himself with a spurious Covenant of Works of his own making which is the main Lett and Hinderance to keep him from Christ and Salvation There is a two-fold Covenant of Works one genuine and true and of God's own Institution another Apocryphal and feigned a Bastard-Covenant of Works and of Mans Invention namely that which a Creature unable to perform the Duty of the Law or to get from under the Curse thereof frameth out of his own Brain as by doing something in order to our acceptation with God thô not doing all that is required and to make recompence for the defects in the weighty things by abounding in Externals There is a Covenant Man makes of himself by a short Exposition of the Law that he may have a large Opinion of his own Righteousness It is not for the Interest of their Quiet and Peace that the Ell should be longer than the Cloath therefore because they know they are not able to stand by the true genuine Covenant of God's making they make a Covenant of their own that so a blameless Conformity to the outward Letter of the Law may make a recompence for their other Defects abounding in humane Inventions and Observances of vain Riâ—es as if this would make them acceptable with God This is the great thing which keeps him off from submitting to the Gospel-way of Faith and Repentance and humbling himself before the Lord. 2 Reason It must needs be a powerful Instrument to prepare Men for Christ because this Covenant shuts up a Sinner without any hope of Relief unless Christ and Grace open the Door to him There are three places of Scripture which speak fully to this purpose Rom. 3.19 That every mouth may be stopped and all the World may become guilty before God 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 lyable to his Process and Wrath nothing to say for themselves no Plea to make by the first Covenant Rom. 11.32 speaking of the Iews he saith For God hath concluded them all in Vnbelief By this Covenant they are as it were shut up in Prison but no way to escape unless Grace and Mercy open the Door So Gal. 3.22 The Scripture that is the Law-Covenant hath concluded all under Sin that the promise by Faith of Iesus Christ might be given to them that believe This Covenant accusing convincing and condemning all Mankind for Sin it doth as it were shut them up under the fearful Curse as a Malefactor is shut up in Prison So that a Man is forced to lay aside all confidence of any Righteousness in himself and fly for Refuge to the Promises and to the Righteousness of Christ. Let us see how this Covenant shuts Men up and inevitably concludes them Lost and Undone If this could be powerfully and throughly done the Work of Conversion would not be at such a stand Thô all men be in such a Cursed Condition yet it is a matter of no small difficulty to convince Men of it or to affect their Hearts sensibly with it Therefore if there were any way to shut them up without all Hope where there is not the least Wicket or Door open for escape from deserved Wrath then the Work would powerfully go on and they would be necessitated to fly to Christ. Let us see then how this Law shuts Men up because the Duty of it is Impossible and the Penalty Intollerable 1. The Duty is Impossible So full and exact is that Righteousness that is required by the Law-Covenant in order to Life that it is impossible for the fallen Creature ever to perform it Rom. 8.3 What the Law could not do in that it was weak through the Flesh. The Law promiseth no good to Sinners but only to the Innocent it reveals no way of taking away Sin past but only of punishing Sin no way for Man once a Sinner ever to recover himself therefore it is become weak that is impossible through our Flesh the weakness of the Flesh will not permit it to be fulfilled in that exactness which is required of us if it could be exactly fulfilled for the future yet there would be no hopes of Life because of Sins past Therefore to hope our good Meanings good Intentions and Endeavours should help us is to no purpose A Man must from the first moment of Life to the last minute thereof be perfectly exact with God Now Man that could not keep himself in Innocency it cannot be thought that he can recover himself when Lost. 2. The Penalty is Intollerable Gal. 3.10 Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the Book of the Law to do them The Law is a mouth that speaketh terrible things it curseth a Man in his Person Comforts Basket Store in all things that he hath all the Miseries of this Life are included in this Curse Lam. 3.39 Wherefore doth a living man complain a man for the punishment of his Sins Death it self is part of it it is the wages of Sin Rom. 6.23 and the pains of Hell Mark 25.41 Depart from me ye Cursed into everlasting Fire When the Law shall take a Sinner by the Throat and say Pay me what thou owest Alas what can a poor Creature do to avoid the Curse or overcome it Every one of us in Thought Word and Deed have broken the Law of God now wherewith shall we appease his Wrath We have nothing to give God or that he will accept at our hands we cannot hide or withdraw our selves from the presence of the Lord for we must all appear before the Iudgment Seat of Christ We cannot abide this Curse for who can dwell with devouring Burnings O what shall we do then to escape this horrible Curse There is no way but by flying from the Sentence of the Law to the Throne of Grace for Mercy and Pardon There is no other Hope left us for they that do not betake themselves to the Covenant of Grace must stand or fall by the Sentence of the Law So that this is the most powerful Engine to awaken Mens Consciences and prepare them for Christ. Therefore for good Reason Christ sends this Confident Young man to the Law Thou knowest the Commandments 3 Reason There is none passeth into the New Covenant till he be driven by the Old and therefore certainly this is the Way to prepare a Man for Christ to have some sense and feeling of it in our own Heart and we see we are cursed and Undone Creatures and so lye at God's feet with Brokenness of Heart Rom. 8.15 Ye have not received the Spirit of Bondage again to fear but ye have received the Spirit of Adoption whereby we cry Abba Father There is a Spirit that goes along with every Covenant the Spirit of Bondage begets fear in all that are under the first Covenant and the Spirit of Adoption begets Hope in all that are under the second Covenant Gal. 2.19 I through the law am dead to the law that I might live unto God Before we can
the Original of that Altar which Paul saw with this Inscription To the unknown God Acts 17.23 I have brought this account to shew you that all Evil is sent by God and his Hand must be acknowledged in it or else Religion will fall to the ground When the Disciples were terrified in a great storm Christ cometh walking upon the Waters and telleth them Be of good chear it is I be not afraid Mark 6.50 They thought it was a Spectre but Christ saith It is I. In short the Author of all the Annoyances and Afflictions that befalleth us in this Life is God their End is Repentance their Cause is Sin and this well thought of will silence all our Murmurings II. That it is a great advantage to Patience when we can consider him not as an angry Judge but as a gracious Father The Cup which Christ drank off was very bitter and yet he saith The cup which my father hath given me Now every one cannot apply this Comfort for many are not so much as in a visible relation to God and others that visibly live in his Family yet are not owned and acknowledged by him as his dear Children rather counted Bastards than Sons as the Apostle speaketh Heb. 12.7 8. If ye endure chastening God dealeth with you as with sons for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not But if ye be without chastisements whereof all are partakers then are ye bastards and not sons Not legitimate but degenerate Children Others have a special relation to God such as is between Father and Children 2 Cor. 6.18 I will be unto you a father and ye shall be my sons and daughters saith the Lord Almighty These have an Interest in his dearest Love and a Right to his choicest Benefits and they shall know it by his Fatherly dealing with them Now to such this Comfort properly belongeth for though God may punish and afflict others yet he cannot be said to chastise them as a Father but as an angry Judge he doth punish them for their Offences and Rebellions Therefore if you would apply this Comfort you must clear up your Interest enter into Covenant with him and sincerely believe in Christ and devote your selves to him that he may be your God and Father But because Being and Seeing are two things and many that are the Children of God may not know themselves to be so therefore I shall 1. State this Matter 2. Shew what an advantage it is to Patience First I shall state this Matter in these Considerations 1. God is a Father by Creation or Adoption 1. In a more general Respect by Creation as Adam is called The son of God Luke 3.38 So Mal. 2.10 Have we not all one father Hath not one God created us God is more our Father than our natural Parents are they concur to our Beings but instrumentally but God originally It is God that formeth us in the Womb we are his Workmanship not our Parents both as to Body and Soul As to the Body Psal. 119.73 Thy hands have made me and fashioned me They know not whether the Child be Male or Female Beautiful or Deformed they cannot tell the number of the Bones Muscles Veins and Arteries which God hath framed in such a curious and exact Order But for the Soul which is the better part of Man that is of his immediate Creation therefore God is called The father of spirits Heb. 12.9 They do not run in the Channel of Carnal Generation or Fleshly Descent In this general sense by virtue of Creation God is the Father of all Men good and bad which though it give Cod a Title to our Love Service and Honour yet it giveth us no Interest in his special Benefits or the Fruits of his Fatherly Love it moveth God not to stir up all his Wrath against them yet not to bestow Saving Grace his Favour and Image upon them 2. More especially and in a more comfortable sense there is a more peculiar sort of Men to whom God is a Father by Adoption and they are his dear Children This Title is not by Nature but by Grace the Foundation of it was laid in the Election of God Eph. 1.5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Iesus Christ to himself according to the good pleasure of his will But before this Decree could be executed and take place the redemption of Christ was necessary for we read Gal. 4.4 5. When the fulness of time was come God sent forth his son made of a woman made under the Law to redeem them that were under the Law that we might receive the adoption of sons Sin needed to be expiated by the Son of God in our Nature before God would bestow this Honour upon any of Mankind Christ was to take a Mother upon Earth that we might have a Father in Heaven Forasmuch as the Children are partakers of flesh and blood he also himself likewise took part of the same that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death that is the Devil and deliver them who through fear of death were all their life time subject to bondage Heb. 2.14 15. And besides this Grace is applied to us by the Spirit who by his effectual Operation bringeth us into a state of Love and Sonship As a Father by Creation he giveth us our natural Endowments as a Father by Adoption he giveth us the supernatural Grace of the Spirit to sanctifie and change our Hearts for Regeneration and Adoption always go together Iohn 1.12 13. But as many as received him to them gave he power to become the sons of God even to them that believe on his name which were born not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man but of God And by the new Nature put into us we are brought into this new State and Relation Gal. 4.6 And because ye are sons God hath sent forth the spirit of his son into your hearts crying Abba Father The Soul that was shy of God then inclineth to him as our Lord that we may honour love and obey him and as our Happiness that we may seek after him and live in Communion with him And lastly the Act on our part that we may be received into the number of God's Children is an owning and acknowledging Christ to all the ends and purposes for which God hath appointed him if we really entertain him as sent by God to be our Lord and Saviour we are advanced to this Dignity Iohn 1.12 To as many as received him to them gave he power to become the sons of God even to them that believe on his name This of the Priviledge 2. You having received this Grace it is your duty to get it evidenced that you may maintain a comfortable sense of your Adoption It is evidenced by the dwelling and working of the holy Spirit in you Rom. 8.16 The spirit it self beareth witness with our spirit that we are
the children of God He witnesseth objectively and effectively Per modum Argumenti per modum Efficientis Causa By way of Argument and by way of Causal Efficiency Objectively if I have the Spirit of God framing my Heart to love and honour and fear and obey him and delight in câ—mmunion with him surely I am a Child of God for where these are sincere love to God prevaileth 1 Iohn 4 13. Hereby know we that we dwell in him and he in us because he hath given us of his spirit There he speaketh of Love to God and so for Honour it is else but an empty Title Mal. 1.6 If I then be a father where is mine honour If I be a master where is my fear So for Fear or Child-like Reverence that we dare not offend him Psal. 103.13 As a father pitieth his children so the Lord pitieth them that fear him His Children and those that fear him are equivalent Expressions 1 Pet. 1.17 If ye call on the father who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man's work pass the time of your sojourning here in fear I illustrate by that Ier. 35.6 And they said we will drink no wine for Ionadab the son of Rechab our father commanded us saying Ye shall drink no wine neither ye nor your sons for ever So for Obedience 1 Pet. 1.14 As obedient children not fashioning your selves according to the former lusts in your ignorance Eph. 5.1 Be ye followers of God as dear children So for delighting in communion with him Rom. 8.15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear but ye have received the spirit of adoption whereby we cry Abba father Gal. 4.6 And because ye are sons God hath sent forth the spirit of his son into our hearts crying Abba father This 〈◊〉 most felt in Prayer Zech. 12.10 I will pour upon the house of David and upon the inhabitants of Ierusalem the spirit of grace and supplications Rom. 8.26 Likewise the spirit also helpeth our infirmities for we know not what we should pray for as we ought but the spirit it self maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered Jude 20. But ye beloved building up your selves in your most holy faith praying in the Holy Ghost Here we have the nearest familiarity with God whilst we dwell in the Flesh and our Souls are carried to God as light Bodies move upward This is the matter of the Evidence but the Spirit giveth a sight or sense of this if he be not grieved and ill treated but his sanctifying Motions be obeyed he sheddeth abroad the Love of God in our Hearts and filleth us with much Joy and Peace 3. If this be faithfully done and there be no other reason to break our Confidence the bare Affliction or the greatness and grievousness of your Afflictions should not For these sharp Afflictions are not only consistent with this Relation as the Instance of Christ sheweth but also it is an act of his Fatherly Love and Discipline The Exhortation speaketh to us as Children Heb. 12.5 6 7 8. Ye have forgotten the exhortation that speaketh unto you as unto children My son despise not thou the chastening of the Lord nor faint when thou art rebuked of him For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth If ye endure chastening God dealeth with you as sons for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not But if ye be without chastisement whereof all are partakers then are ye bastards and not sons God's Children must look to be chastened neither must our Father's hand be slighted nor must we faint under it It is an act of love and kindness to us that he will not suffer us to go on in our Sins God seemeth to cast off them whom he leaveth to their own Hearts lusts Hosea 4.17 Ephraim is joyned to Idols let him alone But he loveth whom he chasteneth and scourgeth every Son whom he receiveth The Rod of Correction will not wholly be laid aside while God's Children are in the Flesh In Heaven where there are no Dangers there is no use of it any more because then we are fully and perfectly sanctified but here you must be content to submit to the discipline of the Family Certainly you must not question his Love because something falleth out contrary to your desires God is a Father when he frowneth and when he smileth he is the God of the Valleys as well as of the Hills and Mountains his Love doth not alter with our condition the comfort of Adoption is not for such a time only 4. Because of our imperfection both in Holiness and Comfort we must submit to the Authority of a Father when we cannot see our Interest in his special Fatherly Love Alas most are so ill settled in the Peace and Comfort of the Gospel that every notable Affliction reviveth our guilty Fears as the Sareptan said to Elijah when her Child died Art thou come unto me to call my sin to remembrance and to slay my son 1 King 17.18 She looked upon that sad Providence as a Judgment for her Sins so if God awakeneth in us a Spirit of Bondage Besides there is none of us but may justifie God that he is not needlesly severe yea some have so sinned that though they be not Filii irae Children of Wrath yet they are Filii sub irâ Children under Wrath though they need no Regeneration or Conversion yet they have grieved the good Spirit of God by walking inordinately therefore their business is to submit to the Authority of God justly correcting and punishing them for Sins Micah 7.9 I will bear the indignation of the Lord because I have sinned against him And by unfeigned Repentance to renew their Claim and promise greater Loyalty and Fidelity for the future Ier. 3.19 Thou shalt call me my father and shalt not turn away from me They must get their Wounds healed make up the Breach between God and them sue out their Pardon in the name of Christ and get a renewed Grant of it and a sense of their Adoption 5. If hitherto you have been quite Strangers to God such Providences may be an occasion to begin the Relation before they are over as they are helps to Repentance and Recovery Upon the serious working of your Souls the Lord may be found as a Father and admit you into his Family It is said The Lord loveth whom he chasteneth Heb. 12 6. There is a twofold Love in God the Love of Benevolence and the Love of Complacency the one while we are Sinners the other after he hath made us amiable Some God chooseth in the Fire or Furnace of Affliction Isa. 48.10 Behold I have refined thee but not with silver I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction The hot Furnace is God's Workhouse the most excellent Vessels of Honour are formed there Manasseh Paul the Iaylor in the Acts When the Prodigal began to be in
our Sins in his own Blood And for God the Spirit we also find our Hearts raised to give him Glory partly by the Motions of his Grace which we feel in our Hearts Psal. 143.10 Teach me to do thy Will for thou art my God thy Spirit is good lead me into the Land of Vprightness Nehem. 9.20 Thou gavest also thy good Spirit to instruct them The Sanctifier Guide and Comforter of Believers is God's Spirit he is the only Author and Fountain of all Goodness and Holiness And partly by the comfortable Sense he begets in us of our Adoption Gal. 4.6 And because ye are Sons God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your Hearts crying Abba Father And of our Hopes of Glory 2 Cor. 5.5 Now he that hath wrought us for the self-same thing is God who hath also given unto us the Earnest of the Spirit And partly by the Support and Comfort we have from him in all our Conflicts and Distresses 1 Pet. 4.14 If ye be reproached for the Name of Christ happy are ye for the Spirit of Glory and of God resteth upon you on their part he is evil spoken of but on your part he is glorified 3. That we may with more Confidence wait for the Beginning Progress and Consummation of our own Salvation There is the eternal Love of God the alsufficient Merit of Christ and the omnipotent Operation of the Holy Ghost What cannot Eternal Love Infinite Merit and Almighty Power do As Christ is necessary to keep all right between us and God so the Spirit is necessary to keep all right between us and Christ. As we need a Person of the Godhead to satisfy the Justice of God so also to overcome our Obstinacy and Unbelief and to vanquish Temptations and Doubts and Fears and to settle us in the Comfort and Hope of the Gospel It is God's Prerogative to settle the Conscience Isa. 57.19 I create the Fruit of the Lips Peace Peace to him that is afar off and to him that is nigh saith the Lord. God is the supream Judg and the wronged Party He commands his Loving-kindness in the Day-time Psal. 42.8 By a powerful Imperial Act of the Spirit he stilleth our Doubts and Fears 4. That the whole Glory of our Salvation may redound to God alone Therefore the Divine Persons carry it on among themselves Love Grace and Communication do all To the Praise of the Glory of his Grace wherein he hath made us accepted in the Beloved Eph. 1.6 Grace is the Fountain-Cause of our Election Grace bringeth it about for who could ransom a Soul except Christ had taken the Work in hand There would have been a stop there Psal. 49.7 8. None of them can by any means redeem his Brother nor give to God a Ransom for him for the Redemption of their Soul is precious and ceaseth for ever There would have been a stop there Grace applies all What are we before the Grace of the Spirit How unworthy till Grace made us lovely How unable to lay hold on it before the Spirit of God enable us Rom. 5.6 For when we were yet without Strength in due time Christ died for the Vngodly And how unable are we to make good use of it afterward For 1. What was our Behaviour before Calling Disobedient serving divers Lusts and Pleasures Titus 3.3 2. In Calling it was slight and â—efractory Iob 33.14 For God speaketh once yea twice but Man perceiveth it not He often inviteth but Men take no notice of what so much concerneth their Souls good but slight all Warnings and Instructions lay not their Condition to heart and many an Opportunity is lost but God overcometh Mens Evil by his own Goodness and will not lose his Elect therefore ver 16. He openeth the Ears of Men and sealeth their Instruction that is breaketh in upon them in such a powerful way that they cannot withstand it 3. Since Calling there are frequent Interruptions of Obedience Iames 3.2 For in many things we offend all Our best Performances are weak and full of Blemishes Isa. 64.6 We are all as an unclean thing and all our Righteousnesses are as filthy Rags So that from first to last all floweth from God and all floweth from Love and Grace and Communication of the Spirit that our Persons and Actions are accepted Now it is our Duty to acknowledg this Love and highly esteem this glorious Grace and to testify our Esteem by Word and Work By Word â—n Praises by Deed expressing our Thankfulness in our Lives that they may be a constant Hymn to God and a Praise of his Grace that we are made Partakers of Vse 1. To encourage us to seek after the Effects of this Love of God Grace of Jesus Christ and Communion of the Spirit 1. I will plead your Want What will you do if you have not Father Son and Holy Ghost for your God You have your Beings from him for a while but the Day of his Patience will not always last You must die and give an Account and woful yea dreadful will their Account be who are not only involved in the common Apostacy but have heard of the Transactions of Father Son and Holy Ghost about their Recovery and never minded the Benefit or made light of it Surely it is woful Dulness and Stupidity not to value it and to feel no need of it 2 Cor. 6.1 We then as VVorkers together with him beseech you also that ye receive not the Grace of God in vain What Grace was that God was in Christ reconciling the VVorld to himself chap. 5.19 That Grace which the Father hath contrived for your Salvation that Grace for which Christ laid down his Life that Grace which is so affectionately tendred in the Gospel that Grace and that free undeserving Mercy which is so sutable to your Necessities Will you despise this It was an Act of infinite Love of God to design it and reveal it to you of Christ to purchase it for you of the Holy Ghost to offer it to you yea to strive with you to make you capable of it Shall the Gospel be cast away upon you and all those gracious Methods of God frustrated Or have you no need of it How will you maintain Peace in your Consciences now without Grace How will you stand before God's Tribunal at the last Day 2. Let me plead the Worth of it He that hath this Love of God this Grace of Christ this Communion of the Spirit wanteth nothing to his solid Happiness He hath all necessary things in their Cause and Fountain for he hath God Christ and the Spirit For all things come from the Love of God and the Grace of Christ and the Communion of the Holy Ghost And he doth possess all things in that measure that God sees fit for him Psal. 84.11 The Lord will give Grace and Glory and no good thing will he with-hold from them that walk uprightly It bringeth other Mercies with it and nothing is
still the enemy and avenger THE scope of this Psalm is to glorifie God for the singular Dignity he hath put upon Man above all his works The expressions literally and apparently refer to Gods works of Creation and Providence about him but in a Divine and more Spiritual sense the Misteries of Redemption are intended and secretly couched under them as appeareth by the frequent quotations of this Psalm in the New Testament There is a double Honour put upon Mankind 1. That God hath ordained Man that feeble and weak Creature to subdue and conquer his Enemies 2. That God hath made him Lord of all his other Creatures Both which concerne not only Man in general but especially Jesus Christ. God made Man and therefore both are applyed to him The first when the Children welcome him with the acclamations proper to the Messiah Matth 21.15 16. When the chief priests and scribes saw the wonderful things that he did and the children crying in the Temple Hâ—sanna to the son of David they were sore displeased and said unto him hearest thou what these say and Iesus saith unto them yea have ye never read out of the mouths of babes and sucklings thou hast perfected praise The other in many places especially Heb. 2.6 7 8. But one in a certain place testified saying what is man that thou art mindful of him or the Son of man that thou visitest him Thou hast made him little lower than the angels thou crownedst him with glory and honour and didst set him over the works of thy hands Thou hast put all things in subjection under his feet For in that he put all in subjection under him he left nothing that is not put under him So that Man is both his Champion and his Deputy He is his Deputy verse 6. Thou hast made him to have dominion over the works of thy hands thou hast put all things under his feet His Champion in the Text Out of the mouths of babes and sucklings hast thou ordained strength c. In explaining these words I shall enquire 1. Who are these Babes and Sucklings 2. Who is the Enemy and Avenger 3. What is the Miracle and Wonder that raised the Prophets admiraration and moved him to praise God for this I. Who are these Babes and Sucklings 1. Man in general who springeth from so weak and poor a beginning as that of Babes and Sucklings yet is at length advanced to such power as to grapple with and overâ—ome the Enemy and the Avenger 2. David in particular who being but a ruddy youth God used him as an Instrument to discomfit Goliah of Gath. 3. More especially our Lord Jesus Christ who assuming our Nature and all the sinless infirmities of it and submitting to the weakness of an Infant and after dying is gone in the same Nature to reign in Heaven till he hath brought all his Enemies under his feet Psalm 110.1 And 1 Cor. 15.27 For he hath put all things under his feet but when he saith he hath put all things under him it is manifest that he is excepted which did put all things under him Then was our Humane Nature exalted above all other Creatures when the Son of God was made of a Woman carried in the Womb as long a time as other Infants are Luke 2.6 Sucked as a Babe and afterwards dyed and was received unto Glory 4. The Apostles who to outward appearance were despicable in a manner Children and Sucklings in comparison of the great ones of the World poor despised Creatures yet principal Instruments of Gods Service and Glory Therefore 't is notbale that when Christ glorifieth his Father for the wise and free Dispensation of his Saving Grace Matth. 11.25 He saith I thank thee O Father Lord of heaven and earth because thou hast hid those things from the wise and prudent and hast revealed them unto babes So called from the meanness of their Condition Compare the parallel places Luke 10.21 And you shall see it was spoken when the Disciples were sent abroad and had power given them over unclean Spirits In that hour Iesus rejoyced in spirit and said I thank thee O Father Lord of heaven and earth that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent and hast revealed them unto babes This he acknowledged to be an Act of Infinite Condescension in God 5. Those Children that cryed Hosanna to Christ make up part of the sense Matth. 2â— 16 for Christ defendeth their practice by this Scripture when he was condemned by the wisest and greatest and proudest Men in the World such as were the Scribes and Pharisees at that time he was praised and welcomed as the Messiah or Son of David by the Children 6. Not only the Apostles but all those that fight under Christs Banner and are listed into his Confederacy may be called Babes and Sucklings First Because of their Condition Secondly Their Disposition 1. Because of their Condition God is pleased often to make choice of the meanest and lowest 1 Cor. 1.27 28. But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty And the base things of the world and things which are despised hath God chosen yea and things which are not to bring to nought things that are That is God in the Government of the World is pleased to subdue the Enemies of his Kingdom by weak and despised Instruments 2. Because of their disposition They are most humble spirited We are told Matth. 18.3 Except ye be converted and become as little children ye shall not enter into the kingdom of God As if he had said you strive for preheminence and worldly greatness in my Kingdom I tell you my Kingdom is a Kingdom of Babes and containeth none but the humble and such as are little in their own Eyes and are contented to be small and despised in the Eyes of others and so do not seek after great Matters in the World A young Child knoweth not what striving or state meaneth and therefore by an Emblem and visible Representation of a Child set in the midst of them Christ would take them off from the expectation of a Carnal Kingdom II. Who is the Enemy and the Avenger In the Letter Goliah in the Mistery the Devil and his Agents and Instruments He is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Enemy of God and Man Matth. 13.39 The enemy that soweth them is the Devil and with him all the Seed of the Serpent Gen. 3.15 These are Wicked Men Iohn 8.44 For ye are of your father the Devil and the lusts of your father ye will do 1 Iohn 4.4 Ye are of God little children and have overcome them because greater is he that is in you than he that is in the world The War is carried on between two Heads and two Seeds III. What is the Miracle and Wonder that raised the Heart of the Psalmist to praise
and pardoned he is unfit for God and uncapable of Salvation or any present communion with God What can we expect from him and how unsufficient are we for either of these two works to renew our Souls and reconcile them to God VVhat can we do to satisfie Justice or break the love of sin in our Souls Therefore the Lord Jesus hath undertaken the Office of being the Redeemer and Saviour of the VVorld by his Sacrifice Merit and Intercession We must be pardoned and accepted and onely by him must we come to God If your repentance towards God and your Faith in him be sincere you shall have all the Blessings of the New Covenant In short Obedience and the Love of God was the Primitive Holiness for which we were created and from which we fell VVe by Repentance are willing to return to this again and therefore depend upon a Saviour and Sanctifier that we may be reconciled and renewed and so are said in this general sense to come to God by him Secondly More particularly we are said to come to God by Christ Three ways First In the exercise of our Graces I shall instance in the Three Radical ones which constitute the New Creature Faith Hope and Love For in the exercise of these communion with God doth consist 1. Faith seeth God in Christ as sitting upon a Throne of Grace ready to give out all manner of Grace and seasonable relief to Penitent Believers in all their necessities and temptations and duties Well then boldly trust him and depend upon him Thus we come to God by Christ 2 Cor. 3.4 Such trust have we through Christ to Godward 1 Pet. 1.21 By him we believe in God This is living by Faith in Christ so often spoken of in Scripture When you make use of him in all your wants duties and difficulties expecting your Father's Love and Blessing to come to you through him alone and the Spirit that must help you and assist you in all your Infirmities and Temptations as coming from the Father and the Son not onely procured but given by him your head In all your doubts fears and wants you go to him in the Spirit and to the Father by him and by him alone this is living by Christ. 2. Love which vents it self in a desire of full Communion with God and delights in him Desire is a coming to God or a following hard after him Delight is an adherence to him as satisfied with so much as we enjoy of him Our enjoyments here are partial and therefore our delight is very imperfect but yet such as it is it begets a study to please God and fear to offend him Our Father is in Heaven but on Earth we have a glimpse of him enough to make him amiable to the Soul Psal. 17.15 As for me I will behold thy face in righteousness I shall be satisfied when I awake with thy likeness Thus we love him through Christ or in Christ for we study Christ to see the goodness and amiableness and love of God in him Ephes. 3.17 18 19. That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith that ye being rooted and grounded in love may be able to comprehend with all Saints what is the breadth and length and depth and heighth And to know the love of Christ which passeth knowledge that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God A condemning God is not so loved as a gracious and pardoning God Surely we love him more as a Father than as a Judge And 't is the Spirit of Christ which maketh us cry Abba Father not onely thereby expressing our confidence and dependance but affection Gal. 4.6 Because ye are Sons God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts crying Abba Father 3. Hope We come to God as we longingly expect the full fruition of him Love puts us upon seeking after God But alas upon Earth we do but seek in Heaven we expect to find Hope causeth us to hold on seeking till we find and get nearer to him and maketh us resolve that 't is better to be a seeker than a wanderer to wait till the delight of love be perfect than to turn the back upon God and his ways We cannot have Mount Zion in the Wilderness For the present Christ doth but guide us to the Land of Promise we have a refreshing by the way Manna in the Wilderness but not Canaan in the Wilderness Earth at the best will not be Heaven Our perfect Blessedness is when God is all in all For the present as God is seen but as in a glass so he is proportionably enjoyed The Devil the World and the Flesh are not perfectly overcome and therefore we have but little of God And the Ordinances cannot convey him all to us while his interest is so crowded up in our hearts but we wait and look and long till we have more Our onely coming now to him is by hope and that partial enjoyment of his love which we attain unto makes us look for more The New Nature inclineth us to Hope for they that love God will desire to be more like him and to get more of him and our experience quickeneth our hope Rom. 5.4 But all is by Christ. The Apostle saith The Lord Iesus himself hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope thâ—ough Grace 2 Thes. 2.16 As at first he inclined us to set our Hearts on another World and lay up our Hopes in Heaven and to part with all things seen for that God and Glory which we never saw which otherwise by reason of unbelief and sensuality we should never have done so still he inclineth us to hope and wait in the midâ—t of difficulties and disappointments and incourageth us by his tenderness and constant pity Iude 21. Keep your selves in the Love of God looking for the Mercy of our Lord Iesus â—hrist unto everlasting Life 2. This coming to God is by all Divine Ordinances or Acts of Worship the use of our liberty to approach to him in these duties is one special way of coming to him by Christ. To come to him in the Word as our teacher in the Lords Supper as the Master of the Feast in Prayer as our King and Almighty helper is a very great priviledge and comfort certainly if at any time then we come to God we come to him in worship for then we turn our backs upon all things else that we may present our selves before his Throne But now thus we can only come by Jesus Christ. If we come to receive a Blessing in the Word we come to receive the fruits of his purchase Iohn 17.19 And for their sakes I sanctifie my self that they also may be sanctified through the truth Eph. 5.26 That he might sanctifie and cleanse it with the washing of Water by the Word If we come to the Lords Supper that duty was instituted for the remembrance of Christ that his Flesh might be Meat indeed and his blood
God Heb. 4.14 Seeing then that we have a great High Priest that is passed into the Heavens c. 2. God in our Nature was Abased Crucified made Sin made a Curse for us that he might pacifie the Justice of God and reconcile us to him So that besides the infinite Mercy and Power of God there is the Infinite Righteousness and everlasting Redemption of a Mediator God offended with Man is fully satisfied with the Ransom paid for Sinners by Christ Mat. 3.17 This is my well-beloved Son in whom I am well pleased 3. God having laid such a foundation and bestowed so great a gift upon us will not stick at any thing which is necessarily required to make us fully and eternally happy Rom. 8.32 He that spared not his own Son but gave him up c. shall he not with him freely give us all things Here in the Text 't is said All things are by him such abundant provision hath he made for Mans Salvation Surely here is a broad foundation for our comfort and hope Here is God appeased the works of the Devil dissolved our wounded Natures healed our Enemies vanquished by him as the Captain of our Salvation the Church defended and maintained by him as supream Head and Pastor all kept quiet by him between God and Us as our Agent and Advocate and finally he will bring us into the immediate presence of God that we may remain with him for evermore 4. Besides the dignity of his person consider the suitableness of his office to our necessity The dignity of his person must not be over-looked for he is God-man and therefore he is accepted by the Father and may be relied upon by us Heb. 9.14 How much more shall the blood of Christ who through the Eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God purge your Consciences from dead works to serve the living God Besides the institution there is an intrinsick value Act. 20.28 'T is called the Blood of God But what a suitable as well as valuable a remedy do his Offices of King Priest and Prophet make him By these three Offices he exerciseth the Office of Mediator The three Offices are alluded unto Iohn 14.6 I am the Way the Truth and the Life The Way as a Priest Truth as a Prophet Life as a King The Way because he hath removed the legal exclusion we were fugitives exiled and then Truth to direct us and give us the knowledge of Gods Nature and Will The Life To begin a Life of Grace in us by his Spirit which shall be perfected in Heaven So 1 Cor. 1.30 But of him are ye in Christ Iesus who of God is made unto us Wisdom and Righteousness and Sanctification and Redemption All the offices of Christ are there expressed with a suitableness to our misery Wisdom as a Prophet to cure our ignorance and folly we had no true sense of the evil we deserved nor the good we wanted nor of the way to remove the one or obtain the other but he convinceth and instructeth us in all these things We lye also under the guilt and power of sin that is our second necessity and so Christ is made Righteousness and Sanctification as a Priest for he gave himself to cleanse us from sin Eph. 5.26 We are also liable to many miseries introduced by sin yea under a necessity of dying and perishing for ever therefore Christ is made Redemption as a King and as Captain of our Salvation at length fully redeemed us from all evil Rom. 8.23 And not only they but our selves also which have the first fruits of the Spirit even we our selves groan within our selves waiting for the Adoption to wit the Redemption of our Bodies Luk. 21.28 And when these things begin to come to pass then lift up your Heads for your Redemption draweth nigh Eph. 4.30 And grieve not the Holy Spirit whereby ye are seal'd to the day of Redemption Thus you see how amply we are provided for in Christ. It may as well be said By him are all things as it may be said of the Father From whom are all things Secondly Another improvement is to ingage and incourage us to make those returns of Love Worship and Obedience Service and Glory which are expected and required of us There is something which reflecteth from us upon God from all this Grace and Mercy which God dispensed by the Mediator We must be for him and we must be by him 'T is more than if it were said we must serve him glorifie him We in our whole capacity we must be whatever we are and do whatever we do to God and for God by the Mediator 1. We must enter into Covenant with him and give the Hand to the Lord and consent to be his Isa. 44.5 One shall say I am the Lord 's another shall call himself by the Name of Jacob and another shall subscribe with his Hand unto the Lord. They should enter their Names to God to be entred into his Muster-Roll or Listed among the Faithful that belong to him and are Listed for his service a Member of that Body whereof Christ is Head a subject of that Kingdom whereof Christ is King 2 Cor. 8.5 'T is said But first gave their own selves unto the Lord. Rom. 12.1 Present your Bodies a living Sacrifice Holy acceptable to God which is your reasonable service Christ gave himself a Sin-offering and we give up our selves a Thank-offering 2. There must be a strong love to God ever at work in our Hearts levelling and directing all our actions to his glory and this love must be an impression of the love shewed to us by Christ a thankful sense of his Mercies and Benefits 1 Iohn 4.19 We love him because he loved us first 2 Cor. 5.14 The Love of Christ constraineth us Love is an earnest bent and inclination of Heart towards our chief good and last end and its effect and work is to devote our selves to his Service Will and Honour longing after more of God and continually seeking for it Psal. 63.1 O God thou art my God early will I seek thee My Soul thirsteth for thee my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land where no water is A Soul that hath chosen God for its portion cannot want him nor be long without him nor satisfied with any partial enjoyment of him therefore still seeketh for more The main work of this life is a desirous seeking after God and getting nearer to their last end by all the means which God hath appointed us to use 3. There must be a constant study and care to please honour and glorifie this God Acts 27.23 Whos 's I am and whom I serve If we be dedicated to God there must be a conscience of our dedication that we may live unto God and this not now and then but in our whole course All our Faculties Bodies Souls 1 Cor. 6.19 20. What! know ye not that your Body is the Temple of the Holy
