proud earthly malitious may say our father which art in hell 't is blasphemy to call God our Father and make the Divel our Pattern Gods children resemble him in meeknesse and holinesse they are his walking pictures As the Seale stamps its print and likenesse upon the Wax so doth God stamp the print and effigies of his own beauty upon his children 3. The third sign of Gods children is they have the Spirit of God 'T is called the Spirit of adoption Rom. 8.15 ye have received the Spirit of adoption c. Quest How shall we know that we have received the Spirit of adoption and so are in the state of adoption Answ The Spirit of God hath a three-fold work in them who are made children 1. A Regenerating work 2. A Supplicating work 3. A Witnessing work 1. A Regenerating work whomsoever the Spirit adopts it regenerates Gods children are said to be born of the Spirit John 3.5 Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God we must first be born of the Spirit before we are baptized with this new name of sons and daughters we are not Gods children by creation but renovation not by our first birth but our new-birth This New-birth produced by the Word as the material cause * James 1.18 and by the Spirit as the efficient cause is nothing else but a change of nature Rom. 12.2 which though it be not a perfect change yet is a thorow change 1 Thes 5.23 This change of heart is as necessary * Generatus damnatus nisi regeneratus Austin as salvation Quest How shall we know that we have this regenerating work of the Spirit Answ Two wayes By the pangs By the products 1. By the pangs There are spiritual pangs before the new-birth some bruisings of soul some groanings and cryings out some struglings in the heart between flesh and spirit Acts 2.37 they were prick'd at their heart The child hath sharp throws before the birth so it is in the new-birth I grant the new-birth doth recipere magis minus all have not the same pangs of humiliation yet all have pangs all feel the hammer of the Law upon their heart though some are more bruised with this hammer than others Gods Spirit is a Spirit of bondage before it be a Spirit of adoption Rom. 8.15 What then shall we say to those who are as much to seek about the new-birth as Nicodemus John 3.4 How can a man be born when he is old c The new-birth is ludibrium impiis though it be grande mysterium piis some thank God they never had any trouble of spirit they were alwayes quiet These blesse God for the greatest curse it is a signe they are not Gods children the child of grace is alwayes born with pangs 2. The new-birth is known by the Products which are three 1. Sensibility The infant that is new-born is sensible of the least touch If the Spirit hath regenerated thee thou art sensible of the ebullitions and first risings of sin which before thou didst not perceive Paul cries out of the law in his members Rom. 7.23 The new-born Saint sees sin in the root 2. Circumspection He who is born of the Spirit is careful to preserve grace he plies the breast of Ordinances 1 Pet. 1.2 he is fearful of that which may endanger his spiritual life 1 John 5.18 he lives by faith yet passeth the time of his sojourning in fear 1 Pet. 1.17 This is the first work of the Spirit in them who are made children a regenerating work 3. The Spirit of God hath a supplicating work in the heart The spirit of adoption is a spirit of supplication Rom. 8.15 Ye have received the spirit of adoption whereby we cry Abba Father While the child is in the womb it cannot cry while men lie in the womb of their natural estate they cannot pray effectually but when they are born of the Spirit then they cry Abba Father Prayer is nothing else but the souls breathing it self into the bosome of its Father 'T is a sweet and familiar intercourse with God as soon us ever the Spirit of God comes into the heart it sets it a praying no sooner was Paul converted but the next word is behold he prayeth * Implet Spiritus Sanctus organum suum tanquam filia chordarum tangit digitus Dei corda Sanctorum Prosper in Epist Acts 9.11 It is reported in the life of Luther when he prayed it was with so much reverence as if he were praying to God and with so much boldnesse as if he had been speaking to his friend * Theodor. in vit Luth. p. 142. And Eusebius reports of Constantine the Emperour that everyday he used to shut up himself in some secret place in his Palace and there on bended knees did make his devour prayers and soliloquies to God Gods Spirit tunes the strings of the affections and then we make melody in prayer For any to say in derision you pray by the Spirit is a blasphemy against the Spirit it is a main work of the Spirit of God in the hearts of his children to help them to pray Gal. 4.6 Because you are sons God hath sent the spirit of his Son into your hearts Crying Abba Father Quest But many of the children of God have not such abilities to expresse themselves in prayer how then doth the Spirit help their infirmities Answ Though they have not alwayes the gifts of the Spirit in prayer yet they have the groans of the Spirit Rom. 8.26 Gifts are the Ornament of prayer but not the life of prayer A carcass may be hung with jewels Though the Spirit may deny fluency of speech yet it gives fervency of desire and such prayers are most prevalent The prayers which the Spirit indites in the hearts of Gods children have these three-fold qualifications 1. The prayers of Gods children are believing prayers Prayer is the key Faith is the hand that turns it Faith feathers the Arrow of prayer and makes it pierce the Throne of grace Matth. 