life Man performing new obedience to God The terms then of this Covenant on Christs part are that he becomes between God and Man a Prophet a Priest and a King First A Prophet the office of a Prophet is to teach instruct declare and reveal the mind of God to his People And that Christ is that only true Prophet the whole Scriptures concur in Testimony he is that Prophet foretold by whom that Everlasting Covenant was made with Abraham
Gen. 17.7 And that Prophet promised to Moses and I will raise them up a Prophet amongst their Brethren like unto thee and I will put my words into his mouth and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him Deut. 18.18 And he is that Prophet of whom the Apostle speaketh Of this Mans Seed hath God according to his promise raised unto Israel a Saviour Jesus Act. 13.22 And this is that rod out of the Stem of Jesse on whom the Spirit of the Lord doth rest The Spirit of Wisdom and Understanding the Spirit of Counsel and Might the Spirit of Knowledge and of the fear of the Lord he shall not judge after the sight of his Eyes nor reprove after the hearing of his Ears but with Righteousness shall he judge the Poor and Reprove with Equity for the meek of the Earth and shall smite the Earth with the Rod of his Mouth and with the breath of his Lips shall he slay the Wicked and righteousness shall be the Girdle of his Loyns and Faithfulness the Girdle of his Reins Isa 11. to 11. And this is that Prophet who hath received the Spirit in full The Spirit of the Lord is upon me because the Lord hath appointed me to Preach good tidings to the meek he hath sent me to bind up the broken hearted to proclaim liberty to the captive and the opening of the Prison to them that are bound to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord and the day of vengeance of our God and to comfort all that mourn to appoint unto them that mourn in Zion to give unto them Beauty for Ashes the Oil of Joy for Mourning the Garment of Praise for the Spirit of Heaviness Isa 61. to 4. He is the only true Sheepheard of the Sheep and entreth in at the Door to whom it is opened and the Sheep hear his voice and follow him he knoweth his Sheep calleth them by their Names and leads them into the true and good Pastures John 10. to 6. He is the infallible guide and teacher He is the Way the Truth the Light and Life and no Man cometh unto the Father but by him Joh. 14.6 He is the only true light that lightneth every Man that cometh into the World John 1.6 This then being the first step of Christs Mediation between God and Man to be their Teacher to instruct them their duty towards God by his infallible Spirit this should lead us again with the Apostle to cry out O the depth and infinite dimensions of the Love and Wisdom of God to sinners If we consider Mans Fall from his credulity in believing the lying suggestions of a fallen Angel in the Mouth of a Serpent and not believing of God and that to avoid mans splitting on this Rock God sends his infallible Spirit of Truth to guide them in all Truth and bring them under the Law of the Spirit by Regeneration and a new Life in Christ Jesus by putting his Spirit in them to make them walk in the Spirit and no more in the unprofitable course of this World in the Flesh and Lusts thereof and endoweth them with the Wisdom and Graces of his Spirit to perform to God new obedience as shall be shewen in examining of the Christian Duties as the conditions of this Covenant on Mans part how much should the consideration of this mystery of Love and Wisdom lead our anxious desires after attaining unto a large stock of this enriching and confirming Grace and to be endowed with the knowledge of the love of God in Christ Jesus by which poor Believers are not only retrieved from Sin and Wrath but are kept sure in Christs Hand from falling away from God as under the first Covenant John 17.6 to 13. The second branch of Christs Mediatory Office is to be a Priest and the Office of a Priest being to offer up Sacrifice for Sinners we shall consider how this agreeth to Christ and is performed by him the holy Apostle tells us That he that desireth the Office of a Bishop or Teacher desireth a good work 1 Tim. 3.1 And he also tells us that it is so honourable and sacred that no man taketh it to himself but he that is called thereunto as was Aaron Heb. 5.4 And therefore God in displeasure with Uzziah the great King of Israel for intruding into the Priests Office struck him with Leprosy to his death 2 Chron. 26.18 to end But none can claim better or so good a Title to the Priesthood as our great high Priest Jesus Christ who took not that honour to himself but it was given to him of his Father who said to him this day have I begotten thee and thou art a Priest for ever after the Order of Melchisedeck Heb. 5.5 Psalm 110.4 Isa 7.13 14 15 16. And although he was Heir of all things and by whom the World was made and being the brightness of the Fathers glory and express Image of his person he was annointed with the Oil of Gladness above his Fellows Heb. 1.2 3 9. And made the High Priest by the Council of Heaven for Mans Eternal Salvation and as he had this his call immediately from Heaven so he hath it with more transcendent eminency than other Priests in many considerations First The holy Apostle Paul tells us that all Priests taken from amongst Men are compassed about with Infirmities and Sins and as in compassion to others so also for their own as well as for the sins of others they are to offer up Sacrifices Heb. 5.1 2 3. ch 7.23 28. chap. 9.7 but this our great High Priest though in Compassion to us he took our nature upon him and was subject to natural Infirmities and in the Flesh was tempted with like Infirmities to succour such as were tempted yet without sin Heb. 2.16 17 18. chap. 4.15 However he is essentially holy for such an High Priest became us who is holy harmless undefiled separate from Sinners and made higher than the Heavens who needeth not daily as these High Priests to offer up Sacrifice first for his own Sins and then for the People for this he did once when he offered up himself Heb. 7.26 27. Secondly All other Priests are made without an Oath but he with an Oath for those Priests were made without an Oath but this with an Oath by him that said to him the Lord Swore and will not Repent thou art a Priest for ever after the order of Melchisedeck and hath an unchangeable Priesthood Hebrews 7.21 24. Thirdly Other Priests are for a time his Priesthood is for ever and unchangeable as in the foregoing Scripture They were many Priests and not suffered to continue because of death but this man because he continueth ever hath an unchangeable Priesthood wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him seeing he ever liveth to make Intercession for them for the Law maketh High Priests which have Infirmities but the word of the Oath
