Picture of Iupiter on the Wall committing Adultery Quo pacto se non faceret cum in Templo adorare cogeretur Jovem potius quam Catonem But our God is Pure as appeareth by his Laws which are all Holy Just and Good Psal. 119.140 Surely such holy Precepts could come from none but a Pure and Holy God As also by the Work of his Spirit on his People Ephes. 4.24 And that ye put on the New Man which after God is created in Righteousness and true Holiness And 2 Cor. 3.18 We all with open Face beholding as in a Glass the Gâ—ory of the Lord are changed into the same Image from Glory to Glory even as by the Spirit of the Lord. He puts into us a Nature that is very tender and shie of Sin troubled at it in others 2 Pet. 2.7 8. And delivered just Lot vexed with the filthy Conversation of the Wicked For that Righteous Man dwelling amongst them in seeing and hearing vexed his righteous Soul from day to day with their unlawful Deeds He that made the Eye shall not he see He that put into us a clean Heart is not he Pure and Holy This appeareth also by the dispensations of his Providence Hab. 1.13 Thou art of purer Eyes than to behold Evil and canst not look on Iniquity Wherefore lookest thou upon them that deal treacherously and holdest thy Tongue when the Wicked devoureth the Man that is more Righteous than he Judgments on Sinners so on his own People Prov 11.31 Behold the Righteous shall be recompenced in Earth much more the Wicked and the Sinner As for Instance in David The Child died his Daughter is defloured Ammon slain Absolon is in Rebellion his Wives Ravished himself Banished from his House and Kingdom Eli's Sons slain the Ark taken his Daughter-in-Law died himself brake his Neck But chiefly in the very Foundation of the Gospel the Son of God dieth a Shameful Painful Accursed Death before God wouâ—d relax the Rigour of his Law and set a-foot the Gospel And all that there might be a perfect Demonstration of his Justice and Holiness and displeasure against Sin Rom 8.3 For what the Lâ—w could not do in that it was weak through the Flesh God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful Flesh and for Sin condemned Sin in the Flesh. 2. The very nature of this Calling enforceth this Sanctification or setting Man apart from a common to a sacred use For it is a calling us not only from Misery to Happiness but from Sin to Holiness and the one is indispensibly necessary to the other For none but those who are in an holy Estate can be in a blessed Condition Our calling is sometimes called a Heavenly Calling Heb. 3.1 Sometimes an Holy Calling 2 Tim. 1.9 Therefore the chief subordinate end is Holiness Rom. 1.7 Called to be Saints from the Devil the World and the Flesh to God 3. The grace and favour which is shewed in our Calling obligeth us to be Holy in point of Gratitude For when we consider in what a sinful estate God found us how freely he loved us and that with a discriminating differencing Love when he passed by others worthier than we and to what estate he is ready to advance us to the enjoyment of himself amongst all those that are Sanctified by Faith All these are as so many strong Bonds and Obligations upon us to walk worthy of God who hath called us to his Kingdom and Glory in Iesus Christ 1 Thess. 2.12 Worthy of his Grace in Calling worthy of the Glory to which we are Called that is with the worthiness of Condecency not of Condignity We cannot fully answer this Grace but we must do that which will become it 4. This Calling enableth us to be Holy because it giveth us all things necessary both to holiness of Heart and Life 2 Pet. 1.3 According as his Divine Power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto Life and Godliness through the knowledg of him that hath called us to Glory and Vertue Now this Grace must not lie idle otherwise we receive the Spirit in vain 2. The Ultimate end to obtain the Glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. The same expression is 2 Pet. 5.10 The God of all Grace who hath called us to his Eternal Glory by Christ. Iesus It is his Glory Mark 1. Here is Glory 2. It is the Glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. 1. It is Glory for Body and Soul the Glory is so great we cannot utter it and conceive it Now a little is revealed to us but then it shall be revealed in us 1. The Soul is not annihilated after Death nor doth it sleep till the Resurrection nor is it detained by the way from immediate passing into Glory but assoon as it is loosed from the Body is admitted into God's Presence and gathered unto the Souls of just Men made perfect where it seeeth God and loveth him and enjoyeth what it seeth and loveth For as soon as we are loosed from the Body we are present with the Lord. And therefore tâ—e first benefit we receive in the other World is the Salvation of the Soul 1. Pet. 1.9 Receiving the end of your Faith even the salvation of your Souls It flitteth hence to God 2. The Body hath its glory also in due time For when it is raised up out of the Grave it will be another kind of Body then we now have both for Impassibility Clarity Agility For Impassibility called Incorruption Clarity called Glory Agility called Power Subtilty called a Spiritual Body by the Apostle 1 Cor. 15.42 43. It is sown in Corruption it is raised in Incorruption It is sown in Dishohonour it is raised in Glory It is sown a Natural Body it is raised a Spiritual Body 1. Impassibility doth not only exclude Corruption for so the Bodies of the Damned are preserved for ever but all grievanceâ— and pain Rev. 21.4 There shall not be any more pain 2. For Glory a shining Brightness The Righteous shall shine as the Sun in the Kingdom of the Father Matth. 13.43 Stephen's Face shone in this Life as it were the Face of an Angel Acts 6.15 And Moses his Face shone by Converse with God in the Mount Exod. 34.30 Our Bodies shall be likened unto his glorious Body Phil. 3.21 In the Transfiguration His Face did shine as the Sun and his Rayment did shine as the Light 3. For Vigour Activity and Strength It shall always be in the height and excellency of it God preserved Moses his natural Vigour for a long time Deut. 34.7 but glorified Bodies shall for ever remain in an eternal spring of Youth 4. Subtilty as Spiritual Body Here we live an animal Life after the manner of Sensitive Creatures maintained by Meat Drink Sleep But hereafter the Body shall live after the manner of Spirits having no need or use of these things There we are 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 as the Angels of God Matth. 22.30 and 1 Cor. 6.19 Our Bodies