have Peace with God through our Lord Iesus Christ. By whom also we have Access by Faith unto this Grace wherein we stand and rejoice in Hope of the Glory of God Comfortable Access to God here in the World depends upon our Justification the more clear that is the more we are fitted to come before the Lord. From the Stain of Sin Matth. 5.8 Blessed are the pure in Heart for they shall see God Though all see enough of God to Satisfaction these see more than others do Therefore the more we cleanse our selves from all Filthiness of Flesh and Spirit the more of God shall we see and the sooner shall we be admitted into his blessed Presence It was an old Observation even among the Heathens 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 That he whom God loveth dieth young Not that all that die young are beloved of God But ordinary Observation will teach you this that let a Man more than ordinarily improve in Purity of Heart though God may lend him to the World for an Example for some time yet they are taken to God sooner than others or if they are continued in the World they are continued under more Weaknesses and do with more Earnestness expect their Translation to the everlasting Priesthood 2. Let us begin our Sacrifices and discharge our Priestly Office now and perform all the Duties which belong to our Ministration with more Fidelity Some of our Duties are proper only to the present State as consecrating our selves to God and using our selves for God that is out of date then for our Consecration is over before we come there It is undeniable that the blessed Spirits all live to God Luke 20.38 He is not a God of the Dead but of the Living for all live unto him But there is no need of giving up our selves to God for then we possess God Mercy is useless in an Estate where Misery cannot approach therefore now it must be exercised None are Priests in Heaven but those that have acted the Priests part upon Earth But Praise holds good now and then too Psal. 107.22 Let us sacrifice the Sacrifices of Thanksgiving and declare his Works with rejoicing This is to tune our Instruments and to be fitting our selves for our everlasting Work 3. Let us be more frequent and often with God For the Throne of Grace is the very Porch of Heaven by it we pass to the Throne of Glory Surely that Life upon Earth is best which is likest to the Life of Heaven Psal. 84.10 For a Day in thy Courts is better than a thousand I had rather be a Door-keeper in the House of my God than to dwell in the Tents of Wickedness Prayer giveth us the nearest Familiarity which a Man in Flesh can have with God and is the best Preparation for our Entrance upon our everlasting Priesthood A Man acquainted with a God before-hand is not to seek for a God to pray to when he cometh to die nor for a Mediator to intercede for him nor for a Spirit of Adoption to fly to God as a reconciled Father Having been frequently entertained and accepted by God he can the better resign his Spirit into his Hands and with more Confidence wait for this nearer Attendance Alas to go out of the World into unknown and unseen Regions where we are wholly Strangers how sad is that Who will venture into the Ocean who hath not learned to swim in the shallow Brooks and Streams Communion with God in a way of Grace is the way to Communion with him in a way of Glory We go to see him Face to Face whom we have seen by the Eye of Faith to live with him in Heaven with whom we have lived upon Earth Species non laetificat in Patria quem fides non consolatur in via Sight will not be joyful to him in Heaven whom Faith hath not comforted upon Earth He that hath often heard and accepted us will not reject us Thirdly Let us be more apprehensive of the Greatness of the Privilege of drawing nigh to God that we may improve it accordingly The Priests were sanctified to draw nearer to God than the common People and imployed in his holy Service yea Nearness of Ministration before the Lord is the Felicity of the Glorified How must we improve it 1. Partly to be ashamed of our Lothness to draw nigh to God and our Weariness of his special Service O let us not shun God as an Enemy and be loth to come into his special Presence or backward to converse with him 2. To Thankfulness to our Redeemer It was purchased by the Blood of Jesus Heb. 10.19 Having therefore Brethren Boldness to enter into the Holiest by the Blood of Iesus We may be the more confident of drawing nigh to him in a way of Grace for he hath purchased also our Entrance into Glory Ephes. 3.12 In whom we have Boldness and Access with Confidence by the Faith of him Vse 3. Comfort 1. Against present Weaknesses in Duty There will be a Time when we shall more perfectly express our Thanksgiving to God 2. Against Troubles and Sufferings It must be so now that we may be conformed to our Head but no Molestation should be an Impediment in our Work 3. Against Death It should make us willing to die that we may minister before the Lord. If David so longed for the Injoyment of God in the earthly Temple Psal. 63.1 2. O God! thou art my God early will I seek thee my Soul thirsteth for thee my Flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty Land where no Water is to see thy Power and thy Glory so as I have seen thee in the Sanctuary How much more Cause have we to long for the time when we shall be made Priests to him for ever SERMONS UPON LEVITICVS XIX 17 SERMON I. LEVIT XIX 17 Thou shalt not hate thy Brother in thy Heart thou shalt in any wise rebuke thy Neighbour and not suffer Sin upon him I Am to speak to you at this time concerning Christian and Brotherly Reproof Our first Care should be that we are not Sinners our selves Our next that we partake not of the Sins of others which may not only be by counselling and abetting their evil Actions but also by a faulty Connivance and Silence when the Glory of God and Love to our Neighbours Souls do loudly call upon us to mind them of their Duty and warn them of their Danger To this End I have made choice of this Scripture Thou shalt not hate c. Where take notice First Of the Removal of the Impediment Thou shalt not hate thy Brother in thy Heart Secondly An earnest Excitement of the Duty of Reproof Thou shalt in any wise rebuke thy Neighbour Thirdly A Reason to enforce it Thou shalt not suffer Sin upon him or that thou bear not Sin for him First A Removal of the Impediment or Hindrance Thou shalt not hate thy Brother in thy Heart Hatred is forbidden when Rebuke or
the poor Saints which are at Jerusalem What is in our Translation to make a Contribution for the Saints is in the Original 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to make a Communion or Communication So 2 Cor. 8.4 Praying us with much Intreaty that we would receive the Gift and take upon us the Fellowship of the ministring to the Saints 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 So 2 Cor. 9.13 And for your liberal Distribution unto them 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 So here the Communication of the Spirit If you will render it Communion this is the great Effect of the Love of God and the Grace of Christ that we are made Members of Christ's Mystical Body by the Spirit 1 Cor. 12.13 For by one Spirit we are are all baptized into one Body And so are united to the Head and to one another by this Bond of Union The Church is a Mystical Body whereof Christ is the Head and the Holy Ghost is as it were the Heart of it the one guideth this great Body the other quickneth it Now in this Mystical Body we actually come to the Participation of what Christ hath purchased for us by the Holy Ghost 4. These make way one for another or work into each others hand for what the Father intended Christ purchased and the Spirit applieth God the Father is as the Fountain of Grace Jesus Christ as the Conduit or Pipe to convey it to us and the Holy Ghost the immediate Operator and Worker of it The Father of his good Pleasure electing Sinners to Grace and Glory the Son by his Obedience and Sufferings purchasing it that it may be brought about in a Way convenient for God's Honour the Spirit by his Virtue and Power working Grace in them There is not a different Effect from the Father which is not from the Son and from the Son which is not from the Spirit but they concur in an united Way that what cometh from the Father cometh from the Son and the Spirit the Father makes way for the Son's Work and the Son for the Spirit 's So back again the Spirit is said to honour the Son Iohn 16.14 He shall glorify me for he shall receive of mine and shall shew it unto you And the Son is said to glorify the Father Iohn 14.13 And whatsoever ye shall ask in my Name that will I do that the Father may be glorified in the Son The Spirit acts as sent by Christ and Christ as sent by the Father This is necessary to be regarded by us because as our Salvation in the general is from the Father through the Son by the Spirit so in all our Commerce with God God the Father as a Judg by the Spirit of Bondage sendeth us to Christ as Mediator and Christ as Mediator by the Spirit of Adoption sends us back again to God as a Father It is a great Help to Prayer Eph. 2.18 For through him we both have an Access by one Spirit unto the Father To whom are we praying To God as a Father Whence have we hopes of Audience By Christ. Who giveth us an Heart to come The Spirit II. The Reasons why they concur 1. That we may have the higher Esteem of the Work which hath such Agents concerned in it It is no slight thing to bring about the Salvation of lost Sinners all the Persons of the Godhead are at work about it and shall not we who are the Parties interested be employed about it also God is in good earnest for therefore before all Worlds he employed the Riches of his Wisdom and Grace to save us in this convenient Way 1 Pet. 1.20 Who verily was fore ordained before the Foundation of the World but was manifest in these last Times for you And who are we that the Thoughts of God should be taken up about us so long ago Jesus Christ hath spared no Pains to accomplish the Work of our Redemption but freely offered himself to this Work Heb. 10.7 Lo I come to do thy Will O God He repented not his Undertaking but was fully contented if Souls may be saved Isa. 53.11 He shall see of the Travail of his Soul and shall be satisfied And the Holy Spirit continueth striving with us though often grieved by our Obstinacy and Disobedience Gen. 6.3 My Spirit shall not always strive with Man Isa. 63.10 They rebelled and vexed his holy Spirit Many a Conviction do we smother and often check and resist his Motions yet he is importunate to prevail with us 2. That our Hearts may be raised to give equal Glory to all the Persons concerned We must honour the Son as we honour the Father as it is expresly said Ioh. 5.23 That all Men should honour the Son even as they honour the Father He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father that hath sent him There is an Honour due to God only not to be given to any other Christ is equal with the Father in participating this Honour he is to have the same Glory of Believing Love Fear and Invocation So also for the Spirit he is an Object of Invocation for as the Apostle wisheth and desireth Love from the Father and Grace from Christ so a liberal Distribution and Communication of Gifts and Graces from the Spirit Now to excite us to give this due Respect to all the Persons every one concurreth in his way to promote our final Happiness and Salvation The Father deserveth this Esteem from us Many think of God the Father as all Wrath and Justice difficult to be reconciled to Man and of the second Person of the Trinity as more gracious and merciful No the Love of God is the Original of our Redemption God spared not his own Son but delivered him up for us all Rom. 8.32 And God was in Christ reconciling the World to himself not imputing their Trespasses to them 2 Cor. 5.19 And the Father himself loveth you John 16.27 Christ came to shew the amiable Nature of God Being the Brightness of his Glory and the express Image of his Person Heb. 1.3 Then for the Lord Jesus in Christ the Glory and Riches of the Grace of God doth more eminently and palpably appear This is the Contemplation of the Saints Iohn 1.14 And the Word was made Flesh and dwelt among us and we beheld his Glory the Glory as of the only-begotten of the Father full of Grace and Truth Ephes. 3.18 19. That ye may be able to comprehend with all Saints what is the Breadth and Length and Depth and Height and to know the Love of Christ which passeth knowledg that ye might be filled with all the Fulness of God Heb. 3.1 Wherefore holy Brethren Partakers of the Heavenly Calling consider the Apostle and High Priest of our Profession Iesus Christ. His Grace thus condescending to Men is more eminently seen Rom. 5.8 But God commendeth his Love towards us in that while we were yet Sinners Christ died for us And Rev. 1.5 To him who loved us and washed us from
good without it All things are Mercy even those that fall out contrary to our Expectations Rom. 8.28 All things shall work together for good to them that love God to them that are the Called according to his Purpose Well then they that know the want of Grace or the worth of Grace will earnestly seek it 3. Let me plead the possibility of obtaining it For the three Persons conspire and agree together not to your Ruine but Salvation Whatever may be expected from Infinite Love Eternal Merit and Almighty Power it is all offered to those that will seek after it There are none but are sensible that they need to address themselves to God for Pardon and a Blessing Now God is an holy God how shall Sinners deal with him As the Prophet said to Ahab If it were not that I regard the Presence of Jehoshaphat the King of Judah I would not look towards thee nor see thee 2 Kings 3.14 Whatever we seek and expect from God we must seek it from Jesus Christ who hath purchased all Isa. 53.5 He was wounded for our Transgressions he was bruised for our Iniquities the Chastisement of our Peace was upon him and with his Stripes we are healed Ephes. 1.7 In whom we have Redemption through his Blood the Forgiveness of Sins And he is appointed to bestow all that which he had purchased Acts 5.31 Him hath God exalted with his right Hand to be a Prince and a Saviour to give Repentance to Israel and Remission of Sins And by his Intercession he doth apply all Heb. 7.25 VVherefore he is able to save them to the uttermost that come to God by him seeing he ever liveth to make Intercession for them Well then if we will go to Christ he sendeth us to the Spirit who worketh all and doth accomplish in us the Pleasure of his Goodness Go to the Spirit he must heal you and help you The Spirit sendeth us to the Means Acts 1.4 And being assembled together with them commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem but wait for the Promise of the Father You shall find him present in the Ordinances O what Incouragement have we to be serious and in the use of the Means by which the Spirit worketh 4. We are obliged by our Baptismal Covenant Matth. 28.19 Go ye therefore and teach all Nations baptizing them in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost Father Son and Holy Ghost take upon them to convey this Love Grace and Power and we take upon our selves to accept the Father for our Lord and Happiness Christ for our Redeemer and Saviour and the Holy Ghost for our Guide Sanctifier and Comforter to obey his Motions to use those Means whereby we may feel his Power to avoid those wilful Sins which may grieve the Spirit and cause him to suspend his Operations and Comforts There we are consecrated as Children to the true God consent to receive Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour and obey his Spirit Now make Conscience of this Vow Vse 2. Is to put us upon Self-reflection Is the Love of the Father and the Grace of Christ and the Communion of the Holy Ghost with us Do we seek our Happiness in Father Son and Holy Ghost Or do you consent that God shall be your God as reconciled to you in Jesus Christ 1. As to the Father Do you own him as your rightful Lord and are you willing to return to his Obedience by Jesus Christ Do you take him for your Portion and Felicity Do you expect to receive all your Happiness from him valuing and preferring his Favour and Love above all the Pleasures Profits and Honours of the World Psal. 4.6 There be many that say VVho will shew us any Good Lord lift thou up the Light of thy Countenance upon us Admiring it 1 Iohn 3.1 Behold what manner of Love the Father hath bestowed upon us that we should be called the Sons of God! His Favour is Life Psal. 30.5 yea better than Life Psal. 63.3 Because thy Loving-kindness is better than Life my Lips shall praise thee Willing to forsake all rather than forsake him Behave your selves with that Thankfulness as those that owe your selves and all your Happiness to him 2 Cor. 5.14 15. The Love of Christ constraineth us because we thus judg that if one died for all then were all dead And that he died for all that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves but unto him which died for them and rose again Carry it as those that are obliged by Love 2. Do you take Christ for your only Saviour and Redeemer giving up your selves to be saved by his Merits Righteousness and Intercession as he hath promised in the Word Do you trust your selves and Souls with him for Pardon Peace and endless Happiness depend upon his Covenant and Promises for Reconciliation with God and everlasting Fruition of him in Glory trampling upon all things rather than turn your Back upon your Redeemer's Grace 5. Do you yield your selves to the Holy Ghost Are you unfeignedly desirous to be rid of Sin as displeasing to the Holy God how dear soever it hath been to you And do you submit to the Spirit to be sanctified and perfected by degrees in the Means he hath appointed being ruled by his Motions rather than the Desires of the Flesh Do you observe his Accesses and Recesses and behave your selves accordingly FINIS AN ALPHABETICAL TABLE OF THE Principal Matters Contained in this VOLUME A Page ABraham's Faith opened 1. In his clear sight of Christ to come 474 The Grounds of this Faith 475 The Strength of it 476 2. In overlooking the Difficulties that lay in the way of the Promise 482 The Grounds of this Faith 483 The Strength of it ibid. The Effects of it 488 Acceptance with God for the pardon of Sin the highest matter in the World 945 Account There are Books of Account kept between God and the Creature 261 At the Day of Iudgment these Books of Account shall be opened 262 All shall be called to an Account ibid. Iudgment shall pass upon all Men according to the Account then given 263 The Advantage of calling our selves often to Account ibid. Mens Account shall be answerable to their Mercies ibid. Adherence Resolute Adherence of Faith how seen 471 The Grounds of this resolute Adherence 472 Adoption How the Spirit witnesses of our Adoption 1135 Afflictions should not make us question our Adoption 1136 1139 Afflictions come from God 1133 Afflictions and Miseries may befal Gods ' People 1210 Bearing Afflictions becomes God's People 1137 We must not faint under Afflictions 765 Afflictions of the Righteous prove a Life to come 1215 Angels look into the Mystery of Redemption by Christ 918 What of this Mystery Angels look into ibid. The manner how Angels look into it 920 The Reasons why Angels look into it ibid. Angels fallen Why God would not save fallen Angels but fallen Men 658 Page
A Fourth Volume Containing One hundred and fifty SERMONS ON Several Texts of Scripture By the Late Reverend and Learned Thomas Manton D. D. In Two PARTS PART the First Containing LXXIV Sermons PART the Second Containing LXXVI Sermons WITH AN ALPHABETICAL TABLE To the Whole LONDON Printed by I. D. and are to be sold by Ionathan Robinson at the Golden Lion in St. Paul's Church-Yard MDCXCIII AN ALPHABETICAL TABLE OF THE Principal Matters Contained in this VOLUME A Page ABraham's Faith opened 1. In his clear sight of Christ to come 474 The Grounds of this Faith 475 The Strength of it 476 2. In overlooking the Difficulties that lay in the way of the Promise 482 The Grounds of this Faith 483 The Strength of it ibid. The Effects of it 488 Acceptance with God for the pardon of Sin the highest matter in the World 945 Account There are Books of Account kept between God and the Creature 261 At the Day of Iudgment these Books of Account shall be opened 262 All shall be called to an Account ibid. Iudgment shall pass upon all Men according to the Account then given 263 The Advantage of calling our selves often to Account ibid. Mens Account shall be answerable to their Mercies ibid. Adherence Resolute Adherence of Faith how seen 471 The Grounds of this resolute Adherence 472 Adoption How the Spirit witnesses of our Adoption 1135 Afflictions should not make us question our Adoption 1136 1139 Afflictions come from God 1133 Afflictions and Miseries may befal Gods ' People 1210 Bearing Afflictions becomes God's People 1137 We must not faint under Afflictions 765 Afflictions of the Righteous prove a Life to come 1215 Angels look into the Mystery of Redemption by Christ 918 What of this Mystery Angels look into ibid. The manner how Angels look into it 920 The Reasons why Angels look into it ibid. Angels fallen Why God would not save fallen Angels but fallen Men 658 Page Anger of God God may be angry with his own People 273 Anointing what it signifies 712 Christ was anointed by God 716 Why Christ was anointed 717 Who were anointed first Christ then Believers his Fellows ibid. Apparel Sobriety to be used in it 75 How to judg of Excess in Apparel 76 Helps and Motives to Sobriety in Apparel ib. We must not envy the Apparel of others 75 Appearing of Christ. Vid. Coming Assurance to be laboured after 114 What Application there must be when Assurance is wanting 115 B BAckslider in Heart what he is 1109 The Backslider in Heart shall be filled with his own Ways Vid. Filled Balaam's Plot to destroy Israel 802 Observations from hence 804 Believing what is necessary to it 723 Believing in God and Christ how they differ 235 Why believing in Christ is specially required besides believing in God 245 Believing in Hope against Hope opened with the Reasons of it 484 Better We are not only to be good but to grow better 429 Blessedness True Blessedness not to be sought on this side Heaven 129 Blessedness eternal wherein it consists Vid. Heaven 116 Duties of those that have an Interest in this Blessedness 130 Blessings spiritual we are to be much affected with them 426 We are to be in a capacity to praise God for spiritual Blessings 425 In Thanksgiving spiritual Blessings to be owned 424 Body The Qualities of a glorified Body 119 Brazen Serpent the History of it 747 The Typical Vse of the brazen Serpent 748 The Resemblance between Christ and the brazen Serpent 749 The Excellency of Christ above the brazen Serpent 751 Breasts Naked Breasts condemned 78 Brethren Christ having taken our Nature is not ashamed to call us Brethren 1083 Comforts from being Christ's Brethren 1088 Whether Believers may call Christ Brother ibid. Bruised Christ bruised by the Serpent and bow 538 Burden What a Burden Sin is 1125 None can take off the Burden of Sin but Christ 1126 C CAlamities In all Calamities we must look to God 1132 Vid. Afflictions Calling of Christ twofold outward and inward 784 Canaan The Woman of Canaan that she was a Believer 467 The Greatness of her Faith ibid. Her Temptations and Trials 468 Her Victory over them 470 Captives To whom we were Captives 164 The way of redeeming Captives 165 Care of the World What that Care is that is to be moderated 79 How sinful Care may be discovered ib. Whence it ariseth 80 Arguments against distrustful Care 1099 The Cure of sinful Care 80 Carnal Things Men are addicted to them more than to spiritual things 1111 Cause When we do not honour God as the first Cause 33 Centurion's Faith opened 460 The Greatness of his Faith 459 How it discovered it self 462 How this Faith was bred or begotten in him 461 Certainty conditional and actual what 1104 Charitable We must be charitable to others according to our Power 87 Reasons why we must be charitable 336 Charity or Love to the Brethren the Properties of it 995 Children are a Blessing 833 834 Much of the Providence of God exercised in and about Children 834 How far Parents may procure a Blessing or a Curse to their Children 836 How far godly Parents are blessed in their Posterity 837 Motives to Parents to take care of their Childrens Education 839 Christ. That Christ was God proved 152 Why Christ was called the Great God 150 Why Christ must be God ibid. Christ to be honoured and praised by Saints 1175 1183 Christ's Growth stated and proved 855 856 How Christ grew in Wisdom and Knowledg 855 Coming second of Christ the Preparations of it 139 Second Coming of Christ will be glorious 138 Why Christ's second Coming will be glorious 144 Inferences from Christ's glorious Coming 146 The Personal Glory of Christ at his second Coming 140 His Attendants then 141 His Work then 142 The Consequents of Christ's second Coming 143 Belâ—evers to look for Christ's second Coming 131 Objections answered 135 Reasons of it 132 The Advantage of looking for Christ's second Coming 135 How we are to prepare for Christ's second Coming 138 The Privilege of the Saints at Christ's second Coming 133 Coming to God How we are said to come to God by Christ 965 Who they are that come to God by Christ 964 Common Work not to be rested in 291 Comparison fourfold between this Life and the next 1211 Conceit Why Men are apt to conceit well of themselves 316 Arguments to press you against this Self-conceit 320 Conditions of the Gospel Man cannot perform them of himself 405 Confession with the Mouth what it is 953 The Matter to be confessed 954 The Way by which it is to be made ibid. The Necessity of it to Salvation 957 The Respect that Believing with the Heart and Confession with the Mouth have to one another 955 Conflict with Sin in the Regenerate and Vnregenerate the difference between them 365 Conflict spiritual we are to arm our selves for it 1101 The use of Faith Hope and Love in the spiritual Conflict 1105 Conscience the Nature of it
Disadvantage to your selves for a Man that hath begun to be strict and careful and holy and righteous and profess himself to be taken out of the Kingdom of Darkness and made experience of the Ways of Christ yet if he falls off he doth as it were after Trial pronounce to the World that Satan's Service is better than Christ's As Iacob kept wrestling till Day-light appeared and would not let go his hold-fast so till the Morning of Glory come still keep on and continue your Courage Or as Elisha would not leave his Master till he was taken from him into Heaven so be constant to the last let the World know you see no cause to leave Christ or to be weary of his Service and to begrudg the Strictness of Religion Matth. 20. you read some were called into the Vine-yard sooner some later but they all kept working to the End and Close of the Day There 's a different time of Calling some begin with God in Infancy some in riper Age but none must be weary of well-doing But how apt are we to turn aside from God Our Righteousness must be as the Morning Light that always increaseth till High-noon but our Righteousness is like the Morning-Dew it is gone as soon as the Sun breaks out in Strength and Power We have a great many Resolutions when we begin a Course of Godliness but soon grow weary Look as a tired Horse is ready to turn in at every Inn so upon every Occasion and Temptation we are ready to turn away from God but it is not enough to begin to live godly strictly righteously but while Life lasteth you must hold on in God's ways it must be during your whole present State and Abode here in the World II. The Reasons why this Duty of our heavenly Calling must be in the present World 1. Because this is the Time of Grace There is no other Time to get the Favour of God and an Interest in Heaven but here upon Earth Now we have the Means hereafter the Recompences Now Christ saith Come unto me all ye that labour and are heavy laden Matth. 11.28 Hereafter he will say Come ye Blessed of my Father inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the Foundation of the World Mat. 25.34 Now he calls us to receive Grace hereafter we must receive either Vengeance or Glory In the Angels Song we find Luke 2.14 Peace upon Earth Here God proclaims Tidings of Peace and Reconciliation to the Creature if it will submit to God Now the Golden Scepter is held out and you will have no more such a Season This is God the Father's God the Son 's and God the Spirit 's Time but after this Life you shall have it no more It is the Time of God the Father's Patience and these are the Days of the Gospel when God the Son is offered to us and now we have the Advantage of the Spirit 's Impulses and his Convictions upon our Hearts But after this Life there 's neither Prophecy nor Gospel nor Conviction nor Means offered any more then comes Recompence and Retribution Zanchy speaks of some which had a Fancy that the Gospel should be preached hereafter in the other World to those that never heard of Christ in this World as to Children to Turks and Pagans to justify this Conceit they alledg that Place 1 Pet. 3.19 By which he went and preached to the Spirits in Prison But that 's a clear Mistake The Apostle speaks there how the Spirit of God went forth by Noah's Preaching in warm Conviction upon the Hearts of those that are now in Prison that were sometimes disobedient to the Warnings of Noah and are now held with Chains of Darkness in the Prison of Hell But however there is nothing to this World Now you have the Means and God's golden Scepter is held out Now Christ saith Come but if you refuse hereafter he will say Depart Now is the accepted Time now is the Day of Salvation 2 Cor. 6.1 2. This is the Time of our Exercise and Trial. 1. There must be this Exercise before we come to Heaven We do not leap into Heaven without any Preparation The Vessels of Glory must first be seasoned with Grace Col. 1.12 Who hath made us meet to be Partakers of the Inheritance of the Saints in Light First we are qualified and seasoned then filled brim-full As when the Virgins were chosen for Ahasuerus they were to accomplish their Months of Purification so we must have a Time of purifying and cleansing from Corruption before we can get to Heaven Balaam would die the Death of the Righteous but not live his Life Numb 23.10 Let me die the Death of the Righteous and let my last End be like his As it is said of the Snake that when it is stricken with Death stretcheth out it self straight though crooked before at oportuit sic vixisse you should have so lived You should be sober righteous and godly Enoch before his Translation had this Testimony that he pleased God Heb. 11.5 Some-thing must be done here there is no Triumph without a Warfare 2 Tim. 2.5 If a Man strive for Masteries yet is he not crowned unless he strive lawfully that is according to the Laws of the Race or Exercise so we cannot expect to die in the Lord unless we live in the Lord Rev. 14.13 Blessed are the Dead that die in the Lord from henceforth yea saith the Spirit that they may rest from their Labours and their Works do follow them Your Works die not when you die Eccles. 11.3 If the Tree fall toward the South or toward the North in the Place where the Tree falleth there it shall be In the time of the Law there was nothing to be gathered upon the Sabbath-Day but a double Portion to be gathered before those that provide nothing on the sixth Day had nothing on the Sabbath-Day The Sabbath is a Figure of Heaven of that eternal Rest we shall have there if we do not make Provision during the time of Life there can be nothing done afterwards 2. It is only here this is the fittest Place for Exercise Here are Difficulties Snares and Temptations and these serve to discover the Glory of Grace and this makes it worthy of Praise that we can act for God in the present World where so many miscarry 2 Tim. 4.10 Demas hath forsaken us having loved this present World Here is the fit Place for our Trial where we have so many Difficulties Snares Baits Avocations and Scandals to take us off from performing the Duty of our Heavenly Calling As Death leaves us so Judgment finds us Upon our Behaviour in the present Life both our everlasting Woe or Weal depends Hereafter is not a time of Labour but of Reward and Punishment there is no room for Exercise and Trial there no Snares in the next World Grace cannot be found worthy of Praise there for that is God's Day called the Day of the Lord 2 Pet. 3.10
of the Glory of the World to come as if we did see Christ upon his white Throne and Paul with his Crown of Righteousness and all the faithful Ones in Abraham's Bosom If a Beggar were adopted into the Succession of a Crown would he not please himself in forethinking of the Happiness Honour and Pleasure of the Kingly State So we vile Creatures that are adopted to be Coheirs with Christ if we did hope to be Heirs of the Kingdom of Heaven Heaven would have more of our Thoughts and take up more of the Musings of our Souls We should still observe what we muse upon most carnal Thoughts and carnal Projects discover a carnal Heart When we are always thinking of plucking down Barns and building greater advancing our Families and providing worldly Encrease when we are talking to our selves as Luke 12.18 He thought within himself What shall I do because I have no room where to bestow my Fruits And he said This will I do I will pull down my Barns and build greater c. The word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 signifies he was framing Dialogues with himself of bestowing his Goods this shews a carnal Heart So Iames 4.13 To day or to morrow we will go into such a City and continue there a Year and buy and sell and get Gain It is usual with Men to live upon the Reversion of their Hopes and feed themselves with the pleasure thereof As young Heirs spend upon their Hopes and run out their Estates e're they possess them so doth the Soul either in Matters carnal or heavenly still feed upon its Hopes And therefore if there be such an earnest Hope you will be entertaining your Spirits with Suppositions of Heaven and framing Images of the Glory of the World to come 2. It bewrays it self by hearty Sighs and Groanings and Longings after this Happiness Rom. 8.23 And not only they but our selves also who have the first Fruits of the Spirit even we our selves groan within our selves waiting for the Adoption to wit the Redemption of our Body They that have once tasted of the Clusters of Canaan that have the first Fruits of the Spirit have tasted of the Goodness and Sweetness of God in Christ think they can never be soon enough with him in Heaven When shall it once be They are still looking out and the nearer they come to Enjoyment the more impatient they are of the Want As natural Motions are swiftest in the end a Stone the nearer it is to the Center it moves the faster so the longer a Christian lives in Christ the more he sends forth his Desires and Heart after his Happiness and therefore groans waiting for the Revelation of the Sons of God and for this blessed Hope The Apostle says The earnest Expectation of the Creature waiteth for the manifestation of the Sons of God Rom. 8.19 The word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 signifies a lifting up of the Head as we are wont to put out our Head to see if we can spy a thing a great way off as Iudg. 5.28 Sisera's Mother and the Ladies looked out at the Window and cried through the Latice Why is his Chariot so long in coming as if they would spy him afar off So the Soul is still looking out When will the Change come when will it once be They would have a fuller Draught of the Consolations of the Spirit more Freedom from Sin and a more entire Love of God they have had some Taste already therefore they long for the encrease and full perfection of it 3. By lively Tastes and Feelings It is said of a Believer He hath eternal Life Iohn 3.36 that is in the beginnings of it he hath some Taste here upon Earth Hope is called not only Living but lively Hope 1 Pet. 1.3 because it quickens the Heart and fills it with a solid spiritual Joy And Rom. 5.2 We rejoice in hope of the Glory of God It is a Joy that is for Enjoyment and Possession In worldly things there is Pain and Travel and burdensom Expectation till we come to enjoy a thing but a Christian rejoiceth in his Hopes So 1 Pet. 1.8 In whom believing ye rejoice with Ioy unspeakable and full of Glory It is true all feel it not in such a degree it depends on a Sense of Grace which all Believers have not always but all Believers whenever they meditate upon Heaven they find Sweetness shed abroad in their Hearts when they think what is provided for them by Christ. Worldly Hope is only as a Dream of a Shadow there is Pain and Travel in Expectation and there is no Satisfaction when we come to Fruition but our Hopes in Christ fill the Soul with this lively Joy Look as the Patriarchs that waited for the Coming of Christ the Consolation of Israel they hugged the Promises O here 's a sweet Promise that will yield a Messiah at length that shall save the World Thus they rejoiced in what they foresaw concerning Christ in Vision Type and Figure So Christians that wait for Happiness and Blessedness to come how do they find a great deal of Sweetness shed abroad in their Hearts by meditating upon their Hope II. To shew the Influence it hath upon the spiritual Life 1. It purgeth the Heart from Lusts and the Filthiness of Sin 1 Iohn 3.3 Every Man that hath this Hope in him purifieth himself even as he is pure How doth this Hope make him purify himself Thus the things we look for are all holy and pure it is a great part of our Portion in Heaven to be freed from Sin to be Consorts of the immaculate Lamb Now the Soul will say thus Do I look upon this as my Happiness Do I hope to be like Christ hereafter and be freed from the Burden of Corruption and can indulge and allow these Lusts in my Heart A Man hopes for nothing de futuro which he would not presently compass were it in his Power We do not look for a sensual Paradise but for a pure and blissful Estate that is made up of Sinlesness and Purity and therefore whoever hath set his Heart upon the Hopes of Christianity the Vision of God and Fruition of Christ he must needs begin here especially since God hath required Preparation here we are to be made meet seasoned and qualified to accomplish the Months of our Purification to prepare our selves more and more for these glorious Hopes 2. It withdraws our Hearts from present things Phil. 3.20 Our Conversation is in Heaven from whence also we look for the Saviour the Lord Iesus Christ. A Christian lives in the Earth as if he were in the midst of the Angels We are weaned from the World by looking for better things and so the World is out-shined As a Man that hath looked upon the Sun his Eyes are dazled and cannot see an Object less glorious So when we look within the Vail upon our blessed Hopes the Glory of the World is obscured The Apostle renders
I shall tell you what Application there must be if we cannot attain to Assurance There are three degrees of Application beneath Assurance 1. Acceptation of God's Offer that is one degree of Application Iob 5.27 Hear it and know thou it for thy good Put in for these Hopes and take God on his Word stipulate with him and undertake thy part of the Covenant upon a confidence God will not fail thee As Moses when the Book of the Law was read Exod. 24.6 took half the Blood and sprinkled it on the Altar to shew that God undertook to bless them and ver 8. the other half he sprinkled on the People by which they were engaged to obey There must be in all Christians the Answer of a good Conscience 1 Pet. 3.21 2. Adherence Stick close to this Hope in a course of Obedience If we do God's Work we shall not fail of Wages 1 Cor. 9.26 I therefore so run not as uncertainly so fight I not as one that beateth the Air. 3. Affiance noting waiting upon God tho with some Doubts and Fears for the Revelation of this Glory Tho you cannot say It is yours yet wait with hope till your Change come looking for the Mercy of Christ so that you durst venture your Soul in that Bottom This is committing our Souls to him in well-doing as to a merciful and faithful Creator 1 Pet. 4.19 You put your Souls into God's Hands that made them 3. Expect it This is the formal Act of Hope which is pressed in the Text. This Hope and Expectation of Blessedness is the Strength of the inward Man The Devils have a Faith but because it is without Hope it yieldeth no Refreshment James 2.19 Thou believest that there is one God thou dost well the Devils also believe and tremble The word signifies such a trembling as the raging of the Sea it is a Light that does not refresh but scorch There would be Comfort in Hell if there could be Hope there It is the Duty now in season here we must expect Rom. 8.24 We are saved by Hope In Innocency there was little or no use of Hope and in Heaven there will be none at all the Object of Man's Happiness will be present and enjoyed but now all is to come we have only a Taste and Pledg to make us long for more and expect more Faith by Hope maketh them present Substance Heb. 11.1 Faith is the Substance of Things hoped for Things of Eternal Life seem as a Shadow and Fiction to a carnal Heart This Hope is an earnest Elevation of the Mind to look for what Faith counteth real Vse 3. To direct us how to look for this blessed Hope 1. Consider it Hope is a temperate Extasy a Survey of the Land of Promise As God said to Abraham Gen. 13.14 15. Lift up now thine Eyes and look from the Place where thou art Northward and Southward and Eastward and Westward For all the Land which thou seest to thee will I give it and to thy Seed for ever So Psal. 48.12 Walk about Zion and go round about her tell the Towers thereof It is a great Advantage to think often of Heaven it maketh it present to us Heaven deserveth our best Thoughts We should always do it in the Morning it were a good Preservative to keep us from being under the power of present things Psal. 17.15 I shall be satisfied when I awake with thy Likeness In some special Seasons doth Hope set the Mind a-work in times of Trouble and present Sufferings we enjoy a happy Dedolency the Mind is untouched whatever the Body suffereth When we are summoned to the Grave and bodily Sicknesses put you in mind of Death when Sense and Speech fail the Love of God never fails this pale Horse is sent from Christ to carry us to Glory and though we go down to the Grave to converse with Worms and Skulls this Hope may comfort us Iob 19.26 27. And thoug◠after my Skin Worms destroy this Body yet in my Flesh shall I see God whom I shall see for my self and mine Eyes shall behold and not another tho my Reins be consumed within me 2. Long for it Hope cannot be without Groans Every day wind up your Affections for here is nothing but Conflicts and Sorrows Love to Christ cannot be without him it will never be content Nature desires Perfection Col. 3.1 2. If ye then be risen with Christ seek those things which are above where Christ sitteth at the right Hand of God Set your Affections on Things above not on Things on the Earth There is our God our Christ our Rest Where your Treasure is there will your Heart be also Mat. 6.22 not only the Mind but the Heart what we are much thinking of the Desires will be working that way The new Nature cannot be without these Desires every thing tendeth thither whence it came Eph. 1.3 Who hath blessed us with all spiritual Blessings 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in heavenly Places God sits in Heaven that dispenseth Grace Christ that conveyeth it thence come our Mercies Comforts and Joys therefore it is against the tendency of the new Nature not to be tending thither where Christ is who is our greatest Happiness There is your Father your elder Brother the best of the Family and your spiritual Relations whom you most valued the best Company is in the other World Here you have Maintenance as in a foreign Land but there is your Interest and Estate How unworthy soever we are there is infinite Mercy to give it there it acts like it self infinite Merit to purchase it there we receive the full Fruits of our Redemption and the present Fruits of the Spirit are the Earnest of it as an Earnest is something in part of a greater Sum. 3. Wait for it There are Groans of Expectation as well as of Desire You have a fair Charter granted by God the Father written with the Blood of Christ sealed by the Spirit To make your Expectation more firm consider 1. Christ's Goodness and Mercy Looking for the Mercy of our Lord Iesus Christ unto eternal Life Jude v. 21. He never discovered any backwardness to thy Good or inclination to thy Ruin 2. God's Faithfulness Heb. 9.18 19. That by two immutable things in which it was impossible for God to lie we might have strong Consolation God stands more on his Word than on Heaven and Earth If an honest Man has made a promise of any thing he will make it good much more may we depend on the faithful God 3. God's Power If our Souls were in our own keeping we might fear but we are kept by the Power of God through Faith unto Salvation 1 Pet. 1.5 Abraham being perswaded of God's Power against Hope believed in Hope Rom. 4.18 4. Christ's Merit and Intercession Rom. 8.34 Who is he that condemneth It is Christ that died yea rather that is risen again who is even at the right Hand of God who also maketh