God that justifieth who is he that shall condemn It is Christ that died yea rather that is risen again who is even at the Right Hand of God making intercession for us Rom. 8.1 33 34. Thirdly Is Christ Jesus that triumphant and glorious Champion With dyed Garments from Bozrah having trode the Wine-press of his Fathers wrath alone for sinners Isa 63.1 2 3. Who hath conquered over Hell and Death for sinners 1 Cor. 15.54 55 56 57. Why should a Believer be afraid and doubtful of his Eternal Salvation in Jesus Christ considering he hath his Promise for it who cannot lye I even I am he that comforteth thee who art thou that thou shouldest be afraid of a Man that shall die and of the Son of Man that shall be made as Grass and forgetteth the Lord thy Maker that hath stretched forth the Heavens and hast feared continually every day because of the fury of the Oppressour as if he were ready to destroy and where is the fury of the Oppressour Isa 51.12 13. This one Consideration and Faith in exercise is sufficient to stay the Soul against all discouragements and doubtings Fourthly Is Christ that brightness of the Fathers Glory and express Image of his Person whose Throne is for ever Heb. 1.3 8. Hath he dignified man and abased himself in taking Mans Nature upon him and not the Nature of Angels Heb. 2.16 Art thou amongst men O Christian contemptible as a Worm and no Man looked upon as the abject and of scouring of the Earth as was Christ Psalm 22. Why art thou cast down and disquieted is not Christ thy Eldest Brother hath he taken thy Nature on him for any other end than for thy comfort For that he himself hath suffered being tempted he is able to succour those that are tempted Heb. 2.18 Let therefore thy Condition in the World be never so despicable lay thou hold on Christ as thy Sacrifice be comforted in this Though thou hast lien amongst the Pots yet shalt thou be like a Dove whose Wings are covered with Silver and her Feathers with yellow Gold Psal 68.13 Fifthly Is Christ thy King who hath the Keys of Hell and Death who can bind and no man loose and loose and no man bind Rev. 1.18 What Prison Confinement Restraint or Power can keep thee out of his Hands when his appointed time cometh That he will send his word and heal and loose thee Psalm 107.16 20. Rom. 8.35 38 39. Sixthly Is Christ that bountiful Prince who giveth gifts to Men hath he abased himself to Death to make thee a King John 1.12 art thou in Poverty with Lazarus and in thy own sense and humane appearance thy way is hid from God as in the foregoing place nevertheless remember his power and bounty He setteth the poor on high and maketh them families like a Flock the righteous shall see it and rejoice Psalm 1â—7 41 42. Yea remember his Promise believe and be comforted in it I will give thee the treasures of darkness and hidden riches of secret places Isa 45.3 Prove me now saith the Lord if I will not open thee the Windows of Heaven and pour you out a blessing that there shall not be room enough to receive it Mal. 3.10 But above all whereas the Wicked and Rich of this World receive their Consolation in this Life Wo to you that are Rich for you have received your Consolation Luke 6.24 Believers shall be Eternally happy And they shall be mine in that day when I make up my Jewels and I will spare him as a man spareth his own Son that serveth him then shall ye return and discern between the Righteous and the Wicked between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not Mal. 3.17 18. We have seen in the foregoing discourse the happy condition of man in his first Creation and thereafter his unhappy and miserable estate by reason of sin and also and immediately preceeding this discourse the Lords great clemency and free bounty to Man by the Counsel of Heaven from all Eternity in redeeming Man by a Covenant of free Love in Jesus Christ according to that Scripture O Israel thou hast destroyed thy self but in me is thy help Hosea 13. and 9. And as this great Salvation is by a Covenant with Jesus Christ wherein he both undertakes for Man and procures Mercies to Man so there are duties incumbent to man on his part of the Covenant Although Man by his first and original sin as hath been already shewn hath disabled himself that he is capable of no performance in himself nevertheless Jesus Christ his surety undertakes for him and he works and accomplisheth all these works in him These Conditions on Mans part are variously expressed in Scripture Moses under the Law tells the People of Israel their duty towards God And now O Israel what doth the Lord thy God require of thee but to fear the Lord thy God to walk in all his ways and to love him and to serve the Lord thy God with all thy Heart and with all thy Soul to keep the Commandments of the Lord and his Statutes which I command thee for thy good Deut. 10.22 23. The holy Prophet Micah much to the same purpose he hath shewed thee O Man what is good and what doth the Lord require of thee but to do justly love mercy and walk humbly with thy God Mic. 6.8 The duty of Christians under the Gospel and Believers under the Law are morally the same the holy Apostle gives us in divers places the account of our duties under the Gospel Let us cleanse our selves from all filthiness of the Flesh and of the Spirit perfecting holiness in the fear of the Lord 2 Cor. 7.1 And the same Apostle elsewhere For the Grace of God that bringeth Salvation hath appeared to all Men teaching us that denying ungodliness and worldly lusts we should live soberly righteously and godly in this present World Titus 2.11 12. These foregoing and other Scriptures as well in the old as new Testament hold out to us the material and substantial part of our duties or conditions of the new Covenant on mans part although grace and salvation comes freely unto us by the forbearance of God and free love of Jesus Christ as is already shewen nevertheless it is but reasonable and just that such precious mercies should be answered with conditions on Mans part and the rather for that Man hath neither strength power nor capacity in himself to perform But that as the Covenant is free so grace to perform is freely given and obtained by Jesus Christ James 1.17 and all the performances of Christians though never so exact are but the returning to God what we received from him and though we may better our selves by these performances and thereby render our selves more acceptable to God nevertheless we do not at all profit God thereby for what we can do to God in our Service and Worship is but our Duty and brings him no advantage