21.22 Whatever you shall ask in prayer believing ye shall receive Whereupon saith Hierom * Non orarem nisi crederem I would not presume to pray unless I bring faith along with me to pray and not believe is as one saith a kind of jeer offered to God * Irrisio Dei est Pelican as if we thought either he did not hear or he would not grant That Faith may be animated in prayer we must bring Christ in our Arms when we appear before God 1 Sam. 7.9 And Samuel took a sucking Lamb and offered it for a burnt-offering and Samuel cryed unto the Lord for Israel and the Lord heard him this sucking Lamb typified Christ When we come to God in prayer we must bring the Lamb Christ along with us Themistocles carried the Kings son in his Arms and so pacified the King when he was angry * Thucyd.
the children of God present Christ in the Arms of their Faith 2. The prayers of Gods children indited by the Spirit are ardent prayers Ye have received the Spirit whereby we cry Abba Father Rom. 8.15 Father that implies Faith we cry that implies fervency The incense was to be laid upon burning coals Lev. 16.12 The incense was a type of prayer the burning coals of ardency in prayer Elias prayed earnestly Jam. 5.17 In the Greek it is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Verbis addita verbalia apud Hebraeus vehementiam significant Grot. IN PRAYING HE PRAYED that is he did it with vehemency †in prayer the heart must boyle over with heat of affection Prayer is compared to groans unutterable * Rom. 8.26 it alludes to a woman that is in pangs We should be in pangs when we are travelling for mercy such prayer commands God himself Isa 45.11 3. The prayers of Gods children are heart-cleansing prayers they purge out sin many pray against sin and sin against prayer Gods children do not only pray against sin but pray down sin 3. The Spirit of God hath a witnessing work in the heart Gods children have not only the influence of the Spirit but the witness Rom. 8.16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit that we are the children of God There is a three-fold witness a child of God hath the witness of the Word the witness of Conscience the witness of the Spirit the Word makes the major Proposition He who is in such a manner qualified is a childe of God Conscience makes the minor but Thou art so divinely qualified the Spirit makes the conclusion therefore Thou art a child of God The Spirit joyns with the witness of Conscience Rom. 8.16 The Spirit witnesseth with our spirits The Spirit teacheth Conscience to search the Records of Scripture and finde its evidences for heaven it helps conscience to spell out its name in a promise it bears witness with our spirit Quest Quest But how shall I know the witness of the Spirit from a delusion Answ Answ The Spirit of God always witnesseth according to the Word as the Eccho answers the voyce Enthusiasts speak much of the Spirit but they leave the Word That inspiration which is either without the Word or against it is an imposture The Spirit of God did indite the Word 2 Pet. 1.21 Now if the Spâ—rit should witness otherwise than according to the Word the Spirit should be divided against it self it should be a spirit of contradiction witnessing one thing for a truth in the Word and another thing different from it in a mans conscience 4. The fourth sign of Gods children is Zeal for God they are zealous for his Day his Truth his Glory they who are born of God are impatient of his dishonour Moses was cool in his own cause but hot in Gods when the people of Israel had wrought folly in the golden Calf he breaks the Tables When Saint Paul saw the people of Athens given to Idolatry his spirit was stirred in him Acts 17.16 In the Greek it is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 his spirit was imbittered or as the word may signifie he was in a Paroxysme or burning fit of zeal He could not contain but with this fire of zeal dischargeth against their sin As we shall answer for idle words so for sinful silence it is dangerous in this sense to be possessed with a dumb Divel David saith the zeal of Gods house had eaten him up Psal 69.9 Many Christians whose zeal once had almost eaten them up now they have eaten up their zeal they are grown tepid and neutral the breath of preferment blowing upon them hath cooled their heat I can never believe that he hath the heart of a childe in him that can be patient when Gods glory suffers Can an ingenuous childe endure to hear his father reproached though we should be silent under Gods displeasure yet not under his dishonour When there is an holy fire kindled in the heart it will break forth at the lips zeal tempered with holiness is the white and sanguine which gives the foul its best complexion Of all others let