the World whether Christ should come or no do you think carnal Men would give their Vote this way for Christ's Coming The Voice of corrupt Nature is Depart Iob 22.14 Therefore they say unto God Depart from us for we desire not the knowledg of thy Ways that 's the Language of their Hearts Carnal Men are of the Mind of the Devil when Christ wrought a Miracle in casting out a Devil and discovered somewhat of his Divine Power the Devils were afraid as if he were coming to Judgment already Matth. 8.29 Art thou come hither to torment us before the time The Devil cannot endure to hear of Christ's Coming no more can carnal Men for they are of his Mind If Thieves and Malefactors might have the Liberty to choose whether there should be Assizes yea or no do you think they would look for and long for the Judg's Coming and the Day of his Approach So corrupt Nature hath no Desire of this Day It is the Spirit in the Bride that says Come as soon as the Spirit of Grace works in us there is a Bent and Inclination this way 1 Pet. 1.3 Who hath begotten us again unto a lively Hope Spiritual Desires come from Heaven and thither they tend As soon as the Spirit works Grace in the Heart it looks out this way the Heart is bent thither from whence it receives all it hath as all Creatures love the Place of their Original The great Work of the Spirit is to bring us and Christ together The Spirit comes from the Father and the Son to bring us to the Father by the Son and therefore the Spirit stirs up those holy Groans in us When will he come Then look upon the Graces of a Christian there is Faith Love and Hope 1. Faith The Ground of this Looking is the Promise now Faith stands waiting for the Promise as if it were already begun to be accomplished Look as Rebeka espied Isaac a-far off so Faith espies Christ a-far off Faith is the Evidence of things not seen and looks upon Christ as if he were already on his way and so makes the Soul stand ready to meet and receive him As a loving Wife stands upon the Shoar and looks for the Return of her Husband and the Sight of every Ship makes her to realize by an active and loving Fancy the Sweetness of an Interview So Faith stands waiting for the Coming of Christ and the Approaches he makes towards the Church 2. Love 1 Pet. 1.8 Whom having not seen ye love The Saints love Christ whom they never saw We know Christ by hear-say here in the Church not by Sight he wooes us as Princes use to do by Picture therefore they long for his Appearing Whosoever is a Friend to Christ will find his Heart long for Christ of whom he hath so often heard in the Word and so often tasted in the Supper Love is an Affection of Union it desires to meet the Party loved so is Love to Christ it is not satisfied with the present State but it cries out Come come Why is his Chariot so long a coming It longs to see him whom it hath heard of so often and so much and of whose Sweetness it hath already tasted for this Love is not only kindled by the Knowledg we have of him by hear-say but by Experience Christ first comes in the Heart by Grace and then the Soul having tasted the Sweetness of it longs for another Coming When will he come in the Clouds that we may see him as he is And as Love to Christ so also Love to the Saints enkindles this Desire We have not all our Company here in the World and till we all meet together we shall never be satisfied 3. Hope that is another Grace God sitteth us with Graces as well as Happiness The Lord doth not only provide a glorious Estate for us but Grace to expect it and stirs up Affections in us sutable thereunto As in the privative Part of Salvation Christ doth not only deliver us from the Hurt of Death but from the Bondage and Fear of Death Despair is the Beginning of Hell So in the positive Part of Salvation the Lord doth not only provide Heaven and Happiness for us but Hope that we may look for this Happiness We are begotten again to a lively Hope 1 Pet. 1.3 And to wait for his Son from Heaven 1 Thess. 1.10 Hope was made on purpose for this thing that we expect our full and future Happiness When the Affection of Hope is elsewhere placed and turned to carnal things it is like a Member out of Joint It was made and framed on purpose that we might look for this glorious Appearing of Jesus Christ. 2. Look upon their Relation to Christ. There are two Relations the Scripture usually takes notice of with respect unto the Day of Judgment Christ is our Master and our Husband As he is our Master we must look for him It is the Property of a good Servant to wait for his Master 's Coming Mat. 24.46 Blessed is that Servant whom his Lord when he cometh shall find so doing Here we have only present Maintenance but hereafter we shall receive our Wages Rev. 22.12 Behold I come quickly and my Reward is with me A Servant of God should remember that when Christ comes he will not come empty-handed he is your good and bounteous Master Here you have but an Earnest as when you hire a Man you give him Earnest But now because God would not have our Affections to be servile therefore there is a sweeter Relation we are to look for him not only as a Lord and Master but as an Husband and therefore it is the Bride that saith Come Rev. 22.17 Here we are only contracted to Christ he hath pass'd his Promise to us but the Day of Judgment is the Day of solemn Espousals Hos. 2.19 I will betroth thee unto me for ever Here in the Covenant of Grace Christ doth pass a Promise to the Church here he comes to give us a Pledg and take a Pledg from us As Tertullian saith Christ took from us the Token and Pledg of our Flesh and is gone to Heaven to make all things ready and he hath left with us the Token of his own Spirit that so we might long for the time when he shall come again for the Consummation of this happy and glorious Marriage that is between him and us We are to wait for Glory as a Servant for his Master and as a Bride or Virgin betrothed doth wait for the Coming of him that hath promised Marriage to her 3. Look upon a Christian's Privileges which we shall then enjoy and certainly Christians must needs desire Christ's Coming The Day of Judgment is the Day of Manifestation the Day of Perfection the Day of Congregation and the Day of Glorification 1. It is called a Day of Manifestation of the Sons of God Rom. 8.19 The earnest Expectation of the Creature waiteth for the Manifestation of
whenever we have to do with him Our Affections should be mix'd as Christ's Titles are It is said of the Church Acts 9.31 They walked in the Fear of the Lord and in the Comfort of the Holy Ghost This doth well together fear God and rejoice in God Do not dally with a Saviour and please your selves in cherishing a loose Comfort when you neglect Duty and are touched with no Awe of God and then do not indulge a legal Dejection the great God whom you dread and reverence is your Saviour Therefore are the Titles of Christ mix'd to beget a sweet Temperature of Fear and Love So much for the conjunct Consideration of the Words II. Let us come to handle them apart particularly but briefly First of the Stile of his Power The Great God Here is a pregnant Testimony of the Deity of Christ. Doct. That Iesus Christ together with the Father and the Holy Ghost is the Great God He is called the great God partly in opposition to those 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that are only called Gods the Vanities of the Gentiles there are many that are called Gods 1 Cor. 8.5 6. For though there be that are called Gods whether in Heaven or in Earth as there be Gods many and Lords many but to us there is but one God the Father of whom are all things and we in him and one Lord Iesus Christ by whom are all things and we by him And partly in opposition to the Gods of Man's making so the Devil is gotten to be a God The God of this World hath blinded the Eyes of them which believe not 2 Cor. 4.4 So we read of those whose God is their Belly Phil. 3.19 As the Strength of Mens Desires run out so they set up many Gods either Mammon or Bacchus And partly in Opposition to those representative Gods Magistrates who are called Gods Psal. 82.6 I said ye are Gods They resemble God in their Power and Soveraignty and Administration of Justice and large Opportunity of doing Good But the chief Reason why Christ is called the great God is to shew that he is not inferiour to the Father to remove the Scandal of his Abasement He is not a God by Courtesy or Grant but by Nature equal in Power and Majesty and Glory to God the Father To confirm this I shall prove First That considering his Work he ought to be God no inferiour Mediator could serve the turn Secondly That he is God and able to perform this Work First Consider his Work and so he ought to be God The Work of the Mediator could be dispatched by no inferiour Agent Consider the Mediator in all his Offices as Prophet Priest and King 1. For his Prophetical Office As a Prophet he was to be greater than all Prophets and Apostles It is above Man's Capacity to be the greaâ— Doctor of the Church In regard of his outward Work the Discovery of the Gospel and of the Riches of God's Grace it could be made by none but he that was in the Bosom of the Father Iohn 1.18 No Man hath seen God at any time the only begotten Son which is in the Bosom of the Father he hath declared him None could tell us what Bowels what Affections what Purposes of Grace the Father had concerning Sinners but Christ that was in his Bosom Mat. 11.27 No Man knoweth the Father but the Son and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him As an external Law-giver in the Gospel Christ the great Doctor of the Church ought to be Authentick a Law-giver from whose Sentence there is no Appeal a Lord in his own House Heb. 3.4 5 6. For every House is builded by some Man but he that built all things is God And Moses verily was faithful in all his House as a Servant for a Testimony of those things which were to be spoken after but Christ as a Son over his own House Moses was but a Servant who received the external Law from Christ upon Mount Sinai it was Christ whose Voice shook the Mount Heb. 12.26 But chiefly in regard of his inward Work as he is to be a Fountain of Wisdom to all the Elect 1 Cor. 1.30 But of him are ye in Christ Iesus who of God is made unto us Wisdom Men may teach the Ear but Christ must teach the Heart Blind Men cannot see the Sun though it shine never so clearly Light is come into the World but Darkness comprehends it not we must have Eyes as well as Light now it is only Divine Power can open the Eye of our Understanding and give us spiritual Illumination 2. As for his Kingly Office a finite Power would never suffice for that Christ is to break the Force of Enemies to raise the Dead to pour out the Spirit to bestow Grace and Glory all these are Christ's Donatives as King of the Church As a King he is to be an Original Fountain of Life to all the Elect As the living Father hath sent me and I live by the Father so he that eateth me even he shall live by me John 6.57 All these things are the Glory of God which he will not give to another and they cannot be performed by any but God The Creatures are limited they have not such a Vastness in them that out of their Fulness we might receive Grace for Grace as we do from Christ Iohn 1.16 Of his Fulness have we all received and Grace for Grace 3. For his Priestly Office this shews he ought to be God Of this there be two Acts his Oblation and Intercession 1. For his Oblation and Sacrifice he must offer up himself one for all and that but once and that to expiate Sin and procure the Favour of God for ever now who could do this but God And he must offer up himself he must be Priest as well as Sacrifice therefore must have a Power over his own Life to lay it down and take it up and that no Creature hath for whether we live or die we are the Lord 's And thus had Jesus Christ an absolute Power of Life and Death over that Nature he assumed therefore it is said Heb. 9.14 Who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without Spot to God Then one must be offered for all 2 Cor. 5.14 If one died for all then were all dead Therefore that Person which suffered was to be virtually all those for whom he suffered that is infinitely as good and better than all Look as they said to David Thou art better than ten thousand of us so Jesus Christ that was given one for all must be such a Person as is better than all Men. A General given in Ransom will redeem thousands of private Souldiers so the Worth of Christ's Person made him equivalent in Dignity to the Worâ—h of all those whose Persons he sustained In all Ages his Death is a standing Remedy God had more Satisfaction than if Angels and Men had been made a Sacrifice And mark it was done but
I would Gal. 5.17 Go to Christ for help he was sent for this purpose to redeem you from Iniquity and dissolve the Devil's Work 1 John 3.8 For this purpose the Son of God was manifested that he might destroy the Works of the Devil It is his Office to purge the Church to set us at Liberty to destroy Satan's Power to free us from our Passions and Corruptions therefore go complain to him of the strength of your Sins for he will help you Vse 4. Comfort in our Conflicts You are sure of a final Victory before you enter into the Combate e're long we shall be out of the reach of Temptation and the Spirit shall be all in all Vse 5. Examination 1. Art thou sensible of thy natural Bondage so as to grieve under it As the Apostle Rom. 7.23 24. I see another Law in my Members warring against the Law of my Mind and bringing me into Captivity to the Law of Sin which is in my Members O wretched Man that I am who shall deliver me from the Body of this Death If it be not thus with thee Redemption by Christ will never be precious there is sighing and weariness they lay their sad Estate to Heart as the Church hung their Harps upon the Willows it is the Grief of their Souls that their Lusts held them in Captivity The Children of God complain more of the Relicks of Sin than wicked Men do of the full Power of it 2. Hast thou any Freedom Sense of Bondage is a good Preparative but it is not enough All Christ's Subjects are Kings they rule over their own Lusts though not freed from them altogether they strive against them and keep them under And there is not only a freedom from Ill but a freedom to Good Psal. 110.3 Thy People shall be willing in the Day of thy Power They do not serve God by Constraint but are free to Good and serve God with a great chearfulness as before they served their Lusts. Rom. 7.22 I delight in the Law of God after the inward Man They consult with the Word of God which was before their Bondage and Terror they have an Ability and Strength to do that which is Good there is a new Life in them yet so as they are still excited by the Spirit Vse 6. It informeth us what is true Liberty not to live at large John 8.36 If the Son therefore shall make you free you shall be free indeed Not to have Power and Sovereignty over others not to exercise Command and Authority over others but to subdue our Lusts not to be left to our selves to do what we please that is the greatest Bondage Rom. 6.20 VVhen ye were the Servants of Sin ye were free from Righteousness but to do the Will of God 1 John 3.5 And ye know that he was manifested to take away our Sins and in him is no Sin He died to take away Sin and to make us like himself that the World might know that he was a pure and holy Saviour SERMON XXI TITUS II. 14 And purifying unto himself a peculiar People c. IN this latter Branch I observed Christ's Act and then his Aim His Act he gave himself His Aim and Intention And here is the privative part of Deliverance To redeem us from all Iniquity This I have finished I come to the Positive part And purify to himself a peculiar People zealous of good VVorks He never communicates his Blessings where he doth not bestow his Grace He did not only free us from Hell but from Sin It is well for the Godly that Christ came to take away the proud and carnal Heart to take away Corruption and Iniquity which is their greatest Eye-sore But this is not all there is a positive Blessing Christ did not only come to deliver us from Sin but communicate Grace That he might purify to himself a peculiar People Two Points I shall open to you I. That whomsoever Christ maketh his People he first purifieth them or by purifying them maketh them his People II. Those that are purified are reckoned his Treasure or peculiar People Doct. I. That whomsoever Christ maketh his People he first purifieth them or by purifying maketh them his People Here I shall shew you 1 st The Necessity 2 dly The Manner of it First The Necessity of this Purification 1. In regard of God Father Son and Holy Ghost Every Person in the God-head in the dispensation of Grace hath a distinct personal Operation Election is ascribed to the Father Redemption to the Son and effectual Application to the Holy Ghost Now every one of these Operations respects Holiness Election Ephes. 1.4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the Foundation of the World that we might be holy and without blame before him in Love Redemption Ephes. 5.25 26. Christ loved the Church and gave himself for it that he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of Water by the Word Sanctification 2 Thess. 2.13 God hath from the beginning chosen you to Salvation through Sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the Truth It is for the Honour of every Person that their Intention may not be frustrate and chiefly upon this ground because by this means they would justify and honour their personal Operation to the World Those that are chosen by the Father must be of a choice Spirit Christ will not be the Head of an ulcerous Body he will not be like Nebuchadnezzar's Image whose Head was of fine Gold his Breast and his Arms of Silver his Belly and his Thighs of Brass his Legs of Iron his Feet part of Iron and part of Clay Dan. 2.32 33. A beautiful Head upon a Negro's Body is monstrous We are Vessels formed and set apart for the Master's use Those that are under his forming come new out of the Forge Unclean Vessels can never be used to any good purpose unless they be washed and sweetned They are to be looked upon as God's Choice Christ's Purchase and the Spirit 's Charge Or if you will have it in other Relations they are God's Children Christ's Members and the Spirit 's Temples God's Children must resemble their Father Christ's Members must be like their Head and the Holy Ghost will not dwell in a defiled Temple 2. With respect to themselves and their relation to one another they must be purified 1 Pet. 1.22 Seeing that ye have purified your selves in obeying the Truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned Love of the Brethren see that ye love one another with a pure Heart fervently The Purification of our own Souls maketh us to love Purity in others for Similitude is the ground of Delight and Complacency No Man can delight in the Purity of others unless he be in some measure purified himself Holy Men are only fit for this Communion and Society others go in the way of Cain Jude v. 11. Who was of that wicked one and slew his Brother And wherefore slew he him because his own
Works were evil and his Brother 's righteous 1 Joh. 3.12 Carnal Professors that creep into the Church unawares are full of Envy Strife and Wrath. How can we edify one another in the holy Faith unless we be first holy A Man would think they should be purified to the Love of God nay but they must be purified to the Love of the Brethren 3. With respect to the World A distinct Body should have a distinct Excellency They are a People distinct from the World they are set apart for God Psal. 4.3 Know that the Lord hath set apart him that is godly for himself They are a chosen Generation Many other Societies excel the Church for Strength Policy and worldly Pomp but Holiness and Purity is the Church's Badg Psal. 93.5 Holiness becometh thy House O Lord for ever God's peculiar People must have a peculiar Excellency upon a double ground 1. Because of Likeness to God Exod. 15.11 Who is like unto thee O Lord among the Gods who is like thee glorious in Holiness It is God's Glory and therefore the Churches God is rich in Mercy but glorious in Holiness his Treasure is his Goodness but his Honour is his Holiness and immaculate Purity as among Men their Wealth is distinguished from their Honour 2. Because all the Ordinances hold it forth especially the Ordinance of Initiation So that it is the greatest Hypocrisy in the World to pretend to be God's People and not to be holy because they wear the Badges of Holiness they all come in by the washing of Water Men forget their Baptism 2 Pet. 1.9 He hath forgotten that he was purged from his old Sins Men that are only whited over with the Name of Christians and Sin is still new and fresh as an old thing they forget the Effect of their Baptism That a washed Man should be so foul and noisom still sure they forget or do not know what it is to be baptized into Christ. Secondly The Manner how he purifieth them There is on Christ's part the Spirit and Ordinances and his Merit reacheth to both and on our part Faith 1. On Christ's part 1. The Spirit is necessary Titus 3.5 He saved us by the washing of Regeneration and renewing of the Holy Ghost The Holy Ghost applieth all the Grace which the Father intendeth and Christ hath purchased We are usually said to be saved by the Blood of Christ that was the Merit and Price There was a Grant on God the Father's part Rev. 19.8 To her it was granted to be arrayed in fine Linen clean and white An Authentick Act passeth in the Court of Heaven that we shall have fine Linen as Esther had Garments out of the King's Wardrobe But this is founded on Christ's Merits the Stream in which we are washed flowed out of Christ's Heart 1 Iohn 1.7 The Blood of Iesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all Sin But then the Holy Ghost as the Executor of Christ's Will and Testament worketh and applieth all The Merit of the Creature is excluded by Christ's Merit and the Father's Grant the Power of the Creature is excluded by the Work of the Spirit he worketh with a respect to Christ's Blood As in the cleansing of the Leper the Bird was to be killed over running Water Levit. 14.5 So in the cleansing of the Sinner there is the Merit of Christ and the Work of the Spirit 1 Cor. 6.11 But ye are washed but ye are sanctified but ye are justified in the Name of the Lord Iesus and by the Spirit of our God If we come to the Father the Father sends us to the Son otherwise he could not look upon us the Son sends us to the Spirit the Spirit sends us to Moses and the Prophets 2. The Ordinances Ephes. 5.26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of Water by the Word These are the Ordinances that are specially consecrated and to which Christ's Merit reacheth he hath not only procured the Gift of the Spirit but a Blessing on the Means that we may use them with Confidence The Word helpeth us by way of Declaration and Offer and Baptism concurreth sacramentally by way of signing and sealing and so it is a Means to confirm and provoke the Faith of a Receiver to lay hold on this Grace The Ordinances are an help to call to mind Baptism It is not good to balk the known and ordinary Means of Grace Christ hath purchased a Treasure that cannot be wasted Iohn 17.19 And for their sakes I sanctify my self that they also may be sanctified through the Truth When you come to hear you come to receive the Fruits of Christ's Purchase 2. On our part there is required Faith which also purifieth Acts 15.9 Purifying their Hearts by Faith Christ's Blood cleanseth the Gospel cleanseth Baptism cleanseth the Spirit cleanseth Faith cleanseth all these are not contrary but subordinate neither Christ nor the Word nor the Spirit worketh without an Act on our parts As under the Law the Priest was not only to wash and cleanse the Leper who herein represented God but also after the sprinkling of the Priest he was to wash himself Lev. 14.8 And he that is to be cleansed shall wash his Clothes and shave off all his Hair and wash himself in Water that he may be clean to shew that some Work is required on our part The Work of Faith is to apply to wait to work by Reflection and to stir up Love 1. To apply the Promises of God the Offers of Grace in the Word and the Blood of Christ and all these to purge out Corruption It applieth the Blood of Christ urgeth the Soul with it he died to purchase that Grace which thou wantest The Water and Soap cleanseth but the Hand of the Landress must apply it and rub the Clothes that are washed This is called sprinkling the Conscience with the Blood of Christ Heb. 10.22 Let us draw near with a true Heart in full assurance of Faith having our Heart sprinkled from an evil Conscience and our Bodies washed with pure Water We should thus argue with our selves Surely Christ died to sanctify Sinners his Death cannot be in vain Grace is bought at a dear rate in the offers of the Word God maketh a tender why should I not accept of it Heb. 4.2 For unto us was the Word preached as well as unto them but the Word preached did not profit them not being mixed with Faith in them that heard it But we do not say What shall we say to these things By Faith the Plaister is laid on the Sore 2. In the Use of Means it waiteth for the sanctifying Virtue of the Blood of Christ and looketh upon them as Ordinances under a Blessing Isa. 45.24 Surely shall one say In the Lord have I Righteousness and Strength It casts out the Net at Christ's Commandment Micah 7.19 He will turn again he will have Compassion on us he will subdue our Iniquities and thou wilt cast all their Sins
Here is God to satisfy us There is an infinite Latitude in the Object of Faith Father Son and Holy Ghost with all their Powers and Capacities to do us Good No Pain so great but he can mitigate or remove it no Danger so dreadful or so likely but he can prevent it no Misery so deep but he can deliver us from it no Enemies so strong but he can vanquish them no Want that he cannot supply Gen. 17.1 The Lord appeared to Abraham and said unto him I am the Almighty God walk before me and be thou perfect When we have a Want that God cannot supply or a Sickness that God cannot cure or a Danger that he cannot prevent or a Misery that he cannot remove or can produce any Enemies or Creatures that are too hard for God then we have leave to yield to Trouble and Despondency of Heart Chuse God as your Portion and chief Happiness and you shall want nothing Psal. 23.6 Surely Goodness and Mercy shall follow me all the Days of my Life Surely could we more believe in God our Hearts would be more ballanced and kept steady not tost up and down with various Occurrences Whatever falleth out we have a God still to rejoice in and depend upon Habak 3.18 Yet will I rejoice in the Lord I will joy in the God of my Salvation He supposeth himself not only in some necessity but in extremity not only kept bare but reduced to nothing 2 Cor. 6.10 As sorrowful yet alway rejoicing as poor yet making many rich as having nothing and yet possessing all things You have all things in him 2. Here is Christ as Mediator We have great Advantage by that Consideration 1. Hereby we see God in our Nature and so nearer at hand and ready to help us and more accessible for us to come at than as God considered in the mere Deity John 1.14 The VVord was made Flesh and dwelt amongst us God is come down and become our Neighbour yea like one of us Bone of our Bone and Flesh of our Flesh. Though he has removed his Dwelling again into Heaven yet it is for our sakes our Nature is there though our Persons be not He is sat down as our Agent Heb. 8.1 VVe have such an High-Priest who is sat on the right Hand of the Throne of the Majesty in the Heavens Heb. 4.15 For we have not an High-Priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our Infirmities but was in all Points tempted like as we are yet without Sin God in our Flesh will not be strange to us We are bidden Isa. 58.7 not to hide our selves from our own Flesh. Gen. 29.14 And Laban said unto him Surely thou art my Bone and my Flesh and he abode with him 2. In the Mystery of Redemption all the Divine Persons put themselves in an Order for our Faith to take hold of Faith may close with any one of the Persons of the Blessed Trinity provided we divide not the Divine Essence in our Thoughts But in the Mystery of Redemption all is made obvious and handy to our Faith The Father considered as the Fountain of the Deity to whom we come for Grace and Mercy The second Person clothed with our Flesh through whom we come Being assisted and enabled to come by the Holy Spirit who is the third Person Eph. 2.18 For through him we both have an Access by one Spirit unto the Father This is that full and satisfying Object with which Faith closeth when it acteth most distinctly In the Father there we see original Love or original Authority and infinite free Grace Iohn 3.16 For God so loved the VVorld that he gave his only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting Life In the Son everlasting Righteousness and Redemption Heb. 9.12 Neither by the Blood of Goats and Calves but by his own Blood he entred in once into the holy Place having obtained eternal Redemption for us In the Spirit infinite Virtue and Power for the applying of Christ's Purchase for he createth a new Spirit in us he createth the Fruit of the Lips Peace Peace It is God that must be satisfied and by God must this Satisfaction be made and by him that is God must this Satisfaction be applied before we can have the Comfort of it You have all in one Verse 1 Pet. 1.2 Elect according to the fore-knowledg of God the Father through the Sanctification of the Spirit unto Obedience and the sprinkling of the Blood of Iesus Christ. So ver 21 22. VVho by him do believe in God that raised him up from the Dead and gave him Glory that your Faith and Hope might be in God seeing ye have purified your Souls in obeying the Truth through the Spirit In the Father we see Elective Love in the Son there is full Redemption and by the Spirit effectual Application The Father appoints Blessedness to us the Son purchaseth it for us and the Holy Ghost carrieth it on powerfully and invincibly The Salvation of poor Sinners is a Work wherein all the Persons of the blessed Trinity are engaged and do concur therein by a several distinct personal Operation Surely that is a noble Work wherein such Agents are imployed and our Hearts must be raised to give equal Glory to all the Persons knowingly and distinctly and explicitely The Father out of his good Pleasure electing Sinners to Grace and Glory The Son by his Obedience and Suffering purchasing the same for them The Holy Ghost by his Power working Grace in them and preparing them for that Blessedness which the Father hath appointed and Christ hath purchased for them 3. In believing of Christ as Mediator our Troubles are stopped at the Fountain-head It is not the Wrath and Fury of the Creature but the Wrath of God which maketh us miserable and nothing can fully comfort us if God be apprehended as an Enemy or not fully reconciled to us Now God was in Christ reconciling the World to himself 2 Cor. 5.19 There was Enmity stopped God in our Nature suffering for us dying for us and paying a full Ransom for our Sins so that now all true Believers may draw nigh to him as a reconciled God for Christ hath merited Favour for all those who come to God by him 4. By believing in Christ as Mediator we may be assured of his purchase of Glory for us which is the great Cordial against all Trouble whatsoever 1 Thess. 5.9 10. For God hath not appointed us to Wrath but to obtain Salvation by Iesus Christ who died for us that whether we wake or sleep we should live together with him He biddeth them comfort one another with these Words ver 18. When a great Judgment is a coming upon Men because of their Sins a Believer is Affliction-proof because he hath secured his eternal Interests by Christ. Here our Lord Jesus telleth them he was going to Heaven to prepare a Place for them Whilst we flatter our selves with temporal
Affection Yea in the Pen-men of Scripture you may observe a Variety Iohn is sublime and seraphical Paul rational and argumentative Peter writeth in a more easy fluent milky way So in the Old Testament Isaiah more Court-like and lofty Ieremiah more Priestly and gravely c. Every one hath his different Character and way of writing Among the saving Graces you may observe a diversity tho all have all in some measure for the new Creature must not be maimed nor in any part wanting yet some are more eminent for one Grace some for another as Abraham for Faith Iob for Patience Moses for Meekness Timothy for Temperance And Grace it self worketh according to the diversity of Tempers some are modest and mild others bold and zealous some are mourning for Sin others are wrapt up in the Admiration of the Grace of God in Jesus Christ some are exemplary for strictness and weanedness from the Delights of the animal Life others are industrious in Service So true is that of the Apostle 1 Cor. 7.7 Every one hath his proper Gift of God one after this manner and another after that That is some have this others that special Excellency whereby to glorify God And again Rom. 12.6 Having Gifts differing according to the Grace that is given unto us 3. They are not given to all in a like measure some have more others have less This is also spoken in Scripture Eph. 4.7 To every one of us is given Grace according to the measure of the Gift of Christ. Rom. 12.3 As God hath dealt to every Man the measure of Faith And once more Eph. 4.16 According to the effectual working in the measure of every part The measure of Christ respects the Author the measure of Faith the Benefit of the Receiver the measure of a part our Office in the Body All have their peculiar Function according to their several Designations and all this that every Man may be doing according to his best Capacity With respect to this variety some are weak some are strong Rom. 14.1 some have little and some have great Faith some are Fathers some young Men some Babes in Christ 1 Iohn 2.13 14. And our Lord in his Charge to Peter concerning his Pastoral Office distinguisheth between 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 his little Lambs and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 his Sheep Joh. 21.15 16. Feed my Lambs feed my Sheep This is very sutable to the Notion of a Body to which the Community of Christians is often resembled For as in the natural Body all Members are not of equal Growth and Bigness so it is in the Mystical Body of Christ there is a different measure in each part that there may be a meet Symmetry in the whole Besides all Members have not a like Office therefore God's Spirit giveth not all a like measure of Knowledg and other Gifts If all were of equal Strength for Faith Wisdom and other Graces the matter and occasion of sundry principal Duties would be taken away there would be no need that one Christian should edify another bear with one another avoid the Offence of another give help to another restore another Well then let us observe this measure for plainly there is a threefold difference 1. In the degree of the Gifts some have more Means some have more common Grace knowing their Master's Will which is a great Talent and Obligation some have greater Obligations and therefore greater Condemnation if they answer it not Iohn 3.19 This is the Condemnation that Light is come into the World and Men loved Darkness rather than Light because their Deeds were evil 2. In Opportunity Phil. 4.10 Ye lacked Opportunity Certainly the lack or want of Opportunity of doing good not through our Default doth excuse or justify the forbearance of it But when we have it we should take hold of it 1 Cor. 16.9 A great Door and effectual is opened unto me and there are many Adversaries The Door opened noteth Opportunity The Resistance of Adversaries is not a Discouragement but maketh it more necessary not to suffer it to be shut again Now all have not like Opportunity 3. In degree of Success It is ordered as God pleaseth some have more some have less Acts 17.34 Howbeit certain Men clave to him and believed Seldom doth God light a Candle but he hath some lost Groat to seek yet sometimes few are gathered for God is Debtor to none II. The Reasons 1. To shew the free Soveraignty of God who may do with his own as it pleaseth him And he will be known to be the supream Lord in the Distribution of his Gifts and Graces 1 Cor. 12.11 All these worketh that one and the self-same Spirit dividing to every Man severally as he will As for Graces Mat. 11.26 Even so Father for so it seemed good in thy sight And as for Gifts God is arbitrary in his Gifts but not in his Judgments Gifts are not given as we will but as God willeth The Spirit is compared to Wind not only for his Force but his Liberty Iohn 3.8 The Wind bloweth where it listeth and thou hearest the sound thereof but canst not tell whence it cometh and whither it goeth so is every one that is born of the Spirit God doth not only dispense Riches and Honours as he pleaseth and common Gifts of Knowledg and Utterance but saving Graces To some they are not given and where they are given to some it is in a larger to others in a more scanty measure 2. These things are given by Christ in a different Proportion that the World may know that all fulness is only in himself Col. 1.19 It pleased the Father that in him all fulness should dwell The greatest Gifts and Graces which God bestoweth on any is far below that Fulness which is in Christ. We have the Spirit by measure but Christ without measure Iohn 3.34 For God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him He giveth to none so much but still there is somewhat wanting and they who have received most are capable of receiving more In him there is not only plenitudo sufficientiae but redundantiae a fulness of Sufficiency but of Redundance not only plenitudo vasis but fontis not only the fulness of the Vessel but of the Fountain And so a manifest difference between Head and Members 3. To shew his singular Love Care and Providence for and towards the Church such a Body as that is needeth distinct Offices and because there is a diversity of Imployments and Offices which must not be confounded therefore doth he enable his Servants with neeedful Gifts and Graces Rom. 12.4 All Members have not the same Office some are designed for this Function and Use and some for that Now as Offices are divers so are Gifts and Graces Isa. 54.11 12. I will lay thy Foundations with Saphires I will make thy Windows of Agats and thy Gates of Carbuncles and all thy Borders of pleasant Stones The Church is there compared to a
that Riches are evil in themselves but that it is hard for such Creatures as we to possess them without sinful and inordinate Affections 4. Consider who it is that speaks it Alas if it had been the saying of any private Divine or particular Minister we might tax it as rash and rigorous but the mouth of Truth it self hath spoken it even Jesus Christ whom we own as our Lord and Master He knew the way of Salvation and knew the state and danger of Souls and he hath interposed his Authority and represents the difficulty It is Jesus Christ that had so much Wisdom to judge aright of matters Jesus Christ that had so much regard to the Comfort and Happiness of Men that he would not fright them with a needless danger and therefore certainly you should take such an Admonition to Heart from the mouth of him whom you call your Lord and Master and from whom at last you expect your doom and judgment he hath said it If any wise Man hath said it from the Experience of almost all Ages and Persons you ought to have regarded it but when our Lord hath said it he who is the Amen the Faithful and true Witness why should we not believe him I pray what do you think of Christ was not he able to judge of the Case It was the saying of Plato 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 It is impossible to be excellently good and eminently rich Therefore Celsus a Heathen who sought all occasions to disgrace the Gospel saith that Christ borrowed this saying of Plato but he is confuted by Origen in his Book against him This proud Heathen was sensible there was Wisdom in the speech therefore he would deprive Christ of the Honour of it But now since we believe the Doctrine of Christ and own it as the Speech of Christ who is our Lord and Master therefore it should more sink into our Hearts Thus for the Explanation of the Point from the Circumstances of the Text. II. Let us see whence this difficulty doth arise I answer Because of the sins to which a wealthy Estate doth expose us 1. Riches are apt to breed Atheism and Contempt of God They that are wholly drowned in Pleasures of Sense do not look into the Invisible World and see God which is the Father of Spirits Prov. 30.9 Lest I be full and deny thee and say who is the Lord There is a Practical Atheism when Men forget or despise God and a Speculative Atheism when they deny God Now the Rich are apt to do both A Man that tumbles in Wealth Ease and Plenty is apt to forget and despise God But Jesurun waxed fat and kicked thou art waxen fat thou art grown thick thou art covered with fatness then he forsook God which made him and lightly esteemed the rock of his Salvation Deut. 32.15 Nay in some sort they deny God they live as if there were no God at all none to call them to Account Men that have seen no Changes and were never humbled under God's mighty hand never think of an Invisible Power I remember the Psalmist saith Psal. 55.19 Because they have no Changes therefore they fear not God they have not an Awe or Reverence or due sense of a Divine Power upon their Hearts because they never have been acquainted with Changes the Condition they have lived in hath been a constant tenour of Worldly Happiness So Zeph. 1.12 They are settled upon their Lees that is are not tossed from Vessel to Vessel as Wine that is racked They live in an even course of Worldly Prosperity and in abundance of Worldly Comforts without a Change and this choaks and gluts the Heart that they have no sense of the Lord's Goodness Changes do more awaken us and make us look to God as the Fountain of good and evil Isne vices magis in nobis excitant sensum divinae bonitatis quà m continuus tenor faelicitatis qui nos inebriat In short The Pleasures and Thoughts of the World do so take up their Hearts that there is no place for any serious thought and solemn remembrance of God such as should beget an awe in us It is said Isa. 5.12 The Harp and the Viol and Tabret and Pipe and Wine are in their Feasts but they regard not the work of the Lord neither consider the operation of his hands Thoughts of God are suppressed as soon as they do arise and they take no notice of the work of God's hands nor what he doth in their days to revive the sense of his Eternal Power and Godhead nor do they take their Comforts out of God's hands but look altogether to natural and to second Causes as being sufficient to themselves to live of themselves Indeed they may seem in Opinion to own a God as others do they take up the current Opinions and perform customary Worship but they do not glorifie him as God or repair to him with that life and fervency as those that stand in need of him nor consecrate their best Time and Strength and Affections to his Service It is usually the broken-hearted godly poor and those that have had frequent Experiences of the Changes of Providence that exercise themselves to Godliness and seek after God in good earnest The great Landlord of the World hath more Rent from many poor Cottages than from divers great Pallaces for they wallow in Plenty and never think of God 2. Riches keep Men from being broken-hearted and seeing their need of Christ. It is the poor needy Soul sensible of its own sin and misery that is likely to thrive in Religon and prosper in any heavenly design and pursuit Now those that are rich have so many entertainments of sense to inveagle their minds and divert their thoughts and are so besotted and inchanted with present delights and Pleasures that they have no feeling of their Condition or sense of the necessity of God's Grace therefore it is our Lord begins his description of Blessedness Mat. 5.3 Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven How few of them that are rich in Estate are poor in spirit the sense of their present Ease and Welfare makes them forget all thoughts of their spiritual Condition and reconciling themselves to God by Christ. The Prodigal never thought of going to his Father 'till he began to be in want Luk. 15.17 18. While Men have any thing in the World they are senseless and secure in the midst of all their sin and â—isery and if they can live without God and apart from God they will not come at him Ier. 2.31 Wherefore say my people We are Lordâ— we will come no more unto thee As if this merry World would always last and there were no Judgment to come and God would never bring them into his Presence but they live a Life of Estrangement from God they can live upon themselves and their own supplies and things that fall to them by the Bounty of God's Providence 3.