according to Christs own Doctrine When ye shall have done all these things which are commanded you say we are uprofitable Servants we have done that which was our duty to do Luke 17.10 As the holy Scriptures of the old and new testament hold out to us the whole complex of Christian duties which being so various and collected from so many several Scriptures and for the better attaining to the knowledge thereof are to be reduced in order under the several heads of the duties of the first and second Table shall by the blessing of God be the subject of the ensuing Discourse Before we proceed to examine the particular duties of Christians under this new Covenant we shall by the way consider the great difference between the bounty and goodness of God to Repenting Sinners and the bounty and goodness of man to one another in which we shall find made good that Scripture As the Heavens are higher than the Earth so are my thoughts higher than your thoughts and my ways higher than your ways Isa 55.9 We have discovered that the Lord Jesus Christ his bounty is such that man by sin against God having forfeited his first and happy estate in Paradise and being therefore accursed and concluded under wrath is freely restored by the Sacrifice of Christs Blood and that all required of him in return of such mercies is the due observance of Gods Commands in new obedience and that towards mans performance God in Christ Jesus makes with him an everlasting Covenant that he is their God and they his People That he will give them one Heart and one Way that they may fear him for ever for the good of them and their Children after them Jer. 32.38 39 40. and give them a new Spirit Ezek. 11.19 and I will put my Spirit within you and cause you to walk in my Statutes and ye shall keep my Commandments and do them Jer. 36.27 By which we perceive that as the Lord requires duties on mans part he affords to his people Strength and Grace to perform the duties Commanded which other Benefactors neither do nor can do Secondly The Lord gives power and authority to his people to call on him for a supply of such of his Graces as are necessary for them to enable them to walk with him Ezek. 36.37 I will yet for this be inquired of the House of Israel to do it for them seek and ye shall find knock and it shall be opened c. Mat. 7.7 8. and in that famous place Ask me of things to come concerning my Sons and my Daughters and the works of my hands command ye me Isa 45.11 Thirdly The Lord doth not only afford stock of Grace by his Spirit and gives a command to call for more supply but he also rewards the right improvement of Grace with fresh Grace he will give Grace for Grace and no good thing will he with-hold from those that fear him Then shall we know if we follow on to know the Lord Hos 6.3 and this is clear by the parable of the Talents to such as improved more was given and Eternal Life as a reward of their well-doing but he that did not improve what he had was taken from him and he himself was thrust into utter darkness Mat. 25. Fourthly The Lord delighteth in mercy and not in the severity of his Justice and rather desires sinners should repent and live than perish under his Wrath and Justice Cast away all your transgressions whereby you have transgressed and make you a new Heart and a new Spirit for why will you dye O House of Israel for I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth wherefore turn your selves and live Ezek. 18.31 32. As I live saith the Lord I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked but that the wicked turn from his way and live turn ye turn ye for why will ye dye O House of Israel Ezek. 33.11 We see in all these foregoing steps the great desire and zeal the Lord Jesus Christ hath for the good and conversion of sinners and aversation to their distruction but on the other hand we shall find the great prejudice oppression and cruelty of men against one another For first consider any man as a benefactor to another either in that case where any man hath raised some to some degree of preferment or profit either of meer good will or favour and on taking a liking to him as his favourite or for some good office done to him by another makes him some grant to himself and his heirs how frequently doth it happen that either the donor looseth his fancy or forgets the good office to the donec in his own time or like Pharaoh to the Posterity of Joseph and thereby rests not till by some means or other he brings his favourite into disgrace and worms from him the grant with Ignominy and leaves him in worse condition than he found him or makes him the continual Butt of his displeasure and exposeth him to the contempt of others or if any condition be performable on the grant makes the Grantee uneasy and never at quiet until the grant be voided Secondly If on the account of Charity or common course of dealing one Neighbour or Friend happen on some pinching exigent to supply the want of another how frequently doth Pride upbraid the necessitous and covetousness take these advantages that what was lent is called and forced back so unseasonably and in such rigid and hard terms that the calling the thing back after such manner is a greater prejudice than the supply could be a service and many are ruined on pretence of friendship in lending when the event is pernicious and the design appears to have been nothing but covetousness let such persons consider the common duty of Charity of lending without expectation of a return according to Christs Doctrine Love ye your Enemies and do good for evil and lend hoping for nothing again and your reward shall be great and ye shall be the Children of the highest for he is kind to the unthankful and to the evil be ye therefore merciful as your heavenly Father is merciful Luke 6.34 35 36. It were advisable such persons would consider it 's only Gods bounty which makes one man in a worldly state to differ from another What hast thou O man that thou hast not received Every Good and every Perfect Gift cometh from the Father of Light Jam. 1.17 The Race is not to the Swift nor the Battel to the Strong but God raiseth up one and casteth down another Let man in prosperity consider it is only by the favour of God he standeth and he that thinketh he standeth let him take heed least he fall And remember what the Psalmist saith When thou Lord rebukest man for Iniquity how dost thou make his beauty to consume like a Mothe Let him consider the Parable of Dives and Lazarus Luke 16.19 to the end and the rich Husbandman in the