and Faith of the Gospel that they resolve to abide by their choice Psal. 27.4 One thing have I desired of the Lord this will I seek after When Spiritual Resolution carrieth the force and authority of a principle in the Soul and nothing can break it 1 Pet. 4.1 Arm your selves with the same Mind As constantly as Christ persevered in the work of Mediation so be you in the work of Obedience notwithstanding the difficulties of it This powerful Will that beareth down Oppositions and Temptations and the greatest Impediments in the way to Heaven So that you rather make advantage of Opposition than are discouraged by it when sensual or carnal Good is of little force to you and you can dispise the most pleasing baits of Sin 3. The Affections are the executive power and do excite and stir us up to do what the Mind is convinced of and the Will resolved upon as to the necessary Duties of the Gospel in order to Eternal Happiness There is a Backwardness within and many Temptations without but an holy Delight overcometh the unwilling backwardness within and over ballanceth either Worldly Fear or Wordly Hope without that the Soul is carried on powerfully towards God We never work better than when we work in the strength of some eminent Affection when the Heart is enlarged Psal. 119.32 I will run the way of thy Commandments when thou shalt inlarge my Heart Either Love or Hope Love filleth us with delight overcoming our natural slackness and sluggishness in the Ways of God Psal. 40.8 I delight to do thy Will O my God yea thy Love is within my Heart 1 John 5.3 For this is the Love of God that we keep his Commandments and his Commandments are not grievous Psal. 112.1 Blessed is the Man that feareth the Lord that delighteth greatly in his Commandments Hope beareth us up in contempt of present delights and terrors of Sense Heb. 3.6 Whose House are we if we hold fast the considenâ—e and rejoycing of Hope firm unto the end So that we serve God with vigour and alacrity When our Affections are damped Grace falleth into a consumption and if you lose your taste your Practice will languish your Service of God will not be so uniform It is a great part of our establishment to keep up the vigour and fervency of our Affections 4. With respect to the Uses for which it serveth as to Duties Sufferings Conflicts 1. Doing the Will of God or discharging our Doings with Delight Chearfulness and Constancy for all strength is for Work Ephes. 3.16 That he would grant you according to the riches of his Glory to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner Man That we may do our work with that readiness of Mind which becomes Faith in Christ and Love to God This is often spoken of in Scripture Phil. 2.13 For it is God that worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 And Heb. 13.21 Make you perfect in every good work to do his will working in you what is well pleasing in his sight It is of great use to our establishment that the Soul be kept doing for as Wells are the sweeter for draining so are we the more lively for exercise Frequent omission of good Duties or seldom exercise of Grace necessarily produceth a decay As a Key rusteth that is seldom turned in the Lock thereby we lose the life and comfort of Religion and at length cast it off as a needless and unprofitable thing 2. For bearing Afflictions and passing through all conditions with Honour to God and safety to our selves Phil 4.13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me Col. 1.11 Strengthened with all Might according to his glorious Power with all Patience The great use of Establishment is to fortifie us against all the evils and inconveniencies of the present Life that we may hold on our Course to Heaven in fair Way or foul and not be greatly moved by any thing that befalleth us within time 3. For Conflicts with Temptations from the Devil the World and the Flesh. The World is round about us and we are accustomed to these enveigling Objects whose importunity prevaileth at length the Devil seeketh to work upon our Affections and Inclinations and the Flesh urgeth us to gratifie them How then is a Christian safe God establisheth him Ephes. 