Ministers be impatient when Gods glory is impeached and eclipsed A Minister without zeal is like salt that hath lost its savour Zeal will make men take injuries done to God as done to themselves It is reported of Chrysostom that he reproved any sin against God as if he himself had received a personal wrong * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Let not Ministers be either shaken with fear or seduced with flattery God never made Ministers to be as false glasses to make bad faces look fair for want of this fire of zeal they are in danger of another fire even the burning lake Rev. 21.8 into which the fearful shall be cast 5. Those who are Gods children and are born of God are of a more noble and celestial spirit than men of the world they minde 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 things above * Col. 3.2 1 John 5.4 Whatsoever is born of God 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 overcometh the world The children of God live in an higher Region they are compared to Eagles Isa 40.31 in regard of their sublimeness and heavenly-mindedness their souls are fled aloft Christ is in their heart Col. 1.27 and the world is under their feet Rev. 12.1 Men of the world are ever tumbling in thick clay they are terrae filii not Eagles but Earth-worms the Saints are of another spirit they are born of God and walk with God as the childe walks with the father Noah walked with God Gen. 6.9 Gods children shew their high Pedigree in their heavenly Conversation Phil. 3.21 6. Another sign of Adoption is love to them that are children Gods children are knit together with the bond of love as all the members of the body are knit together by several nerves and ligaments If we are born of God then we love the brotherhood 1 Pet. 2.17 Idem est motus animae in imaginem rem he that loves the person loves the picture The children of God are his walking pictures and if we are of God we love those who have his Effigies and Pourtraiture drawn upon their souls If we are born of God we love the Saints notwithstanding their infirmities Children love one another though they have some imperfections of nature a squint-eye or a crooked back We love gold in the Oar though it have some drossiness in it the best Saints have their blemishes We read of the spot of Gods children Deutr. 32.5 A Saint in this life is like a fair face with a scar in it If we are born of God we love his children though they are poor we love to see the image and picture of our father though hung in never so poor a Frame we love to see a rich Christ in a poor man And if we are children of the Highest we shew our love to Gods children 1. By prizing their persons
God giveth him not power to eat thereof Religion makes no man a Niggard though it teacheth prudence yet not sordidness 2. Who act below themselves as they are Christians while they sinfully comply and prostitute themselves to the humours of others a base kind of mettle that will take any stamp they will for a piece of silver part with the jewel of a good conscience they will be of the State-Religion they will dance to the Divels Pipe if their Superiour commands them These are Poor-spirited but not Poor in Spirit 4. I distinguish between Poor in an Evangelical sense and in a Popish sense the Papists give a wrong gloss upon the Text by Poor in spirit they understand those who renouncing their Estates vow a voluntary poverty living retiredly in their Monasteries * Monasteriis Caenobiiâ— Pauperes Bellarm. but Christ never meant these he doth not pronounce them blessed who make themselves poor leaving their Estates and their Callings but such as are Evangelically poor Well then what are we to understand by Poor in spirit the Greek word for Poor 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is not only taken in a strict sense for those who live upon Alms * Ad extremam inopiam reducti Beza quibus nihil superest but in a more large sense for those who are destitute as well of inward as outward comfort Poor in spirit then signifies those who are brought to the sense of their sins and seeing no goodness in themselves despair in themselves and sue wholly to the mercy of God in Christ * Qui serio cordis affectu pauperiem suam agnoscunt spem fiduciam in una miserecordia Dei propter Christum repositam habent Paraeus Poverty of spirit is a kind of self-annihilation such an expression I find in Calvin The poor in spirit saith he are they who see nothing in themselves but flie to mercy for Sanctuary such an one was the Publican Luk. 18.13 God be merciful to me a sinner of this temper was Saint Paul Phil. 3.9 That I may he found in Christ not having mine own righteousness these are the poor which are invited as Guests to Wisdoms Banquet Prov. 7.3 4. Here several Questions may be propounded 1. Why doth Christ here begin with poverty of spirit Quest 1 why is this put in the fore-front I answer Answ Christ doth it to shew that poverty of spirit is the very basis and foundation of all the other graces that follow * Totius a â—ificii fundamen Avendanus You may as well expect fruit to grow without a root as the other graces without this till a man be Poor in