nothing and vanity He is Lord of Lords and King of Kings And his dominion is without end or limitation of time he is glorious in holiness fearful in praises doing wonders Isa 40.12 to 18. Psalm 68.17 Revelation 17.14 Exod. 15.11 Thirdly He is infinite in Wisdom who hath directed the Spirit of the Lord or being his Cousellour taught him with whom took he Counsel and who instructed him and taught him the Path of Judgments and Knowledge and shewed him the way of understanding he is Prince of Peace wonderful Counsellour the everlasting Father Isa 40.13 14. Isa 9.6 7. chap. 11. to 11. Fourthly He is matchless in Beauty He is the Rose of Sharon White and Ruddy the choicest of ten thousands His Head as the most fine Gold his Locks are bushy and black as a Raven his Mouth is sweet yea he is altogether lovely Cant. 2.1 Cant. 5.10 to 17. Fifthly He is of everlasting continuance all created Beings are either tainted with inherent and natural defects or imperfections Riches canker and consume beauty failes with the complexion friends power and humane glory are Solomons vanities and perish in the using or are cut off with time but he made all things and of his Kingdom there shall be no end he is Alpha and Omega Rev. 1.8 Sixthly He is absolute Soveraign and Conquerour of all Enemies even of Death and the World be of good-Comfort I have overcome the World the Issues of Death belong to him he hath the Keys of the House of David he can shut and no man open he can open and no man shut I am he that liveth and was dead and behold I live for evermore and have the Keys of Hell and Death Rev. 1.8 chap. 5.9 The seventh reason why the Lord Jesus Christ doth afflict and chastise his People is to exercise their Faith and Patience upon his Promises to them in their afflictions It being the Lords way with his People to afflict them to trials and confirmation not to their destruction or overthrow to chastise them in Measure and not to leave them altogether unpunished for I am with thee saith thee Lord to save thee Jer. 30.11 Though I make a full end of all Nations whether I have scattered thee yet will I not make a full end of thee but will correct thee in measure and not leave thee altogether unpunished The Lord knoweth the complexion of his People and therefore deals warily and gently with them by his afflicting hand he intends not their destruction but to frame them for Vessels of Love and Mercy he intending they shall be the Temples of the Holy Ghost he refines them and chuseth them in the Furnace of Afflâ—ction to scoure off the natural and sinful uncleanness And thus he deals in a tenderly and fatherly way Jer. 48.10 chap. 9.7 In measure when it shutteth forth I will debate with it he stayeth the rough wind in the day of his East-wind and all his Billows do not blow at once Jer. 27.7 8 9. He will not overcharge them but proportions the Physick of Affliction to the strength he will give them No temptation hath befallen you but what is common to Men the Lord is faithful who will not suffer you to be tempted above measure but with every temptation will give an outgate that ye may be able to bear it 1 Cor. 10 30. 2 Cor. 4.17 18. And therefore the Wise Physician of Souls who will not break a bruised Reed nor quench a smoaking Flax. Isa 42.3 To prevent the discouragement of the Christian Patient in their afflictions affords them the Cordials of his Infallible Promises to stay support and uphold them against the sourest gripings of Temptations and Trials which is his Fatherly Potion that he measures to them in this Life And these Promises are suited to all the Christians Lot on this side of time as well to their Spiritual State Trials and Difficulties as to that of the Temporary Troubles and Afflictions Isa 11. all Isa 61.1 2 3. And First for their Spiritual state in these three particulars First In Spiritual darkness and desertion of Gods presence for their Cloudiness in the sense of Gods favour Secondly Under the sense or apprehensions of greatest Sins And Thirdly Under repeated Sins or Relapses First In Darkness and Soul Desertion as every throw or gripe to the diseased do discompose and aggravate so much more when afflictions the Arrows of the Almighty are upon any and that their Spiritual state is clouded and they have not the comfortable presence of God so as they are under fears and darkness that the Lord is not their Salvation or cannot be satisfied that these Chastisements are in Mercy and not in Wrath from the Hand of a Father how is the Soul hurried and curdled like a Cheese and roars with David as distracted with terrours a wounded Spirit who can bear this of all conditions is the most anxious and comfortless as on the other hand when the Countenance of a reconciled God in Christ Jesus looks thorough the deepest Cloud of Afflictions the Soul rejoyceth in Tribulation Some will say who will shew us any good but Lord lift thou up the Light of thy Countenance which will make our Soul more joyful and more glad than when their Corn and Wine encrease in great abundance Psal 4.6 7 8. And in this doleful state the Lords Promises are rich and manifold Who is among you that feareth the Lord and obeyeth the voice of his Servant that walketh in darkness and hath no light let him trust in the name of the Lord and stay upon his God Isa 50.10 Unto the Righteous there ariseth light in darkness Psal 112.4 Light is sowed to the Righteous and Joy to the Upright in Heart Psal 97.11 I am sought of them that asked not for me I am found of them that sought me not I said behold me behold me unto a Nation that was not called by my name before they call I will answer and while they are yet speaking I will hear saith the Lord Isa 65.1 24. Before she travelled she brought forth before her pain came she was delivered of a Man Child and as soon as Zion Travelled she brought forth her Children shall I bring to the Birth and not cause to bring forth shall I cause to bring forth and shut the Womb saith the Lord Isa 66.7 8 9. The great Physitian of Souls like a just and wise Physitian useth ordinary means in common Distempers but in extremities and dangerous Distempers Cordials and Rich and Choicest Medicines are not with held when all ordinary helps fail his special Love and Power manifests it self when we were helpless yea Enemies he brings succour comfort and relief and makes with us an everlasting Covenant Ezek. 16. to 8. Rom. 5.6 7 8. Thus he sheweth his Prerogative of curing as well as his Love when no other help appears when my Father and my Mother forsake me then the Lord shall take me up Psal 27.10 Isa 49.15 chap.