their Trouble and Astonishment graciously looketh upon them and in words full of Comfort giveth a Solution of that which was such a Riddle to them And Iesus looking upon them saith c. Here we have 1. Christ's Jesture Iesus looked upon them 2. Christ's Answer by a Distinction how it is impossible and how not In the first part of the Distinction there is a Concession That with Men it is impossible In the second Branch there is a Correction but not with God This latter Branch is Confirmed by a general Reason for with God all things are possible In this Text three things are asserted 1. The Impotency of Nature 2. The Sovereign Efficacy of Grace 3. The general Truth upon which it is grounded and that is the Omnipotency of God Accordingly the Points are three 1. That it is impossible for meer Man by his own Natural strength to get to Heaven 2. Men that are discouraged with the sense of their own Impotency should consider the Power of God 3. That this Power of God is Alsufficient and can do all things 1 Doct. That it is impossible for meer Man by his own Natural strength to get to Heaven Two things will Evidence that 1. There is Legalis Exclusio We are all Excluded by the Sentence of God's Law and therefore it is impossible for any meer Man to get to Heaven The Law knows no way of Justifying a Sinner but only of Saving a Creature Holy and Innocent and if we be not Holy and Innocent there is a Sentence in force against us That Scripture expresses the Tenor of the Law Gal. 3.10 For as many as are of the Works of the Law are under the Curse for it is written Cursed is every one that continneth not in all things which are written in the Book of the Law to do them An Innocent Nature is presupposed for the Person must continue it doth not say now begin The Law doth not treat with Man as lapsed or fallen or as having already broken with God but as in a good and sound Estate and therefore since by the Fall we are Sinners we are also under the Curse by Nature Eph. 2.3 And were by Nature the Children of Wrath even as others Lyable to the stroke of God's Vindictive Wrath. Well now with Man it is impossible God hath placed a Cherub with a Flaming Sword that keeps the Passage into Paradise Heaven Gates are shut against us now no meer Man can appease an Angry God or redeem his Soul from the Curse that keeps him out of Heaven We are weak and without strength Rom. 5.6 For when we were yet without strength in due time Christ dyed for the ungodly Weakness or without Strength there beareth the same sence with Unworthiness We are unable to perform the Work or Duty through the Curse of the first Covenant and when we were altogether sinful and unworthy then Christ dyed for us and therefore it is impossible in regard of his Legal Exclusion For suppose we could obey perfectly for the future yet the paying of New Debts doth not quit Old Scores We are without strength because we cannot expiate former Transgressions and so the Law is become impossible through the weakness of our Flesh Rom. 8.3 For what the Law 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. There is Evangelica difficultas there are Difficulties by the Gospel which meer Man cannot overcome Tho' the Gospel giveth hopes of Entrance into Heaven or reversing the strict Conditions of the Law yet upon such Terms as we must be beholden to Grace for them Christ that requires the Conditions of the Gospel must also give them to us Acts 5.31 Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour for to give Repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins He is not only a Prince and Law-giver but also a Saviour or the Author and Fountain of Grace He doth not only give the Priviledge Reâ—â—ssion but he gives the Condition Repentance If you conceive of Christ that he doth give the Priviledge and require the Conditions and no more you Legalize Christ as the Samaritans had a Temple without an Ark and a Mercy-seat so to speak of a Law without Grace or if you separate the Law of the Gospel from the Grace of the Gospel it is impossible Why is it thus impossible with Man upon Gospel-Terms the Legal Impossibility all will acknowledge but whence is this Evangelical Difficulty It ariseth from three things There is Vitios a Contrarietas a Corrupt Nature there are â—xterna Impedimenta many outward Snares and there is Inimica Oppositio a great deal of Enmity and Opposition therefore with Man it is impossible 1. There is Vitiosa Contrarietas a Corrupt Nature enclined to evil and averse to good Gen. 6.5 God saw that the wickedness of Man was great in the Earth and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually Man hath such a Heart that if left to it self will always be minting evil Thoughts and evil Desires and carnal and inordinate Motions And as the Heart of Man is prone to evil so it is averse to what is good and so averse that it cannot do any of the great Duties that God hath required of him Look upon this averseness and impotency with respect to Duties he cannot know believe nor obey He cannot Know 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 And he cannot Believe Iâ—h 6.44 No man can come to me except the Father which hath sent me draw him it is not said he doth not but he cannot And he cannot Obey Rom. 8.7 The carnal mind is Enmity against God for it is not subject to the Law of God neither indeed can be And consider this Impotency with respect to our Thoughts Words and Deeds he cannot think a good Thought 2 Cor. 3.5 Not that we are sufficient of our selves to think any thing as of our selves he cannot speak a good word Matth. 12.34 How can ye being evil speak good things he cannot do any good thing Iohn 15.5 Without me ye can do nothing He doth not say Nihil magnum you can do no great thing you cannot acquit your selves in some Eminent Temptation with honour or in some notable Duty but Nihil you can do nothing without me Well then when we cannot know nor believe nor obey nor think nor speak nor do any thing without Grace surely it is impossible Man of himself should perform the Conditions of the Gospel he is wholly Impotent and unable to help himself 2. There are Externa Impedimenta Outward Impediments Man is Impotent and Corrupt naturally and his Corruption is fed and strengthened by worldly things and so his outward Condition
of great Authority and Influence over the Carnal World of great cunning and dexterity in setting our Sins a work certainly unless we be strong in the Lord and in the power of his might there is no standing Eph. 6.10.12 compared But why hath God left it impossible to Man when he hath offered hopes by the New Covenant 1. That all the Glory of the Good that is in us may redound unto his Grace Eph. 1.6 To the praise of the glory of his Grace wherein he hath made us accepted in the Beloved That is God's End in the New Covenant that we might ever admire and highly esteem his Glorious Grace And therefore it is not only Grace that opens the Door that removes the flaming Sword that is against us that takes away the Curse of God but in the whole business of Salvation all is to be ascribed to Grace It is not of him that willeth nor of him that runneth but of God that sheweth mercy Rom. 9.16 the words willeth and runneth are considerable The Lord that brings us into this State keeps us in this State 2. To keep the Creature in a constant Dependance upon him and that he might often hear from us As long as a Man is sufficient to himself he never comes to God Ier. 2.31 We are Lords and will no more come unto thee If a Man had the Dominion over his own Spirit and were sufficient to himself God would never hear from him The Prodigal went away from his Father when he had his Portion in his own hands and he never thought of returning till he had spent all and began to be in want Luk. 15.14 Thus should we do with God Prayer and all trading with Heaven would cease if we were sufficient of our selves as to do any thing and therefore with Man it is impossible VSE First Take heed that you do not make a wrong Use of this Impossibility namely so as to be discouraged and throw off all as if there were no hope God hath left it so as that we may despair of our own Strength but not of his Help We should not be discouraged since he worketh in us what he requireth of us 1. God can overcome all this Difficulty He that made the Heart is above it and can frame it to himself Evangelical Difficulty lyes in three things the Corruption of our Nature outward Impediments and Satans Opposition Now the Scripture represents God as able to do all for us he can change our Hearts sanctifie our Condition and help us to vanquish our Temptations 1. He can change our Hearts by Regeneration Alas we cannot change our Natures or turn our selves to God and therefore we are apt to be cast down when we look upon God's holy Ways and the strength of our own Lusts but God is able to change those Hearts of ours and take away their Reluctancy not by making a violent Impression as we force a Stone upward but by imprinting in our Hearts the Habits of Grace whereby we are carried out willingly in the Ways of God and so our Business becomes easie Titus 3.4 According to his mercy he saved us by the washing of Regeneration and renewing of the Holy Ghost No man can come unto me except the Father which hath sent me draw him John 6.44 And draw me and we will run after thee Cant. 1.4 He puts forth his mighty Power upon the Heart and changeth the bent of our Souls and so we come in 2. God can sanctifie our Condition that it shall not be a Snare Christians whatever you think of it it is not easie to keep your selves unspotted from the World to live in the midst of so many Temptations and to carry on an Equal holy heavenly Frame of Heart such as the Apostle mentions 1 Cor. 8 30 31. It remains that they that have Wives be as tho' they had none and they that weep as tho' they wept not and they that rejoyce as tho' they rejoyced not and they that buy as tho' they possessed not and they that use this World as not abusing it This is our Duty But how shall we do to get such a weaned Heart With Man it is impossible but not with God He can give a Rich Man such Grace as to contemn the World to lay up Treasures in Heaven and upon Religious Reasons to leave all for Christ's sake God taught Paul this Holy Weanedness Phil. 4.12 I know both how to be abased and I know how to abound every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry both to abound and to suffer need And he can teach it you if you will wait upon him Our own Natural Spirits indeed carrieth us quite another way Iames 4.5 6. The Spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy but he giveth more Grace Our Natural Spirit is all for Temporal things it envies the greatness of others it designs for our selves but when Lusts rage he can bridle them the Lord is able to give us a holy Weanedness and Moderation of our Desires in the midst of all those Baits and Snares that we are compassed about withal 3. To Conquer Temptations It is God that rescues the Prey and plucked us at first by a strong hand out of Satan's Power Luke 11.21 22. When the strong man armed keepeth his palace his goods are in peace But when a stronger than he shall come upon him and overcome him he taketh from him all his Armour wherein he trusted and divideth his spoils God can bind Satan and dispossess him and recover you out of the snares of the Devil wherein you are taken captive by him at his will 2 Tim. 2.26 And when we are once in a State of Grace he can preserve you in despite of Men and Devils The World assaults the Children of God with great Force and Power and the Devil is in the Design But saith the Apostle Greater is he that is in you than he that is in the World John 4.4 God is greater in Counsel greater in Strength greater in his Providence and watchfulness for the good of his People Till this Divine Power interpose it can never be 2. We have no Reason to doubt of his Will for he hath promised to take away the Heart of Stone Ezek. 36.26 A new heart will I give you and a new spirit will I put within you and I will take away the stony heart out of your Flesh and I will give you an heart of flesh There is nothing within the Compass of our Christiaâ— Calling of which we have not a Promise in the Covenant The Precept and the Promise go hand in hand therefore the Promise will be made good and so we have no Reason to despair but humbly wait upon God in the use of means till these Promises be accomplished Secondly What Use shall we make of it then Go to God for this Power and give all the Glory of any Saving Grace wrought in us by this
should value more and bless God for them But for Men that know not their own great Necessities and Benefits but slight their chiefest Mercies and account them Burdens they can more feelingly thank God for a gluttonous Meal or unjust Gain or some vain Pleasure but for the Means of Grace they bless him not But now the Flower of Thanksgiving is when we can bless God for Christ for his Spirit for Heaven for Faith and Love And therefore we should labour to get these things and to make our Sincerity more unquestionable for these are the chiefest Matters for which God expecteth praise from us The Apostolical Forms insist upon these things 1 Pet. 1.3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Iesus Christ which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the Resurrection of Iesus Christ from the dead Secondly To be most affected with these Mercies Other Mercies may be overvalued especially if we look upon them under the Notion of provision for the Flesh so our very Thankfulness may be a Snare Lust ingrosseth our Hearts but Religion tippeth our Tongues Men will thank God for their Preferment more than for the Offer of Christ and Pardon and Life by him Our esteem is known by this what it is that moveth us to thankfulness if it be for the World as used for the pleasure of the Flesh rather than for the Service of God it is but Lust disguised in a Religious Form Therefore what are you most affectionately thankful for Worldly or Spiritual good things God is to be thanked for all for Temporal encrease but chiefly for Spiritual Mercies Now what endeareth God to your Hearts that he is so good in Christ or that he blesseth your outward Estate You should not lessen that Favour but look for a better and more distinguishing Expression of his Love 3 Doct. That not only the Spiritual Blessings vouchsafed to our Selves but to Others also must he acknowledged with Thankfulness 1. It suiteth with our Relation of Members in the same Mystical Body of Christ and so is a part of the Communion of Saints 1 Cor. 12.26 And whether one member suffer all the members suffer with it or one member be honoured all the members rejoyce with it The Members care for one another and are affected with each others Wo or Weal if the Toe be trod upon the Tongue will cry out You have hurt me Therefore they that have lost sympathy and feeling seem to have cast themselves out of the Body as if they were no way concerned in their fellow Members in Christ. If we be in the Body we must be affected with others Concernments as with our own Phil. 1.7 I have you in my heart Where sincere Love is among Christians there will be a Communion of Prayers and Praises therefore they bless God for others Mercies as their own See Rom. 12.15 Rejoyce with them that do rejoyce and weep with them that weep Spiritual Love is but acted and personated if we only drop some words of Prayer and Praise and do not look upon our selves as under a Debt and that it is meet so to do and do it upon Inclination and not meerly upon the Invitation of others We should give Thanks for all their Mercies especially for such Spiritual Mercies as constitute the Union such as Faith and Love by Faith we are united to the Head by Love to the Fellow-members Col. 1.3 4. We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Iesus Christ praying always for you Since we heard of your Faith in Christ Iesus and of the love which you have to all the Saints These Graces qualifie for this Spiritual Communion 2. The Glory of God is concerned in it Wheresoever his Goodness shineth forth especially with any Eminency it must be acknowledged Rom. 1.8 I thank my God through Iesus Christ for you all that your Faith is spoken of throughout the whole world When Christ's Kingdom doth thrive extensively or intensively by the addition of more peace or the encrease of Grace if we love our Master we must be glad when he getteth more Servants and our Joy must be expressed in praises When Paul was Converted he saith Gal. 1.24 The Saints glorified God in me That is praised God in his behalf and gave him the Honour of that great Work that so useful an Instrument was gained to the Faith 3. The Spiritual Blessings vouchsafed to others conduce to a common Good therefore our Profit and Interest inviteth us to this Duty The good of some is the gain of the whole we have benefit by their Example and are confirmed by having Companions in the Faith and Patience of the Gospel and the common Profession groweth by their Accession to the Faith 1 Thes. 1.7 8 Ye were examples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia For from you sounded out the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia but also in every place your Faith to God-ward is spread abroad Eminent Christians promote the Interest of the Gospel and their Gifts make them serviceable 1 Cor. 1 4 5. I thank my God always on your behalf for the Grace that is given you by Iesus Christ that in every thing ye are enriched by him in all utterance and in all knowledge And Rom. 1.12 That I may be comforted together with you by the mutual Faith both of you and me It is a Comfort to meet with our Father's Children every where and that we have hopes of having more Companions in Heaven 4. If we have no profit by them yet the thing it self is a Benefit to us for if we have any thing of the Bowels of Christ or Love to Souls surely we are gratified when any are Converted to God If the Salvation of our Brethren be dear to us whatever is given in order thereto we must reckon among our Benefits and we should rejoyce in one anothers Gifts and Graces as our own True Goodness is communicative and diffusive of it's self as Fire turneth all about it into Fire Hypocritical Profession is accompanied with an Envy they would shine alone and Mules and Creatures of a Bastard Production do not propagate 5. We encrease their Faith and Comfort when we give Thanks to God for them To that end doth the Apostle mention his Thanksgiving that they might be encouraged to go on Phil. 1.3.6 I thank my God upon every remembrance of you being confident of this very thing that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it untill the day of Iesus Christ. 1 VSE They are Monsters of Men that Repine at the Riches poured down by their own or other Men's Ministry upon others Yet such a base Spirit reigneth in many they cannot endure any should be Godly and Serious 2 VSE Let us Bless God for others The Angels rejoyce at the Conversion of a Sinner Luke 15.10 Now this should never be omitted 1. When there is some eminent Work
Miracles and Acts of Mediation as if we had seen him in the Flesh is still the work and exercise of our Faith So the Apostle telleth the Galatians Chapter 3.1 Before whose Eyes Christ Iesus hath been evidently set forth Crucified among you That is before you he hath been convincingly declared as if he were set before your Eyes Nailed to the Cross. VVe should receive Christ as it were Crucified in the midst of us And the more lively and impressive Thoughts we have of this in the VVord and Sacraments the stronger is ones Faith VVe do so believe it and our Hearts are so warmed by it as if it were all done before our Eyes Such Evidence and Conviction should we have as to warm our Hearts 2. Present To see him so as to make him the Object of our Love and Trust. Iohn 6.40 And this is the will of him that sent me that he that seeth the Son and believeth on him may have Everlasting Life There is a clear sight of Christ still necessary to believing we must see him and know him Spiritually Though he be removed from us within the Curtain of the Heavens yet we must see him and such Worth and Excellency in him as may draw off our Hearts from other things see him so as to believe that he is at the Right Hand of God negotiating for us that we may trust our Selves and our All in his Hands Stephen said Acts 7.56 Behold I see the Heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the Right Hand of God He saw the Lord Jesus as in a posture of readiness to assist and help him that was by Extraordinary Vision for it is said The Heavens opened But Faith doth the like in its degree and proportion Especially must we see him at the Right Hand of God ready to receive us when we die 3. Future We must see him that is be assured of his second Coming and thoroughly perswaded that we shall see him As Iob 19.25 26 27. For I know that my Redeemer liveth and that he shall stand in the latter days upon the Earth And though after my Skin Worms destroy this Body yet in my Flesh I shall see God Whom I shall see for my self and mine Eyes shall behold him At the Resurrection we shall get this Sight and Blessed Vision of God Now Faith must over-look all Impediments to assure our selves of this 2. There are other Objects about which the Vision of Faith is exercised as the Glory and Blessedness of the World to come Faith is the Perspective of the Soul by which it can see things at a distance as present It can look beyond and above the World and draw unspeakable Joy from the Hope of Eternal Life Moses Heb. 11.26 Esteemed the Reproach of Christ greater Riches than the Treasures of Egypt for he had respect to the Recompenâ—e of Reward 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 He looked to it The Glory of the World to come is represented and set before us in the Promise we see it clearly there Heb. 6.18 That by two Immutable Things in which it was impossible for God to Lie we might have strong Consolation who have fled for Refuge to lay hold upon the Hope set before us Heb. 12.2 Looking unto Iesus the Author and Finisher of our Faith who for the Ioy that was set before him endured the Cross despised the Shame and is set down at the Right Hand of the Throne of God To this we should look and see it as if it were before our Eyes that we may not be allured or terrified by the things that are before our Eyes But of this I have already spoken in the Nature of Faith See Sermons 3 d Volume on Heb. 11.1 only let me advice you now to keep the Eye of Faith clear that Christ and Heaven may be always in view The Devil seeks to shut it 2 Cor. 4.4 In whom the God of this World hath blinded the Eyes of them which believe not least the Light of the Glorious Gospel of Christ who is the Image of God should shine unto them He doth it by the World deluding and bribing the Flesh and Inchanting the Mind with worldly Felicity so that God and Heaven are forgotten and that necessary Care which we should use in preparation for it is neglected and omitted But it is opened by the Spirit Eph. 1.17 18. 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 Vnderstanding being Enlightned that ye may know what is the Hope of his Calling and what the Riches of the Glory of his Inheritance in the Saints And therefore we should always pray for this Spiritual Eye-salve that we may have a due sense of the World to come fresh and strong upon our Hearts Secondly The next Effect is deep Affection or Rejoicing in Christ and all the Work of Redemption done in his Day Certainly a sight of Christ by Faith doth bring true Joy and Peace into the Soul Here I shall shew 1. That no other Affection will become Christ and the Salvation offered by him and received by Faith but great Joy This is evident by the whole drift and current of the Scriptures The Angels told the Shepherds at Christ's Birth Luke 2.10 And the Angel said unto them Fear not for behold I bring you Good Tydings of great Ioy which shall be to all People Surely Tydings of Christ the Redeemer of the World are Tydings of great Joy because then there was a way found out for our Reconciliation with God and the taking up that dreadful Controversie between us and him that Heaven and Earth may kiss each other and meet again in a Covenant of Love and Peace and Grace purchased by Christ whereby we might overcome the Devil the World and the Flesh. The great Enemies of our Salvation are defeated and a proportionable Happiness found out for Man without which he would have been as Leviathan in a little Pool So when this Grace was offered to any as to Zacheus by Christ's coming into his house and bringing Salvation with him Luke 19.6 He made haste and came down and received him joyfully Or published in the Word Acts 13.48 When the Gentiles heard these things they were glad and glorified the word of the Lord and as many as were ordained to Eternal life believed Now we are concerned as well as they The Gospel should never be as State-News to Sinners or as a Jest often told Our Necessities are the same with theirs and the Benefits are offered to us as well as them The Virgin Mary was thus affected Luke 1.47 My Spirit hath rejoyced in God my Saviour That Christ was to be born of her and was formed in her The Eunuch when Philip had preached to him Iesus and he was Baptized into this Faith Acts 8.39 He went on his way rejoycing as Men do that have met with a good Bargain and
holds his Hand and cuts you short in spiritual Blessings which otherwise he would plentifully dispense unto his People Partly they exceedingly weaken the Work of Grace which is wrought upon their Hearts their Faith is more dead their Love is more cold than it was Hope is languid the spiritual Life is interrupted and at a stand tho the Seed of God remains yet it cannot put forth it self with such Vigor and Efficacy Yea they may never recover such a Portion of the Spirit as they had before 2 Chron. 17.3 Jehoshaphat walked in the first Ways of his Father David as having some note of blemish on his latter Ways These Sins in short as a Wound in the Body let out our Blood and Strength As a Prodigal that hath once broken after he hath been set up is not trusted with a like Stock again so God's Children may not recover that largeness of Spirit and fulness of inward Strength and Comfort which they had before as many after a great Disease do not regain that pitch of Health which formerly they had but may carry the Fruits of their Disease with them to their Graves Partly because Acts are intermitted when the Soul is distempered it is unfit for Action Either Duties are omitted or else done in such an overly manner as doth increase our Distemper and harden us the more In what a sorry Fashion did David worship till God awakned his Conscience by Nathan Prayer is interrupted 1 Pet. 3.7 As Heirs together of the Grace of Life that your Prayers be not hindred 2. Grieving the Spirit Eph. 4.30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God whereby ye are sealed unto the Day of Redemption All Sin is a Grief to the Spirit especially Filthiness and Bitterness Compare this with Ver. 29 31. Let no corrupt Communication proceed out of your Mouth but that which is good to the use of ediâ—ying that it may minister Grace unto the Hearers Let all Bitterness and Wrath and Anger and Clamour and evil Speaking be put away from you with all Malice Now the gâ—ieving of the Spirit makes a great Breach in our Grace and Comfort as the Spirit is our Sanctifier and Comforter To speak only of the last When the Spirit is grieved we have not such a sense of God's Love For the Love of God is shed abroad in our Hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given 〈…〉 Rom. 5.5 We have not that Liberty and Confidence in Prayer we once had 1 John 5 21. Beloved if our Heart condemn us not then have we Confidence towards God Nor those lively Hopes of Glory and final Redemption in that Text Eph. 4.30 Grieve not the holy Spirit of God whereby ye are sealed unto the Day of Redemption Nor that Comfort in Reproaches nor Courage in Afflictions nor Strength to resist Sin nor that Readiness and Chearfulness in Obedience that once they had So that a Christian is like Sampson when his Locks are gone all delightful Communion with God is suspended and a Christian doth not act like a Servant that is in his Master's Favour 3. Carnal Liberty When a Man giveth too much Contentment to the Flesh the Spirit or better Part is in Bonds Psal. 119.37 Turn away mine Eyes from beholding Vanity and quicken thou me in thy Way A Man that lets loose the Reins to worldly Vanity will soon find Hardness coming on his Heart and see a need to ask quickning Grace Luke 21.34 Take heed to your selves lest at any time your Hearts be over-charged with Surfeiting and Drunkenness and Cares of this Life Worldly Comforts over-affected or immoderately used clog and enslave the Heart and so we are more unperswadible and disobedient to the Motions of his Spirit and the Counsels of his Grace Therefore if we will take heed that our Hearts be not hardned let them not out too freely to worldly things lest they be withdrawn from God but rejoice here as if you rejoiced not that you may keep up your Liberty to God 4. Pride and Self-sufficiency 2 Chron. 32.31 Howbeit in the Business of the Ambassadors of the Princes of Babylon who sent unto him to enquire of the Wonder that was done in the Land God left him to try him that he might know all that was in his Heart Paul was permitted to be buffered that he might be kept humble 2 Cor. 12.7 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the Revelations there was given to me a Thorn in the Flesh the Messenger of Satan to buffet me lest I should be exalted above measure When you trust to your selves God leaveth you to your selves and then we are as a Glass without a bottom broken as soon as out of hand Iam. 4.6 God resisteth the Proud but giveth Grace to the Humble It is not so much understood of a moral Humility or a lowly Carriage towards Men as of an Evangelical Humility which consists in brokenness of Heart or a sense of our Unworthiness and Weakness these are influenced by Grace but others are left to fall and miscarry by their own presumptuous Confidence And therefore if we would not incur any Degree of this Judgment we must take heed of Pride and spiritual Security Those that feel the daily and hourly necessity of Grace have more of the Supplies of the Spirit they are oftner waiting upon God Psal. 25.5 On thee do I wait all the day Christ hath taught us to beg daily Bread daily Pardon and daily Strength against Temptations that he might engage us to be often with God and keep in a constant dependance on him that the Heart might be kept more awful tender and serious 5. Carelesness and spiritual Sloth When we carelesly entertain the Motions of his Spirit and lie upon the Bed of Ease he is gone Cant. 5.2 3. I sleep but my Heart waketh it is the Voice of my Beloved that knocketh saying Open to me my Sister my Love my Dove my Vndefiled for my Head is filled with Dew and my Locks with the Drops of the Night I have put off my Coat how shall I put it on I have washed my Feet how shall I desile them And ver 6. I rose up to open to my Beloved but my Beloved had withdrawn himself and was gone God's Children may stifle many a pressing Conviction and Motion in their Souls hang off from the Throne of Grace and other good Duties and upon every frivolous Pretence keep away from God This unkind and ungracious Dealing will cost them dear Neglect of the Means of Grace quencheth the Spirit 1 Thess. 5.19 20. Quench not the Spirit Despise not Prophesyings Therefore we should be more diligent in the use of Means Mark 4.24 Vnto you that hear shall more be given We must more carefully obey the sanctifying Motions of the Spirit if we mean to avoid hardness of Heart 2 dly The Means to cure it 1. Bewail the Evil and complain of it before God who alone can help us We complain of
it especially the Sick and the Dying He that formerly tempted then beginneth to trouble and he that formerly shewed you the pleasant Baits of Sin will then shew you the Hook he who now representeth Pardon easy will then represent it as impossible And when Death cometh he hath Power to hale away the Sinner to Torments For as the good Angels carry the Souls of the Faithful to Christ Luke 16.22 23. so probably the Devil hath a Power to carry them to Hell Now as the Devil hath this Power of Death he bringeth Men into Sin that he may bring them into Terror Yea Satan hath a great hand in the Troubles of Conscience which befal God's Children Well then how is this Power destroyed By satisfying the Law Christ destroyeth the Power of the Devil For first he blotted out the Hand-writing that was against us and then spoiled Principalities and Powers Col. 2.14 15. And when he doth actually justify we feel the Comfort and Benefit of it Rom. 8.33 34. Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's Elect It is God that justifieth Who shall condemn It is Christ that died yea rather that is risen again who is even at the right Hand of God who also maketh Intercession for us Our Advocate is more gracious in Court than our Accuser having payed our Ransom and interceding for us and pleading it what Accusation from the Law can stand against those who have imbraced this Gospel 3. The Being of Sin For while it remaineth there is somewhat of Satan left which he worketh upon There is a Remnant of his Seed in the best the Godly are yet in the Way but not at the end of the Journey and therefore he hath leave to assault them while they are here but Christ will perfect the Conquest which he has begun and so the very Being of Sin shall at length be taken away Iude 24. To him that is able to keep you from falling and to present you faultless before the Presence of his Glory And Eph. 5.27 That he might present it to himself a glorious Church without spot or wrinkle or any such thing but that it should be holy and without blemish At Death Sin is totally disannulled the Physician of our Souls will then perfect the Cure As in the first Moment of our Birth we were Sinners so in the Moment of our Expiration all Sin dieth Christ taketh that time to finish his Work No Sinner can enter into the State of Bliss but the Vail of the Flesh being rent we are immediately admitted into the sight of God and so made exactly perfect 2 dly As to the general Case or his Interest in the corrupt World It is true the Kingdom of Satan yet remaineth But he doth and shall divide the Spoil with the Strong Isa. 53.12 Therefore will I divide him a Portion with the Great and he shall divide the Spoil with the Strong And though his Doctrine and Religion meeteth with Opposition in the World yet it doth prevail upon Opposition and against Opposition and by Opposition when in the Seasons of it he cometh to set his Kingdom on foot Rev. 6.2 I saw a white Horse and he that sat on him had a Bow and a Crown was given unto him and he went forth conquering and to conquer This is an Emblematical Representation of the Rise and Progress of Christ's Kingdom Where you may note his Furniture a Crown and a Bow The Crown noteth his Dignity the Bow his Armour and Strength Psal. 45.3 4 5. Gird on thy Sword upon thy Thigh O thou most Mighty with thy Glory and Majesty and in thy Majesty ride prosperously because of Truth and Meekness and Righteousness and thy Right Hand shall teach thee terrible things Thine Arrows are sharp in the Heart of the King's Enemies whereby the People fall under thee Christ having the Grant of a Kingdom over the Nations is every way furnished with Power to obtain it by Means proper to the Mediatory Dispensation by his Word Spirit and Providence 1. His Word which is called the Rod of his Strength Psal. 110.2 The Weapons of our Warfare are not carnal but mighty through God 2 Cor. 10.4 When Christ will work the World cannot resist its convincing Power those that feel it not fear it John 3.20 Every one that doth evil hateth the Light neither cometh to the Light lest his Deeds should be reproved 2. His Spirit Now what can stand before the mighty Spirit of God convincing Men of the Truth of his Religion John 16.8 9 10 11. And when he is come he will reprove the World of Sin and of Righteousness and of Iudgment Of Sin because they believe not on me Of Righteousness because I go to the Father and ye see me no more Of Iudgment because the Prince of this World is judged Shewing hereby Christ was the Messiah and therefore they were guilty of great Sin who did not believe on him That he was a righteous and innocent Person and no Seducer because Christ rose from the Dead and went to the Father That he was an exalted Prince above Satan and whatever things were looked upon as Divine Powers Many that were not converted were convinced of this 3. His Providence All Judgment was put into Christ's Hands to be improved for the advancement of his Mediatory Kingdom John 5.22 For the Father judgeth no Man but hath committed all Iudgment to the Son He hath the Government of all things Angels and all Events that fall out in the World None of the Creatures are left to their own Arbitrement or uncertain Contingences but under the Government of a supreme Providence which is left in Christ's Hands Thus you see though the Devil's Interest be held up by the combined Interests of the World agreeing together to promote the Idolatries and Superstitions wherewith he hath inspired them yet Christ is able to break and dissolve all this Force and Power Secondly How far was Satan destroyed or his Head crushed 1. Negatively 1. Non ratione Essentiae not to take away his Life and Being No there is a Devil still and shall be even when the whole Work of Christ's Redemption is finished For then it is said Rev. 20.10 The Devil that deceived them was cast into the Lake of Fire and Brimstone where the Beast and the false Prophet are and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever So Mat. 25.41 Depart from me ye Cursed into everlasting Fire prepared for the Devil and his Angels Then Eternal Judgment is executed on the Head of the wicked State Sentence was passed before and the Devil feareth it Matth. 8.29 Art thou come hither to torment us before the time He was condemned before but then it is executed upon him he is finally punished and shall for ever remain with the Damned 2. Non ratione Malitiae not in regard of Malice For the Enmity ever continueth between the two Seeds and Satan will be doing though it be always to Loss
Meditation because it is the Product and Issue of it as Psalm 5.1 Give ear to my words O Lord consider my meditation Implying that his Prayer was but the expressions of his deliberate and premeditated thoughts So Psalm 19.14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in thy sight O Lord my strength and my redeemer It is the vent of the thoughts 2. Whereby the mind is applyed to the serious and solemn consideration I add this to distinguish it from Occasional Meditation and those good thoughts that accidentally rush into our minds and to note the care and intenseness of the Soul in such an Exercise Prov. 18.1 Through desire a man having separated himself seeketh and intermedleth with all wisdom then is a Man fit for these Solemn and Holy Thoughts and for intermeddling with all Wise and Divine Matters when he hath divorced himself from other Cares and is able to keep his Understanding under a prudent Confinement 3. Of Spiritual things This noteth the Object and so I call Matters that are of an useful Consideration as for instance God that we may fear him Sin that we may abhor it the Works of God for the Creators Glory any useful Subâ—ect So David limiteth it Psalm 49.3 My mouth shall speak of wisdom and the meditation of my heart shall be of understanding He meaneth of the State and end of Man Generally the Object in the Old Testament is of the Law 4. For Practical Vses and Inferences This noteth the end Meditation is not to puzzle the Head with Notions but to better the Heart The proper use of this Exercise is to set on those great Practical Heads of Religion to work the Heart to a greater care of Duty and Detestation of Sin To a greater care of Duty Psalm 119.15 I will meditate in thy precepts and have respect unto thy wayes and to a greater detestation and hatred of Sin Psalm 119.11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart that I might not sin against thee SERMON II. GENESIS xxiv 63 And Isaac went out to meditate in the field at the even tide II. I AM now come to the Necessity and Profit of Meditation or Motives to press to this Duty I shall urge such as will serve also for Marks for when it is well performed you will find these Effects wrought in you Meditation is the Mother and Nurse of Knowledge and Godlyness the great Instrument in all the Offices of Grace it helpeth on the work of Grace upon the Understanding Affections and Life for the understanding of the Doctrine of Godlyness for the provoking of Godly Affections and for the Heavenly Life 1. In point of Understanding it is of great Advantage to us in the entertainment of the Doctrines of Religion 1. To give us a clearer and more distinct sight of them A Man seeth the Meaning Scope and Order of all points of Religion when he cometh to meditate on them Knowledge without Meditation is but an hear-say Knowledge we talk after one another like Parrots and as the Moon that shineth with another lustre without any Light rooted in its own Body Rom. 2.20 Which hast the form of knowledge and of the truth in the law 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a Map of Knowledge we have nothing but the lean apprehension of others As the Philosopher said 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 they repeat them by Rote without Affection and Belief so we speak one after another by Rote but do not so distinctly discern the Worth and Excellency of Christianity as when we come to meditate upon it Iohn 4.42 Now we believe not because of thy saying for we have heard him our selves and know that this is indeed the Christ the Saviour of the world Most Mens Knowledge is but Traditional they never made an Essay and tasted the sweetness of Christ or of their own thoughts oh do but try bare apprehensions of the report of Christ is but Tradition not Religion When we come to exercise our own thoughts thereon then we see him our selves the sight is more clear when it is steady and fixed To one that passeth by to see Men dancing and frisking seemeth lightness and madness but when he cometh nearer and heareth the Musick and observeth that they keep time and pace and measure with it he findeth Art in that which he thought Frenzy The Beauty and Excellency of Religion is not discerned by a transient glance when we come to meditate and so see what is our Beloved above all Beloveds then we admire him The Christian Religion is not to be taken up by Chance but by Choice not because we know no other but because we know no better then our Affections to it are the more Rational the Judgment having had a clearer sight and tryal 2. That we may the better retain them When an Apple is tossed to and fro in the hand it smelleth of it when the Apple is gone as when Civet hath been long kept in the Box the Sent remaineth when the Civet is taken out A constant Light is a great Friend to Memory and Sermons meditated on are remembred long after they are delivered We do not forget those Friends whom we have entertained with any Solemnity Solemn and Serious Thoughts leave a charge upon the Memory 3. That they may be alwayes more ready and present with us All Sins do arise out of incogitancy or forgetfulness As for instance distrust Heb. 12.5 Ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children Luke 24.6 He is not here but is risen remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee A Temptation gets the start of Holy Thoughts It were a mighty Advantage to have Truths alwaies ready Now this is the Spirits Office Iohn 14.26 But the comforter which is the Holy Ghost whom the Father will send in my Name he shall teach you all things and bring all things to your remembrance whatsoever I have said unto you But now for an outward help there is no such thing as Meditation Prov. 6.21 22. Bind them continually upon thine heart and tye them about thy neck When thou goest it shall lead thee when thou sleepest it shall keep thee and when thou awakest it shall talk with thee that is it shall be alwaies present with thee Continual Meditation maketh Religious Thoughts actual and present 2. It is a great advantage to the work of Grace upon the Affections Ponderous Thoughts are the bellows that kindle and inflame the Affections they blow up those latent sparkles of Grace that are in the Soul Impute Thoughts stain the Heart and convey a taint and filth to the Soul 2 Pet. 2.14 Having eyes full of adultery When the Fancy is rolled upon unclean Objects Lust is kindled Lust Revenge Covetousness they are all fed with thoughts a wicked Spirit distilleth Sin into the quintessence of Villany the imaginations of the Heart are evil So suitably good