spirit he cannot mourn Poverty of spirit is like the fire under the Still which makes the water drop from the eyes when a man sees his own defects and deformities and looks upon himself as undone then he mourns after Christ the springs run in the vallies Psal 104.10 When the heart becomes a valley and lies low by poverty of spirit now the springs of holy mourning run there Till a man be Poor in spirit he cannot hunger and thirst after righteousness he must first be sensible of want before he can hunger therefore Christ begins with poverty of spirit because this ushers in all the rest Quest 2 2. The second Question is What is the difference between poverty of spirit and humility Answ These are so like that they have been taken one for the other Chrysostom by poverty of spirit understands humility * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Chrysost in loc yet I think there is some difference they differ as the cause and the effect Tertullian saith none are poor in spirit but the humble * Nulli pauperes spiritu nisi hamiles Tert. he seems to make humility the cause of poverty of spirit I rather think poverty of spirit is the cause of humility for when a man sees his want of Christ and how he lives on the Alms of free-grace this makes him humble he that is sensible of his own vacuity and indigence with the Violet hangs down his head in humility humility is the sweet spice that grows from poverty of spirit Quest 3 3. What is the difference between poverty of spirit and self-denial I answer in some things they agree in some things they differ In some things they agree for the Poor in spirit is an absolute self-denier he renounceth all opinion of himself he acknowledgeth his dependance on Christ and free-grace but in some things they differ the self-denier parts with the world for Christ the poor in spirit parts with himself for Christ i. e. his own righteousness the poor in spirit sees himself nothing without Christ the self-denier will leave himself nothing for Christ And thus I have shewed what poverty of spirit is The words thus opened present us with this truth Doctr. That Christians must be poor in spirit or thus Doctr. Poverty of spirit is the jewel which Christians must wear As the best creature was made out of nothing namely light so when a man sees himself nothing out of this nothing God makes a most beautiful creature it is Gods usual method to make a man poor in spirit and then fill him with the graces of the Spirit as we deal with a Watch we take it first in pieces and then set all the wheels and pins in order So the Lord doth first take a man all in pieces shews him his undone condition and then sets him in frame The Reasons are 1. Till we are poor in spirit we are not capable of receiving Reason 1 grace he who is swell'd with an opinion of self-excellency and self-sufficiency is not fit for Christ he is full already intus existens prohibet extraneum if the hand be full of pebbles it cannot receive gold the glass is first emptied before you poure in wine God doth first empty a man of himself before he poures in the precious wine of his grace none but the poor in spirit are within Christs Commission Isa 61.1 The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me he hath sent me to bind up the broken-hearted that is such as are broken in the sense of their unworthiness 2. Till we are poor in spirit Christ is never precious Reason 2 before we see our own wants we never see Christs worth poverty of spirit is sal condimentum the sawce which makes Christ relish sweet to the soul mercy is most welcome to the poor in spirit he who sees himself clad in filthy rags Zach. 3.4 5. what will he give for change of rayment the righteousness of Christ what will he give to have the fair Mitre of salvation set upon his head when a man sees himself almost wounded to death how precious will the balm of Christs blood be to him when he sees himself deep in Arrears with God and is so far from paying the debt that he cannot sum up the debt how glad would he be of a surety the Pearle
joy God poures the golden oyle of comfort into broken Vessels the Mourners heart is emptied of pride and God fills the empty with his blessing the Mourners tears have helped to purge out corruption and after purging physick God gives a Julip The Mourner is ready to faint away under the burden of sin and then the bottle of strong water comes seasonably The Lord would have the incestuous person upon his deep humiliation to be comforted lest he should be swallowed up with over much sorrow 2 Cor. 2.7 This is the Mourners priviledge he shall be comforted the Valley of tears brings the soul into a Paradise of joy a sinners joy brings forth sorrow the mourners sorrow brings forth joy John 16.22 Your sorrow shall be turned into joy The Saints have a wet seed-time but a joyful Harvest 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 They shall be comforted SECT I. Showing the mourners comforts here NOw to illustrate this I shall show you what the comforts are the mourners shall have These comforts are of a divine infusion and they are two-fold either Here or Hereafter * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Chrysost 