6.10 Finally be strong in the Lord and in the power of his Might A Christian here is in a Military State and we of our selves left unto our selves are like Reeds shaken with every Wind we have need of establishment in regard of our own Feebleness and the force of our Enemies We must be established against the Devil soliciting against the World the silent Argument by which he soliciteth us and draweth us from God and Heaven against the Flesh the rebelling Principle which is apt to be wrought upon by Satan Well then this establishment is that Grace which enableth us to carry on the Duties of Religion with constancy frequency and delight to bear all the inconveniencies of Religion with Patience and Fortitâ—de to be more deaf and resolute against all the suggestions of the Devil or the machinations of the Flesh stirred up by the World 5. With respect to the Degree it is such a strengthning of the Soul as doth prevent not only our Fall but our shaking Before falling away or our being drawn to Apostacy there may be a shaking a doubtfulness and wavering of mind with respect to the Truth and much inconstancy and unevenness of Life with respect to practice Now Christians as they must not draw back to Perdition so they must not be always fluctuating and unfixed either in Matters of Opinion but setled in the Truth or in matters of Practice there must be a strength and stability of holy Inclinations and Resolutions for God and the World to come still kept up or else there will be no evenness or uniformity in the course of our Lives and though we avoid Apostacy yet we cannot avoid Scandal though there be no falling back there is a stepping out into By-Paths 1 Cor. 15.58 Be stedfast and unmoveable always abounding in the Work of the Lord. And Ephes. 3.17 That ye being rootâ—d and grounded in Love c. And Col. 1.23 If ye continue in the Faith grounded and setled and be not moved away from the Hope of the Gospel If we do not look to the Degree our weakness and instability groweth upon us As in matters of Opinion some have an unsetled Head of a vertiginous Spirit Ephes. 4.14 carried about with every wind of Doctrine They never were well grounded in the Truth nor took up the ways they are engaged in upon sufficient Evidence and therefore by their own weakness and the cunning and diligence of the Seducers are drawn into Error Light Chass is blown up and down by every Wind when solid Grain hitcheth in and resteth in the Floor where it is
mans mouth have not I the Lord. The latter cannot be said because that is contrary to his goodness Psal. 25.8 Good and upright is the Lord therefore will he teach Sinners the way It is not to be imagined that the great and universal King should give a Law to Mankind and speak so darkly that we should have no sure direction from thence nor be able to know his mind in any of the Duties God hath required of us or expose us to great difficulties and hardships in the World And if he had not plainly expressed his will to us man would never leave writing and distinguishing himself out of his duty surely he that will venture his All for Christs sake had need of a clear warrant to bear him out for none will hazard all that is near and dear to him but for weighty Reasons 5. Besides the Illumination of the Holy Spirit doth accompany this word and make it effectual to us to shew us God as revealed in Christ 2 Cor. 4.6 God who commanded the light to shine out of darkness hath sâ—ined into our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Iesus Christ and for Heaven Eph. 1.17 18. Praying that the God of our Lord Iesus Christ the Father of Glory may give unto you the Spirit of Wisdom and Revelation in the knowledge of him the eyes of your understanding being inlightened that ye may know what is the hope of his calling and what the riches of the glory of his Inheritance in the Saints He sanctifieth and healeth our Souls and prepareth us for the entertainment of the Truth that as natural things are naturally discerned so spiritual things are spiritually discerned 1 Cor. 2.14 The natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God for they are foolishness unto him neither can he know them because they are spiritually discerned 6. There are promises of direction made to humble and sincere minds Psal. 25.9 The meek shall he guide in Iudgment the meek shall he teach his way to the industrious Prov. 2. 4 5. If thou seekest her as silver and searchest for her as for hid treasures then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God to the godly and well-disposed John 7.17 If any man will do his will he shall know of the doctrine whether it be of God or whether I speak of my self so to them that pray much James 1.5 If any man lack wisdom let him ask it of God that giveth to all men liberally and upbraideth not and it shall be given him They that thus sincerely endeavour to know the will of God will come to a sound establish'd Judgment in the Truth II. A Christian that is thus established is fortified against Spirit Word or Writing or all Suggestion that may perplex his mind 1. Against pretended Revelations called here spirit 1. Because having his mind thus setled he may boldly defy all Revelations pretended to the contrary Gal. 1.8 Though we or an Angel from Heaven preach any other Gospel than we have preached let him be accursed Any Doctrine if divers or different from or besides the written word much more contrary to it a Christian may reject it and account it Cursed Doctrine Therefore neither Church nor Angel nor Spirit is to be heard against it 2. Because a Christian is upon better terms having the written word than if God dealt with him by way of Revelations 2 Pet. 1.19 We have 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a more sure word of Prophecy comparing it with the voice from Heaven of which he spake before not as if there could be any uncertainty in the Lords Voice speaking from Heaven but because a transient Voice is more easily mistaken or forgotten than an authentick standing Record as Samuel thought Eli called him when it was the Lord it is quoad nos though God gave evidence of the Truth of such Revelations as he made yet we have more accommodate means Our Lord intimateth such a thing Luke 16.31 If they hear not Moses and the Prophets neither will they be perswaded though one rose from the dead This is the surest ground for Faith to rest upon of any that ever hath been or can be given to Sinners subject to forgetfulness jealousies and mistakes 3. Because it is not rational to expect new Revelation now the Canon and Rule of Faith is closed up Heb. 2.1 2. Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard lest at any time we should let them slip c. Mat. 28.20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you John 17.20 Neither pray I for these alone but for them which shall believe on me through their word 4. Because if any such be pretended it must be tryed by the word Is. 8.20 To the Law and to the Testimony if they speak not according to this word it is because they have no light in them So 1 John 4.1 Beloved believe not every Spirit but try the Spirits whether they are of God because many false Prophets are gone abroad into the World 5. Because they that despise ordinary means and pretend to Vision Revelation or Inspiration are usually such as are given up by God to a vertiginous Spirit and cast into the Dungeon of error for the punishment of other sins Mic. 2.11 If a man walking in the Spirit of falshood do lie he shall be the Prophet of this people God will permit those that are both deceivers and deceived themselves to come amongst them for a Plague to them Sleidan giveth sad instances of some given up to this phantastical frenzy that killed their own relations on pretence of inspiration and of others that murdered 50000. in one day 2. By word or unwritten Tradition this also should not shake the mind of a setled Christian for this hath no constat no evidence of its certainty and would lay us open to the deceits of men blinded by their own Interest and Passions and if such tradition could be produced as hath unquestionable Authority it must be tryed by the Scripture which is every where commended as the publick Standard and true measure and rule both of Faith and Manners 3. Not by Epistle as from us 1. Supposititious writings which the Church in all Ages hath exploded and received only those which are unquestionably theirs whose names they bear 2. False Expositions these are confuted by inspection of the Context scope of the Writer comparing of obscure places with plain and clear Thus you see what certainty God hath provided for us guide us in the way to Eternal Life SERMON III. 2 Thess. 2.3 Let no man deceive you by any means for that day shall not come except there come a falling away first And that man of sin be revealed the Son of perdition IN these words we have these two things 1. A Caution against the errour set a-foot at that
the great Instruments of his Kingdom and the men of this World whose portion is in this life are the proper Subjects of his Kingdom Of the Saints Christ is their Head but of the wicked ungodly ambitious World surely Sathan is the Head There are two Cities as Austin distinguisheth them Ieâ—usalem is the City of God and Babylon that Incorporation which belongeth to Sathan Now then wheâ—e shall we find him whose coming is after the working of Sathan but with him who with the loss of Christianity exalteth himself and affecteth an ambitious Tyranny and domineering over the Christian World both Princes Pastors and People and to uphold the Tyranâ—y careth not what havock he maketh of the Church and the whole frame of their Religâ—on is calculated for secular Honour Worldly Pomp and Greatness Secondly By the visible Appearances of the Devil and where he is most conversant as in his own Kingdom Before Christs Kingdom was set up the Devil did often visibly appear but since he playeth least in sight when God openly manifested his Presence by appearing to the Fathers in sundry ways and manners as he did before hen spake to us by his Son Heb. 1.1 2. so did Sathan Vâ—sions Apparitions and Oracles were more frequent and where Christs spiritual Kingdom prevaileth the World heareth less of theâ—e things but where it is obstructed more Now two instances in Popery 1. In their Chiefs how many Conjurers and Necromancers who expresly consulted and contracted with the Devil from the Year 600. to the Year 1500. the Chair of pestilence yielded the Histories tell us 2. In oreder 〈◊〉 the Devil had formerly in the times of Popery and still where it is allowed incomparably more power among men to appear to them and haunt their Houses and vex them than now he hath all that I say is haunting of Houses and Apparitions were much more common Uses 1. A detestation of Popery whatever is of the Devil should be hated by us for we are Christs Souldiers listed in his Warfare in Baptism Rom. 6.13 Yield your selves unto God as those that are alive from the dead and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God but yield not your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin Rom. 13.12 Let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the Armour of Light Now after our military Oath should we revolt to them that join with the Devil and his Angels to make War against Michael and his angels 2. To be more careful to be compleatly armed For we fight not against flesh and blood but principalities and powers and spiritual wickednesses in heavenly places Eph. 6.11 12. that is not only with the one but the other The Abettors of Popery ae Sathans Auxiliary Forces whom he stirreth up and employeth Now the Devils are of great cunning and strength and by Gods permission exercise great Authority in the World and the matter about which we contend with them is the Honour of God and Christ and our Eternal Salvation Therefore since the Subtilty Power and strength of the Enemy is so great we had need to be the better prepared and put on the whole Armour of God That bodily and humane Power that befriendeth the Kingdom of Sathan is formidable and that can only reach the outward man but Devils and damned Spirits are a more terrible and dangerous party who secretly blind our minds and weaken our courage and