his Sufferings 1. In the value of the Sacrifice Nothing could expiate Sin but the Blood and Shame and Agonies of the Son of God A Man would have thought that a Word of Christs Mouth would have pacified God but so great was the offence that though he cryed with strong cries God would not hear him till he had endured his Wrath. Christ prayed Matth. 26.39 O my Father If it be possible let this cup pass from me But God would not bate him a farthing If you would know Sin go to Golgotha 2. The Extremity of his Sufferings His outward Sufferings were much If you consider the Majesty of his Person he was the Great God that filled Heaven and Earth with his Glory and yet was sold for thirty pence the price of a Slave His back was mangled with Whips his Body nailed to the Cross he was scorned in all his Offices a variety of Sorrow was poured in by the Conduit of every sense seeing smelling tasting hearing and feeling If you consider the Excellency of his Constitution his Body being framed by the Holy Ghost was of a more exact temper his Senses more lively they that enjoy Life in a higher measure than others the more delicate the Sense the higher the Pain the back of a Slave is not so sensible of stroaks as of one that is nicely and tenderly bred His Senses were kept lively and in their full vigour he refused the stupifying Cup that was given to him He kept his strength to the last this appeared by his strong cry when he gave up the Ghost Luke 23.46 And when Iesus had cryed with a loud voice he said Father Into thy hands I commend my spirit and having said thus he gave up the ghost But what is this to what is inward The Agonies of his Soul under the Curse and Wrath of God due for Sin his Desertion of the Father it is more to see the Sun eclipsed than to see a Candle put out he complained that his soul was exceeding sorrowful even unto death Matth. 26.38 His Soul dwelt with God in a Personal Union Christ knew how to value his Fathers Wrath he had an excellent Judgment and tender Affections When he sweat drops of curdled Blood he needed support from an Angel Now put all these Circumstances together and see if Sin be a light thing Object But many think this lesseneth Sorrow Christ hath endured so much what need they be troubled Answ. 1. These know not what Faith and Love meaneth Can a Man love Christ and not mourn for that which was the cause of his Sufferings Thou art the Man that laid all this upon Christ. 2. Slight thoughts of Sin are a disparagement of Christ's Sufferings you make nothing of that which cost him so dear 3. Christ's Death doth not nullifie our Duty in this kind but ratifie it He died not only to expiate the guilt of Sin but also to shew the heinousness of it God might have taken another course This for Humiliation 2. As to Reformation The Death of Christ furthereth this 1. By way of Obligation Gal. 2.20 I am crucified with Christ Nevertheless I live yet not I but Christ liveth in me and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the son of God who loved me and gave himself for me The great Argument that quickneth us to the Spiritual Life is that it is a thing pleasing and acceptable to him If we knew any thing pleasing and acceptable to a Man that had redeemed us out of a miserable thraldom we would do it They are unthankful Wretches that dare to deny Christ any thing 2. By way of Purchase Our Liberty from Sin was bought at a dear rate not with Silver and Gold You disparage your Redeemer and seek to put him to shame if you live in Sin for you go about to make void the purchase and to overturn the whole business which Christ hath been establishing with so great a cost He paid dear for that Grace which you slight you tye the Bonds which he came to loosen 3. By way of Conformity to the purity of our Sacrifice He was without spot and blemish A Carnal Christian dishonoureth his Head and puts him to an open shame as if the Church were but a Sanctuary for naughty Men and Christianity a design to make us less Careful and Holy What a spotted Christ do we hold forth to the World We are to look upon Christ crucified so as to be crucified with him 2. The Day of Judgment The serious Consideration of that day is an help to Repentance Acts 17.30 31. He hath commanded all men every where to repent Because he hath appointed a day in which he will judge the world in righteousness As Hell worketh on Fear so this on Shame It helpeth Humiliation and Reformation 1. Humiliation It is a means to prevent the Shame of that Day if we do not call Sin to mind God will call it to mind Psalm 50.21 I will set thy sins in order before thee The Book of Conscience shall be opened and not only ours but Gods Book too Now it will cost us grief to look upon our Sins then grief with desperation terms of Grace are ended and we can have no hope A Sinner now blots the Book that is in his own keeping but then he cannot We will not own the Convictions of the Word when it sheweth our Face but then Iude 15. He will convince all that are ungodly of all their ungodly deeds that they have ungodly committed and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him Confession now is neglected but then all shall be brought to light out of our own Reins 1 Cor. 4.5 Iudge nothing before the time until the Lord come who both will bring to light the hidden things of darknâ—ss and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts and then shall every man have praise of God Let us take shame before it be imposed on us Sins repented of will not be mentioned to our confusion but only to the glorifying of the Riches of the Lords Grace They that repent their Sins shall be then blotted out Acts 3.19 Repent and be converted that your sins may be blotted out when the days of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord. 2. Reformation It includeth Faith and Obedience 1. Faith Let us get our discharge before that day cometh then we shall have boldness 1 Iohn 2.28 And now little children abide in him that when he shall appear we may have confidence and not be ashamed before him at his coming The Members of Christ's Mystical Body need not to be affraid of Christ's Judgment their Advocate shall be their Judge their Hearts are sprinkled with his Blood as the Door-posts against the destroying Angel They that are not careful to be found in Christ surely they do not believe that God will make inquisition for Sinners Is the day of Judgment a Fable Scripture
and is referred to the common good to preserve Order and for an Example to others Certainly Punishment doth not belong to the wronged party as such then every one would have a right to punish and so invade the Power of the Magistrate A private Person hath a right of seeking Restitution or Compensation for the wrong done to him unless higher reasons of Charity forbid him but not a Power to compel them to punishment unless satisfaction be given But the case is different here God punisheth non qua laesus sed qua Rector not as the Offended Party but as a Governour Now the Government of the World requires Gods Holyness should be demonstrated and his Laws vindicated and a brand put upon Sin 2. From the Gift which is the sanctifying Spirit which being the gift of his Love must needs be the fruit of his Peace and Reconciliation with us Rom. 5.5 Because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost Other things may be given us during his Anger for God sheweth himself placable in the whole course of his Providence Yea they may be given in Anger But the Regenerating Spirit is never given us during his Anger or in Anger Sanctifying Grace doth evidence his special Favour Look as the payment of the Ransom was testified by the visible pouring out the Spirit Acts 2. so is our particular Reconciliation by the gift of the Spirit to us 1. VSE is of Instruction 1. How we are to look upon God in our Prayers as the God of Peace reconciled to us by Jesus Christ. When we pray to him we look upon him as a God of Grace 1 Pet. 5.10 But the God of all Grace who hath called us c. This sheweth his propension and inclination to communicate his Grace freely to Unworthy Sinners we also pray to him as the God of Power Rom. 16.15 Now to him that is of power to establish you according to my Gospel But here we are directed to look upon him as the God of Peace as pacified in Christ which is a greater ground of confidence If a Socinian were to pray to him he could only use the plea of Benhadad to Ahab we have heard the Kings of Israel are merciful Kings So we have heard the God of Israel is a merciful God If the Papist would pray with confidence he thinketh he must appease God by himself by his poenal satisfactions and costly Offerings As Iacob would appease Esau by sending gifts to him Gen. 32.20 But the Penitent Believer is reconciled to God by Christ Rom. 5.1 2. Therefore being justified by Faith we have Peace with God through our Lord Iesus Christ by whom also we have access by faith c. He cometh to God in his Name and no other Iohn 16.23 24. In that day ye shall ask me nothing verily verily I say unto you whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my Name he will give it you Hitherto you have asked nothing in my Name ask and you shall receive that your joy may be full He runneth to the Horns of the Altar accepteth of the Peace published in the Gospel devoteth himself to God and rests upon Christ's Mediatorial Sacrifice as sufficient Here is his hope and confidence 2. How careful we should be that no breach fall out between us and God least we stop grace at the Fountain head Continued Sanctification cometh from the God of Peace as well as the first Renovation of the Heart The giving the Spirit is a sign of Gods Love and the with-holding of the Spirit is a sign of his Anger and Displeasure the one is the greatest Mercy the other the greatest Misery In his Internal Government the one is the highest Reward the other the greatest punishment As a Reward it is spoken of Prov. 1.23 Turn you at my reproof Behold I will pour my spirit upon you I will make known my words unto you As a punishment Psalm 51.10 11 12. Create in me a clean heart O God! and renew a right spirit within me Cast me not away from thy presence and take not thy holy spirit from me Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation and uphold me with thy free spirit The one is to be sought Luke 11.13 How much more will your heavenly Father give the holy spirit to them that ask him the other to be deprecated Take not thy holy spirit from me Psalm 51.11 Therefore take heed the Spirit be not grieved but obeyed 3. What ground of thankfulness to Christ. 1. That he hath made our peace with God at so dear a rate All your Repentings if you had wept out your Eyes for Sin would not have made your peace with God nor have satisfied his Justice nor procured Pardon and Life for you Now God is appeased Christ having slain the enmity by his cross Eph. 2.16 2. That the New Covenant is procured wherein Pardon and Salvation is offered to you as sealed by the Blood of Christ who hath payed our Debts Luke 22.20 This cup is the New Testament in my blood which is shed for you There had been else no place for your Repentance Faith Prayer or Hopes 3. That such free and easie conditions of Mercy with Power to performe them are propounded in the Gospel Lord Thou wilt ordain peace for us for thou also hast wrought all our works in us Isa. 26.12 4. That he should call us and have such favourable thoughts to us who for a long time were dead in Sin and in Hostility against him Rom. 5.10 For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son Much more being reconciled we shall be saved by his life A SERMON Preached on a DAY of Publick Thanksgiving II. CHRONICLES xxxii 25 But Hezekiah rendred not according to the benefit done unto him for his heart was lifted up therefore wrath was upon him and upon Iudah and Ierusalem THAT I may not detain you in a Preface let me tell you the Words hold forth 1. A Sin But Hezekiah rendred not according to the benefit done unto him 2. The Proof and Argument of it for his heart was lifted up 3. The sad Effects and Punishment of it both as to his own Person and the People under his Government Let me Explain these Branches and then come to observe something in order to the work of the day I know Christians you look not for things luscious but savoury 1. In the Sin there was a benefit done unto him and Hezekiah's fault is that he rendred not accordingly The Benefit done him implyeth a Complication of Mercies not only his Miraculous Recovery out of Sickness and Fifteen years added more to his Life but also the destruction of his Enemies the Assyrians Mercies which fell out near about the same time though I dare not say with the Iewish Writers that three dayes before the slaughter of the Assyrians this Sickness and Recovery fell out yet certainly they were near together as appeareth
the Holy Ghost Peace of Conscience increase of Grace joy in the Holy Ghost They shall not want incouragement who seriously set themselves to love Righteousness and hate Iniquity 2 Pet. 1.11 For so an entrance shall be ministred unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Iesus Christ. Hereafter Heaven is the Portion of the sanctified Acts 20.32 And now Brethren I commend you to God and the word of his grace which is able to build you up and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified He doth sanctifie all that believe on him and then give them Eternal Life 2. External in the course of his Providence Christ hath set up a Government wherein he will favour and protect those that walk uprightly Psalm 11.7 For the righteous Lord loveth righteousness his countenance doth behold the upright But with the disobedient God is angry every day Psalm 7.11 Only it is the day of Gods patience God is preparing himself Well then we must neither rebel against his Government nor distrust his defence For Christ administreth Justice in his Kingdom defending the good and destroying the wicked and he will in time earnestly espouse the cause of all Holyness and Righteousness II. I come now to the Unction of Christ which is the consequent fruit of the former God even thy God hath anointed thee with the oyl of gladness above thy fellows There you may observe 1. The Author of this Unction God even thy God 2. The Priviledge it self to be anointed with the oyl of gladness 3. The Partakers of this Priviledge or the Persons to whom it is applyed One Principal and Singular who hath the Preheminence and that is the Mediator others Inferiour and in a lower degree of participation called here his fellows Let us a little explain these things 1. The Author of this Unction God even thy God Is this spoken to him as God or Man It may be true in both senses As to his Divine Nature he is God of God or as it is in Iohn 1.1 The word was with God and the word was God As to his Humane Nature he is a Creature made of a Woman and so God is his God as he is the God of all flesh But especially is this spoken of him as Mediator so Christ is one of Gods Confederates There is a Covenant between God and him Ioh. 20.17 I go to my father and your father to my God and your God The Sum of the Covenant was that after he had suffered here upon Earth and satisfied Gods Justice by being made a Curse for us he was at length to be raised out of the Grave and exalted to his Regal Power in Heaven All that belongeth to a Covenant is found in this Transaction between God and Christ. 1. God propoundeth the Terms or demandeth of his Son that he lay down his life and for his labour he promiseth that he shall see his Seed that God shall give him many Children Isa. 53.10 He shall see his seed he shall prolong his dayes and the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hands 2. The Son consenteth and saith A body hast thou prepared for me Loe I come to do thy will Psalm 40.6 7. Sacrifice and offering thou didst not desire mine ears hast thou opened burnt-offering and sin-offering thou hast not required Then said I loe I come in the volume of the book it is written of me Here the Eternal Son of God doth agree and contract with his Father to performe that perfect Obedience to his Laws and to offer up himself such a Divine and Spotless Sacrifice for the Sins of the whole World as was necessary for the Expiation of Sin 3. Christ hath not only consented but doth with all Joy and Delight set about this whole Will and Counsel of God and go through with the Work and Office assigned unto him very chearfully and heartily till he had brought it to a good End and Issue Psalm 40.8 I delight to do thy will O my God! yea thy law is in my heart 4. After this ready and willing Obedience he is to plead the Covenant Psalm 89.26 He shall cry unto me thou art my Father my God and the Rock of my salvation Psalm 2.8 Ask of me and I will give thee the Heathen for thine inheritance and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession Upon this there is 5. Gods Answer God even thy God hath anointed thee with the oyl of gladness above thy fellows And Psalm 110.1 The Lord said unto my Lord sit thou at my right hand until I make thine enemies thy foot-stool Thus doth the Scripture lisp to us in our own Dialect or in such Language as we can best understand concerning that Bill of Contract or transacted bargain between God and Christ from all Eternity wherein Christ undertaking perfectly to fulfil the Will of God and to performe all Active and Passive Obedience even unto Death had the Promise from God that he should become the Author of Eternal Salvation to all that obey him The Redemption of Sinners is not a work of yesterday nor a business of chance but well-advised and in Infinite Wisdom contrived There was a preparatory agreement to that great work before it was gone about and therefore it should not be slighted by us nor lightly passed over 2. The Priviledge it self to be anointed with the oyl of gladness It noteth his solemne Exaltation and Admission to the Exercise of his Office By Oyl all agree is meant the Spirit by which Christ was anointed Luke 4.18 The spirit of the Lord is upon me because he hath anointed me 1. Christ was anointed at his Conception in his Mothers Womb when he was sanctified by the Holy Spirit For the work of the Spirit was not only to forme his Body out of the substance of the Virgin which Nature could not do of its self but chiefly to preserve it from Sin and endow it with the gift of Holyness From which time he grew in Wisdom and Grace as well as in Stature Luke 2.52 And Iesus increased in wisdom and stature and in favour with God and man 2. Again Christ may be said to be anointed at his Baptisme which was the visible consecration to his Office when the Holy Ghost descended upon him in the form of a dove Matth. 3.16 17. and Iohn 1.33 once more 3. He may be said to be anointed at his Ascension when he received of the Father the Promise of the Spirit to pour him forth upon his Disciples Acts 2.33 Therefore being by the right hand of God eâ—alted and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost he hath shed forth this which ye now see and hear This I take to be the Sense here his Glorious Exaltation at the right hand of God where being possessed of all Power he joyfully expecteth and accomplisheth the fruits of his Redemption I am the more confirmed in this 1. Because the
they visited thee The keeping up of this Acquaintance is necessary both to our present Comfort and future Acceptance 1. For our present Comfort it giveth you boldness to come to God in all your necessities and streights if you daily wait upon him Frequency of Converse begets familiarity and familiarity begets confidence When God and you grow strange you cannot come with that freedom to ask his help as those that familiarly converse with him do Eph. 3.12 In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him A Child is not afraid to go to his Father nor a Man unto his Friend to pour out his complaint into his bosom nor a Servant of daily attendance to open his Suit to his Master they know his name Psalm 9.10 and are acquainted with him 2. For our future acceptance Luke 21.36 Watch ye therefore and pray alwaies that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass and to stand before the Son of man viz. at his coming They that are constant in Prayer make up their Accounts with God daily and so may with the better confidence attend his coming When you have been frequently with him frequently entertained by him and accepted with him had your Prayers heard and Desires granted it is a great incouragement in the hour of Death when you are to leave the World and come immediately before him On the other side for Men to appear before a God whom they never knew nor heartily loved and with whom they were never acquainted as to any intimate Communion and Converse this is a sad case Alas at the best it is to an unknown Friend but indeed it is to a certain Enemy they never had experience of his kindness which they would own nor interest in his Love and now are forced into his Presence against their Will Alas how soon will the time come when Men would fain set about Prayer but it is too late they have then neither Treasure nor skill to pray and the Prayers they then make are not the Fruits of Faith and Love but of Despair and Horrour they cry Lord Lord but Christ saith I know you not ye are workers of iniquity But on the other side they are fitted for Everlasting Communion with God who are acquainted with him already and when they come to be translated they do but change Place not Company Heaven is an access to God and the Throne of Grace is the Porch of Heaven We begin the Heavenly Life here by these frequent converses with God and our access to him now 3. With respect to the New Nature or the Temper and Disposition of the Saints Prayer is the cry of the New Creature a work natural and kindly to the Saints Zech. 12.10 I will pour upon the house of David and the inhabitants of Ierusalem the spirit of grace and of supplications A Spirit of Grace will soon break out into supplications and vent it self that way Acts 9.11 Behold he prayeth Zeph. 3.9 I will turn to the people a pure language that they may all call upon the name of the Lord and serve him with one consent In the Margin it is a pure lip Gods true Children are carryed to him by a kind of Natural Motion as light Bodies move upward they are a sort of Men that are seeking after God Psalm 24.6 This is the generation of them that seek him that seek thy face O Iacob Selah Therefore we should quite check and cross the bent and inclination of the New Nature unless we be much in Prayer and often with God 4. With respect to the necessities of the Saints Our wants are continual as well in Spiritual as in Temporal things That we need daily Bread is evident to Sense and that we need daily Pardon and daily Strength against Temptations should be as evident to Faith The Soul hath its necessities as well as the Body yea they are greater and of a more dangerous Nature Sometimes we lack Wisdom and who shall give it us but God Iames 1.5 If any of you lack wisdom let him ask of God that giveth to all men liberally and upbraideth not and it shall be given him Sometimes we lack Strength and that is to be sought in Prayer Eph. 3.10 That he would grant you according to the riches of his glory to be strengthned with all might by his spirit in the inner man Sometimes we lack life and quickning and to whom should we go but to the live-making Spirit to him who quickneth all things In short the Throne of Grace was set up for a time of need and therefore when our necessities drive us to it we should not hang off Heb. 4.16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need We alwaies need to be delivered from evil we alwaies need to be established in good sometimes we need a Blessing on what we have that our Comforts may be sanctified to us sometimes a Blessing on what we do that we may begin it and end it in God All our Relations increase our necessities so do all our injoyments new Mercies occasion new Necessities And in the variety of our Afflictions we have still somewhat to do with God The receipt of one Mercy discovereth the need of another 5. With respect to the utility and profit of it It is endless to instance in all things I shall confine the Discourse to Spiritual profit and there 1. The Three Radical Graces Faith Hope and Love are acted and increased in Prayer Iude 20 21. But ye beloved building up your selves in your most holy faith praying in the holy Ghost keep your selves in the love of God looking for the mercies of our Lord Iesus Christ unto eternal life Mark there praying in the Holy Ghost is to be referred in common to them all to building up your selves in your most Holy Faith to keeping your selves in the Love of God to looking for the Mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto Eternal Life Surely frequent Prayer keepeth every Grace active and more ready than if it were seldom used 1. For Faith in this Duty the Misteries of our most Holy Faith are reduced to practice even that great Mistery of the Trinity and their distinct personal Operations we find the benefit of it in Prayer Eph. 2.18 For through him we both have an access by one spirit unto the Father To the Father as an All-sufficient Fountain of Grace Gen. 17.1 I am the Almighty God By Christ who hath purchased leave welcome and audience Heb. 10.19 By a new and living way which he hath consecrated for us through the vail that is to say his flesh And by the Spirit who hath given us an Heart to come inspiring us with Holy Motions enlivening our Affections Rom. 8.26 Likewise the spirit also helpeth our infirmities That we may open our Hearts to God If Prayer be Prayer indeed
fourth rank is of those things which are evil in themselves and good only by accident in order to some greater good which may be procured by them as War to make way for a lasting Quiet and Peace the cutting off an Arm or Leg to preserve the rest of the Body burning the Harvest to starve an Enemy In a Theological Consideration Afflictions have this use which are not things to be desired and chosen but endured and suffered when sent by the wise God for our good Well now a Christian should love all things according to their value and as they approach nearer to his last end and chief good He valueth all things as they more or less let out God to him the nearer means more than the remote subservient helps Thus he delighteth in the Ordinances more than the Creatures because the Ordinances discover more of God and exhibite more of God to him He valueth Graces more than Ordinances because by the Graces of the Spirit he is brought into more Conformity to God and Communion with him than by the bare formality of a Duty And he delighteth in Jesus Christ more than in Created Graces as being by him nearer to God and God nearer to us Here is the method and order of our value and esteem then First God next Christ as Mediatour next the Graces of the Spirit next the Ordinances next the Creatures and Comforts of this Life 3. A Godly mans Judgment is rectified about the difference between things spiritual and temporal Prov. 23.4 Labour not to be rich cease from thine own Wisdom 1 Cor 2.12 We have received not the Spirit of the World but the Spirit which is of God that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God Psal. 16.7 I will bless the Lord who hath given me Counsel my Reins also instruct me in the night season He counteth that Condition beâ—â— wherein he may be most serviceable to God and best helped to Heaven The natural understanding valueth all things by the Interest of the Flesh for it looketh only to present things 't is the Spirit of the World But one to whom God hath given Counsel he is of another temper seeth things by another light and liveth to another end and scope His End enlightneth him and the Spirit of God enlightneth him The Spirit sheweth him the reality and worth of Heavenly things Eph. 1.17 18. 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 Vnderstanding being enlightned that ye may know what is the Hope of his Calling and what the Riches of the Glory of his Inheritance in the Saints There is no Prospect of the other World by the light of a natural Spirit but by Faith 2 Pet. 1.9 He that lacketh these things is blind and cannot see afar off A meer naturaâ— man acteth at little a higher rate than a Beast A Beast seeth things before him tasts what is comfortable to his Senses is guided by Fancy and Appetite But the Spirit of Faith maketh a Man live as in the sight of God and under a sense of another World His end enlightneth him for Mat. 6.22 The light of the Body is the Eye if thine Eye be single thy whole Body shall be full of Light When a man hath fixed his end he will the sooner understand his way Finis est mensura mediorum The End is the measure of the means A good end and scope inlightneth and governeth a man in his whole course As a Man's end is so he judgeth of Happiness and Misery If a Mans end be to live well in the World then Happy are the People that are in such a Case If his end be to enjoy God then Happy is the People whose God is the Lord Psal. 144.15 It is a blessed opportunity to be waiting upon him So he judgeth of Liberty and Bondage If his end be to please God then Corruption is his Yoak if to please the Flesh Duty is his Yoak So he judgeth of Wisdom and Folly A carnal man counteth himself wise when he has made a good Bargain then he applaudeth himself Psal 10.3 The wicked boasteth of his Hearts desire and blesseth the covetous whom the Lord abhorreth The Godly Man then counteth himself wise when he has redeemed time for spiritual uses Eph. 5.15 16. Not as Fools but as Wise redeeming the time because the days are evil And the Eunuch when he was instructed by Philip went on his way rejoicing Acts 8 39. Vse 1. If these things be so then it informeth us how chearfully we should pass through our Sabbath Duties Isa. 58.13 If thou turn away thy foot from the Sabbath from doing thy Pleasure on my Holy Day and call the Sabbath a delight the Holy of the Lord honourable and shalt Honour him not doing thine own work nor finding thine own Pleasure nor speaking thine own Words c. It followeth naturally from the Point in hand for if a day in Gods house be better than a thousand elsewhere then a Christian should be in his Element when he is wholly at leisure for God His Sabbath time should not hang upon his hands nor should he count this day as a melancholy Interruption Few are of this Spirit they are out of their course Amos 8.5 When will the Sabbath be gone that we may set forth Wheat They are weary of Sacred Meetings and long to have them over that they might follow their gain and satisfie their worldly Humour They make the World and their Gain their great Errand and look upon Attendance upon God as a matter by the by and therefore are soon weary of it Vse II. Let us reflect the Light of this Truth upon our own Hearts have we this love and affection to the means of Grace If we profess it the Truth of it is best known to God but in some measure it should be known to our selves also if we would take Comfort in it Therefore let us a little state it 1. This Affection and Respect to Ordinances is to them as pure to those meetings where God is sincerely and purely worshipped As new born Babes desire 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the sincere Milk of the Word 1 Pet. 2.2 The new Nature is suited to Gods Institutions As the puking Infant when he sucketh a Stranger doth in Effect say this is not my Mothers Milk Christ is there where he is worshipped in his own way Mat. 28.20 Teaching them all things whatsoever I have commanded you and lo I am with you alway even unto the end of the World The Church hath nothing to do about ordaining or instituting but only about ordering the natural circumstances of Worship 2. It is not the empty formality which the Saints prize but meeting with God Psal. 81.1 2. How amiable are thy Tabernacles O Lord of Hosts my Soul longeth yea even fainteth for the Courts of the Lord
Faith standeth us in most stead Acts 3.19 Repent ye therefore and be converted that your Sins may be blotted out when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord. Then by the one we are freed from the guilt of Sin and so have deliverance from Eternal Death By the other we have not only right but entrance into Eternal Glory What is our whole scope but to be absolved by Christ at last and enter into Eternal Life Finally these two are to be regarded to obviate their mistake who think indeed that Faith and it may be Repentance is necessary to pardon or to dissolve our Obligation to Punishment but not new Obedience But in their place all the Conditions are necessary They think new Obedience is necessary to Salvation or Eternal Life but not to Justification But Salvation is as gracious an Act of Mercy as free and undeserved a Gift as Pardon Rom. 6.23 The wages of Sin is Death but the Gift of God is Eternal Life through Iesus Christ our Lord. Eternal Life is not 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 wages but 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Gift of God It is as much merited by Christ as the other and therefore as proper a part yea the chief part of the Hope of Righteousness by Faith and that which is only waited for and not injoyed III. What is the work of the Spirit in this business in urging Believers to wait for the Hope of Righteousness by Faith I Answer the work of the Spirit doth either concern the Duties of the new Covenant or the Priviledges of the new Covenant or what is common to them both I begin with the latter 1. What is common to them both He doth convince us of the Truth of the Gospel both of means and end that there is such an Hope and the Righteousness of Faith is the only way to obtain it Now this he doth Externally and Internally 1. Externally and by way of Objective Evidence All the certainty that we have of the Gospel is by the Spirit Acts 5.32 We are Witnesses of these things and so is the Holy Ghost which he hath given to them that obey him And Iohn 15. 26 27. When the Comforter is come whom I will send to you from the Father even the Spirit of Truth which proceedeth from the Father he shall testifie of me And ye also shall bear witness because ye have been with me from the beginning Mark in both these places the two solemn Witnesses are the Spirit and the Apostles the one Principal the other Ministerial the one declaring Doctrine and Matter of Fact the other assuring the World of the Truth of their Testimony The Apostles testified of Christs sayings and doings and the Holy Ghost which came down upon them and the rest that consorted with them and was given in some measure to those that obeyed their Doctrine was an undoubted Evidence that God owned it from Heaven Here was enough to open mens Eyes and to give them a right understanding of his Person and Doctrine that it was of God The Visible Gifts of the Holy Ghost and his powerful working in the Hearts of men in order to their Conversion unto God These admirable Gifts and Graces shed abroad upon men were a Notable Conviction to the World that Christ was a Teacher sent from God to teach men the way to Eternal Life and Happiness This did afford sufficient matter of Confirmation and Conviction by the Spirit shed abroad and poured forth on the Christian Church 2. Internally inlightning their Minds and inclining their Hearts to imbrace the Truth Which maketh the former Testimony effectual So the Apostle prayeth Eph. 1.17 For the Spirit of Wisdom and Revelation in the Knowledge of Christ the eyes of their understanding being inlightned that they might know what is the hope of his Calling and the Riches of the Glory of the Inheritance of the Saints in Light To the sight of any thing these things are necessary an Object a Medium a Faculty As in outward sight an Object that may be seen a convenient light to represent it and make the Object perspicuous An Organ or Faculty of seeing in the Eye Unless there be an Object you bid a man see nothing Unless there be a Medium a due light to represent it as in a fog or at Midnight the sharpest sight can see nothing Unless there be a Faculty neither the Object nor Medium will avail a Blind-man cannot see any thing at Noon-day Now here is an Object the way of Salvation by Christ A convenient light it is represented in the Gospel And the Faculty is prepared for the Eyes of the Mind are opened by the Spirit that we may see both Way and End the necessity of Holiness and the reality of future Glory and Blessedness Alas without this sight we busie our selves about Vanities and Childish Toys and never Mind the things which are most necessary certainly we can have no saving understanding of Spiritual Truths neither what is the Benefit of Christianity or the blessed Condition of Gods People Nor what are the Duties of Christianity so as our Hearts may be held to them or how we may behave our selves as true Believers 2. The Work of the Spirit as to the Duties of the new Covenant He doth not only convince us of the Reality and the Necessity of Christs Obedience and our Holiness but by his Powerful Operation frameth and inclineth our Hearts to the Duties required of us Faith it self is wrought in us by this Holy Spirit for it is the Gift of God Eph. 2.8 And so is Repentance and Obedience Heb. 8.10 I will write my Laws upon their Hearts and put them into their Minds Moses his Law was written on Tables of Stone as a Rule without them but Christs Law on the Heart and Mind as drawing and inclining them to obey it The Renewing Grace of the Spirit of God doth prepare us and fit us and his exciting Grace doth quicken us that we may do what is pleasing in his sight And therefore if we profess to live under the new Covenant we are inexcusable if we do not bestir our selves and accomplish the work of Faith with Power and obey from the Heart the Doctrine delivered to us Indeed the Spirit doth most naturally put us upon spiritual Worship and spiritual Holiness these things agree most with his Being and Nature The observances of the Law were carnal yet as long as Gods command continued the Spirit inclined to Obedience to them But a better Law being enacted by Christ the Spirit that proceedeth from the Father and the Son suiteth his Operations accordingly For he cometh into us as Christs Spirit He shall take of mine and glorifie me John 16.14 All that he doth accordeth with Christ as Christs Will doth with the Father 3. The work of the Spirit as to the priviledges of the New Covenant which are pardon and life 1. As to Pardon he is the Comforter He cometh
it Again it is an holy Law according to which the process of that day shall be guided A Law that is clean and pure which alloweth not the least evil Thy Law is exceeding pure Psal. 119.140 The Gospel abateth nothing of the purity of it Now when we appear before an holy God and must be judged by an holy Law surely we must have holiness and righteousness answerable or how can we stand in the Judgment It is an holy God before whose Tribunal we must appear and an holy Law that we must be judged by therefore if we be destitute of all kind of righteousness What shall we do 2. No other righteousness will serve the turn but the righteousness of Faith And therefore till we submit to the New Covenant we are in a woful case Now the righteousness of the New Covenant is supream or subordinate The supream by way of Merit and Satisfaction The Subordinate by way of Application and Qualification on our parts 1. The Supream is the Righteousness or Obedience of Christ. VVhich can alone deliver us from Hell Job 33.24 Deliver him from going down to the Pit for I have found a ransom There is no deliverance from eternal destruction which our sins deserve but onely by the Ransom which he hath paid Till his Justice be satisfied by Christ no good can come unto us 2. The Subordinate Righteousness which qualifieth us and giveth us an interest is Faith Repentance and new Obedience All which are hugely necessary and convenient and gracious terms 1. Faith By which we own and acknowledge our Redeemer with love thankfulness dependance and hearty subjection to him Certainly love and thankfulness is due to him who hath indured so much and procured such great benefits for us Would we have the blessings instated on us and not know from what hand they come And acceptance is due for should Christ save us without our wills and against our consent Dependance is due Should they have benefit by Christ's Merits who question the force and efficacy of them Therefore God hath set him forth to be a propitiation through faith in his Blood Rom. 3.25 2. Repentance is necessary Would we have God to pardon us while we continue in our rebellion without sorrow for it or purpose to leave it The case of the obstinate is not compassionable Jer. 3.13 Onely acknowledge thine iniquity and I am gracious And to acknowledge an offence and continue in it is to condemn our selves 3. New Obedience That was due before to our Creator and our Redeemer strengtheneth the Bond and maketh it more comfortable For we have a new Lord by right of Redemption Rom. 14.9 For to this end Christ both died and rose and revived that he might be Lord both of the dead and living A Lord that hath payed dear for our Souls 3. This righteousness is every way sufficient that we may venture our eternal well-being upon it For what is appointed by God will be accepted by God And though there be many defects in our Faith Repentance and Obedience yet there is an intrinsick value in the obedience and death of Christ besides the Institution Heb. 9.14 How much more shall the blood of Christ who through the eternal Spirit offered up himself without spot to God purge your Conscience from dead works to serve the living God And 1 Pet. 1.18 19. Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things as silver and gold from your vain conversation received by Tradition from your Fathers but with the precious blood of Christ as of a Lamb without blemish and without spot Lastly See your help The Spirit is the great New-Covenant Gift purchased by Christ that it might be dispensed to us the more abundantly John 1.16 And of his fulness have all we received and grace for grace Tit. 3.5 6. By the renewing of the Holy Ghost which he shed on us By his Sanctifying and renewing Grace we are inabled for all this duty We have it by the hearing of Faith Gal. 3.2 And the whole dispensation of the Gospel is called the Ministration of the Spirit 2 Cor. 5.8 Therefore if a sluggish heart did not possess Christians they might do more than they do A Sermon on 2 Pet. III. 9 The Lord is not slack concerning his Promise as some Men count slackness but is long-suffering to us-ward not willing that any should perish but that all should come to Repentance THe Apostle in Answer to the Cavil and Exception of the Mockers of Religion is taking off the Scandal of the delay of Christ's Coming Three Considerations are produced to satisfie the Godly 1. The true measure of speed or delay is the Eternity of God which admits of no beginning succession and ending but consists in a constant presentness to all that which to us seemeth past or to come And we must judge as he judgeth This is laid down vers 8. 2. The end of this delay which is the conversion of Sinners It proceedeth not from any culpable slackness in God but onely his patience towards the Elect. God is not slack but we hasty Our temper requireth time and patience to work upon us and bring us under the power of Grace This is in the Text. 3. The manner of coming which is sudden and unexpected like the coming of a Thief upon a sleepy family ver 10. Therefore we should rather prepare for it than complain of slackness We are upon the second consideration Wherein 1. The false cause of this delay is removed The Lord is not slack concerning his Promise as some Men count slackness 2. The true cause assigned But is long-suffering to us ward 3. The end of this long-suffering propounded First Negatively Not willing that any should perish Secondly positively But that all should come to Repentance Wherein the way to escape ruine is intimated which is Repentance The only doubt is about the sense of the words How that is to be understood that God would not have any perish but all come to Repentance For we see many do yet perish all do not come to Repentance And is God frustrated of his end Ans. To this doubt three answers are given and all solid though I prefer the two first 1. The Patience of God according to its nature hath that use and end to invite all sinners to Repentance Rom. 2.4 Despisest thou the riches of his goodness forbearance and long-suffering not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to Repentance Gods continuing forfeited Mercies and tarrying the sinners leisure giveth us an hope that he is willing to be reconciled And if we do not seek his favour and turn to him by Repentance it is long of our selves the fault is our own because we do not improve this hope 2. The Apostle in this place hath special reference to the Elect who are concerned more especially in the promise of Christs coming to put an end to their sufferings and to render them an eternal reward Certain