1. Comforts here 1. COMFORTS HERE They are called the consolations of God Job 15.11 That is Great comforts such as none but God can Give they exceed all other comforts as far as heaven doth earth The root on which these comforts grow is The blessed Spirit he is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Comforter John 14.26 and comfort is said to be a fruit of the Spirit Gal. 5.22 Christ did purchase peace the Spirit speaks peace Quest How doth the Spirit comfort Answ Either Mediately or Immediately 1. Mediately By helping us to apply the Promises to ourselves and draw water out of those Wells of salvation we lie as dead children at the breast till the Spirit helps us to suck the breast of a Promise and when the Spirit hath taught Faith this Art now comfort flows in O how sweet is the breast-milk of a Promise 2. The Spirit comforts immediatly The Spirit by a more direct act presents God to the soul as reconciled it sheds his love abroad in the heart from whence flows infinite joy Rom. 5.5 The Spirit secretly whispers Pardon for sin and the sight of a Pardon dilates the heart with joy Matth. 9.2 Be of good chear thy sinnes are forgiven thee That I may speak more fully to this point I shall show you the qualifications and excellencies of these comforts which God gives his mourners 1. These comforts are real comforts the Spirit of God cannot witness to that which is untrue There are many in this age do pretend to comfort but their comforts are meere impostures the body may as well swell with wind as with flesh a man may as well be swelled with false as true comforts * Distinguendum est inter Gaudia Veritatis Vanitatis Aug. The comforts of the Saints are certain they have the seal of the Spirit set to them Ephes 1.13 2 Cor. 1.22 A seal is for confirmation when a Deed is sealed it is firme and unquestionable When a Christian hath the seal of the Spirit stamped upon his heart now he is confirmed in the love of God Quest Wherein do these comforts of the Spirit which are unquestionably sure differ from those which are false and pretended Answ Three ways 1. The comforts of Gods Spirit are laid in deep conviction John 16.7 8 and when he that is the Comforter verse 7. is come he shall reprove or as the Greek word is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 he shall convince the world of sinne Quest Why doth conviction go before consolation Answ Conviction fits for comfort by conviction the Spirit doth sweetly dispose the heart to these two things 1. To seek after Christ When once the soul is convinced of sin and the hell that follows it now a Saviour is precious When the Spirit hath shot in the arrow of conviction now saith a poor soul where may I meet with Christ In what Ordinance may I come to enjoy Christ saw ye him whom my soul loves All the world for one glimpse of my Saviour 2. The Spirit by conviction makes the heart willing to receive Christ upon his own termes man by nature would article and indent with Christ he would take half Christ he would take him for a Saviour not a Prince he would accept of Christ as he hath an head of gold Cant. 5.11 but not as he hath the government upon his shoulders Isa 9.6 But when God le ts loose the spirit of bondage and convinceth a sinner of his lost undone condition now he is content to have Christ upon any termes When Paul was struck down to the ground by a spirit of conviction he cries out Lord what wilt thou have me to do Acts 9.6 Let God propound what Articles he will the soul will subscribe to them Now when a man is brought to Christs termes to beleeve and obey then he is fit for mercy when the Spirit of God hath been a Spirit of conviction then it becomes a spirit of consolation when the plough of the Law hath gone upon the heart and broken up the fallow ground now God sows the seed of comfort Those who brag of comfort but were never yet convinced nor broken for sin have cause to suspect their comfort to be a delusion of Satan It is like a mad mans joy who fancies himself to be King but it may be said of his laughter it is mad Eccles 2.2 The seed which wanted depth of earth withered Matth. 13. that comfort which wants depth of earth deep humiliation and conviction will soone wither and come to nothing 2. The Spirit of God is a sanctifying before a comforting Spirit as Gods Spirit is called the Comforter so he is called a spirit of grace Zach. 12.10 Grace is the work of the Spirit Comfort is the seal of the Spirit the work of the Spirit goes before the seal the graces of the spirit are compared to water Isa 44.3 and the comforts of the spirit are compared to oyle Isa 61.1 First God pours in the water of the spirit and then comes the oyle of gladnesse The oyle in this sence runs above the water Hereby we shall know whether our comforts are true and genuine Some talk of the comforting spirit who never had the sanctifying Spirit they boast of assurance but never had grace these are spurious joyes these comforts will leave men at death they will end in horror and despair Gods Spirit will never set seal to a Blank First the heart must be an Epistle written with the finger of the Holy Ghost and then it is sealed with the Spirit of Promise 3. The comforts of the Spirit are humbling Lord saith the soul What am I that I should have a smile from heaven and that thou shouldest give me a privy seal of thy love The more water is poured into a Bucket the lower it descends the fuller the ship is laden