strangely and imperceptibly by our own carnal affections promote our eternal ruine 3. It sheweth us the folly of recoâ—ciling Babel and Sion Rome as it is and the Reformed Churches For what concord hath Christ with Belial 2 Cor. 6.15 16. What agreâ—ment hath the Temple of God with Idols You can never reconcile God and Sathan the Seed of the Woman and the Seed of the Serpent I speak not of holy endeavours to adjust the Controversies and reclaim Papists from their Errors that must be pursued how fruitless soever the attempt be but â—o hope for an agreement as things now stand is impossible 4. Caution that the Devil prevail not against us he once suprized Peter Mat. 16.23 Get thee behind me Sathan he hath prevailed over them that usurp the highest Chair in the Christian Church Let him not blind your Eyes in whole or in part though you be not drawn to Antichristianism do not live in a carnal Worldly course For this purpose the Son of God was manifested that he might destroy the works of the Devil 1 John 3.8 Every wicked act is Sathans Invention he stirreth it up is served by it delights in it his Kingdom goeth forward by it He gaineth by every wicked action Shew plainly that you are not of his party nor ever mean to be Give way to fleshly and worldly lusts and you are very prone to entertain the grossest Temptations and by subtle evasions will wriggle and distort your selves out of your duty as the Papists do I come now to the second means Doct. That Antichrist doth uphold his Kingdom by a false shew of Signs and Wonders and mighty Deeds To evidence this 1. We must inquire what is a Miracle Miracles are works extraordinary exceeding the ability of second causes and done to confirm the Truth Where we may observe 1. The general nature of them 2. Their author 3. Their Use. 1. Their general nature and kinds extraordinary works Some are either besides nature when the course of nature is changed as the standing still of the Sun in Ioshuah's Days the going back of the shadow on Ahaz his Diâ—â— in Hezekiah's time Above nature as the opening of the eyes of a man born blind by Christ Iohn 9. Against nature when the operation of it is obstructed as wâ—en the three Children remained untouched in the Fiery Furnace Dan. 3. the fire had not lost its property to burn for those that cast them in were singed and scorched 2. The Author they are works exceeding the ability of second Causes and therefore are always done by the Power of God either immediately or mediately using some Creature in the performing of them as the Apostles of Christ. Well then the primary efficient cause is God and the manner of working is extraordinary and unusual exceeding the power and force of any Creature 3. The end and use is to confirm some Truth when they are done for Curiosity Ostentation and Delight they are but jugling tricks and have not God for their Author much less when they are pretended to confirm a false Doctrine or evil end But real Miracles do oblige by way of sign declaring Gods interest in or owning of the truth and Testimony to which they are annexâ—d For God being the Ruler of the World good merciful just it is not to be supposed he will cooperate to a lie or cheat or leave sucâ— a stumbling block before his Creatures II. That the Miracles wrought by Christ and his Apostles did sufficiently prove that they were Teachers sent from God for Christ often appealeth to
presents God terrible and taketh away all confidence from us so that we are obnoxious to his Wrath and righteous Vengeance Who is able to stand before this Holy God 1 Sam. 6.20 And who can dwell with everlasting Burnings Isa. 33.14 We cannot approach God in any friendly manner 2. I shall shew what Provision God hath â—ade for us The Lord Jesus took this Office at God's appointment of reconciling God to us and appeasing his Wrath and us to God by bringing us back again our alienated and estranged Affections to God How so what hath he done 1. The Distance is in truth taken away by his very Person he is God-Man God and Man meet together in the Person of Christ God doth condescend and come down to Man and Man is incouraged to ascend to God God in Christ is nearer to Man than he was before that we may have more familiar thoughts of him The pure Deity is at so vast a distance from us that we are amazed and confounded when we think of it and cannot conceive an hope that he should concern himself in our â—ffairs But the Son of God is come in our Nature John 1.14 The Word was made Flesh and dwelt among us 1 Tim. 3.16 Grace is the Mystery of Godliness God manifested in the Flesh So that he is more acceptable to us and nearer at hand and more readily inclined to help us for he will not be strange to his own Flesh. 2. The Difference and Controversy is taken up by the Work of his Redemption for God hath set him forth to be a Propitiation or a means of appeasing his Wrath Rom. 3. 25. and to be the Foundation of that New Covenant wherein Pardon and Life is offered to us It is not enough to our Recovery that God be reconciled but Man must be renewed otherwise we remain for ever undeâ— the displeasure of God Now he hath purchased the Grace of the Spirit to be dispensed by the Covenant to bring us home to God Titus 3.5 6. Nor by Works of Righteousness which we have done but according to his Mercy he saved us by the washing of Regeneration and renewing of the Holy Ghost which he shed on us abundantly through Iesus Christ our Saviour And Rom. 8.2 For the Law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Iesus hath made me free from the Law of Sin and Death Vse Let us be sensible of this unspeakable Mercy that God hath provided a Mediator for us that we may come to God by him Heb. 7.25 Wherefore he is able to save unto the â—ttermost