Ghost yet there is but one the only and true God 2. He is represented by his Relation to the Creatures the Father 'T is not taken 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Personally but 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Essentially as often in Scripture as Isa. 63.16 Doubtless thou art our Father though Abraham be ignorant of us Meaning not only the first Person but all the rest And Mat. 5.16 Glorifie your Father which is in Heaven And Mat. 6.9 Our Father which art in Heaven Jam. 3.9 Therefore we bless God even the Father In all these and many other places Father Son and Holy Ghost is the only true God and called Father 3. He is set forth by his Dignity and Preheminence as the first cause and last end For from him are all things and we in him 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 i. e. To him and for him I take the Marginal Reading so Rom. 11.36 For of him and through him and to him are all things 2. What is said of the Mediatour He is described 1. By his Person or Name signifying his Person Iesus Christ. There is no other Name given under Heaven Acts 4.12 c. 2. By his Dignity Lord that is Mediator Christ is often set forth by this Term or Title Acts 2.36 God has made that same Iesus whom ye have crucified both Lord and Christ. He is Lord over all Creatures and over the House of God Phil. 2.11 And that every Tongue should confess that Iesus Christ is Lord to the Glory of God the Father He died for that End and Purpose Rom. 14.9 To this End Christ both died and rose again and revived that he might be Lord both of dead and living Therefore we should own him as such Iohn 20.28 My Lord and my God Both in Word and Deed. In Word Phil. 2.11 That every Tongue should confess that Iesus Christ is Lord. Indeed in worship Psal. 45.11 He is thy Lord worship thou him In ordinary Practice and Conversation Loving Serving Sâ—udying to please him â—n all things Luke 6.46 Why call you me Lord and do not the things which I say Col. 1 10. Walk worthy of the Lord in all pleasing 'T is our Comfort that he is Head over all things Eph. 1.22 So he is able to Subject the Church to himself by his Spirit to vanquish its Enemies and defend us by his Power And 't is both our Comfort and Duty that he is our Lord. He purchased us by his Blood Acts 20.28 and Eph. 1.14 â—herefore the Church is given him as an Inheritance Psal. 2.8 We are married to him in the Covenant of Grace Therefore he appeaseth the Wrath of God by his Passion and Intercession He cherisheth and takes care of us 3. The Appropriation of this Office and Dignity to him alone one Lord Iesus Christ. To set up other Lords of our Faith or other Mediators between God and us is a wrong to Christ. There is but one Mediator either of Redemption or Intercession and no Saints or Angels share in this Honour 1 Tim. 2.5 For there is one God and one Mediator between God and Man the Man Christ Iesus Eph. 4.5 One Lord. Without Partner or Substitute He will communicate this Glory and Dominion over his Church to no other in whole or in part 4. The distinctness of his Operation as Mediator from what was said concerning the Father 'T is said of the Father Of whom and for whom are all things but of the Mediator it is said By whom are all things and we by him God is the Fountain of all Heavenly Gifts Iam. 1.17 And Christ is the Pipe and Conveyance God is the ultimate Object of our worship and by the Mediator do we make our Addresses and Applications to him Eph. 2.18 For through him we both have an access by one Spirit unto the Father From God all things have their Being as from their Spring and Cause both in a way of Nature and Grace So all things by the Mediator Doct. That the owning and worshipping God by the Mediator Iesus Christ is the summ of the Christian Religion Natural Religion owneth a God but the Christian Religion owneth a Mediator and Father Son and Holy Ghost for that only true God and Jesus Christ for that Mediator See other Scriptures Iohn 17.3 And this is Life Eternal that they might know thee the only true God and Iesus Christ whom thou hast sent There is the summ of what is necessary to Life Eternal that God is to be known loved obeyed worshipped and injoyed and the Lord Jesus as our Redeemer and Saviour to bring us home to God and to procure for us the Gifts of Pardon and Life and this Life to be begun here and perfected in Heaven So 1 Tim. 2.5 For there is but one God and one Mediator between God and Men the Man Christ Iesus Here are the two great Points of the Christian Religion one God in whom is all our Trust and Confidence and one Lord Jesus the only Mediator for the Restauration and Reconciliation of Man with God Here I shall shew you 1. The Necessity of a Mediator 2. The Fitness of Christ for this Office 3. The Benefit and Fruit of it 4. Who are the Parties interested in these Comforts and most concerned in these Duties I. The Necessity of a Mediator in this lapsed and faln Estate of Mankind Two things infer and inforce this Necessity Distance and Difference Distance by reason of Impurity and Difference by reason of Enmity Both these occur in the Case between God and Men. God is a God of Glorious Majesty and we are poor Creatures God is an Holy God a God of purer Eyes than to behold Iniquity and we are sinful Creatures As Creatures unworthy of immediate access to God as lapsed and under the guilt of Sin and desert of Punishment and unable to deliver our selves cannot draw nigh to him with any Comfort 1. Our Distance Which is so great that it is a Condescention for God to take notice that there are such Creatures in the World Psal. 113.6 Who humbleth himself to behold the things which are in Heaven and Earth The Excellency and Majesty of God is so great that either Angels or Men are unworthy to approach his Presence Now as Inferiour and mean People dare not approach the presence of a great Prince but by some powerful Friend and Intercessor at Court so our distance produceth our fears and estrangedness and backwardness to draw nigh unto God and so hindreth our Love and Confidence in him Well then to depend upon one so far above us that he will take notice of us take care for us relieving us in our Necessities and Streights and help us out of all our Miseries and finally save us requireth a Mediator one that is more near and dear to God than we are which can be no other than Jesus Christ as I shall shew by and by When a Sinner looketh only at God as in himself he is confounded and amazed as quite
terms Therefore he revealeth and perswadeth us to accept the conditions of the New Covenant and to cast away all our rebellion against God and enter into his Peace 2 Cor. 5.20 Now then we are Embassadours for Christ as though God did beseech you by us We pray you in Christ's stead be ye reconciled to God They plead in his Name and by vertue of his Power Secondly As a King and Lord so he maketh these terms part of the New Law for the remedying of lapsed Mankind Heb. 5.8 Though he were a Son yet he learned obedience by the things he suffered And not only so but he subdueth us to himself Luke 11.21 By strong hand rescueth us out of the power of the Devil and giveth us Grace to serve him acceptably Heb. 12.28 And taketh us into his care and ruleth us and protecteth us till we enter into everlasting life His Lordship is a great part of his Mediation III. The Comforts and Duties thence resulting namely from Christ's being constituted as Mediatour as they are laid forth in the Text. 1. I observe That the Father's Honour and Glory is still secured and preserved safe and intire notwithstanding the giving the Glory to Christ as the Lord of the New Creation The Glory of the Mediatour doth no way impair and infringe the Fathers Glory That is apparent partly because all the good we have is from the Father but onely by Christ. For when the Father is spoken of 't is said From him are all things but when the Mediatour then 't is said By him which notes a subordinate operation or administration as Lord Deputy under the Father and therefore in the subjection of the Creature unto Christ the Glory of the Father is expresly reserved Phil. 2.11 That every Tongue should confess that Iesus is Lord to the Glory of the Father Again it 's apparent because it 's said We are to him or for him The Mediatour does not lead us off from God but to him Therefore both our love to God and subjection to him must still be preserved 1. Our love You must not think of the Father that he is all Wrath severe and inexorable and his Favour not to be gain'd but upon hard terms no if he himself had not loved us we could never have had Christ for our Redeemer All things are of him not only in a way of Creation but Redemption and one great end of sending Christ was to shew the amiableness of the Divine Nature Christ himself was sent by the Father John 3.16 God so loved the World that he sent his onely begotten Son 2 Cor. 5.19 God was in Christ reconciling the World to himself not imputing their trespasses to them Rom. 8.32 God spared not his own Son but delivered him for us all 2. Our Subjection and Obedience Rev. 5.9 Thou hast redeemed us to God by thy blood His antient right in us is not disannull'd but promoted We are redeemed to his Service and Obedience See 1 Cor. 6.19 20 Which are God's viz. By a right beneficial as a farther obligation God is the Efficient and Final Cause of all things Therefore still our Subjection to God and Love to God must be preserved 2. I observe That the expressions here used imply Returns as well as Receipts Look to the Expressions in both Clauses either concerning the one God or the one Mediatour The one God From him are all things and we by him or for him As from his bounty and goodness so for his honour and service Prov. 16.4 God hath made all things for himself 1 Cor. 10.31 Whether ye eat or drink or whatsoever you do do all to the glory of God Whether it be in a way of Nature or Grace all things come of God These words do especially concern Christians All matters of Grace come from the Father to us for his Glory All things that belong to the New Creation as appeareth by the last clause we by him 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or for him See Eph. 1.12 That we should be to the praise of his glory So for what is said of the Mediatour and one Lord Iesus Christ by whom are all things That is which we receive from God and we by him that is all the services which we return to God again Not onely Blessings come from the Father to us but we also must return duty and service to God by the same Mediatour Receipts come from God by Christ and Returns go back by Christ to God Which is to be noted by them who are all for Receipts but think not of Returns And also by them who own God in their Mercies but make Returns in their own Name No all that duty which we perform to God 't is by the Mediatour All Christianity is a coming to God by Christ Heb. 7.25 If we believe in God 't is by him 1 Pet. 1.2 By whom we believe in God If we love God 't is in Christ. If we pray to God 't is in and through him Ephes. 2.18 For through him we both have an access by one Spirit unto the Father If we praise God 't is in and by Christ Phil. 1.11 Being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Iesus Christ to the Glory and Praise of God Otherwise our Duties are not acceptable and pleasing to him 3. I observe That in the Receipts we expect from God there is great encouragement to expect them For God is represented as a fountain of Grace as a Father as a God and Father that acts by a Mediatour whose Merit is exprest as large as the Father's Power 1. As a Fountain of Grace he is the supream Cause of all things from whom all creatures have their life and being A Fountain ever-flowing and over-flowing What can we ask of him which he is not able to do Psal 57.2 I will cry unto God most high unto God that pâ—rformeth all things for me If it be pardon of sin or the gift of the spirit If subduing Enemies or everlasting Salvation he is able to give it you If it be strength against Temptations or Grace to serve him acceptably you come to a God from whom are all things VVhen a Man seriously worshippeth God he turneth his back upon all other things and turneth his face to God as the supream Lord and Fountain of all Happiness You may with confidence present your Petitions to him that can perform all things 2. You come to God as a Father If you take it personally 't is comfortable to come to him as the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ Ephes. 3.14 or essentially as a Father of the whole family of the faithful He loveth us dearly VVe have the Supream God for our Father and shall not we trust in him 2 Cor. 6.18 And I will be a Father unto you and you shall be my sons and daughters VVho would distrust a Father and an Omnipotent Father VVhen we remember not onely his sufficiency but his love to us and our
interest in him we make our Addresses to him with confidence VVho may be confident if not the children of such a Father 3 This Fatherly goodness and all sufficiency is engaged for our relief by the Mediatour As all things are from the Father so all things are by him that is purchased and bought by his Merit The extent and vertue of his Merit is expressed as largely as the Father's power If we believe in God as an All sufficient Fountain of Grace we believe in Christ as an All-sufficient Mediatour John 14.1 Let not your hearts be troubled ye believe in God believe also in me 1 John 2.23 He that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also Besides this The Vâ—â—l of Christ's flesh doth break the beams of his terrour to those that behold his Excellencies and rejoice in them By that we are incouraged to come to God for the Mediatour's Blessing which is the pardon of our sins Mat. 1.21 He shall save his people from their sins And Acts 3.26 God hath sent him to bless you in turning away every one of you from your sins One great Petition which we have to put up to God is for the pardon of sin This is a principal suit which sinful Man hath daily to present to God Now when we are sensible of sin How comfortable is it to come to God in the Name of this Lord and Mediatour who came on purpose to take away sin and hath satisfied God's Justice and Merited God's favour and mercy for us and liveth in Heaven to plead the Merit of his Sacrifice 4. As we are incouraged greatly to expect the graces and favours needful so we are as deeply engaged to the returns of Love Service and Obedience and that not onely as oblig'd in point of gratitude but as inclin'd suited and fitted for as we are for God so we are by him I say we are obliged in gratitude for the many Blessings which are procured and conveyed to us by the Mediatour If we have all things from God and all things by him and we Christians more than ordinary Creatures surely we should in a singular manner fulfil his Will and seek his Glory 2 Cor. 5.14 15. For the love of Christ constraineth us because we thus Iudge that if one died for all then were all dead And that he died for all that they that live should not henceforth live unto themselves but unto him which died for them and rose again And not onely are we obliged but inabled and inclined We for him there is our duty in the first clause We by him there is our help Ephes. 2.10 We are his workmanship in Christ Iesus created unto good works Not onely by him so as to perform it acceptably but by him so as to perform it chearfully and with all readiness of Mind It relateth to our assistance as well as our acceptance There is the Spirit to help our infirmities which is shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Lord Titus 3.6 So we are by him that is are fitted for the Service of God and put into a capacity to please him IV. Who are the parties interested in these Comforts and most concerned in these Duties The Apostle saith here To us there is but one God and one Lord meaning to us Christians all those that own God and worship God by the Mediatour Heb. 7.25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him VVho are they Some will not come to God others not by him They and they onely are the persons that enjoy the benefit of this Mediation who come to God by him and that Two ways 1. They come to God by him who take upon them the profession of being his servants and obedient subjects in Christ. The bare profession bringeth us somewhat nearer to God Thus the People of Israel are said to be a People nigh unto God Psal. 148.14 They were a step nearer to God than the Gentiles So the Profession of Christianity bringeth us near unto God Who were sometime afar off but now are made near by the blood of Christ Ephes. 2.13 Before they were afar off from God from his Church his Covenant and Communion with him in his Ordinances Surely 't is some advantage to come so near to God by Christ as to have Union and Communion with the visible Church of Christ they are in that Society and Community of Men who are under God's special care and government above the rest of the World and where they enjoy the means of Salvation and such ordinarily by which God useth to convey his choicest Blessings These have a benefit above those who are wholly without the Church as having an offer of the Gospel-benefits though not a right to them They are nearer at hand and in Grace's way and may sooner understand that Christ is a Means chosen and used by God to bring home sinners to himself and by the Christian Doctrine currant amongst them which they know and profess to believe have a Dogmatical Faith at least that God is the Supream Fountain of all Happiness and Christ the onely way to him and have the common conditional pardoning Covenant sounding in their ears continually wherein God offereth to be a God and Father to them in Christ and telleth them what he will be and do to and for all those that do come in and submit to this Covenant 2. These come to God by him who really enter into the Evangelick estate and are converted by an unfeigned Repentance towards God and Faith in our Lord Iesus Christ Acts 20 21. Repentance respects God as our Supream Lord and chief happiness and Faith our Lord Jesus Christ as the onely one Mediatour When you turn from Sin Self and Satan unto God then you come to him for certainly the farther we depart from Sin the nearer we come to God Now this coming is by Christ. The Sinner that is turned from the Creature to God and from Sin to Holiness is also turned from Self to Christ who is the onely Means of our Recovery by his Merit and efficacy reconciling us to God and changing our hearts by the one restoring us to his Favour by the other to his Image Therefore a turning our selves from our sins with a resolution to forsake them without a reflection upon Christ is but a Natural Religion not Evangelical The Evangelical Religion is a coming to God by Christ or as it is described by the Apostle Heb. 10.22 A drawing nigh with a true heart and in full assurance of Faith having our hearts sprinkled from an evil Conscience and our bodies washed with pure water Those that are justified by the Merit and Sanctified by the Spirit of Christ and fully resolving intirely and unfeignedly upon the duties of the Gospel depending upon the Promises thereof these indeed have one God for their Father and one Lord Jesus Christ for their Redeemer and Saviour Till a Man be renewed and reconciled sanctified
they subsist after Life and have a Being is their firm Perswasion And therefore are wont to assign to the dead part of the goods which they possessed And Acosta telleth us that in Peru they are wont to kill some of their Slaves to attend the dead in the World to come Thus in a manner all Nations have received this Tradition from hand to hand from their Ancestors and the nearer to the first Original of Mankind the more clear and pressing hath been the conceit hereof Lapse of time which decayeth all things hath not been able to deface it out of the Minds of Men who though they have been gradually depraved and degenerated according to the distance by which they have been removed from their first Originals yet they could never blot out the sense of an Estate after this Life An universal Tradition is some Argument when there can be no solid and indubitable Reasons brought to convince it of falsity Now such is this spread throughout the Universe and with extream forwardness received of all Nations and hath born up against all the encounters of Time and constantly maintained it self in the midst of so many Revolutions of Humane Affairs by which many other things were lost 2. All men have believed that there is a God and very few doubted but that He is a Rewarder of Virtue and Punisher of Vice Now neither the one nor the other is fully accomplished in this World even in the Judgment of those who have no great Knowledge of the Nature of Sin nor what Punishment is competent thereunto Therefore there must be some state after this Life in which this retributive Justice of punishing the Bad and rewarding the Good shall be manifested For here Providence seemeth to be darkned and the World is offended with the Calamities of the Good and Prosperity of the Wicked 1 Cor. 15.19 If in this Life only we have Hope in Christ Iesus we are of all men most miserable 3. If there be an end of man when he dieth Why is man afraid of Torments after Death Heb. 2.15 Deliver them who through fear of Death were all their Life-time subject to bondage Men fear Deaâ—h not as a natural Evil as it terminateth our present Comforts but as a Penal Evil as it is an Entrance to unknown Sorrows 1 Cor. 15.56 The Sting of Death is Sin and the Strength of Sin is the Law What 's the Reason of these stings of Conscience which are never so sensible and quick as when they approach near Death or behold themselves in some imminent danger What are these but presaging fears which anticipate miseries after this life If there were an utter end of men these troubles should in Reason then vanish But this is the Time when these Alarums are redoubled and those Tempests increase their Violence 2. The Light of Christâ—anity doth much more discover it That 's properly a Doctrine of things unseen That telleth us of a Prison where are the Spirits of Wicked men 1 Pet. 3.19 Of a Palace or Mansions in our Fathers House where are the Spirits of Just men made perfect Heb. 12.23 On the one hand it telleth us of a Worm that never dieth of a Fire that shall never be quenched Mark 9.44 On the other side of Joys that are at the right hand of God for evermore Psal. 16.11 That Christ died to free us from the wrath to come 1 Thess. â— 10 And purchased Heaven for us 1 Thess. 5.10 And is gone to Heaven to seise upon it in our Name Iohn 14.2 3. Having first left a sure Promise of Eternal Life to all that believe in him 1 Iohn 2.25 Which â—romise was outwardly confirmed by divers Miracles accompanying them that went abroad to make this offer in his Name Heb. 2.3 4. Inwarâ—ly in the Hearts of his People by giving them the first fruits of this Everlasting Estate in their Union with himself Col. 1.27 And the Joys of his Spirit which are therefore said to be full of Glory 1 Pet. 1.8 These are Truths interweaved throughout the whole Body of Christianity Now discourse but with your selves 1. Parâ—ly concerning the thing it self Partly 2. Concerning the certainty of your Hope 1. Concerning the certainty of the thing it self Is the whole Scripture false The Gospel a Fable Are all the Oracles of the Prophets the Doctrine of Christ his Miracles Resurrection Ascension but a Dream Were they all deceived that followed Christ upon these Hopes That took such pains in subduing the Flesh And hazarding their Interests freely upon the Hopes of another World Are the wisest sort of men the World ever saw Fools All the Ordinances of Christ a customary Superstition Is Grace a Fancy The Joys of the Spirit Delusions or phantastical Impressions These rejoicings and foretasts of the Children of God a meer Deceit and Imposture Surely it cannot be that all this Solemnity should be used to establish a vain Conceit 2. Excite and work up your own Faith and Hope Is there not a state of Blessedness reserved for me in the Heavens Invisible and Glorious things which I am bound to seek after Thou hast not Possession but thou hast the Grant the Deed of Gift sealed thou hast the Conveyance to shew Gods own Word and Promise to assure thee Yea 't is not nudum pactum God hath given thee the Earnest of a greater summ 2 Cor. 1.22 Who hath also sealed us and given the Earnest of the Spirit in our Hearts What should I do then but look for it long for it and earnestly seek after it Use II. Is for Reproof 1. To the Incredulous and Unbelieving to whom all Invisible Things seem a Fancy Scoffing Atheists they will not believe there is an Heaven or an Hell till they see them In the face of the Visible Church there may be such and in the latter times there shall be many such 2 Pet. 3.4 But in Hell there are none such because then matters of Faith are matters of feeling and to their bitter cost they find the Truth of what they doubted of To these I shall say God hath always tried his People and distinguished them from others by respect to things not seen Heb. 11.7 By Faith Noah being warned of God of things not seen as yet moved with fear prepared an Ark to the saving of his House by the which he condemned the World and became Heir of the Righteousness which is by Faith By this he condemned the World at his costly Industry and care to frame an Ark but whilest he provided for his safety they perished in their Sins Must every thing be seen before we fear it or hope for it Why then do men provide for time to come so long before hand Why for Old-Age in Youth Why for Winter in Summer As the Industry of the Ant is recommended for our Imitation Prov. 6.6 7 8. Go to the Ant thou Sluggard consider her ways and be wise Which having no Guide Overseer or Ruler provideth her Meat in
matters in view and chase and carry it so as if our Hopes were only in this World and not as if the Eternal God had promised these Eternal things to us Surely if our belief of them were stronger we should be other Persons than we are in all Holy Conversation and Godliness 2 Pet. 3.11 5. The sottish despairing Carnal Person As there is a raging despair so a sottish despair Ier. 18.12 And they said There is no Hope but we will walk after our own devices and we will every one do the Imagination of his Evil Heâ—rt And Ier 2.25 Thou saidst there is no Hope no for I have loved Strangers and after them I will go Give over all endeavours If I be saved I shall be saved if damned who can help it I will bear it as well as I can Bear it What wilt thou bear What endure the loss of Heaven Endure the Wrath of Almighty God Poor Wretch thou knowest not what Eternity meaneth For the loss thou wilt apprehend it to be another thing when thy Soul cometh to see but a glimpse of what Heaven is and shal see others sitting down with Abraham Isaac and Iacob and thy self shut out They are admitted and thou art excluded This will cause weeping and wailing and gnashing of Teeth for evermore Mat. 8.12 If Rachel could not endure the loss of her Children nor Iacob the supposed loss of Ioseph when all his Sons and Daughters rose up to Comfort him I will go to the Grave to my Son Mourning Gen. 37.35 If Achitophel could not endure the rejectment of his Counsel and Haman could not endure to be slighted by Mordecai and many cannot endure the loss of a Beloved Child How wilt thou endure the loss of Eternity The Disciples wept bitterly when Paul said Ye shall see my face no more Acts 28.38 What will you do when God shall say See my face no more Thou carest not for the fruition of God now because thou believest not the reality of this Blessedness hast other Comforts and Affairs to divert thee but when thou shalt be set apart from all thy Comforts and hast nothing to divert thee thou shalt know what Eternal Life is 2. For the other How canst thou endure the wrath of God Thou that canst not endure to be scorched a day or two in feavorish Flames thou that canst not endure the acute Pains of Stone or Gout when God armeth the Humours of thine own Body against thee That canst not endure the scalding of a little Gun-powder casually blown up The Pain of a broken Arm or Leg how wilt thou endure when God himself shall fall upon thee God himself puts the Question Ezek. 22.14 In the other World God is all in all A Sermon on Luke Xvi 25 Son Remember that thou in thy Life-time receivedst thy good things and likewise Lazarus evil things but now he is comforted and thou art tormented THese Words are part of a Parable the contrivance of which is so exactly framed according to the Reality and Truth which is represented that it hath been disputed whether it be a Parable or an History The two Persons chiefly concerned in this Parable are the Rich Glutton and Lazarus the Begger The Rich Man is not represented under any proper Name as the Begger is partly to avoid offence and partly to shew that the Wicked are of no Name Account or Reckoning with God 2 Tim. 2.19 The Lord knoweth them that are his John 10.3 He calleth his own Sheep by Name A Rich Man of this World you cannot miss of his Name in the subsidy Book but in the Book of Life the Begger hath a Name when the Rich hath not The Rich Glutton is described by the course of his Life which was pleasant and Luxurious he was clad with the best and fared of the best he was cloathed with Purple and fine Linnen there is his Winter and Summer Garment and fared sumptuously every day verse 19. With him every day was a Festival On the other side the Begger is described by his Piety intimated by his Name Lazarus the Lord was his help by his Afflictions of want for he was a Begger lying at the Rich-mans door of Sickness full of soars by his Modesty he desired only the Crâ—ms which fell from the Rich-mans Table Luke 20.21 In time both died for Rich and Poor must both die Iob 3.19 The small and the great are there 'T is said of the Poor man that he died and was carried by the Angels into Abrahams Bosom But of the Rich he died and was buried verse 22. Nothing is said of the burial of the Poor man the other had a pompous Funeral according to the custom of the World but the Carkass of the Poor man was little regarded it may be cast to the Dunghil However in the state of their Souls there was great difference though the Body of the one was conducted to the Grave in State yet his Soul was in woful plight for he died and was buried and in Hell he lift up his Eyes being in torments verse 23. But for the other his Body was neglected but his Soul was of precious account with God for it was carried by the Angels into Abrahams Bosom verse 22. The Rich man is too late sensible of his Misery and the Happiness of the despised Begger And in Hell he lift up his Eyes being in torments and seeth Abraham afar off and Lazarus in his Bosom verse 23. He had hoped for better things for this Rich man was not an Infidel but one of Abrahams Children as the Begger also was but he was of Abrahams Children according to the Flesh but not according to the Spirit Mat. 3.9 Think not to say within your selves we have Abraham to our Father Carnal Confidences in external Prerogatives will at length wofully deceive us But what doth he beg of Abraham That Lazarus may dip the tip of his Finger in Water and cool his Tongue verse 24. Desideravit guttam qui non dedit micam He that would not give a Crum now desireth a Drop God will be even with Sinners and retaliate their Oppressions and uncharitableness into their Bosoms In the Text you have part of Abrahams answer But Abraham said Son Remember that thou in thy Life-time receivedst thy good things and likewise Lazarus evil things but now he is comforted and thou art tormented In the Words is set forth the different Estate of the Rich man and the Begger in this Life and in the World to come 1. In this Life Remember that thou in thy Life-time receivedst thy good things and Lazarus evil things 2. In the World to come where you see how perfectly the Tables are turned Now he is comforted and thou art tormented I. In this Life On the Rich mans side 1. There is his Prosperity and worldly Happiness he had received good things 2. The suitableness of his Heart to this kind of Happiness or his well-pleasedness with it Thy good things His not
respect to our selves to raise our Faith in the Crucified Saviour For God hath set him forth to be a propitiation for our sins through faith in his blood Rom. 3.25 We believe that by this means the Favour of God may be recovered his Image restored Eternal Life obtained and all the Mercy offered in the new Covenant bestowed upon us according to the Gracious terms thereof II. With respect to others We annunciate it as we make publick profession of this Faith that we are not ashamed of Christ Crucified but rather glory in it and in the Blessed Effects of his death Gal. 6.14 God forbid that I should Glory save in the cross of our Lord Iesus Christ by whom the world is crucified to me and I unto the world We glory in this that we are his peculiar People distinguished from the perishing world as Goshen from Aegypt or those in the Ark from those who perished in the waters or as Gideon's Fleece wet with the Dew from all the rest of the ground or as Rahab's House from the rest of Iericho We own Christ and Christ will own us You will say What great matter is there in this profession where all are Christians among whom Christ's name is had in Honour and Esteem I Answer 1. Never was it so well with the World but that somewhat of Christ was called in question and so the profession of his intire Truth may be dangerous and costly Sometimes this Truth and sometimes that is contradicted and opposed And so it cometh to pass that Self-denial is a standing Rule never out of season And therefore we still fortifie our Selves by this Duty to own the present Truth how much soever it be spoken against Thus Paul Gloried in Christ in opposition to the carnal policy of the false Apostles who gloried in the flesh the riches pomp and favour of the World which ran of their side But we remember the Cross of Christ to deaden our Affections to the glory and applause of the world II. This profession must be not in Word only but Deed also We profess our selves to be a peculiar People redeemed from all iniquity by Christ to live to God and serve God Now if our conversation be not answerable we do not remember the Blood of the Covenant with Honour but spill it on the ground and trample it under our feet Heb. 10.29 and destroy our profession by our conversation As we destroy our profession of God Tit. 1.16 They profess that they know God but in works they deny him So of Christ 1 Tim. 5 8. If any provide not for his own and especially for those of his own house he hath denied the faith and is worse than an Infidel A merciless Man hath denied the Faith And Ier. 9.25 26. Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom neither let the mighty man glory in his might let not the rich man glory in his riches But let him that glorieth glory in this that he understandeth and knoweth me that I am the Lord which exercise loving kindness judgment and righteousness in the earth for in these things I delight saith the Lord So that our Lives must be an Hymn to Christ or a constant glorying in him Great things are expected of the peculiar people 1 Pet. 2.9 Ye are a chosen generation a royal Priesthood an holy nation a peculiar people that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light Well then this annunciating the death of Christ before many witnesses is useful to us in times of trouble that we may be faithful to his Interest and in times of Peace that we may be the more bound to all Holy Conversation and Godliness III. We profess also our selves to be parrtakers of the benefits of Christ's death by a lively Faith For the Apostle tells us 1 Cor. 10.21 Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of Devils Ye cannot be partakers of the Lords Table and of the Table of Devils In the Lord's Supper we profess to be partakers of the Body and Blood of Christ that is the benefits of his death And he had said before of the Iews ver 18. They which eat of the sacrifices are partakers of the Altar they Eat and Drink with God at the Altar So eating and drinking at the Lord's Table is a sign of communion with Christ and that we rejoyce in this that we are admitted into the participation of the benefits and efficacy of his death If we be unqualified and unprepared to Receive them we mock God and dishonor Christ. 3. We annunciate it to God This we do two ways 1. In a way of Prayer Pleading before him the value of this Sacrifice with Humility and Affiance expecting the benefits thereof Christ's Blood is pleaded by him in Heaven by his constant intercession and by us upon Earth in Prayer when we shew the Father that Sacrifice once made by him In which we trust and for which we expect Mercy and Grace to help us As the Apostle beggeth Grace through the Blood of the everlasting Covenant Heb. 13.20 21. Now the God of peace that brought again from the dead our Lord Iesus Christ that great shepheard of the sheep through the blood of the everlasting Covenant Make ye perfect in every work to do his Will working in you that which is well pleasing in his sight through Iesus Christ to whom be Glory for ever and ever Amen And we sue out our Pardon and beg the Gift of the Spirit in the name of our Mediator and Advocate 2. In Thanksgiving and Praise to God for Jesus Christ and his benefits Eph. 1.3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Iesus Christ who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ. Looking upon all Blessings as streaming to us in his Blood and the fruits of his Mediatorial Administration 2. With respect to the Properties and manner how it is to be annunciated 1. It must be serious In Spiritual things the Heart is not soon wrought upon or else the Sacred Impressions are easily defaced Glances have no Fruit and Efficacy to warm the Heart As Birds that often straggle from their Nests suffer their Eggs to grow chill and cold but when they sit long the Brood is hatched So by a constant Incubation we profit most and these things sink deeper into our Hearts It is true the things represented are great things and so force their way into our Minds whether we will or no but yet they are Spiritual and depend on Faith therefore some Entertainment and serious Consideration is necessary Heb. 3.1 Wherefore holy Brethren partakers of the heavenly Calling consider the Apostle and High Priest of our Profession Christ Iesus The Heart of Man catcheth like Tinder at every Spark when Sin is represented but it is otherwise in Holy and Heavenly Things They that do not use to command their Thoughts make less Earnings
righteousness for the remission of Sins that are past through the forbearance of God Rom. 3.25 In him God will satisfie his justice and accept of the believing Penitent He spared not his Son that he might spare us Rom. 8.32 He that spareth not his own Son but delivered him up for us all Isa. 53.10 It pleased the Lord to bruise him and the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hand In the same verse Christ's Bruises and our Salvation are called the pleasure of the Lord. The Lord was willing of both and well content with both 3. His gracious Covenant which may be considered 1. As to the terms or conditions it requires 2. As to the Penalties which God hath reserved a Liberty to inflict 1. As to the Terms or Conditions propounded it requireth Perfection and accepteth of Sincerity It requires Perfection Gen. 17.1 I am the Almighty God walk before me and be thou perfect Surely the Covenant of Grace requireth Perfection for the righteous Law is Adopted into the frame of it as the rule of our duty otherwise our defects were no Sins and otherwise allowed failings were consistent with sincerity and where shall we then stop otherwise we were not obliged to strive after perfection for it were only a work of Supererrogation not of necessary Duty to press towards the mark Therefore certainly it doth invite us to the highest degree of Goodness and maketh Perfection it self our Duty And there is Mercy in it that our Duty and Happiness may agree and we may not have liberty to be bad and miserable but ever bound to our own felicity which consisteth in an exact Conformity to God and the most perfect subjection to him But yet it accepteth of Sincerity If our Hearts be upright with God and set to obey please and glorify him and we make it our main work so to do God will not enter into judgments with his Servants nor be strict to his Children nor condemn those that Love and Fear him 2 Chron. 30.18 19 20. But Hezekiah prayed for them saying The good Lord pardon every one that prepareth his Heart to seek God the Lord God of his Fathers though he be not cleansed according to the purification of the Sanctuary And the Lord hearkned to Hezekiah and healed the people Therefore he taketh not advantage of our infirmities to ruine us Indeed as the Covenant commandeth Perfection it noteth our infirmities to humble us in order to our cure but as it accepteth of Sincerity Christ looketh not to our Infirmities as a Judge but as a tender Physician to rid us of them and free us from them more and more 2. As to the Afflictions and Penalties which God hath reserved a liberty to inflict notwithstanding the new Covenant they all infer his sparing of us for they are but Temporal Evils when we have deserved Eternal and the Temporal Evil is sent to prevent Eternal It is true they are merited by our Sin but yet they turn to our good They are in themselves the effects of God's displeasure and parts of our Misery but by them he speaketh to the Conscience of a Sinner and sealeth Instruction to our Hearts that we no longer deal perversly for the rod hath a voice Micah 6.9 Hear ye the rod and who hath appointed it In short they are in themselves and in their own nature Evils of punishment but there property is changed and so they are acts of God's Faithfulness Psal. 119.75 I know O Lord that thy Iudgments are right and that thou in faithfulness hast afflicted me and they are sent to us as a needful Medicine Isa. 27.9 By this shall the iniquity of Jacob be purged and this is all the fruit to take away his Sin And are profitable acts of God's Fatherly Discipline Heb. 12.10 For they verily for a few days chastned us after their own pleasure but he for our profit that we might be partakers of his Holiness Mercy turneth them to our benefit 'T is our part to seek after the benefit it is God's part to give it and to remove the affliction and that is his sparing Hic ure hic seca modo in Aeternum parcas or Burn me or Cut me or do what thou wilt with me here so thou spare me as to Eternal punishment said one of the Ancients 4. From his comfortable relation to us He is our Father and a Father will not be severe to his Children partly out of Instinct of Nature which inclineth the Bruits to their Young ones till they can shift for themselves and partly from Reason which should guide Men they being our own Flesh Blood and Bone a New and Second self the Child is the Father Multiplied and the Father Continued And partly out of Conscience of God's Command who hath injoyned this Duty on Parents to be tender of their Children Now if God be our Father and will take the relation upon himself he will do whatever this relation implieth Psal. 103.13 Like as a Father pitieth his Children so the Lord pitieth thosâ— that fâ—ar him Yea whatever is in the Creature is ascribed to God per modum Eminentiae By way of Eminency Tam Pater nemo No one is so much a Father as God Luke 11.13 If ye then being evil know how to give good Gifts to your children how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him So in the present case 1. There is sparing as to acceptance A Father if there be any blemish in his Child he will pity it and cover it He accepteth in good part the willingness of his Son to serve him though he through weakness fail in the exact manner of performance So our Heavenly Father accepteth of a willing and honest Heart though we come short of that perfection required in the Law His choice Servants have had their blemishes yet their merciful Father giveth them this commendation that they have have walked before him with a perfect Heart So doth God to David Asa and Iehosaphat 1 King 15.5 David did that which was right in the eyes of the Lord and turned not aside from any thing which he commanded him save only in the matter of Uriah The brand of that wilful sin sticketh upon him but other things are passed by 2. There is God's sparing as to Punishment and Correction It is true that God hath reserved a liberty to scourge his Children but still he doth it as a Father Heb. 12.6 For whom the Lord loveth he chastneth and scourgeth every Son whom he receiveth To spare the Rod is to spoil the Child but still he useth it as a Father which is seen partly because he cometh to it unwillingly There are Tears in his Eyes as it were when the Rod is in his hand Lam. 3.33 He doth not afflict willingly nor grieve the children of men And partly because he doth it in measure and with great Moderation In chastising his people he dealeth otherwise with his People than
against the Soul as they bring a servitude and a brawn and a deadness upon the Heart Tit. 3.3 We our selves also were sometimes foolish disobedient deceived serving divers lusts and pleasures c. As we are apt to love them more than God 2 Tim. 3.4 Lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God As they bring a brawn and a deadness upon the Heart and so make it uncapable of that sweet consolation which the Spirit worketh in us 2. When the Heart is mortified and subdued to God there is no such pleasure as the contempt of Bodily pleasures Quam suave mihi subito factum est carere suavitatibus nugarum How sweet is it to me to want the sweetness of these trifles In some diseases it 's a pleasure to eat Dust when the disease is cured it 's abhorred as a filthy thing It is our distemper that leaveth the carnal rellish so strong upon us get rid of your distemper and you will be ashamed of your brutish satifactions it is a diseased Mind that looks after them 1 Use. To remove prejudice Men usually judge Wisdoms ways to be sower and bitter whereas they yield great joy and pleasure to those that walk in them Here is peace for their Consciences and pleasantness to satisfie their Affections Who live the pleasant life they that walk upon the brink of Hell every moment or they who being justified by Faith are made Heirs of Eternal life who look every day when God will translate them into his immediate Presence They that satisfie their Lusts by breaking God's Law or they that provide for the Peace of their Consciences by observing and keeping it Who are like to be most satisfied in their Object they that love a vain uncertain world or they that live in the love of God If Men would but come and try what it is indeed to believe in Christ to live in the love of God and the hope of Eternal life their prejudices would be soon confuted Object But you will say your Spiritual delight is but a fancy it seemeth to be hard to forsake what I see what I feel what I taste what I love for a God and a Glory which I do not see and it may be never shall see I Answer It is no wonder How can you see when you have no Eyes Faith is the eye of the Soul Heb. 11.1 Faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen and ver 27. By faith he forsook Aegypt not fearing the wrath of the King for he endured as seeing him who is invisible 2 Pet. 1.9 Whom having not seen ye love in whom tho' now ye see him not yet believing ye rejoyce with joy unspeakable and full of glory And how can you hope to see while you are carnal and your Hearts do not suit with these things or ever experienced this Joy But beg the Spirit of Wisdom and Revelation Eph. 1.17 18. 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 enlightned that ye may know what is the hope of his calling and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the Saints and return you to him Illumination and Inclination conduce both to your cure For this Holy Delight cannot be forced nor drawn forth by bare Commands and Threatnings When the attractive goodness of the Object is represented by the Spirit the Heart must be suited to it and then you will find this joy 2. Use. To reprove two sorts of People 1. Those that can find no pleasure in an Holy life that is no ground of pleasure Is not God a delectable Object Is not Salvation by Christ a delightful speculation or such a Glorious Mystery as cannot be found elsewhere Are not the promises of Heaven comfortable things If a Man should adopt you into the succession of a Crown VVould it not please you And is not God's promise more sure Is not Communion with God a pleasing exercise Heathens pretended to Secresie with their gods as the greatest Felicity Needeth a Christian pretend it Hath he not liberty to open his Heart in secret Do you ever come from your Sports with such a chearful Soul as you come from your Duties Many have repented of their carnal Mirth never any of their Godly Sorrow VVhich is better to fill the body with Diseases which is the part gratified by Sin and is more Wasted than Gratified or to enrich the Soul with Graces To deny the clamours of the Flesh or the importunities of Conscience Or which is all one to offer Violence to our Lusts or to our Consciences 2. It reproveth them that live as if there were no pleasure in a course of Holiness When others go merrily to Hell will you go drooping to Heaven I pray whose Work are you about Whither doth your Journey tend Are you sad because you have left Sathan's service Was he a good Master to you Or because it is now a part of your business to tame and subdue the Flesh Will that yield any thing more satisfying than the love of God It could yield you nothing but Vain Pleasure that when gone is but as a Wind nay it proves a Whirlwind in the Conscience or is it because you have renounced the World Is not Heaven better Is God wanting in such Wordly supplies as are necessary for you Or is it because you thrive no more in holy Endeavours Is not God's Grace sufficient for you Was he ever backward to do you good whilst you were labouring and striving to approve your selves to him Hold up your hearts the way of the Lord is strength to the upright Prov. 10.29 3. Use. To press you to make trial Resolve upon an holy and heavenly course and then you are in the ways of Wisdom Psal. 34.8 O taste and see that the Lord is good blessed is the man that trusteth in him Trust him upon his Promises before all be confirmed to you upon Experience To this end consider 1. We invite to Pleasure not to Labour or to Labour seasoned with Pleasure And Pleasure is the lure that draweth all the world By sensitive Pleasure men are perverted Iam. 1.14 Every man is tempted when he is drawn away of his own lust and inticed By holy pleasure he is perfected 2. We invite you not to pleasure only in another world but pleasure during service Psal. 16.11 Thou wilt shew me the path of Life in thy presence is fulness of joy and at thy right hand are pleasures for evermore But now that we may not be tired with expectation There is pleasure not only in the end but in the way and path 3. We invite you to Continual Pleasure Phil. 4.4 Rejoyce in the Lord always and again I say rejoyce In Worldly Joys there are vicissitudes and subalternations Now we rejoyce and anon we weep there is joy when a Child