that could finde out a new pleasure but the comforts of the Spirit are satisfactory they recruit the heart Psal 94.19 Thy comforts delight my soul There is as much difference between heavenly comforts and earthly as between a banquet that is eaten and one that is painted on the wall 6. The comforts God gives his Mourners in this life are glorious comforts 1 Pet. 1.8 Joy full of glory 1. They are glorious because they are a prelibation and fore-taste of that joy which we shall have in a glorified estate * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Chrys These comforts are an handsel and earnest of glory they put us in heaven before our time Ephes 1.13 14. Ye were sealed with that holy Spirit which is an earnest of the inheritance the earnest is part of the sum behind so the comforts of the Spirit are the earnest the cluster of grapes at Eshcol * Num. 13.23 the first-fruits of the heavenly Canaan 2. The joyes of the Spirit are glorious 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in opposition to other joyes which compared with these are inglorious and vile A carnal mans joy as it is aery and flashy so it is sordid he sucks nothing but dregs Amos 6.13 Ye rejoyce in a thing of naught A carnal spirit rejoyceth because he can say this house is his this estate is his but a gracious spirit rejoyceth because he can say this God is his Psal 48.14 For this God is our God for ever and ever The ground of a Christians joy is glorious he rejoyceth in that he is an heir of the promise the joy of a godly man is made up of that which is the Angels joy he triumphs in the light of Gods countenance his joy is that which is Christs own joy he rejoyceth in the mystical union which is begun here and consummate in heaven Thus the joy of the Saints is a joy full of glory 7. The comforts which God gives his Mourners are infinitely transporting and ravishing so delightful are they and amazing that they cause a jubilation which as some of the Learned speak is so great that it cannot be expressed * Jubiliatio dicitur cum cordis laetitia oris efficacia non expletur of all things joy is the most hard to be deciphered 't is called laetitia inenarrabilis joy unspeakable 1 Pet. 1.8 You may sooner taste honey then tell how sweet it is the most pathetical words can no more set forth the comforts of the Spirit then the most curious Pensil can draw the life and breath of a man the Angels cannot express the joyes they feel some have been so overwhelmed with the sweet raptures of joy that they have not been able to contain but as Moses have dyed * Plurimis mortem attulit gaudium ingens Gell. with a kiss from Gods mouth Thus have we seen the glass oft breaking with the strength of the liquor put into it 8. These comforts of the Spirit are powerful they are strong cordials so the Apostle phraseth it Hebr. 6.18 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 strong consolation Divine comfort 1. Strengthens for duty Nehem. 8.10 The joy of the Lord is your strength Joy whets and sharpens industry a man that is steeled and animated with the comforts of Gods Spirit goes with vigour and alacrity through the exercises of Religion he believes firmly he loves fervently he is carried full sail in duty the joy of the Lord is his strength 2. Divine comfort supports under affliction 1 Thes 1.6 Having received the Word in much affliction 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 with joy The wine of the Spirit can sweeten the waters of Marah * Amaritudines mundi dulces reddit Aug. They who are possessed of these heavenly comforts can gather grapes of thorns and fetch honey out of the Lyons carcass They are strong consolations indeed that can stand it out against the fiery tryal and turn the flame into a bed of Roses How powerful is that comfort which can make a Christian glory in tribulation Rom. 5.3 A believer is never so sad but he can rejoyce the Bird of Paradise can sing in Winter 2 Cor. 6.10 As sorrowing yet alwayes rejoycing Let sickness come the sense of pardon takes away the sense of pain The Inhabitant shall not say I am sick Isa 33.24 Let death come a Christian is above it O death where is thy sting 1 Cor. 15.55 At the end of the Rod a Christian tastes honey these are strong consolations 9. The comforts Gods Mourners have are heart-quieting comforts they cause a sweet acquiescence and rest in the soul * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Arist Ech. The heart of a Christian is in a kind of ataxy and discomposure like the Needle in the Compass it shakes and trembles till the Comforter comes Some creatures cannot live but in the Sun a Christian is even dead in the Nest unless he may have the Sun-light of Gods countenance Psal 143.7 Hide not thy face from me lest I be like them that go down into the pit Nothing but the breast will quiet the child 't is only the breast of