away my acquaintance far from me thou hast made me an abomination to them I am shut up I cannot come forth I am afflicted from my Youth and ready to dye while I suffer thy Terrours I am distracted Psal 88.8 15 18. We are become a reproach to our Neighbours a scorn and a derision to them that are about us I am become a stranger to my Brethren an alien to my Mothers Children Psal 69.8 See the Apostles Case At my first answer no man stood by me but all Men forsook me nevertheless the Lord stood with me and strengthned me 2 Tim. 4.16 17. Consider the Churches state there is none to plead thy cause all thy lovers have forgotten thee they seek thee not in which we see the height of unkindness of unnaturality of Relations but consider in that same and often repeated place The Lords wonderful kindness therefore all they that devour thee shall be devoured and all thy Adversaries every one of them shall go into Captivity for I will restore health unto thee and heal thee of thy wounds Jer. 30.11 to 18. One shall say unto him what are these wounds in thy hands and he shall answer those which I have received in the house of my Friend Zech. 13.6 See the Churches state and what advice the Prophet giveth unto her upon the consideration of the unfaithfulness of Friends Trust not in a Friend put no confidence in a Guide keep the Doors of thy Mouth from the Wife that lieth in thy Bosom for the Son dishonoureth the Father and the Daughter riseth up against the Mother and the Daughter in Law against the Mother in Law and a Mans Enemies are those of his own House Mic. 7.5 6 7. The Church in the Prophet Isaiah's time was under contempt reproach and forsaken of friends but yet he comforts her with great assurances of Gods everlasting favour fear not for thou shalt not be ashamed thou shalt forget the shame of thy Youth and not remember the reproach of thy Widow-hood any more for thy Maker is thy Husband the Lord of Hosts is his Name and thy Redeemer the holy one of Israel for the Lord hath called thee as a Woman forsaken and grieved in Spirit a Wife of Youth when thou wast refused for a little moment have I forsaken thee but with great Mercy will I gather thee in a little wrath I hid my Face from thee for a moment but with everlasting kindness will I have mercy upon thee saith the Lord Isa 54.5 6 7 8 And farther when all help failes and no appearance of any hope then the Lord Interposeth I looked and there was none to help I wondered that there was none to uphold therefore mine own arm brought Salvation and my Fury it upheld me Isa 63.5 This also was Davids case I looked on my Right Hand and beheld but there was no man would know me refuge failed me no man careth for my Soul Psal 142.4 This also was the great case of the Church wherein the Lord interposeth with his great deliverance but Sion said the Lord hath forsaken me my God hath forgotten me but behold the Lords Fatherly answer exceeding all the compassion of Women Can a Woman forsake her suckling Child that she should not have compassion on the Son of her Womb she may forget but I cannot forget thee saith the Lord I have graven thee upon the Palms of my hands thy Walls are continually before me thy Children shall make haste thy destroyers and they that made thee waste shall go forth of thee Isa 49.14 to 18. Behold the lamentable state of the Church wherein she complains all her friends have dealt treacherously with her and not only forsaken her but become her Enemies Lam. 1. all The fifth instance of Gods kindness to his People is when under great reproaches as a good name is better than Gold and Pretious ointment nevertheless the holiest and most innocent of Gods People have been exposed unto and are obnoxious to slanders revilings and reproaches from the worst of Men. Christ the Lord of Glory was called a Wine-bibber a Drunkard a Friend to Publicanes and Sinners and charged with having a Devil and being a Charmer by Beelzebub the Prince of Devils and at his Death was reviled as a deceiver and they that passed by railed on him thou that savest others come down from the Cross and save thy self he that saved others himself he cannot save Mat. 15.29 30 31. Luke 7.33 34. ch 11.15 The Apostles were called rebellious turners of the World upside down stirrers up of the People and Inventers of new doctrine How was David reviled and reproached by Shimei Come out thou bloody Man the Lord hath returned on thee all the blood of the House of Saul and thou art taken in thy mischief because thou art a bloody Man 2 Sam. 16.6 7 8. I was a reproach amongst all mine Enemies especially to my Neighbours and a fear to mine acquantance they that did see me fled from me I am forgotten as a dead man out of mind I am like a broken Vessel I have heard the slanders of many fear was on every side while they took Council together against me they devised to take away my Life but I trusted to thee O Lord and said thou art my God Psal 31.11 12 13 14 20. False Witnesses rose up against me they laid to my charge things I knew not they rewarded me evil for my good to the spoiling of my Soul in my adversity they rejoiced and gathered themselves together yea the Abjects gathered themselves together against me and I knew it not they did tear me and ceased not with Hypocritical mockers at Feasts they gnashed upon me with their Teeth yea they opened their mouth wide against me and said a ha a ha our eyes have seen it Psal 35.11 to 22. My lovers and my friends stood aloof from my sore my kinsmen stood afar off they also that seek after my Soul lay Snares for me and they that seek my hurt speak mischievous things against me and imagine deceit all the day long but my Enemies are lively and they are strong and they that hate me wrongfully are multiplied they also that render evil for good are mine Adversaries Psal 38.11 to 21. Mine Enemies speak evil of me when shall he die if he come to see me he speaketh vanity he gathereth iniquity to it self and when he goeth away he telleth it all that hate me whisper together against me they did devise my hurt now that he lieth down he shall rise no more yea mine own familiar friend in whom I trusted who did eat of my bread did lift up his heel against me Psal 41.5 to 9. Moses the humble and meekest of Men was charged with ambition and assuming of Arbitrary Power even by his Brother Aaron and Sister Miriam Thou takest too much upon thee hath the Lord spoken by Moses only hath he not spoken by us also Numb 12.1.2 This also was Christs Lot