all that come unto God through him seeing he ever liveth to make Intercession for us That the legal Exclusion is removed and a way opened to the Father John 14.6 I am the Wâ—y the Truth and the Life no Man cometh to the Father but by me Otherwise we could not immediately converse with God nor trust in him 1. We see God in our Nature as near at hand and ready to help he came down amongst us and became one of us was bone of our bone and flesh of our flesh And though he hath removed his dwelling into Heaven again it is for our sakes he hath carried our Nature thither to take possession of that blessed Place in our Name if we have a mind to follow him Iohn 14.2 I go to prepare a Place for you 2. Here we see the means of appeasing God's Wrath 2 Cor. 5.19 God â—as in Christ reconciling the World unto himself There is a full Ransom paid all that enter into God's Peace shall have the benefit of it 3. By him we are encouraged to come to pray for every Blessing we stand in need of Ephes. 2.18 Through him we both have an access by one Spirit unto the Father Liberty to approach unto God is a priviledg which we cannot enough value the Wall of Partition between God and us is broken down by Christ he hath compleatly satisfied God's Justice Heb. 10.19 He is now at the right Hand of God interceding for us 1 Tim. 2.5 There is one God and one Mediator between God and Man the Man Christ Iesus and remaineth with God as the great Agent of the Saints Heb. 8.1 2. We have such an High Priest who is set on the right Hand of the Throne of the Majesty in the Heavens a Minister of the Sanctuary c. Perfuming their Prayers with the smoke of his Incense Rev. 8.3 4. And another Angel came and. stood at the Altar having a Golden Censer and there was given unto him much Incense that he should offer it with the prayers of all Saints upon the Golden Altar which was before the Throne And the smoke of the Incense which came with the prayers of the Saints ascended up before God out of the Angel's hand V. Mark the distinct Titles given to God and the Mediator Christ is called our Lord and God our Father Let us see what these Titles import of Lord and Father 1. Christ is represented to us as the Lord so he was set forth by the Apostles at the first preaching of the Gospel Acts 10.36 We preach Peace by Christ Iesus he is Lord of all 2 Cor. 4.5 We preach Christ Iesus the Lord. Col. 2.6 If ye have received Christ Iesus the Lord so walk in him Christ is Lord two ways 1. By that right which belongeth to him as Creator and is common and equal to him with the Father and the Spirit Surely the Creator of the World is the Soveraign of it this Right continueth still and shall continue while Man receiveth his being from God by Creation and the continuance of his being by daily preservation and providence 2. There is novum jus Dominii Imperii a new Right of Empire and Government which belongeth to him as Redeemer and this accrueth to him 1. Partly by the Donation of God Acts 2.36 Let all the House of Israel know that this Iesus whom ye have crucified is made Lord and Christ. This Office of Lord is derivative and cannot be supream but subordinate it is derived from God All Power is given to me both in Heaven and Earth Matth. 28.18 and it is reffered to him Phil. 2.11 That every Tongue should confess that Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father The supreâ—m right of governing is still in God and sâ—bjection to him is not vacated but established and reserved 2. It is acquired by his own purchase Rom. 14 9. For this end Christ both died and rose again and revived that he might be Lord both of Dead and Living 1 Cor. 6.19 20. Ye are not you own for ye are bought with a price therefore glorify God in your Body and in your Spirit which are God's He had a full right in us before but this Lordship and Dominion which the Redeemer is possessed of is comfortable and beneficial to us and the end of it is to effect Man's Cure and Recovery We could not by our sin make void God's Right and
Holiness And his unchangeable Love which doth not vary and alter with our Condition Heb. 12.6 Whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth and scourgeth every Son whom he receiveth He is our God still though he seemeth to deal hardly with us We learn of Christ on the very Cross to cry My God Matth. 27.46 and if we cannot find enough in him when the Creatures and our natural Comforts fail it is meet we should lose them Heb. 3.18 Though the Fig-tree should not blossom c. yet I will rejoyce in the Lord I will joy in the God of my Salvation This is the sum of God's Comforts and when these things are suggested to us God comforteth our Hearts 3. When by these means God worketh Comfort in us Joy is often called the Comfort of the Spirit and Ioy in the Holy Ghost Rom 14.17 Now all the Spirit 's Works are singular and do much exceed the natural Work of Man's Heart The groans which he stirreth up in Prayer are unutterable Rom. 8.26 His Joys unspeakable and glorious 1 Pet. 1.8 The Heathens counted that Fire more sit and pure for their Altars whicâ— was inkindled by a Sun-beam rather than a Coal taken from a common Hearth So this Comfort which is raised in us by the Holy Ghost is more Rich and Glorious and Affective than that which is the fruit of our bare Reason or the meer working of our Human Spirit even in the common grounds of Christian Comfort Or as Elementary Fire differeth from Culinary and Kitchin Fire and is much more pure So doth this Joy which is immediately wrought in us by â—he Spirit from all Joy that we can work by our selves out of the Scriptural Grounds of Comfort Carnal Men have their Joy at the second or third Hand as God blesseth the order and influence of Inferiour Causes it comes to