Psal. 17.14 15. From men which are thy hand O Lord from men of the world which have their portion in this life and whose Belly is fill'd with the hid treasure they are full of Children and leave the rest of their substance to their Babes But as for me I will behold thy face in righteousness I shall be satisfied when I awake with thy likeness Men are dazled with the splendour of Worldly Happiness and think it a fine thing to be well fed and well clad and well attended but this is all for them and theirs and shall we Envy them for this That they have more for Back and Belly than we have a little pomp of living especially when such great things be provided for us in Christ. Alass what is a more plentiful Table to the Everlasting fruition of God The Pomp of the World to the Honour Christ will put on us at the day of Judgment when he shall be admired in his Saints The favour of Princes to seeing God face to face Vain Glory to Everlasting Glory Their momentary Pleasures which pass away suddenly as a Dream to that Everlasting pleasure at God's Right hand A little Decking and Adorning of the Body to be satisfied with his likeness and to walk with God in White 2. Present Enjoyments Here I take in the notion of the Text his secret is with the righteous There is some difference what should be meant by the secret of the Lord. Sometimes it noteth 1 Spiritual Illumination or the knowledge of God's Will Psal. 25 14. The secret of the Lord is with them that fear him he will teach them his Covenant They know more of God's mind than others do and they know it not only Literally but Spiritually That is by the lively light of the Spirit not Disciplinarily Now this is a great favour that God doth so love them that he doth admit them to his Arcana Iohn 15.15 I have called you Friends for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known to you 'T is a greater Evidence of God's Friendship to understand his Counsel in the Word and to be acquainted with the Mysteries of Godliness than all the Success Power and greatness of the World Christ gave his Spirit to the rest of the Apostles but his Purse to the Son of Perdition Some have Knowledge and Eminent Gifts others Wealth and Honour yea though they which increase Knowledge increase Sorrow yet the knowledge of a despised hated truth though it expose us to sufferings is better than to flourish in opposition against the ways of God through our ignorance obstinacy and blind prejudice And will you that are directed in the way of Salvation advanced to know God and the tenour of his Will far more than the Blind Carnal Careless World Envy them that are only acquainted with Christianity as a Report or Tradition calculated and formed to to a Worldly Interest 2. The secret of the Lord may intend not only direction in our Duty but Satisfaction about God's Dispensations for our Consolation in all Afflictions God helpeth them to interpret his Providence better than others called the secrets of Wisdom Iob. 11.6 And should the Saints whose Graces make them so sharp and Engaged that know more of God's mind than others in these very dealings which are so troublesome and offensive to them should they envy the Oppresâ—or and be so discontented to suffer a little that have more skill than others to look into God's ways and consider the course of his proceedings 3. Secret may imply the visible Blessings of God's Providence so 't is said Iob. 29.34 The secret of the Lord was upon my Tabernacle The singular Love God bore to him did preserve him and did guide him and his Family and made all his Affairs prosper Psal. 31.20 God shall hide them in the secret of his presence When they seem to be left open as a prey to the oppressions and injuries of their potent Adversaries yet there is a secret guard upon them and they are kept the World knoweth not how Now should such that are hedged round about with the guard of a secret Blessing leave their refuge for the defence of a little Interest in the World which God hateth and can soon blow upon Psal. 91.1 He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most high shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty 4. Secret may note the intimate familiarity that is between God and them and that inward Consolation which they have with God in a course of Holiness which is hidden from the World 1 Iohn 1.7 But if we walk in the light as he is in the light we have fellowship one with another John 14.21 He that hath my Commandments and keepeth them he it is that loveth me and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father and I will love him and manifest my self to him Many secret Refreshings visits of Love expressions of Grace are bestowed upon them Now have such any cause to envy others They that walk with God meet him at every turn are so often comforted and quickned by the manifestations of God and the influences of his Grace Psal. 17.15 As for me I will behold thy face in righteousness The Psalmist preferreth his present condition before the greatest happiness of carnal men because he had opportunities of beholding the Face of God or enjoying the Comforts of his Presence This is as if a Child fed with Manchet should envy a Slave for being fed with the Bread of Sorrows 3 The Nature and mischievous effects of this envy For 't is not so tame an evil as the world doth imagine 1. It disposeth to fretting or murmuring against God's Holy Providence Psal. 37.1 Fret not thy self because of evil doers neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity Prov. 24.19 Fret not thy self because of evil men neither be thou envious at the wicked It notes a certain taxing of God's Providence as if he did not rightly Govern the World 1. It tempteth to Apostacy from God's ways to the ways of the wicked That 's in the Text clearly Envy not the oppressor and chuse none of his ways implying that this emulation of their Happiness will draw you to cry up a Confederacy with them and to enter into their Lot and Net Prov. 24.1 Be not thou envious against evil men neither desire to be with them When we admire their Happiness it secretly inticeth our Hearts to take share and lott with them A Man is perverted by this Envy it weakneth our fear of God our value of Spiritual Blessings expectation of things to come and diligence in God's Service 3. It implieth and includeth many ill Principles which tend directly to the weakning of Faith Hope and Piety 1. It implyeth or includeth this Principle or Opinion That the felicity of a Man consisteth in these external good things which the wicked enjoy which is an error destructive to Godliness For change a Man's
diverted either by the comfortable or troublesome things we meet with here in the World Not by the comfortable things 1 Pet. 1.13 Wherefore gird up the Lâ—yns of your Mind be sober and hope to the end for the Grace that is to be brought unto you at the Revelation of Iesus Christ. Nor by the troublesome things of the World Rom. 8.39 Nor height nor depth nor any other Crâ—ature shall be able to separate us from the Love of God which is in Christ Iâ—sus our Lord Well then the Supreme Good or Fruition of the ever-blessed GOD is believed sought after waited for we know it by Faith we seek it by Love we wait for the enjoyment of it by Hope Faith affordeth us Light to discover it and direct us to it Love possesseth the Soul with a Desire to enjoy it and Hope giveth us a Confidence of obtaining it through Jesus Christ our Lord. III. Their Use in the Spiritual Conflict 1. They impel us to do our Duty with all diligence whatever Temptations we have to the contrary 1 Thess. 1.3 Remembring without ceasing your work of Faith and labour of Love and patience of Hope Whence you see Work is ascribed to Faith Labour to Love and Patience to Hope Work to Faith because that Grace is working and ready to break out into Obedience 2 Thess. 1.11 And the Work of Faith with Power Labour to Love because Love puts Men upon Industry and Diligence they that love God will be hard at work for him Heb. 6.10 For God is not unrighteous to forget your Work and Labour of Love Patience to Hope because that Grace produceth Endurance and Constancy 2 Thess. 3.5 The Lord direct your Hearts into the Love of God and into the patient waiting for Christ. And the good Ground brought forth Fruit with Patience Luk. 8.19 In short you see these Graces are of an Operative and Vigorous Nature Faith is but a dead Opinion unless it break out into practice Love but a cold Approbation of the Ways of God unless we overcome our Slothfulness Hope but a few slight Thoughts of Heaven unless we persevere and hold out till the time of Retribution cometh 2. These Graces restrain and subdue those corrupt Inclinations which are yet in the Heart and would be a great impediment to us if they be not more and more overcome such as Ungodliness and Worldly Lusts Atheism or a denial of Gods Being and unbelief or distrust of his Promises Worldly Lusts Tit. 2.12 Teaching us to deny Vngodliness and Worldly Lusts. That is to say Worldly Fears and Worldly Desires or in one word the Sensual Inclination called the Spirit of the World These can never be overcome without Faith by which the Mind is soundly perswaded of the Truth of Salvation by Christ nor without Love by which the Will is firmly resolved and bent upon it nor without Hope by which the Executive Powers are fortified and strengthened in their Operations In short when the Doctrine of Christ concerning things to be believed and done is first propounded to us it findeth us wedded to the World and intangled in the Vanities thereof but as this Doctrine is received and believed the bent and inclination of our Souls is altered a new byass is put upon us and our love to God and heavenly things is more and more increased the Heart is set to seek after God and that with the greatest earnestness and diligence Without this the Carnal and Worldly Inclination prevaileth over us As in the want of Faith Heb. 3.12 Take heed Brethren lest thâ—re bâ— in any of you an evil Heart of unbelief in departing from the living God Want of Love 1 Iohn 2.15 16. Love not the World neither the things that are in the World If any Man love the World the love of the Father is not in him For all that is in the World the Lust of the Flesh the Lust of the Eyes and the Pride of Life is not of the Father but is of the World Want of Hope Heb. 10.35 Cast not away therefore your Confidence which hath great recompense of reward Many are beaten out of their Christianity at last because they cannot tarry for Christ's Recompences 3. To fortifie us against all evil without Besides Corruptions within there are Temptations without manifold Afflictions which Satan maketh use of to draw us to sin Now these three Graces arm us against them 2 Tim. 1.7 where he speaketh of enduring the Afflictions of the Gospel by the power of God God hath not given us a Spâ—râ—â— of Fear but of Power of Love and of a sound Mind Faith Hope and Love are intended thereby by a Spirit of Power meaning Hope which breedeth â—ortitude notwithstanding Dangers and Threats of Men Love retaineth its own Name and by the sound Mind is meant Faith All these help us to encounter the Difficulties and Hardships of our Pilgrimage and breed in us a Tranquility of Mind and Contentedness in every State 4. Without Faith Hope and Love we cannot pray to God nor entertain any sweet Communion with him while we dwell in Flesh. Iude 20.21 But ye beloved building up your selves on your most holy faith praying in the Holy-Ghost keep your selves in the love of God looking for the mercy of our Lord Iesus Christ unto eternal life That Clause Praying in the Holy-Ghost is to be referred in common to them all praying to be built up in our most holy Faith praying to be kept in the love of God praying that we may look for the Mercy of our Lord Jesus to Eternal Life Prayer is not an Exercise only of our natural Faculties but also of the three fundamental Graces of the Spirit There are three Agents in Prayer the Humane Spirit the new Nature and the Spirit of God The Humane Spirit for by the Understanding and Memory we work upon the Will and Affections The new Nature as Prayer is the work of Faith Hope and Love And the Holy-Ghost is there mentioned as also Rom. 8.26 27. Likewise the spirit also helpeth our infirmities for we know not what we should pray for as we ought but the spirit it self maketh intercession for us with groanings that cannot be uttered And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the spirit because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God The middle is to our purpose now Prayer is a Work of Faith as the great Mysteries of our most holy Faith are therein reduced to Practice Eph. 2.18 For through him we both have an access by one spirit unto the father Love is acted in Prayer as we delight our selves in conversing with God all our Desires and Groans in Prayer are acts of Love expressing our Longings after more of God Hope is acted in Prayer as we express our Trust in God and the Merits and Intercession of Christ and plead his gracious Promises Prayer it self is but Hope put into Language Psal. 62.8 Trust in him at all
your Redemption 2 Use Hath Christ taken upon him to carry away Sin Then here is Instruction 1. To the Careless Certainly he that seeketh after benefit by Christ must be one that is not a Stranger to himself one that knoweth and is acquainted with the case of his own Heart and Life one that is sensible of his Sins and corrupt Inclinations and the guilt and burden that lieth upon him one that mourneth under the fears of God's displeasure Will Christ ease a Man of a Burden that he feeleth not A sensless sleepy Soul hath not Work for Christ to do He inviteth those that see a need of Mercy Matth. 11.28 Come unto me all ye that labour and are heavy laden and I will give you rest 2. To those who are afflicted in Conscience for Sin Remember you must be not only sensible of the guilt of Sin but the stain of it and look after not only Peace but Healing Isa. 53.5 With his stripes we are healed It is not a sound Cure that aimeth only at the asswaging of the Grief but the Distemper must be removed Mountebanks only stop the Pain but let alone the Cause such a Cure would they have who are more earnest for Ease and Comfort than for Grace Sin in some sense is worse than Damnation Remember then this is the Undertaking of our blessed Redeemer will he come in vain and miss of his End Consider the Merit of his Humiliation what a Price he hath paid for sanctifying Grace 1 Pet. 1.18 19. Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things as silver and gold from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers But with the precious blood of Christ as of a Lamb without blemish and without spot This Price was not given only to heighten our Esteem of the Priviledge but to encrease our Confidence And consider the Power of his Exaltation Acts 3.26 God having raised up his son Iesus sent him to bless you in turning away every one of you from his iniquities Having paid our Ransom he is gone into Heaven fully furnished and impowred to free from Sin all that consent to receive this Benefit But what shall we do that we may have the actual Benefit 1. Seek the Pardon of Sin in the way of Repentance confessing your Sins with brokeness of Heart 1 Iohn 1.9 If we confess our sins he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness Sue out his Grace and turn to the Lord. Repentance lieth not in a feigned Wish only that Sin had not been done but in a change of Mind Heart and Life in a hatred to Sin repented of and a love to God and Holiness Man's Fall was specially in point of Love and his Recovery must be a Recovery of Love to God again Your Love to Sin must be turned into an Hatred of Sin the Soul must be not only turned from Sin but against it Repentance is most seen in our Love and Hatred 2. Seek the subduing of Sin in a diligent use of Means There is a Spirit purchased by Christ to begin the Life of Grace and to carry it on with success to heal and renew our Natures and to strengthen them being heal'd and renew'd Now we must not by our carelesness negligence or other Sin provoke the Lord to withdraw from us and suspend his Grace but humbly implore his Favour wait for his Approaches and attend and obey his sanctifying Motions God is willing to give the Spirit to them that ask him as a Father is to give an hungry Child bread Luke 11.13 If ye then being evil know how to give good gifts unto your children how much more shall your heavenly father give the holy spirit to them that ask him We make our selves uncapable of this help by grieving the Spirit Eph. 4.30 And grieve not the holy spirit of God whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption When we are so easie to the Requests of Sin and so deaf to his Motions he ceaseth to give us warning There are certain Ordinances whereby this Grace is conveyed to us and Christ died to sanctifie them to us Eph. 5.25 26. Christ loved the Church and gave himself for it that he might sanctifie and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word These Ordinances are the Word and Sacraments by the use of which Sin receiveth a new wound The Word is for cleansing the Soul Iohn 15.3 Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you Baptism must be improved for the washing away of Sin Acts 22.16 Arise and be baptized and wash away thy sins A Man forgetteth his Baptism that is neglecteth it if he be not purged from Sin 2 Pet. 1.9 He that lacketh these things is blind and cannot see far off and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins That is he hath made no use and received no benefit by his Baptism In the Lord's Supper we remember the Death of Christ as the Price given for the Life of our Souls as a Spectacle that may affect us with the Odiousness of Sin as an occasion of renewing our Covenant with God and binding our selves afresh to his service and as a means to stir up our Love to God and so by consequence our hatred of Sin Psal. 97.10 Ye that love the Lord hate evil And to awaken our hopes and so of purifying the Soul 1 Iohn 3.3 And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself even as he is pure Here is delivered to the believing Soul a sealed Pardon of all Sin Matth. 26.28 This is my blood of the New Testament which is shed for many for the remission of sins And we wait for the Application of his mortifying and renewing Grace 3. If the first Attempt succeed not yet afterwards Sin may be subdued and broken In natural Things we do not sit down with one Tryal and one Endeavour a Man that will be rich pierceth himself through with many Sorrows 1 Tim. 4.10 and after many miscarriages pursue their Designs till they compleat them and shall we give over our waiting and striving because we cannot presently find success That sheweth our Will is not fully bent and set upon the thing we seem to desire In the face of Discouragements we must venture again Luke 5.5 Master we have toiled all the night and have taken nothing nevertheless at thy command I will let down the neâ— God's Grace is free and his holy Leisure must be waited for it was long e're God got us to this pass to be sensible of our Burden or anxiously solicitous about our Soul Distempers We must lie at the Pool for cure the Spirit bloweth when and where it listeth Iohn 3.8 The wind bloweth where it listeth and thou hearest the sound thereof but canst not tell whence it cometh nor whither it goeth So is every one that is born of the spirit He that begun the
want he thought of returning to his Father Luke 15.17 18 19. if our Ears be opened to Discipline we can own God in the humbling though not the comfortable way Father I have sinned against heaven and before thee and am no more worthy to be called thy son Many that were never serious before are brought to bethink themselves in their Afflictions 1 King 8.47 48. Yet if they shall bethink themselves in the land whither they were carried captives and repent and make supplications unto thee in the land of them that carried them captives saying We have sinned and have done perversly we have committed wickedness And so return unto thee with all their heart and with all their soul. The Doors of God's Family are always open to believing Penitents and it is a Fatherly Providence at last Secondly What an advantage is it to Patience and submission to God 1. God's Fatherly Relation sheweth his Love to us and so we know that by all his Chastisements he doth but seek our spiritual and eternal Good Heb. 12.9 10. We have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us and we gave them reverence shall we not much rather be in subjection to the father of spirits and live For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure but he for our profit that we might be partakers of his holiness Children though they take it ill to be beaten by others yet they take it patiently when beaten for their faults by their Parents who under God are the cause of their Being and Maintenance and ever in correcting seek their good much more should we submit to our Heavenly Father Earthly Parents may err wanting Wisdom or being blinded with Passion and so their Chastisements are arbitrary and irregular But there is more of Compassion than Passion in God's Rod all cometh from purest Love and is regulated by perfect Wisdom and tendeth to the highest End even our Holiness and Happiness 2. It inferreth great Love from us to God again No owning of God is allowed but the Practical owning of him and therefore none own God as a Father but those that love him as a Father Now love God once and nothing that he doth will be grievous to us for as Love sweetneth Duties so it sweetneth Providences It cometh from my Father that doth not only bespeak Reverence or Submission Numb 12.14 If her father had but spit in her face should she not be ashamed seven days but welcom any thing should be well taken at his hand III. It well becometh his People to endure willingly whatever God calleth them unto 1. From God His Sovereignty and Power He is too great to be questioned Iob 9.12 Behold he taketh away who can hinder him Who will say unto him What dost thou His Justice He is too just to do us wrong Iob 34.23 For he will not lay upon man more than is right that he should enter into judgment with God There is Guilt enough in every one to silence us Psal. 119.137 Righteous art thou O Lord and upright are thy judgments His Goodness He is too good to do us harm he knoweth how to recompense us Psal. 119.71 It is good for me that I have been afflicted Nothing but Good can come from him who is Goodness and Love it self His Wisdom and Faithfulness he will afflict us no more than need requireth or will exceed our strength 1 Pet. 1.6 Wherein ye greatly rejoyce though now for a season if need be ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations 1 Cor. 10.13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man but God is faithful who will not suffer you to be tempted above what you are able but will with the temptation also make a way to escape that ye may be able to bear it 2. With respect to Christ whose Example should be of force to us both for Suffering and patience in Suffering For Suffering there is a certain measure of Affliction fitted and prepared for Christ and all his Followers the bitter Cup goeth round from hand to hand the whole Wave dashed upon Christ some Drops light upon us Col. 1.24 Who now rejoyce in my sufferings for you and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake which is the Church And for patience in Suffering Heb. 12.2 3. Looking unto Iesus the author and finisher of our faith who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross despised the shame and is sate down at the right hand of the throne of God For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself least ye be wearied and faint in your minds 1 Pet. 2.21 Christ also suffered for us leaving us an example that ye should follow his steps And Vers. 23. Who when he was reviled reviled not again when he suffered he threatned not but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously He hath trod the way before us and his steps drop fatness Matth. 20.23 Ye shall drink indeed of my cup and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with but to sit on my right hand and on my left is not mine to give but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared of my father There are two things if any would be nearer in Dignity to Christ than others it is not in reigning but in suffering with Christ in drinking Christ's Cup but for Preferment in another World and to have a larger measure of Honour that is given to those for whom it is appointed We are to prepare for the Cross. The other is the New Covenant engageth us hereunto for there is an Allusion to the Sacraments Therefore Christ useth these Notions 1 Use Sheweth what Provision the Christian Religion maketh for Patience Rom. 15.4 For whatsoever things were written afore-time were written for our learning that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope This Patience and Comfort of the Scriptures is a higher thing than what is learnt by the Institutions of Philosophy Tam in ipsis falsa erat patientia quà m falsa sapientia Cypr. Both their Patience and their Wisdom is false The Grounds of Patience from the Christian Religion are particular Providence Adoption the Example of Christ the Assistance of the Spirit the Desert of Sin the Fruit of Afflictions both as to the refining of Grace and preparing us for Glory Heb. 12.11 Now no chastening for the presâ—nt seemeth to be joyous but grievous nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them that are exercised thereby 2 Vse To exhort us to bear whatsoever God shall lay upon us 1. Seek this Grace of God both the Wisdom and the Power to calm the Spirit Col. 1.11 Strengthned with all might according to his glorious power unto all patience and long-suffering with joyfulness Jam. 1.5 If any of you lack wisdom let him ask it of God Man's
forsake their Sins and fly unto him for Mercy He seeks for Pardon for them that sought it not and considereth not so much what they deserved as what became himself and the Riches of his Grace They curse and he blesseth they vomit our Scorns and Slanders but he poureth out Prayers to God for them 2. That all Sins even the greatest except that against the Holy-Ghost are pardonable What greater Sin could there be than crucifying the Lord of Glory yet upon Repentance it is forgiven That it was capable of Pardon appeareth by this Prayer of our Saviour and that it was actually Pardoned appeareth by the Second of the Acts when they were touched to the quick with the sense of this Crime and asked what they should do Peter adviseth them to this Remedy Acts 2.38 Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Iesus Christ for the remission of sins and they found it effectual upon the use of it Ver. 41. Then they that gladly received his word were baptized and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls And that it is so in the general Case our Lord assureth us Mat. 12.31 All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men but the blasphemy against the Holy-Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men There is no exception of any Sin though it go so high as Blasphemy but the malicious blaspheming the Operations of the Holy-Ghost those by which he testified manifestly and sufficiently that he was the true Messiah and their imputing these Operations to the Devil But of other Sins there is no exception speaking against the Son of Man was not believing him to be the Messiah that may be forgiven but Blasphemy against the Holy-Ghost is resisting his Manifestations affirming them to be done by the Devil rather than God and this shall never be forgiven Well then let us conceive of God's Mercy according to the Infiniteness of his Nature and of Christ's Merits according to the Dignity of his Person an Ocean of Water will wash one Sink or filthy Hole clean 3. That Remission of Sins is the free Gift of God and the Fruit of his Pity and Grace Christ asketh it of his Father Father forgive them He must be sought to we cannot merit it of our selves David addresseth himself to God and useth no other Plea but Grace and Mercy Psal. 51.5 Have mercy upon me O God according to thy loving kindness according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions Our Work lieth with the Father of Mercies and the God of all Compassions that he may be reconciled to us and seal up his perfect Pardon to our Souls 4. That Pardon of Sins is a special Benefit Christ asked no more than Father forgive them It is a special Benefit because it freeth us from the greatest Evil Wrath to come 1 Thess. 1.10 And it maketh us capable of the greatest Blessing Eternal Life Tit. 3.7 That being justified by his grace we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life It is purchased at the dearest rate even the Blood of Christ Rom. 3.25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past through the forbearance of God It is brought about by the highest Power the finger of God or his all-conquering Spirit who by converting us or giving us Repentance maketh us capable of Pardon Acts 2.38 Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Iesus Christ for the remission of sins Acts 5.31 Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour for to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins It openeth the Door to the choicest Priviledges the favour of God and communion with him in the Spirit therefore David pronounceth the Pardoned blessed Psal. 32.1 2. Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven whose sin is covered Blessed is the man unto whom the Lord imputeth no iniquity 5. That Love of Enemies and those that have wronged us is an high Grace and recommended to us by Christ's own Example Sure it is needful that we should learn this Lesson to be like God Luke 6.36 Be ye merciful as your father also is merciful That we may obey God who hath required this at our hands Therefore we must consider not what others have been to us but what God will have us to be to them meek patient and merciful Again we hereby shew the Purity and Sincerity of our Love Nature will teach us to love those that love us but Grace only teacheth us to love Enemies This is Love with Self-denial they who love us indear themselves to us the other alienate themselves from us yet for God's sake we can love them and seek to draw them out of the Snares of the Devil that we may restore them to God 2 Use. Reproof of those that are Cruel and Revengeful How different are they from Christ who are all for Unkindness and Revenge and solicite Vengeance against God's suffering Servants with eager Aggravations Oh! how can these Men look upon Christ's Practice without shame How can they look upon these Prodigies of Love and Grace and not blush Can there be a greater Crime and Wrong done to any than was done to Christ And yet when he was whipped Crowned with Thorns pierced with Nails lifted up upon the Cross he doth not pray for Revenge but Pardon he doth not cry Justice Justice but Mercy Mercy Father forgive them he doth not by captious Queries and Expostulations aggravate the Offence but he alleviates it by a sweet Interpretation They know not what they do It is strange to think what bloody Principles many Christians have espoused of late that we rage against our Brethren upon every Offence especially in Matters of doubtful Apprehension where Men are more liable to Mistakes Oh! it is sad when God is but a little displeased to help onward the Affliction I wonder where Men learn that cruel and fell Spirit into which we are commenced of late it was wont to be good Doctrine Be merciful as your heavenly Father is merciful What is become of all those good Lectures of Charity and Meekness and Gentleness which are commended to us in the Rule of the Gospel and the Example of Christ Certainly when the Spirit is exulcerated it argues some loss of Peace with God David was never more cruel than when he had violated the Peace of his own Conscience 2 Sam. 12.31 And he brought forth the people that were therein and put them under saws and under harrows of iron and under axes of iron and made them to pass through the brick-kilne Certainly Matters are not right between us and God when Men's Principles and Practices grow bloody and cruel 3 Use. To exhort us to imitate Christ in being meek patient merciful void of Malice doing Good for Evil bearing the worst Usage
without studying Revenge Surely the same Mind should be in us that was in Christ Jesus Head and Members are acted by the same Soul so in the Mystical Body Christ and we should be acted with the same Spirit the same Spirit of holy Love Sweetness and Forgiveness that breathed in Christ should breath forth in our Lives and Conversations Eph. 4.32 And be ye kind one to another tender-hearted forgiving one another even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you All his Ordinances imply this in the Word we hear of Christ's meekness his Pattern is set forth that we might be like-minded in Prayer we are taught to say Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive them that trespass against us We break our Sponsion and Promise solemnly given in this Petition if we do not Pardon others in Baptism We put on Christ Rom. 13.14 we put on his Nature and Qualities that is planting us into his Likeness in the Lord's Supper we come to renew our Union and Communion with him and to liken our selves to Christ yet more and more Christ changeth the temper of those that Spiritually feed upon him as Natural Meaâ—s communicate their Qualities to us the Israelites were more generous because they were so long fed with Manna Nero was more bloody because he sucked the Milk of a cruel Nurse who was wont to besmear her Duggs with Blood Achilles was more valiant because he was nourished with the Marrow of Lions Men's Dispositions are much according to their Food certainly those that eat the Lamb should not be Wolves but meek as Christ was and ready to forgive and every way transcribe their Master's Pattern See how Stephen imitates his Master when he comes to die first he prayeth for himself Acts 7.59 Lord Iesus receive my spirit as Christ did Luke 23.46 Father into thy hands I commend my spirit And then he intercedeth for his Enemies Acts 7.60 Lord lay not this sin to their charge Here is not only an Example of Faith he committed his Soul to Christ but of Charity he deprecateth Revenge from his Enemies Moses and other holy Ones of God have done so Moses Numb 12.13 Heal her now O Lord I beseech thee when his Sister Miriam was smitten with a Leprousy for doing him wrong Aaron when he was despightfully used and his Calling maligned Numb 16.47 48. He ran into the midst of the people and behold the plague was begun among the people and he put on incense and made an atonement for the people and he stood between the dead and the living and the plague was stayed David fasted for his Enemies when they were sick Psal. 35.13 But as for me when they were sick my cloathing was sackcloth I humbled my soul with fasting We fast against them often but seldom fast for them So Paul 1 Cor. 4.12 13. Being reviled we bless being persecuted we suffer it being defamed we entreat When we are looked upon and treated as evil doers we should bear it patiently not rage against Instruments but pray the Lord to open their Eyes that they may see the greatness of their Sin in hating and opposing the Godly You should not think the Example of Christ an Act beyond imitation you see the holy Men of God have attained a great measure of Self-denial do you go and do likewise 1. In private Cases A Man shall meet with Offences in the World all Men have not Faith some are absurd and injurious what a comfort would a Man have in his spirit when he can pity their Blindness and pardon their Malice They took away the Life of Christ and yet he saith Father forgive them he was slain by them and yet he prayeth for them Certainly it is not comely for us to Retaliate to Hate Curse Revile and pursue Injury with Injury They that Revenge take an Example from their Enemies and do them this honour to make them their own Pattern and what Comfort can any have to make a Wicked Man his Precedent Besides to Revenge is to rush into God's Tribunal and to take his Work out of his hands Prov. 24.29 Say not I will do to him as he hath to me I will render to the man according to his work Salomon putteth it into such Words as are proper to God that we may be sensible of the Pride and Usurpation that is in Revenge And Rom. 12.19 Dearly beloved avenge not your selves but rather give place unto wrath for it is written Vengeance is mine I will repay saith the Lord. We take upon us to be Rewarders when at least we should leave the case to God you may put it into the hands of the righteous Judge 1 Pet. 2.23 When he was reviled he reviled not again when he suffered he threatned not but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously Besides it will much interrupt your Prayers our revengeful Dispositions must needs weaken our Confidence for we muse of others as we use our selves How can you say Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive them that trespass against us when we are like Vessels broken as soon as touched and are furious and raging upon every Wrong and the least Offence done to us Alas their Offences to us are nothing like ours to God either for Number or Weight Not for Number no Man can wrong us so much as we daily trespass against God how many Neglects and Affronts doth Mercy put up at our hands every day Luke 17.4 If he trespass against thee seven times in a day and seven times in a day turn again to thee saying I repent thou shalt forgive him Seventy times seven is a number too little for the Transgressions and Offences of one day and yet we grow peevish and passionate upon every slight Fault or Wrong done to us So for the Weight the naughty Servant would not forgive a hundred Pence when his Master forgave him ten thousand Talents Mat. 18.24 compared with the 28th Verse There is a great difference between Pence and Talents the Roman Peny was Seven-pence Half-peny and their Talent was One hundred eighty seven Pounds ten Shillings Their Offences cannot be so heinous as ours because of our great Obligations to God and the Dignity of his Essence theirs are against Dust and Ashes their guilty Fellow-Creatures ours are against the Great God It is proper to Christians that know such an infinite Pardoning Mercy to do something above Heathens and Publicans Mat. 5.46 If ye love them which love you what reward have ye Do not even the Publicans so Christianity should raise the Affections to a greater Self-denial so that we are to love our very Enemies Besides all this consider the benefit of a meek Patience Revenge is sweet but you will find more Pleasure in Meekness All Vexations disturb the Peace and Quiet of the Soul and I cannot do my Enemy a greater Pleasure than to let him take away my Contentment and when I am wronged by others to wrong my self Will you hurt your self by
off from Earthly He bowed his Head and gave up the Ghost I come to the later part of the Text. Some read it that first he Died and then bowed the Head there being no Spirit left to support it but Christ first bowed the Head and then died he did as it were becken to Death to come and do its Office He yielded up the Ghost his Soul was truly separated from his Body The form of Resignation we have Luke 23.46 Father into thy hands I commit my spirit Wicked Men because they die against their Wills their Souls are said to be taken away Luke 12.20 Thou fool this night thy Soul shall be required of thee Job 27.8 For what is the hope of the Hypocrite thò he hath gained when God taketh away his Soul But Christ yieldeth it up and for a Godly Man to give up the Ghost noteth his Faith Submission and Willingness to depart out of the Body As the Prophet saith of Christ Isa. 53.12 He hath poured out his Soul unto death Death did not surprize him Doctr When all things were finished Christ freely and willingly gave up the Ghost His Life was not taken away but resigned there was much of Violence but no Coaction The Term Giving up the Ghost doth not imply the bare Death of Christ but that he died willingly and freely Nihil in hoc Christo est nisi profusa liberalitas misericordiae remissionis peccatorum I can see nothing in this Christ but a prodigality of Love and Mercy He had freely emptied his Veins in the Garden every Pore became an Eye and wept Blood for your sakes and now he cometh to pour out his Soul Reasons why Christ was so willing to die 1. Out of Obedience to his Father The Divine Decrees had laid a necessity upon him and where the Father saith Must Christ saith I will Matth. 26.54 55. Thinkest thou not that I cannot now pray to my father and he shall presently give me more than twelve Legions of Angels which was the just number of a Roman Army But how then shall the Scriptures be fulfilled that thus it must be Christ willingly took this Necessity upon him it was but Necessitas ex Hypothesi had it not been for his Eternal Consent it would never have been said Thus it must be Luke 22.37 This that is written must be accomplished Luke 24.46 Thus it is written and thus it behoveth Christ to suffer It was a Necessity of his own making he was not compelled to Accept of the Conditions from God nor forced by the Violence of Man â—o yield up his Life Iohn 10.18 No man taketh it from me but I lay it down of my self I have power to lay it down and I have power to take it up again This commandment have I received of my father 2. Out of Love to us The Jews crucified him but Love made him die we had else perished for ever The Law laid it upon us but Love made Christ take it upon himself Isa. 53.4 Surely he hath born our griefs and carried our Sorrows Justice demanded it of us but Christ said I will be responsible exact it of me Mat. 20.28 Even as the son of man came not to be ministred unto but to minister and to give his life a ransom for many He took Life to lay it down at the demand of Justice Justice said I must have a Ransom Christ said Take it of me let these go Iob 33.24 Then he is gracious unto them and saith Deliver him from going down to the pit I have found a ransom The Father received it and Christ payed it As the Angel said to Abraham Gen. 22.12 Lay not thine hand upon the lad neither do thou any thing unto him Justice would have reached forth a deadly stroke to us but Christ catched the blow 3. This would finish his Labours Death was Christ's last Enemy of his Person as well as of his Kingdom He had been harassed and worn out with Sorrows the Grave was a place of Rest it was finished as to him Isa. 57.2 He â—â—all enter into peace they shall rest in their beds Death was the end of Christ's Journey and all his Labours in the Flesh. The Grave was a dark dismal place till Christ went into it ever since it is but a Chamber of Rest and Christ keepeth the Key of it Isa. 26.20 Enter thou into thy chambers and shut thy doors about thee hide thy self as it were for a little moment 4. This furthered his Triumph and made it every way more compleat By dying Christ carried the War into his Enemies Land and foiled Death in its own Territory and made Death it self Mortal by lying in the Grave The Cross and the Grave were the means of Christ's Triumph by these the Devil thought to foil him and by these he triumphed He conquered Satan and Sin when they seemed to have most power upon him like angry Bees they stung him and disarmed themselves Heb. 2.14 That through death he might destroy him that had the power of Death that is the Devil Col. 2.15 And having spoiled principalities and powers he made a shew of them openly triumphing over them in it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 i. e. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 On the Cross Eph. 2.16 Having slain the enmity thereby that is by his Cross formerly spoken of When he was slain himself then he slew Death and the Law Christ's crucifying was his Exaltation and Preferment It is twice expressed by lifting up Iohn 3.14 So shall the son of man be lifted up John 12.32 33. I if I be lifted up will draw all men after me This he said signifying what death he should die The Grave was consecrated and sanctified by Christ's lying there Duo in cruce affixi intelliguntur saith Origen Christus visibiliter sponte suâ— ad tempus Diabolus invisibiliter invitus in perpetuum There were two crucified at once Christ visibly of his own accord for a time only the Devil invisibly against his will for ever Christ received a slight hurt in his Heel but he bruised Satan's Head 5. He was hastening to his own Glory Heb. 12.2 For the joy that was set before him he endured the cross despising the shame and is sat down at the right hand of the throne of God He was thinking of his Welcom to Heaven Oh what sweet Embraces there would be between the Father and him Psal. 110.1 The Lord said unto my Lord Sit thou at my right hand till I make thy enemies thy footstool Dan. 7.13 14. I saw in the night-visions and behold one like the son of man came with the clouds of Heaven and came to the Ancient of days and they brought him near before him And there was given him dominion and glory and a kingdom that all people nations and languages should serve him his dominion is an everlasting dominion which shall not pass away and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed How the Angels should usher him into Glory