My Brethren have dealt deceitfully with me as a Brook John 13.18 This also was the sad Condition of the Church Thou hast heard their reproach O Lord their Imaginations against me the Lips of those that rise up against me their devices against me all the day long behold their sitting down and their rising up I am their Musick Lam. 3.6 62 63. David was as among Lions their Teeth were as Spears against him and their Tongues as sharp Swords they wrested his words Psal 57.4 Psal 56.2 5 6. He was the Song of the Drunkards Reproach hath broken my Heart I am full of heaviness I looked for some to take pity but there was none and for comforters but I found none Psal 69. all Our Soul is exceedingly filled with the scorn of those that dwell at ease and with the contempt of the Proud Psal 123.4 The sixth reason why God thus chastiseth his People is to make them sensible of the different measures by which he deals with his People in their Afflictions and with the wicked by his Judgment upon them and that consists in these six respects First He chastiseth his People in love and for their good but his Judgments on the Wicked are to their Everlasting Loss and Condemnation Secondly He unwillingly and with reluctance corrects his People but taketh pleasure in his Justice upon the Wicked Thirdly He corrects his People in measure and moderation but Rains down the Vials of his displeasure upon his Enemies Fourthly The Chastisements of his People are but for a moment and not to make an end of them but the Wicked are totally cut off without expectation or hope of recovery Fifthly The Godly though afflicted are comforted by Gods presence they have communion and fellowship with the Father and holy Trinity but the Wicked have no hope in their end or punishments Sixthly The Godly by their afflictions are taught to know the difference between Spiritual and Carnal enjoyments Temporal and Eternal Mercies First The Godly's Chastisements are for their good although all Trials Afflictions and Temptations are a dark Cloud and carry a pale Face yet when the Godly do search out the purpose of God in this and are desirous to know his Intentions therein they will see this to be in love when the Godly enjoy all sensual pleasures without any intermission they are apt to surfeit upon Mercies and turn lazy and forget God as the slothful Man by luxuriant feeding ease and gluttony contracts a Lethargy so are the best of men apt to forget the Fountain of Mercies and wax wanton against God as the People of Israel in their quiet and plenteous enjoyments Exod. 15 ch 17. Num. 11. ch 16. Deut. 11. Therefore the Lord visits his People with Rods to rouse them out of their laziness to make them turn to their rock for their good and safety Psal 106. Before I was afflicted I went astray but now have I learned to keep thy Word blessed is the Man whom thou chastiseth and teacheth out of thy Law Psal 119.67 71. This is the end to the Godly to take away his sin Isa 27.9 Whom the Lord loveth he chastneth and scourgeth every Son whom he receiveth If ye endure chastning God dealeth with you as with Sons for what Son is he whom the Father chastneth not but if ye be without Chastisement whereof all are partakers then are ye Bastards and no Children we had Fathers of the Flesh who chastised us after their own pleasure and we gave them reverence shall we not much rather be in subjection to the Father of Spirits and life for they for a while corrected us according to their own pleasure but he for our profit that we may be partakers of his holiness now no chastning for the present seemeth joyous but grievous but afterwards it bringeth forth the perfect fruit of Righteousness to them that are exercised thereby Heb. 12.5 to 12. But see the Issue of the wicked and ungodly they shall be like the chaff which the Wind driveth away Ps 1.4 5 6. Secondly The Lord doth not afflict his People willingly but with great reluctancy How shall I give thee up Ephraim how shall I deliver thee Israel how shall I make thee as Adma how shall I set thee as Zeboim my Heart is turned within me my repenting is turned together Hos 11.8 Is Ephraim my dear Son is he a pleasant Child for since I spoke against him I remember him still earnestly my Bowels are troubled for him I will surely have mercy upon him saith the Lord Jer. 31.20 Repent and turn your selves from your transgressions so Iniquity shall not be your ruin cast away all your transgressions and make you a new Heart and a new Spirit for why will you dye O house of Israel for I have no pleasure in the death of a sinner therefore turn your selves and live See Ezek. 33.11 Luk. 13.34 35. Ezek. 18.30 31 32. Thirdly The Lord corrects his People in measure and not in extremity as he doth the wicked hath he smitten him as he smote those that smote him or is he slain according to the slaughter of them that are slain by him in measure when it shooteth forth thou wilt debate with it he stayeth his rough Wind in the day of his East-wind Isaiah 27.7 8. Fourthly The Afflictions of the Godly are but for a short time for a small moment have I forsaken thee but with great mercy will I gather thee in a little wrath I hid my self from thee for a moment but with everlasting kindness will I have mercy upon thee Isa 5 4.7 8. They shall go into Babilon until I deliver them I will visit them there and restore them to this place Jer. 27.22 Refrain thy voice from weeping and thine eyes from tears for thy work shall be rewarded and they shall come again from the Land of the Enemy and there is hope in thine end and thy Children shall come again in their own border Jer. 31.15 16 17. Thus though the Lord deals severely with his People nevertheless it is but for a time and in moderation and giveth them a happy delivery and eternal rest with himself in the end but he deals otherways with his Enemies never withdrawing his Judgments from them until he hath accomplished their destruction and avenged their malice against his People Wherefore it shall come to pass when the Lord hath performed this whole work upon mount Sion I will punish the stout-heart of the King of Assyria and the glory of his high looks Isa 41.15 16. I was wroth with my People I have polluted mine Inheritance and given them into thy hands thou didst shew them no mercy upon the antient hast thou very heavily laid thy yoak thou saidst I will be a Lady for ever for that thou didst not lay these things to thy Heart neither didst remember the latter end of them therefore hear thou this thou that art given to pleasure that dwellest carelesly that sayest in thy Heart