them from Creature to Creature so as they discern not the Work of God in it yea the Joy of common Christians in the proper grounds of Comfort is not strong as that which is raised in us by the immediat impression of the Comforting Spirit II. Why this is of God 1. Because God challegeth this as his own Right to comfort the Heart of Man and therefore whatever the Means of the comfort be God will be owned as the Spring and Fountain of it He keepeth this as his great Bridle upon the World to govern the Hearts of Men. Job 34.29 When he giveth Quietness who then can make Trouble And when he hideth his Face who then can behold him Whether it be done against a Nation or against a Man only Our Peace and Trouble is in God's Hands and at his disposing It is true he exerciseth his Soveraignty according to Law and in his Internal Government according to the Law of Grace penally withdrawing his Comforting Spirit and leaving us to our Doubts and Troubles and Fears by the rewarding our Obedience and Faithfulness with the manifest Tokens of his Love as the Matter shall require It is enough for the Point in hand that God alone doth powerfully dispence Peace or Trouble And when he will give Comfort none can make his Gift void for it is at his Command and in both a Nation is all one with a particular Person as to any ability to resist God 2. Though grounds of Comfort be never so clear yet if God concur not we find not the effect therefore it is his Spirit that can only comfort the Heart To have God's Warrant for our comfort is much but to have his Impression is more both musâ— concur or the Soul will not be comforted It falleth out many ways sometimes out of Ignorance When a Well of Comfort was near poor Hagar saw it not and was almost famished with thirst until God opened her Eyes and she saw a Well of Water Gen. 21.19 We know not the grounds of our comfort Sometimes out of Passion Grief is obstinate and will admit no Remedy as Rachel would not be comforted Jer. 31.15 They are so peevishly addicted to their Worldly Comforts that if they be crossed in them they will not admit of God's Comforts though they are evident clear and pertinent Sometimes out of Forgetfulness Heb. 12.5 Ye have forgotten the Exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto Children And Oblivion is an Ignorance for the present Had they remembred they would not have fainted and waxed weary It is a great Work of the Spirit to bring to Remembrance sometimes questioning their interest in Comfort besidâ—s that there are general Comforts when Interest is not clear Now the Spirit that sheweth us â—he things given us of God doth also reveal and evidence our Right to them What is wrought in our Hearts that is to say by quickning us to exercise Grace he evidenceth the truth of Grace and in our Afflictions by Patience maketh out our Comfort Rom. 5.3 4 5. We glory in Tribulations knowing that Tribulation worketh Patience and Patience Experience and Experience Hope And Hope maketh not ashamed because the Love of God is shed abroad in our Hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us From the whole there can be no true solid Comfort but what God bestoweth his Favour and our Interest in his Favaour is manifested to us by his Spirit III. What advantages we have by this that all solid Comfort is of God 1. It assureth us of God's readiness to comfort poor afflicted Creatures that humbly submit to him He that is the God of all Comfort is also the Father of Mercies his Mercy and Compassion inclineth him to comfort us God hath his Name from this effect Nomina sunt à notioribus God that comforteth those that are cast down 2 Cor. 7.6 He is very tender of all Afflicted Creatures much more of his People 2. God's Comforts come with more Authority and silence all our Doubts and Fears Psal. 94.19 In the multitude of my thoughts within me thy comforts delight my Soul We have many intricate perplexing thoughts out of which we cannot disentangle our selves no comforts come with such Authority and Power as God's Comforts In the Comfort we have it is good to consider whence it cometh Is it God's Comfort or a Fanâ—y of our own If it be made up by our own Fancy it will be like a Spider's Web that is weaved out of its own Bowels but is gone and swept away with the least turn of a Besom but God's Comforts are more durable they flow from the true Fountain of Comfort upon whose Frowns or Smiles our happiness and misery dependeth There is little warmth in a Fire of our own kindling God's Comforts are built on his Covenant and have a commanding force and over-powering efficacy on the Soul God in his Word speaketh by Soveraign Authority in our Hearts he worketh by powerfâ—l Efficacy The Authority of his Word we own when we speak to others or to our selves when we know trouble but in supposition or imagination The Efficacy of his Grace we feel
when Trouble comes actually upon us many that strengthen others when it cometh upon them faint themselves Job 4.4 5. Thy Words have upholden â—im that is falling and thou hast strengthened the feeble Knees But now it is come upon thee and thou faintest it toucheth theè and thou art troubled Which sheweth that not only the matter of Comfort but the effectual Blessing cometh from God or Comforting of Souls is his Work 3. That God's Comforts are full and strong For he worketh like himself and therefore can and will support his Pâ—ople in the greatest Difficulties It is sometimes represented as full Acts 13.52 The Disciples were filled with Ioy and with the Holy Ghost And I am filled with Comfort and am exceeding joyful in all our Tribulations 2 Cor. 7.4 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 And our Lord Jesus when he took care for our Comfort took care for our full