1. Here is represented the State of the Body after Death 2. The State of the Soul 1. The State of the Body it shall be resolved into the Matter out of which it was made Dust it was in its Composition and Dust it shall be in its Dissolution Then shall the Dust return to the Earth as it was 2. The State of the Soul in the other World And the Spirit shall return to God that gave it Where 1 st The Nature of it or what kind of Substance the Soul is it is a Spirit or an immaterial Substance 2 dly The Author of it who is God he gave it he gave us the Body too but the Soul in a more especial manner 3 dly The Disposal of it or in what State it remaineth after Death it returneth to God It is not extinguished when the Body is dissolved into Dust nor doth it vanish into the Air but returneth to God All true Wisdom consisteth in the Knowledg of God and our selves We cannot know our selves unless we know the Parts of which we do consist This Text giveth you a right Notion of them both for it telleth you what they are and what shall become of them They are conjoined but distinct And therefore when the Union betwixt them is dissolved they go several ways We are concerned in them both but more in the Soul which hath the Preheminence above the Body The one is visible and therefore its Changes are known but the other is invisible and therefore more unknown but the State of both is equally certain for as certainly as the Body returneth to the Dust so doth the Soul return to God First For the first Branch Then shall the Body return to the Earth as it was I shall not stay upon it 1. It giveth you the right Notion of the Body it is but Dust moulded up into a comely Shape which is an Effect of God's Wisdom and Power to make such a curious Frame out of the Dust of the Ground We read in the History of the Plagues of Egypt that the Magicians were not able so much as bring forth Lice out of the Dust of the Ground Exod. 8.18 19. But God could raise such a beautiful Structure as Man's Body is But though it speaketh God's Power yet it sheweth our Frailty Our Body is here called Dust it is not Brass or Iron or Stone or stiff Clay but Dust and shall return to the Earth as it was Dust hath no Coherence or Consistence but is easily scattered with every Puff of Wind so is our earthly or dusty Tabernacle with every blast of God's Displeasure Gen. 18.27 Behold now I have taken upon me to speak to the Lord who am but Dust and Ashes Isa. 40.15 Behold the Nations are as a Drop of the Bucket and they are counted as the small Dust of the Ballance 2. What shall become of it It shall return to the Earth as it was Gen. 3.19 Dust thou art and unto Dust shalt thou return Psal. 104.29 Thou takest away their Breath they die and return to their Dust. Psal. 146.4 He returneth to his Earth Which should teach us to take Care for a better Estate 2 Cor. 5.1 For we know that if our earthly House of this Tabernacle were dissolved we have a Building of God an House not made with Hands eternal in the Heavens The Soul dwelleth now in an earthly House it should look out for a more glorious Mansion Secondly Of the Soul three things are spoken which are so many Arguments to prove its Immortality which is the Subject I mainly intend 1. The kind of it it is a Spirit The Matter of which the Body is made is the Earth and so it is still maintained He bringeth forth Food for them out of the Earth Psal. 104.14 And so breedeth and casteth out Corruption every Day but the Soul is a simple Substance not compounded of corruptible Principles and therefore cannot be resolved into any The Body liveth by the Soul and from the Soul but the Soul dependeth upon nothing but God The Argument is good it is incorporeal and immaterial therefore immortal for Mortality hath Reference to some compounded Substance which hath in it self some Principle and Cause of Motion as well as a material and passive Part that may be moved by that Principle and signifieth no more but a Capacity of the material and passive Part to be deprived of the inward and active Principle of its Motion In short if the Soul die it must be from the Violence of some external Power or some Principles of Corruption within not by Violence without Matth. 10.28 And fear not them which kill the Body but are not able to kill the Soul And it hath no Principles of Corruption whereby it should destroy it self for it is a Spirit 2. The Author God gave it our Bodies are also his Workmanship but the Soul is immediately framed by God both in the first Creation and the continual Propagation of Mankind At the first Creation we read the Body was created out of the Earth or the Dust of the Ground but the Soul out of nothing but immediately breathed into Adam by God Gen. 2.7 And the Lord formed Man out of the Dust of the Ground and breathed into his Nostrils the Breath of Life and Man became a living Soul And still the Soul is immediately created by God Zech. 12.1 He stretcheth forth the Heavens and laid the Foundation of the Earth and formeth the Spirit of Man within him The creating of the Soul is reckoned among the Works of his Omnipotency Heb. 12.9 Furthermore we have had Fathers of our Flesh which corrected us and we gave them Reverence shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of Spirits The Fathers of our Flesh are distinguished from the Father of Spirits Our natural Parents under God are the Instruments of our natural and earthly Being as they procured the Matter out of which our Bodies were derived they are 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Fathers of our Flesh but God is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Father of our Spirits The Spirit of Man runneth not in the material Channel of fleshly Descent it is not educed out of the Power of the Matter but immediately made by God 3. The Disposal of it When it flitteth out of the Body it returneth to God that is to God as a Judg to be disposed of by him into its everlasting Estate God challengeth Souls as his or belonging to his Government as universal King and Judg of the World Ezek. 18.4 All Souls are mine He will give to every one according to his Works adjudging and sentencing them either to Heaven the Mansion of the Blessed or Spirits of just Men made perfect Heb. 12.23 or to Hell the Place where damned Spirits are kept in Prison 1 Pet. 3.19 He went and preached unto the Spirits in Prison The Body is not said to return to God but to return to the Earth as it was but
lifted up his Eyes being in Torments He had a pompous Funeral here upon Earth for it is said he died and was buried which is not said of Lazarus These are Truths not spoken of once or twice but every-where 2 dly The Covenant sheweth it which is God's solemn Transaction with his Subjects and consists of Precepts or Laws invested with the Sanction of Promises and Threatnings Christ argues thus Luke 20.37 38. Now that the Dead are raised even Moses shewed at the Bush when he calleth the Lord the God of Abraham and the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob For he is not the God of the Dead but of the Living He proves the Immortality of the Soul and the Resurrection of the Body 1. His Commands all of them imply such an Estate and some of them express it All imply it as Faith in Christ we believe in his Name to obtain eternal Life Joh. 20.31 But these things are written that you might believe that Iesus is the Christ the Son of God and that believing you might have Life through his Name And Joh. 5.24 He that heareth my Word and believeth on him that sent me hath everlasting Life Repentance Acts 3.19 Repent ye therefore and be converted that your Sins may be blotted out when the Times of Refreshing shall come from the Presence of the Lord. Therefore it is called Repentance unto Salvation 2 Cor. 7.10 And Repentance to Life Acts 11.18 Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted Repentance unto Life So new Obedience Heb. 5.9 He became the Author of eternal Salvation to all that obey him Acts 26.7 Vnto which Promise the twelve Tribes instantly serving God Day and Night hope to come And some express it He hath commanded us not to labour for the Meat that perisheth but for that Meat which endureth unto everlasting Life John 6.27 Not to lay up Treasures upon Earth where Moth and Rust doth corrupt and Thieves break through and steal but lay up for your selves Treasure in Heaven Mat. 6.19 20. And strive to enter in at the strait Gate Luke 13.24 Now if there were no such thing all these Commands would be in vain Would God flatter us into a Fool 's Paradise and command us to look after a thing of nought 2. The Sanction And there 1. The Threatning which is Damnation or the second Death Mark 16.16 He that believeth not shall be damned Is this a vain Scarcrow and need God govern his Subjects by a Cheat or a Lie 2. The Promises he promiseth Eternal Life to them that obey the Gospel and seek after this Immortality Rom. 2.7 To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for Glory Honour and Immortality Eternal Life Rev. 2.10 Be thou faithful to Death and I will give thee a Crown of Life Be faithful in making good your Baptismal Vow improving Talents withstanding Temptations So to comfort us against Fears Losses and Sorrows Luke 12.32 Fear not little Flock it is your Father's good Pleasure to give you a Kingdom Now would God over-reach us and lead us with Chimera's and vain Hopes 3 dly The Mediator of the New Covenant sheweth it his coming from Heaven the Place of Souls the Region of Spirits and his going thither again at his Ascension 1. His coming from Heaven Wherefore was Christ incarnate and clothed with our Flesh but that we might be apparrelled with his Glory Iohn 10.10 I am come that they might have Life and that they might have it more abundantly To lay a Foundation for our eternal Happiness 2. His going to Heaven his entring into that Glory he spake of and so giving a visible Demonstration to the World of the Reality of it 1 Pet. 1.21 Who by him do believe in God that raised him up from the Dead and gave him Glory that your Faith and Hope may be in God There he remaineth at God's Right-Hand to open Heaven to all Believers Christ when he died recommended his Spirit to the Father Luke 23.46 Father into thy Hands I commend my Spirit And so do Believers to Christ Acts 7.59 Lord Iesus receive my Spirit If the Soul did perish with the Body why should we commit it to Christ 4 thly The Holy Spirit is given to form and prepare us for this Estate therefore by consequence to assure us of it 2 Cor. 5.5 Now he that hath wrought us for this self-same thing is God who hath also given unto us the Earnest of the Spirit 1. Look to the Graces of the Spirit we are made Partakers of the Divine Nature to draw us off from the World to Heaven 2 Pet. 1.4 Whereby are given to us exceeding great and precious Promises that by these you might be Partakers of the Divine Nature having escaped the Corruption that is in the World through Lust. Now will God fit the Soul for such a blessed Estate when this Life is ended and shall we never enjoy it If we consider the Soul not only as being an inward Principle of Life and Sense but also of Reason it proveth the Immortality of it much more as sanctified and enobled by Grace Rom. 8.10 The Body is dead because of Sin but the Spirit is Life because of Righteousness Believers have a Life wrought in them by the Spirit which is the Pledg and Beginning of Eternal Life for they are sanctified and purified and fit to be brought into the Sight and Presence of God The Apostle doth not draw his Argument there from the Immortality of the Soul for that is common to Good and Bad the Wicked have a Soul that will survive the Body but little to their Comfort their Immortality is not an happy Immortality but he taketh his Argument from the New Life wrought in us by the Spirit which is the Beginning and Earnest of a blessed Immortality the New Life is an eternal Principle of Happiness 2. Look to the Comforts of the Spirit from the Love of God and the Hopes of Glory 1 Pet. 1.8 Whom having not seen ye love in whom though now you see him not yet believing ye rejoice with Ioy unspeakable and full of Glory Rom. 5.2 And rejoice in hope of the Glory of God Now is it a Fancy that holy Men rejoice in Look as the Terrors of a wounded Conscience are the Foretastes of Hell-Torments called somewhere the Pains of Hell so the Comforts of the Spirit are the first-Fruits of Heavenly Joys to set us a longing for more Rom. 8.23 And not only they but our selves also which have the first-Fruits of the Spirit even we our selves groan within our selves waiting for the Adoption to wit the Redemption of our Body Now by all these things let us rouse up a drousy Faith and triumph over that Carnal Atheism and Unbelief that worketh in our Hearts Is the whole Scripture false and the Christian Religion a well-devised Fable our Redeemer an Impostor and the Covenant of God a Dream and the Comforts of the Spirit Fanatical Illusions And were they all
we urge the Desires of the Renewed and Sanctified which do much more prove it for these act more regularly and direct their Desires and Hopes to a certain Scope and End and these are excited by the holy Spirit of God who imprinteth the firm Perswasion of this Happiness and inclineth us to it and stirreth up these Groans after it Rom. 8.23 And not only they but our selves also which have the first-Fruits of the Spirit even we our selves groan within our selves waiting for the Adoption to wit the Redemption of our Body The Word of God warrants these Desires and the Spirit of God kindleth them in our Hearts and that usually in our gravest and severest Moods when we are solemnly conversing with God in his holy Worship then doth he raise up these Affections towards heavenly things as in the Word Prayer and Sacraments then is this Relish left upon our Hearts and the more serious and holy any are the more do they feel of this And also in our bitter Sufferings for God Rom. 5.3 And not only so but we glory in Tribulation also knowing that Tribulation worketh Patience 1 Pet. 4.13 14. But rejoice in as much as ye are Partakers of Christ's Sufferings that when his Glory shall be revealed ye may be glad also with exceeding Ioy. If ye be reproached for the Name of Christ happy are ye for the Spirit of Glory and of God resteth upon you on their part he is evil-spoken of but on your part he is glorified This is a greater Argument than the bare Instinct and Desire of Nature Certainly if our Holiness be our Torment and God beget in us these Desires which he never meant to satisfy then we are of all Men most miserable 4. There would be no Recompence for their greatest Losses Christ requireth us not only to venture but lose our Lives for his sake Luke 14.26 If any Man come to me and hate not his Father and Mother and Wife and Children and Brethren and Sisters yea and his own Life also he cannot be my Disciple Now if our Hopes in Christ be at an End with this Life what Incouragement have we to lose our Lives for Christ's sake Nature will teach us to submit to a lesser Evil to obtain a greater Good than that Evil depriveth us of But what will teach us to lose the greatest Benefit we are possessed of when nothing cometh of it Grace indeed teacheth us to quit this frail Life for the Hopes which Christ hath given us of an immortal blessed Estate but if that be not Christians are of all Men most miserable who had better have kept that Life which they had till a natural Death called them from it than to have lost it for nothing Secondly Having vindicated the Apostle's meaning I shall prove That it is inconsistent with the Righteousness of God's Government that his People should be always of all Men most miserable for a time they may be so but not for ever Certainly God is righteous to deny him to be just is to deny him to be God and the Governour of the World The Perfection of his Nature includeth his Justice so doth also the Eminency of his Office Is God unrighteous who taketh Vengeance God forbid for then how shall God judg the World Rom. 3.5 6. that is he were then uncapable of governing Mankind But when is this Righteousness manifested not always in this World especially to those who perish in their Afflictions and Persecutions which they indure for his Name 's sake No He hath appointed a Day wherein he will judg the World in Righteousness Acts 17.31 And that is at the general Resurrection God now judgeth the World in Patience winketh or conniveth at many Faults indureth the Wicked with much Long-suffering but then he will judg the World in Righteousness None are punished now besides or beyond their Deservings but all are not punished according to their Deservings nor are the Wrongs of his People righted nor their Labour of Love recompensed Therefore we must expect another Day and Time when that shall be done and that is most fully and universally done in the great and general Day of Judgment when the Dead shall be raised out of their Graves they that have done Good to the Resurrection of Life and they that have done Evil to the Resurrection of Damnation And so it serves the Apostle's Scope to prove a Resurrection SERMON II. 1 COR. XV. 19 If in this Life only we have Hope in Christ we are of all Men most miserable II. I Must shew the Validity of the Apostle's Argument That there must be a Life to come because otherwise Christians would be of all Men most miserable The Apostle urgeth it here as a strong Proof of the Resurrection and elsewhere he urgeth it as a Demonstration of the general Judgment as when he speaking of the Persecutions of the Righteous telleth us 2 Thess. 1.5 Which is a manifest Token of the righteous Iudgment of God 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a plain and certain Demonstration Surely the Argument is cogent and conclusive But where lieth the Force of it 1. I shall argue from the Nature of God and there 1. I shall begin with his Wisdom which doth things according to Number Weight and Measure and doth rightly dispose things in their proper Places This Wisdom of his will not permit the Disjunction of these two things so closely united together as Sin and Punishment Holiness and Happiness This cannot be but there will be an Appearance of Deformity and Irregularity If there be such a thing as Good and Evil bonum malum morale as Reason will tell us there is again if there be such a thing as Pleasure and Pain Joy and Sorrow or bonum malum naturale as Sense will tell us there is Then it is very agreeable to the Wisdom of God that these things should be rightly placed and sorted That Moral Evil which is Sin should be punished with a natural Evil which is Pain and Misery and that Moral Good which is Holiness should end in Joy and Happiness These seem to be such natural Relatives that without great Incongruity they cannot be parted It seemeth uncomely and an uncouth thing to us when it is otherwise Prov. 26.1 As Snow in Summer and as Rain in Harvest so Honour is not seemly for a Fool. That is as Snow and Rain in Harvest and Summer come unseasonable and unwelcome and breed a kind of Displeasure in our Minds So we look upon it as a Blemish or an uncouth thing when the Wicked are exalted We have Compassion on a miserable Man whom we esteem not deserving his Misery but are moved with Indignation against one that is happy and successful but unworthy the Happiness he injoyeth this is the general Sense of Mankind which is a Proof and plain Document that we perceive an excellent Harmony and natural Order between these two things Sin and Misery Holiness and Happiness and this Sentiment is
knowledg of the Lord and Saviour Iesus Christ they are again entangled therein and overcome 2 Pet. 2.20 Vse 2. Is Exhortation to press you 1. To seek after Honour Glory and Immortality O this is the best Pursuit you can engage in What is better for you Can the World or the Devil propound any thing so good or better than this glorious Estate Are the dreggy Contentments of the Flesh the Vain-glory and Honour of the World the uncertain Riches we enjoy here worthy to come in competition with Eternal Life Surely in matter of Motive a Christian hath the Advantage however a carnal Man hath the Advantage in matter of Principle because in him it is wholly intire and unbroken 2. To Well-doing Surely you should not need many Arguments to press you to do well rather to press you to do ill should be the more difficult Task it is so contrary to our Reason and the right Constitution of our Natures but that we are strangely depraved O Christians what do we invite you to but to love God above all and seek his Favour in Christ and love your Neighbour as your self and by Temperance Purity and Chastity to preserve your own Vessels both Bodies and Souls in Sanctification and Honour Surely these Duties are not Gifts but Ornaments and such Subjection to God should be preferred before Liberty in Sinning 3. To continue with Patience I will press you to this by two Arguments 1. There will be always the same reason for going on that there was for beginning at first Did the Sense of your Duty invite you The same Bond of Duty lieth upon you still Did the Hopes of the World to come engage you Heaven is not yet obtained And will you lose all the Coâ—t you have been at already Gal. 3.4 Have ye suffered so many things in vain 2. There can be no Temptation great enough to recompense you for the loss of your Reward of Eternal Life Is it Reproach When Men despise God will honour thee and it is a blessed thing to be reviled for Righteousness sake Is it worldly Loss Better lose the World than lose our Souls Mat. 16.26 What will it profit a Man if he should gain the whole World and lose his own Soul Is Life in danger Losing Life for Christ is the way to save it And Iohn 11.25 Though he were dead yet shall he live Is it the continual reviving of Troubles In the other World there is nothing to assault thy Perseverance there thou art out of the Gun-shot of Temptations and shalt serve God without defect or difficulty there our Service is not troublesom to us A SERMON UPON 2 CORINTHIANS XIII 14 The Grace of our Lord Iesus Christ and the Love of God and the Communion of the Holy Ghost be with you all Amen MY Purpose is to open the Apostolical Benediction or Prayer for the Corinthians for our way of Blessing is only to pray for those whom we bless To love others is to desire their Good They that love best and most desire the best Good for their Friends and better Good there cannot be desired than that those we love may have God for their God Now they that have God for their God have all that is in God and all that is God God the Father Son and Holy Ghost will imploy all his Wisdom Power and Goodness to save them from all Evil and bring them to eternal Blessedness This is that which is prayed for in this place The Grace of our Lord Iesus Christ and the Love of God and the Communion of the Holy Ghost be with you all Amen In the Words we have The Thing prayed for together with the Persons from whom Or rather 1. The Matter of the Blessedness wished The Grace of our Lord Iesus Christ the Love of God the Communion of the Holy Ghost 2. The effectual Application to the Corinthians Be with you 3. The Confirmation of these Hopes and Desires in the word Amen 1. The Matter of the Blessing It consists of three Branches suted to the Persons of the Godhead 1st The Grace of Christ. 2dly The Love of God 3dly The Communion of the Holy Ghost 2. The effectual Application Be with you These things are with us or in us two ways 1. In the Effects 2. In the Sense 1. In the Effects when we have the Fruits of the Father's Love and Christ's Grace and the Spirit 's Operation That the Love wherewith thou hast loved me may be in them and I in them John 17.26 2. In the Sense and Feeling when we comfortably know it is thus with us Ioh. 14.21 He that loveth me shall be loved of my Father and I will love him and manifest my self unto him Rom. 5.5 Because the Love of God is shed abroad in our Hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us 3. The Confirmation of these Desires and Hopes in the word Amen which is Signaculum Fidei an Expression of Faith and Votum Desiderii an Eruption of our Desire and Love Doct. That all the Persons of the Blessed Trinity do concur to the Happiness and Salvation of Believers Here let me shew you I. How they do concur II. Why they do concur I. How they do concur Let us explain the Text. 1. Here are all the Persons of the Godhead mentioned God is taken personally for the Father and then Jesus Christ and the Spirit are distinctly mentioned So in other Scriptures 1 Pet. 1.2 Elect according to the fore-knowledg of God the Father through Sanctification of the Spirit unto Obedience and sprinkling of the Blood of Iesus Christ. The fundamental Cause of Salvation is the Election of God who when he had all fallen Mankind in his Prospect and View was pleased to choose out some to Grace and Glory passing by others Then there is Reconciliation ascribed to Jesus Christ and Sanctification to the Spirit as the Means by which this Purpose is brought about The Beginning is from God the Father the Dispensation is by Jesus Christ and the Application is through the Holy Ghost So also Titus 3.4 5 6. But after that the Kindness and Love of God our Saviour towards Man appeared not 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 God the Father out of Love sent a Saviour by whose Grace we are saved and God the Son from God the Father sent God the Holy Ghost who applieth the Love of God and the Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ by renewing and healing our Natures So 2 Thess. 2.13 14. But we are bound to give Thanks always to God for you Brethren beloved of the Lord because God hath from the beginning chosen you to Salvation through Sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the Truth whereunto he called you by our Gospel to the obtaining of the Glory of the Lord
Iesus Christ. Where the three Persons are again mentioned and their Concurrence to our Salvation 2. That Words proper to their personal Operation are used for there is Love ascribed to the Father Grace to the Son and Communion to the Holy Ghost The Father is represented as the Fountain of Love and all Goodness and as expressing and exerting his Love by the Son and Spirit By the Grace of Christ is meant all that gracious Provision which he hath made for Man's Salvation both in the reconciling God to us and procuring the Mission of the Spirit Communion is ascribed to the Spirit because all is applied or communicated to us by him Or thus our Salvation is ascribed in Election to the Love of the Father in Redemption to the Grace of the Son in Sanctification to the Communion or Participation of the Holy Ghost 1st The Love of God Love is ascribed to the Father for the Love of God is the Cause of all consider his giving Christ for us or giving Christ to us and us to him 1. In giving Christ for us Iohn 3.16 God so loved the World that he gave his only begotten Son that whosoever believeth on him should not perish but have everlasting Life Christ did not merit electing Love but Love rather moved God to give Christ for Sinners Love appointed the Son to be our Redeemer there was the Bosom and Bottom-Cause 2. In giving Christ to us Iohn 6.37 All that the Father giveth me shall come to me And him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out John 17.6 I have manifested thy Name unto the Men which thou gavest me out of the World thine they were and thou gavest them me and they have kept thy Word And in time he doth execute and accomplish this out of his meer Love Ier. 31.3 The Lord hath appeared to me of old saying Yea I have loved thee with an everlasting Love therefore with Loving-kindness have I drawn thee As by Elective Love the Heirs of Salvation were distinguished from others in God himself or in his Intention and Purpose so by Regeneration and converting Love they are distinguished from others in themselves and set apart from the rest of the World to be the Objects of his special Love and Instruments of his Glory Besides there is a Love of God whereby he loveth us when we are in Christ Jesus which is the Ground of our Safety and Preservation Rom. 8.38 39. For I am perswaded that neither Death nor Life nor Angels nor Principalities nor Powers nor things present nor things to come nor Height nor Depth nor any other Creature shall be able to separate us from the Love of God which is in Christ Iesus our Lord. 2dly The Grace of our Lord Iesus Christ. What is intended us by the Father is brought about by the Grace of the Redeemer and therefore all the Provision Christ had made for our Salvation is called Grace 2 Cor. 8.9 For ye know the Grace of our Lord Iesus Christ that though he was rich yet for your sakes he became poor that ye through his Poverty might be rich That is ye know his gracious Condescension in submitting to such a mean Condition for our sakes So 1 Cor. 16.23 The Grace of Lord Iesus Christ be with you all Grace is God's Favour and Love which was first purchased by Christ by his Obedience and bloody Sufferings Rom. 3.24 Being justified freely by his Grace through the Redemption that is in Iesus Christ. Secondly applied by his Intercession which is also another Act of his Grace and therefore we come boldly to the Throne of Grace that we may obtain Mercy and find Grace to help us in time of need Heb. 4.16 Namely having a great High Priest that is passed into the Heavens Iesus the Son of God ver 14. who knoweth our Infirmities Thirdly As it is bestowed by him as Lord of the New Creation upon such Terms as every way keep up the Honour and Interest of Grace in our Salvation Ephes. 2.8 By Grace ye are saved through Faith and that not of your selves it is the Gift of God All the saving Benefits we have by Christ are from Grace such as Reconciliation with God the Renovation of our Natures and everlasting Glory and Happiness they are all dispensed in a gracious way from first to last 3dly The Communion of the Holy Ghost Communion is ascribed to the Holy Ghost It may be rendred Communion or Communication The Spirit reneweth and changeth our Nature and worketh Faith and Holiness in us Light Life and Love are the special Benefits which he communicates to us He doth enlighten our Minds to understand and believe the great things prepared for us by God through Jesus Christ. It is said 1 Cor. 2.10 But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit for the Spirit searcheth all things yea the deep things of God So Ephes. 1.17 18. That the God of our Lord Iesus Christ the Father of Glory may give unto you the Spirit of Wisdom and Revelation in the knowledg of him the Eyes of your Vnderstanding being enlightned that ye may know what is the Hope of his Calling and what the Riches of the Glory of his Inheritance in the Saints Life for we live in the Spirit and are born of the Spirit that is have a new Life begotten in us therefore called a Spirit of Life before we lived as Men now as Christians And Love the Heart is bent and inclined to God It began in Love and endeth in Love Love of God endeth in Love to God This threefold Effect is expressed 2 Tim. 1.7 For God hath not given us the Spirit of Fear but of Power of Love and a sound Mind Life in Power as Light in a sound Mind And it is all together called the Divine Nature 2 Pet. 1.4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious Promises that by these you might be Partakers of the Divine Nature For it answereth to the Wisdom Power and Goodness of God 3. That all these Words imply Riches of Goodness Bounty and Liberality Love noteth a ready Inclination to do Good to others without the Excitement of external Motives it openeth and inlargeth the Heart to another and then the Hand cannot be shut 2 Cor. 6.11 O ye Corinthians our Mouth is open unto you our Heart is enlarged Grace is some good thing freely given So 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Communion noteth a liberal Effusion or Distribution of the Graces of God's sanctifying Spirit and so it suteth with 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Love of God and the Grace of Christ Elsewhere 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Communion of the Spirit is joined with Bowels and Mercies Phil. 2.1 If any Fellowship of the Spirit if any Bowels and Mercies that is if you have received any Good from Christ by the Spirit So Rom. 15.26 For it hath pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain Contribution for
see an infinite Sea of all Perfections 2. Consider What God will be to his People in his Providence in his Covenant 1. In his â—rovidence In his Works he discovereth his Nature As he is a powerful God â—o nothing can be done but his leave and hand is in it and it is governed by his Counsel and Will Your Persecutors cannot stir or move or breath without him The Saints are in his hand Deut. 33.3 Yea he loved the People all his Saints are in thy Hand We are in a Friends hand Iohn 6.20 It is I be not afraid His Goodness God is concerned in the Condition of his People as well if not more than themselves they do not suffer but he Sympathizeth Isa. 63. â— In all their Afflictions he is afflicted and the Angel of his presence saved them in his Love and in his Pity he redeemed them and he bare them and carried them all the days of old Zech. 2.8 He that toucheth you toucheth the Apple of his Eye In short he is full of tenderness and moderation His Wisdom we may trust his Wisdom in carving out a Portion for us better than our own understanding Should it be according to thy Mind Job â—4 3â— Men would have all things done according to their own Will â—o better let God alone with it for he is a God oâ— Judgment and guideth all things with great Moderation and Equity Iob 34.23 For he will not lay upon man more than right that he should enter into Iudgment with God He will not afflict above deserving Ezra 9.13 And after all that is come upon us for our evil deeds and for our great trespass seeing that thou our God hast punished us less than our Iniquitiâ—s deserve We are in Captivity we might have been in Hell Nor beyond Strength â— Cor. 1â— 13 Who will not suffer you to be tempted above what you are able Above what he hath given or is ready to give nor more than to do them good by it Rom. 8.28 All things shall work together for good to them that love God Now which is most just that we should have the disposal of our selves or God he will do what he pleaseth whether we be pleased or displeased 2. In his Covenant the Foundation of which is laid in the Blood of Christ and the Benefits offered there are pardon of Sin and Eternal Life Pardon of Sin is a cure for our greatest and deepest trouble Eternal Life answereth all our desires this light Affliction is not comparable to it 2 Cor. 4.17 For our light Affliction which is but for a moment worketh for us a far more exceeding and Eternal weight of Glory Use. Well then 1. Trust in the Lord against Carnal Reason When Carnal Reason doth not befriend your trust They that trust God no farther than they can see him they do not trust God but their outward Probabilities God hath only the Name yea when Carnal Reason contradicts your trust and checketh all hope Though he slay me yet I will trust in him Job 13.15 2. Trust God against Carnal Affection trust his Wise and Holy Government We would fain interpose to save our Lusts which sometimes need a sharp Cure God's quarrel is not against your Persons but your Sins he desireth not your Destruction but your Humiliation and Reformation the dearest loss is your Sin and are you loth to spare that There is nothing so sad which befalleth the People of God but it tendeth to prevent something which is sadder which would otherwise befal them 1 Cor. 1â— 32 But when we are judged we are chastened of the Lord that we should not be condemned with the World Psal. 94 12 13. Blessed is the man whom thou chastenest O Lord and teachest him out of thy Law That thou mayest give him rest from the days of Adversity until the Pit be digged for the wicked 3. Trust him upon his Gospel Assurance even against the terms of his own Law We may change Courts Psal. 130.3 4. If thou shouldest mark Iniquity O Lord who shall stand But there is forgiveness with thee that thou may'st be feared Psal. 143 2. Enter not into Iudgment with thy Servant for in thy sight shall no man living be justified III. Point They that fear God and obey him are most encouraged to trust God 1. Because Precepts and Promises go hand in hand so must our Trust and Obedience Psal. 47.11 The Lord taketh Pleasure in them that fear him in those that hope in his Mercy Psal. 119.166 Lord I have hoped for thy Salvation and done thy Commandments 2. Sincerity giveth Confidence and boldness and helpeth our Trust They can delight in the Almighty and lift up their Face to God 1 Iohn 3.21 If our Hearts condemn us not then have we Confidence towards God 3. The Controversie is taken up when we desire to keep the way of Obedience Sin is the Thorn in our sore which caused the first Pain Lam. 3.39 Wherefore doth a Living man complain a man for the Punishment of his Sin God hath no quarrel with them but about their Sins Use. Then if we would trust our selves with Gods Holy Government let us fear his Name and obey the voice of his Servant and return to the Obedience we owe to our Creator and put our selves into the hands of our Redeemer A Sermon on 2 Sam. vii 27 latter part Therefore hath thy servant found in his heart to pray this prayer unto thee THere are several things remarkable in this context 1. David's thankful mind ver 1 2. I may illustrate it by the opposite practice of Nebuchadnezzar Dan. 4 30. Is not this great Babylon which I have built for the house of the Kingdom by the might of my power and for the honour of my Majesty And of the Israelites in their new dwellings at Ierusalem Hag. 1.2 3 4. This People say The time is not come the time that the Lords House should be built Then came the word of the Lord by Haggai the prophet saying Is it a time for you O ye to dwell in your Ceiled houses and this house lye waste All our comforts are used according to the temper of the party that injoyeth them either as an occasion to the Flesh or as incentives of godliness A gracious Spirit looketh upon common mercies as discovering their Author and pointing to their end they came from God and must be used for God A proper meditation for you when you enjoy commodious habitations walk in your pleasant Gardens or get any repose and ease from troubles in the midst of the plentiful accommodations of the present life what have I done for God who giveth me richly to injoy all these things 2. Nathan's innocent and pious mistake ver 3. Go do all that is in thine Heart for the Lord is with thee This Nathan spake not by a Prophetical but private Spirit The Prophets might err when they spake out of their own humane Spirit but as moved by the Holy Ghost
they erred not The Prophet is to be excused because the intention of David's zeal was good and a meet expression of his thankfulness to God God himself liked of the intention in it self 1 Kin. 8.18 The Lord said unto David my Father Whereas it was in thy Heart to build an House unto my name thou didst well that it was in thine Heart And besides he might tell him The Lord is with thee from former observation God had accompanied David with his Spirit and Blessing in all his enterprises Well then this he said not by Divine revelation but of himself Herein he was faulty that he consulted not with God And it teacheth us this lesson that in all businesses of moment and concernment to God's glory we must ask God's leave and counsel and blessing Prov. 3.5 6. Trust in the Lord with all thine Heart and lean not to thine own understanding In all thy ways acknowledge him and he shall direct thy paths 3. The next thing observable is the Lord 's rectifying the Prophets mistake by a special revelation from v. 4. to v. 17. Wherein the Lord recapitulateth the several favours and honours he had put upon his servant David with promises of blessing upon his Family but denyeth him this one honour of putting his designs in execution of building him an house because that was reserved for his Son a more peaceable Prince and whose hands were not defiled with blood And it teacheth us this lesson that we should be content with those other honours and favours which we have received at God's hands though he in his wise providence deny us the liberty of perfecting some enterprises which we have designed for his glory If God cut us off in the midst of our service or interrupt us in our work he knoweth how to carry it on by others and 't is a mercy that we have had his presence hitherto in former services God had been with David whithersoever he went but would not allow him to build him an House 4. David's carriage upon this message ver 18. He went and sate before the Lord or abode in his presence and expresseth himself both by way of praise and prayer 1. Praise in the 18 19 20. to the end of the 24th verse Acknowledging that all his goodness to him and his people came from his mercy and truth for his words sake and according to his own heart to fulfil his Covenant and his self-inclination to do good Admiring the greatness of these favours to such an unworthy creature as himself Who am I O Lord and what is my House that thou hast brought me hither c. And is this the manner of man O Lord God c. 2. Prayer from the 25th verse to the end Wherein he beggeth a performance of the things promised Shewing that he should not dare to ask and expect these things if God had not prevented him by his Word Thou hast revealed to thy Servant saying I will build thee an house therefore hath thy servant found in his Heart to pray this prayer unto thee In which words there is a Directory for prayer And 1. The qualification of the person Thy Servant 2. The sincerity of the prayer Hath found in his Heart 3. The instance and vehemency of it in the doubling of the words not simply to pray but to pray this prayer Jam. 5.17 He prayed earnestly 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 He prayed in his prayer 'T is one thing to say a prayer another to pray a prayer 4. His reverence Vnto thee Or as 't is more emphatically repeated 1 Chron. 17.25 Therefore thy Servant hath found in his heart to pray before thee When we set our selves as before the invisible God And that may be part of the meaning of the phrase used ver 18. he sate before the Lord. But the main circumstance which I shall insist upon is that Found in his Heart Doct. That the Birth-place or proper rise of Prayer is in the Heart Or whatever prayer we pray to God must be found in our Hearts before it be uttered with our Tongues I. I shall inquire concerning the sense and meaning of this expression what it is to find a prayer in our hearts That implieth two things when we pray as inclined and pray as incouraged And so David must be interpreted here I have found in my Heart that is I am inclined by a due esteem and desire of the blessing promised For he admireth it and was exceedingly ravished with the thought of it that God should have such respect to his House and Family Again I have found in my Heart that is I am incouraged by the Lord's goodness and the experience of his blessing and the assurance of his promises So in every general case all that would pray must find in their Hearts to pray to God that is be inclined and be incouraged 1. We are inclined or stirred up to pray for such good things as we ask of God 1. By a sense of our wants Iam. 1.5 If any man lack wisdom let him ask of God And Heb. 4.16 Let us come boldly to the Throne of Grace that we may obtain mercy and find Grace to help in a time of need Our addresses to God must begin in a broken hearted sense of our own wants otherwise 't is but an empty careless formal way of praying We have a quick and tender feeling in all bodily necessities the worst will express themselves sensibly enough in such cases Hos. 7.14 They have not cried unto me with their Hearts when they howled upon their Beds they assemble themselves for Corn and Wine and they rebel against me Those that rebelled against God howled upon their Beds for Corn and Wine as Beasts will make their moan when pinched with hunger but in Soul necessities we are not so sensible And prayers put up without sense of want and need are but dead and lazy Many think their condition so good that they need not trouble God about it but they can manage it well enough themselves and therefore either pray not at all or without poverty of Spirit and their Prayers are but an empty complement to God But now a Godly man is sensible of his daily necessities he is kept poor in Spirit and seeth that he cannot subsist a minute without God and that he is environed with dangers and obliged to a multitude of duties which require assistance from above that Satan is continually tempting and he is continually sinning and so he needs daily pardon and daily sustentation as well as daily bread Give us 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 this day our daily bread Mat. 6.11 And that if he should forget to pray to God he should forget to bid himself good morrow or good day In short the more men exercise themselves unto godliness the more their necessities and wants will be discovered to them Painted fire needeth no fuel but real fire must still be supplied with matter for it to feed upon 2. An esteem