either under Spiritual or Temporal Diseases or Temptations And first a Spiritual and as the Soul is more excellent than the Body so the diseases of the Soul are more dangerous grievous and uneasy The Spirit of a Man can bear his Infirmities but a wounded Spirit who can bear as all the motions of the body are disordered by the distemper of the Spirit so greatest care should be taken to cure and remove the disorders thereof and this is the great consolation of the diseased in Spirit that their Physitian hath cures paramount to the cures of all others as being in himself omnipotent to whom alone is given the faculty of healing of Soul distempers The Spirit of the Lord is upon me because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings to the meek he hath sent me to bind up the broken hearted and to proclaim liberty to the Captives and the opening of the Prison to them that are bound to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord and the day of vengeance of our God to comfort all that mourn to appoint unto them that mourn in Zion to give unto them Beauty for Ashes the oil of Joy for Mourning the Garment of Praise for the Spirit of Heaviness that they might be called Trees of Righteousness the planting of the Lord that he might be glorified Isa 61.1 2 3. And see hence what great encouragement the Saints have to wait on God for the accomplishments of his Promises who is faithful and cannot fail the Church and People of God say in the same Scripture I will rejoyce in the Lord my Soul shall be joyful in my God for he hath cloathed me with the Garments of Salvation he hath covered â—e with the Robe of Righteousness as a Bridegroom decketh himself with Ornaments and as a Bride adorneth her self with her Jewels Isa 61.10 By which we see his Promises are not only large but he makes them effectual in the Christians Improvement thereof to their own comfort these Promises may be branched forth answerable to the several Spiritual Distempers in these three Heads First Under Spiritual darkness and desertion Secondly Under anguish of Spirit for heinous Sins Thirdly For the multitude of Sins or under Relapses And as to these three states or conditions of Spiritual Distempers see the manifold particular and apposite Promises of God under these Distempers The second Disease to which Gods Promises are annexed is under Temporary afflictions and trials which though he could easie and instantly remove nevertheless as a wise and just Physitian judiciously consults the Patients Distemper and finds that one single Dose or Potion is not enough but that a course of Physick is absolutely necessary to cure the Distemper and as he studies neither to gratify the Patients present distempered Palat nor his uneasy humour but minds the most suitable Medicines proper method of Cure order of Diet and Exercise under the Cure he confines him to retirement and abstinence as well from the luxuriant eating and drinking and the too great liberty of former converse as the causes and rise of his distemper so that tender Physitian of Souls the Lord Jesus Christ takes the same method of curing and relieving his afflicted under their distempers by afflictions and as he knows the humours on which the Physick is to work that it must have liberty and time for operation and that the Patient must needs be sick and anxious for a Cordial as when a Chirurgeon hath bound up a wound and applied suitable Plaisters pinching and cauthorizing which necessarily in order to cure must annoy and disquiet the patient that he will importune the Doctor for a Cordial to abate his sickness and the Chirurgeon to remove the Plaister nevertheless they wisely considering that giving a Cordial or removing the Plaisters before its time hinders cure encreaseth more and grosser humours therefore gives no other compliance but advice of Patience and assurance of cure on the due operation of the means so this great Physitian of Souls though in all their afflictions he is afflicted he will take his own time and way for their relief and affords no other Cordial for the present but that of his universal promises which are extensive to all circumstances of their several cases and conditions which may be branched out in these heads First Sickness Secondly Imprisonments Thirdly Poverty Fourthly Desertion and forsaking of friends Fifthly Under Slanders and Reproaches in all which cases the Lords promises are not only full and numerous but also peculiarly apposite and especially calculated by him to all â—nd every of the particular cases which is more expresly set down before Fourthly The fourth encouragement for the People of God to bear afflictions patiently is that the Cross of Christ is the Path way that Christ hath appointed his People to walk to Heaven for if you be without chastisement whereof all are partakers then are you Bastards and no Sons Heb. 12.5 to 12. Wo is me for my hurt my wound is grievous but I said I must bear it Jer. 10.19 24. O Lord correct me not in thine anger but in judgment least thou bring me to nothing I am with thee saith the Lord to save thee though I make a full end of all Nations whether I have scattered thee I will not make a full end of thee but correct thee in measure and not leave thee altogether unpunished Jer. 30.11 And this is Christs Legacy to his followers Brothers shall deliver up Brothers to death the Fathers shall rise against the Children and Children against their Parents and cause them to be put to Death and ye shall be hated of all men for my sake Mat. 10.6 to 40. and if any man will be my Disciple he must deny himself lay down his Life take up his Cross daily and follow me if any man suffer as a Christian let him not be ashamed but let him glorify God on this behalf for the time is come that Judgment must begin at the House of God and if it first begin at us what shall the end be of them that obey not the Gospel of God if the Righteous scarcely be saved where shall the ungodly appear wherefore let them that suffer according to the Will of God commit the keeping of their Souls to him in well doing as unto a faithful Creator 1 Pet. 4.15 16 17 18. For if God spared not the natural branches take heed lest he also spair not thee behold therefore the goodness and severity of God to them that fell severity but towards thee goodness if thou continue in his goodness otherwise thou shalt be cut off Rom. 11.21 22. Is it not the foretold Lot of Gods People that through tribulation and persecution they must enter into the Kingdom of God and the Disciple cannot expect better entertainment than the master if they have called the Master Beelzebub how much more they of his house-hold Mat. 10.24 25. Fifthly The furnace of affliction is the means by which