Comfort John 15.11 These things have I spoken that my Ioy may remain in you and your joy might be full Thus we see the joy of Believers is a full Joy that no other Joy needeth to be added to it it is a full Joy to bear us out under all Discouragements For what is wanting to them who have God for their Portion and the promised Glory for their Inheritance and God's Providence engaged for their Protection Safety and Comfort while they are here by the way And it is Strong as well as Full Heb. 6.18 That by two immutable things in which it is impossible for God to lye we might have strong Consolation Other Comforts are weak and of little force they are not Affliction-proof much less are they Death-proof and Judgment-proof they cannot stand before a few serious sober thoughts of the World to come The Comforts of the World cannot stay and revive the Heart for every blast of a Temptation scattereth them Vse 1. To reprove Christians for their overmuch dejection and fainting in Troubles Why are we so much cast down Is there no Balm in Gilead nor Comfort in God Why hath God taken the Name upoâ— him of being the God of all Comfort and put this Office upon his Spirit to be the Comforter Hath he not made sufficient provision in the New Covenant Is there any evil which the promise of Eternal Life cannot countervail Is God backward to give you Comfort Why then did he send Christ write Scriptures appoint a Ministry and Ordinances seek to prepare you for it by the seal and earnest of his Spirit and invite you so earnestly to trust in him to cast all your care upon him and so often forbid your Fear and Sorrow 2. If all Comfort be of God let us go to God for it But then take these three Directions 1. See you be qualified for it Comfort follows Holiness as Heat doth Fire the Spirit is first a Sanctifier and then a Comforter And according to God's Promise is more necessarily a Sanctifier than a Comforter Ephes. 1.13 14. In whom ye also trusted after that ye heard the Word of Truth the Gâ—â—â—el of your Salvation Oâ— whom alone after that ye believed ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of Promise which is the Earnest of our Inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession unto the praise of his Glory Comfort is our Happiness but we are made Holy before Happy Hereafter we enter into our Master's Joy we have a taste of it in the World But who have this Taste but the sanctified and self-denying Christians The Work of Sanctification is carried on more certainly but his Comforting Work is many times obscure and interrupteâ— Do your Work throughly and faithfullâ— â—nd you may refer your selves to God for â—omfort Vse 2. Expect not a singular way of Comfort besides the Word It was Eliphas's Charge upon Iob Chap. 15.11 Are the Consolations of God small with thee Is there any secret thing with thee The Charge is that he undervalued the common Consolation of God and looked for some secret way peculiar to himself of getting Comfort besides humbling of himself and turning unto God No God hath sufficiently provided for the Comfort of his People and we must not expect singular manifestations of his Love and special Signs and Tokens beyond the common allowance given to the whole Family It is a thousand to one but it is some false Consolation and Dream of Comfort which they affect and cry up beyond or besides the usual Comforts of his Word Vse 3. Do not compare lower Discoveries of God with that great Revelation he hath made of his Mind in the Word for the Comfort of his People for this argueth great unthankfulness and a secret desire to set up Man's Comfort against those which are unquestioâ—â—bly of the Lord. Sure it is that whatever good is in Nature is from God but it is mingled with so many weaknesses that what is of God can scarce be seen in it I speak of those that cry up Heathen Philosophy to â—he disparagement of the Word of God As if it were a better Institution to quiet the Mind and fortify it against all Troubles than Christianity But alas they neither know the true ground of Misery which is Sin nor the true ground of Comfort which is Christ. And that which mere Man offereth can neither come with such Authority and Blessing as what cometh immediately from God This is a Moon-Light that rotteth things before it ripeneth them In short Philosophers were never acquainted with Christ the foundation of Comfort nor the Spirit the efficient cause of Comfort nor the promise of Pardon and Life which is the matter of Comfort nor Faith which is the Light by which we know things that depend upon Divine Revelation and so the proper Instrument of Comfort This I thought good to say because Comfort and Rest for Souls is one of the great Benefits of our Religion Jer. 6.16 Stand in the way and see and ask for the old Paâ—hs where is the good Way and walk therein and ye shall find rest for your Souls Mat. 11.28 29. Come unto me all ye that labour and are heavy â—â—dâ—n and I will give you Rest. Vse 4. Seek it in the use of Means and Ordinances which God hath appointed for the raising of Comfort in us as the Word Prayer and the Lord's Supper In solemn Duties God reneweth the pledges of his Love to us exciteth Grace and by Grace Comfort it must needs be so because then the grounds of Comfort are anew laid in the view of Conscience Graces are in their lively Exercise and God is not wanting to his own Institution Take all these three together and the reverend use of the Lord's Supper must needs increase our Comfort The Ground of Comfort is Reconciliation with God by Christ. Rom. 5.11 We joy in God through our Lord Iesus Christ by wâ—om we have now received the Atonement And here we raise up your Faith and Love Cant. 1.4 The King hath brought me into his Chambers we will be