consolation quiets the believer 10. The comforts of the Spirit are abiding comforts as they abound in us so they abide with us John 14.16 He shall give you another Comforter that he may abide with you for ever Worldly comforts are still upon the wing ready to flie they are like a land-flood or a flash of lightning Mart. Saepe fluunt imo sic quoque lapsa sinu All things here are 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 but the comforts with which God feeds his Mourners are immortal 2 Thes 2.16 Who hath loved us and hath given us 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 everlasting consolation Though a Christian hath not always a full beam of comfort yet he hath a dawning of it in his soul he hath still a ground of hope and a root of joy there is that within him which bears up his heart and which he would not on any terms part with Use Use Behold the Mourners priviledge he shall be comforted David who was the great Mourner of Israel was the sweet singer of Israel The weeping Dove shall be covered with the golden feathers of comfort O how rare and superlative are these comforts Quest But may not Gods Mourners want these comforts Answ Spiritual Mourners have a title to these comforts yet they may sometimes want them God is a free Agent he will have the timing of our comforts he hath 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a self-freedom to do what he will The holy one of Israel will not be limited he will reserve his Prerogative to give or suspend comfort pro libitu and if we are awhile without comfort we must not quarrel with his dispensations for as the Mariner is not to wrangle with Providence because the wind blows out of the East when he desires it to blow out of the West nor is the Husbandman to murmure when God stops the bottles of heaven in
time of drought so neither is any man to dispute or quarrel with God when he stops the sweet influence of comfort but ought rather to acquiesce in his sacred will But though the Lord might by vertue of his Soveraignty with-hold comfort from the Mourner yet there may be many pregnant causes assigned why Mourners want comfort 1. In regard of God 2. In regard of themselves 1. In regard of God He sees it fit to with-hold comfort 1. That he may raise the value of grace We are apt to esteem comfort above grace therefore God locks up our comforts for a time that he may inhance the price of grace when farthings go better than gold the King will call in farthings that the price of gold may be the more raised 2. God would have his people learn to serve him for himself and not for comfort only it is amor Meretricius an Harlot love to love the husbands money and tokens more than his person such as serve God only for comfort do not so much serve God as serve themselves of him 2. That Gods Mourners want comfort it is most frequently in regard of themselves 1. Through mistake which is two-fold 1. They go not to the right spring for comfort they go to their tears when they should go to Christs blood it is a kind of Idolatry to make our tears the ground of comfort Mourning is not meritorious it is the way to joy not the cause Jacob got the blessing in the garments of his elder brother true comfort flows out of Christs sides our tears are stained till they are washed in the blood of Christ John 16. ult In me peace 2. Mistake is that Mourners are priviledged persons and may take more liberty they may slacken the strings of duty and let loose the reins to sin Christ hath indeed purchased a liberty for his people but an holy liberty not a liberty for sin but from sin 1 Pet. 2.16 Ye are a Royal Priesthood a peculiar people ye are not in a state of slavery but Royalty What follows do not make Christian liberty a cloak for sin Ver. 16. As free and not using your liberty for a cloak of maliciousness If we quench the sanctifying Spirit God will quench the comforting Spirit sin is compared to a cloud Isa 44.22 This cloud intercepts the light of Gods countenance 2. Gods Mourners sometimes want comfort through discontent and peevishness David makes his disquiet the cause of his sadness Psal 43.5 Why art thou cast down O my soul why art thou disquieted within me A disquieted heart like a rough Sea is not easily calmed 't is hard to make a troubled spirit receive comfort this disquiet ariseth from various causes sometimes from outward sorrow and melancholy sometimes from a kind of envy Gods people are troubled to see others have comfort and they want it and now in a pet they refuse comfort and like a froward child put away the breast Psal 77.2 My soul refused to be comforted Indeed a disquieted spirit is no more fit for comfort than a distracted man is fit for counsel and whence is the Mourners discontent but pride as if God had not dealt well with him in stopping the influences of comfort O Christian thy spirit must be more humbled and broken before God empty out his golden oyle of joy 3. The Mourner is without comfort for want of applying the promises he looks at that sin which may humble him but not at that Word which may comfort him The Mourners eyes are so full of tears that he cannot see the promise the vertue and comfort