liveth in me and the Life that I live in the flesh is by the Faith of the Son of God that loved me and gave himself for me Gal. 2.20 From hence and other Scriptures and History of the Saints Lives we see the different usage of the Godly and Wicked the Saints are Dead to the World and their Delight and chief Satisfaction is in God the Wicked make the World their God and sole Delight and glut themselves with Satiety in it but the Godly can find no Contentment in the Creature but with Reference to God in Christ Jesus and make him their chief Delight and cry out none but Christ and this is the Prohibition of the Gospel that we should not love Father Mother Brothers or Sisters or our own Life more than God Mat. 10.37 38 39. but God doth not forbid the lawful use of the Creatures but only forbids using it in Vanity Superfluity and Prodigality Secondly In being of the same Mind with Christ is not only to Act Do and propose the same things with his Father but also to do all and suffer all for the Glory of God The Worldlings kiss their own Hand and Sacrifice to their own Net and say their own Hand hath done it and ascribe the glory of all the Enjoyments they have to themselves or to the Creatures in which they delight and say These are the Rewards which my Lovers and Companions have given me Hosea 2.12 13. Nebuchadnezzar ascribed all to his own Power and Glory Is not this great Babylon that I have built for the House of the Kingdom by the Might of my Power and for the Honour of my Majesty and see the Event and Gods Just Judgment upon him while the word was in his Mouth there fell a Voice from Heaven saying O King Nebuchadnezzar to thee it is spoken the Kingdom is departed from thee and they shall drive thee from Men and thy dwelling shall be with the Beasts of the Field they shall make thee to eat Grass as Oxen and seven times shall pass over thee until thou know that the most High Ruleth in the Kingdom of Men and giveth it to whomsoever he will Dan. 4.30 to 34. See the Pride of Herod and taking to himself the glory due to God and the fatal Judgment of God on him for it And immediately an Angel of God smote him because he gave not God the glory and was eaten of worms and gave up the Ghost Acts 12.21 22 23. On the other Hand Christ set the Fathers glory before him as the chief Scope and Design of all his Actions and Intentions When his supposed Father Joseph and his Mother sought him with Care and came back to Jerusalem and found him in the Temple disputing they told him they had anxiously sought him he answered not with Apology or Excuse but said How is it that you sought me wist ye not that I must be about my Fathers Business Luke 2.46 to 50. We see that he placeth all his Business in the Honour and doing of the Will of God yea he placeth his Esteem on all such and accounts such only to be his Relations as obey his Fathers Will And Jesus answered and said to them these are my Father Mother and Brethren which hear the Word of God and do it Luke 8.21 We see in all the Miracles and Wonders Christ wrought Curing Diseases and Raising the Dead he Exhorts to the giving of glory to God and more particularly in that Famous place Thus saith the Lord let not the Wise Man glory in his Wisdom nor the Rich Man glory in his Riches neither let the Mighty Man glory in his Might but let him that glorieth glory in this that he knoweth and understandeth me that I am the Lord which exerciseth loving Kindness Judgment and Righteousness in the Earth for in these things I delight Jer. 9.23 24. Thus then ought all the Followers of Christ to have the same mind that was in Christ Jesus that is to set Gods glory as the chief Scope of all Designs and Actions before them He that gloryeth let him glory in the Lord and whatsoever we do whether we Eat or Drink let us do all things to the glory of God 1 Cor. 1.31 The World was made by God and for his Honour therefore all should be ascribed to him hence we may find whether the same mind be in us which was in Christ Jesus if we do what he did and to the same end and glory of God therefore it behoveth us to bring all our Actions and Purposes to this Touch for if they be not of this stamp they are Reprobated Counterfeit and will not be allowed in the Ballance of the Sanctuary for all the Children of God are led by his Spirit wherefore we must try the Spirits whether the same mind be in us which was in Christ Jesus know ye not that Christ is in you except ye be Reprobates but ye are not in the flesh but in the spirit if so be that the spirit of God dwelleth in you now if any Man have not the spirit of Christ he is none of his and if Christ be in you the Body is Dead because of sin but the spirit is life Rom. 8.9 10 11. because of Righteousness but if the spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the Dead dwell in you he that raised Christ from the Dead shall also quicken your Mortal Bodies by his spirit that dwelleth in you Ro. 9.10 11. Thirdly Unity of Spirit is to be one in Knowledge there is nothing raiseth Mans thoughts more than desire of Knowledge and nothing Magnifieth Man more than Knowledge and herein doth Man most excel all other Creatures not only that God hath made them Lords over the Creatures but that he hat endowed him with a Rational Soul capable of understanding above other Creatures and in nothing is the Power Wisdom and Goodness of God more eminent than by the different measure of Knowledge bestowed on Mankind Man in general exceeds all other Creatures in Knowledge and Ingenuity but every Generation and Nation exceed others at such a Rate so as what in one Age or Generation is a Riddle and hid as a Mystery in another it is Perspicuous clear and easie so that the knowledge of things is the darling of Ages Although we have the Sun Moon and Stars the Fabrick of Heaven Earth and the Seas the indefatigable and daily Travels of Discoverers and the use of Reading and the Antients to inform us either of the parts of the Earth and Treasures thereof yet are we still to seek as well of the Parts as Treasures of things undiscovered The New Inventions of Mens Ingenuity or the secrets of Nature and Power of Art make it true which Solomon saith he that increaseth in Knowledge encreaseth in Sorrow because the Soul of Man is restless and the account of the Idolatry Wickedness and Rebellion of Man on Earth is just cause of Sorrow Grief and Mourning because of the