of a medicine is in the applying when the promises are applied by faith they bring comfort Hosea 2.19 Isa 49.15 16. Faith milks the breast of a promise That Satan may hinder us of comfort it is his policy either to keep the promise from us that we may not know it or to keep us from the promise that we may not apply it Never a promise in the Bible but belongs to the Mourner had he but the skill and dexterity of faith to lay hold on it 4. The Mourner may want comfort through too much earthly-mindedness by feeding immoderately on earthly comforts we miss of heavenly comforts Isa 57.17 For the iniquity of his covetousness was I wroth and I hid me The earth puts out the fire earthliness extinguisheth the flame of divine joy in the soul an Eclipse is per interpositionem corporis Lunaris when the Moon which is a dense body comes between the Moon is an Emblem of the world Rev. 12.1 when this comes between then there is an Eclipse in the light of Gods face Such as dig in Mines say there is such a damp comes from the earth as puts out the light of a candle earthly comforts send forth such a damp as puts out the light of spiritual joy 5. Perhaps the Mourner hath had comfort and lost it Adams Rib was taken from him when he was asleep Gen. 2.21 Our comforts are taken away when we fall asleep in security the Spouse lost her beloved when she lay upon the bed of sloath Cant. 5.2 6. For these Reasons Gods Mourners may want comfort but that the spiritual Mourner may not be too much dejected I shall reach forth the cup of consolation Jer. 16.7 and speak a few words that may comfort the Mourner in the want of comfort 1. Jesus Christ was without comfort therefore no wonder if we are our comforts are not better than his he who was the Son of Gods love was without the sense of Gods love 2. The Mourner hath a seed of comfort 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Psal 97.11 Light is sown for the righteous Light is a Metaphor put for comfort and it is sown Though a child of God hath not comfort alwayes in the flowre yet he hath in the seed though he doth not feel comfort from God yet he takes comfort in God 3. A Christian may be high in grace and low in comfort the high Mountains are without flowres the Mines of gold have little or no corn growing on them a Christians heart may be a rich Mine of grace though it be barren of comfort 4. The Mourner is heir to comfort and though for a small moment God may forsake his people Isa 54.7 yet there is a time shortly coming when the Mourner shall have all tears wiped away and shall be brim-full of comfort this joy is reserved for heaven and this brings me to the second particular SECT 2. Showing the mourners comforts hereafter 2. COMFORTS HEREAFTER 2. Comforts hereafter They shall be comforted Though in this life some interviews and love-tokens passe between God and the mourner yet the great comforts are kept in reversion in Gods presence is fulnes of joy There is a time coming the day-star is ready to appear when the Saints shall bathe themselves in the river of life when they shall never see a wrinkle on Gods brow more but his face shall shine his
most profound search I am no more able to express it than I can span the firmament or weigh the earth in a pair of balances 7. It will be a great Supper in regard of the continuance it hath no end Epicures have a short Feast and a long reckoning but those who shall sit down at the heavenly Banquet shall not rise from the Table the cloth shall never be taken away but they shall be always feeding upon those dulcia fercula those sweet junkets and delicacies which are set before them We read King Ahashuerus made a Feast for his Princes that lasted an hundred and fourscore dayes Esther 1.4 But this blessed Feast reserved for the Saints is for ever Psal 16.11 At thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore Use Consolation Use Consol How may this be as Bezar stone to keep the hearts of Gods people from fainting they shall be comforted †they shall sit with Christ upon the Throne * Merces tua Domine magna nimis neque enim magnus et tu parva merces tuas Austin Rev. 3.21 and sit down with him at the Table Who would not mourn for sin that are sure to meet with such rewards They shall be comforted The Marriage-supper will make amends for the valley of tears O thou Saint of God who art now watring thy plants and weeping bitterly for sin at this last and great Feast thy water shall be turned into wine thou who now mortifiest thy corruptions and beatest down thy body by prayer and fasting shalt shortly sup with Christ and Angels thou who didst refuse to touch the forbidden Tree shalt feed upon the Tree of life in the Paradise of God Thou impoverished Saint who hast scarce a bit of bread to eat remember for thy comfort in thy fathers house there is bread enough and he is making ready a Feast for thee where all the dainties of heaven are served in O feed with delight upon the thoughts of this Marriage-supper after thy Funeral begins thy Festival long for supper-time Longa mora est nobis quae gaudia mellea differt Christ hath paid for this Supper upon the cross and there is no fear of a reckoning to be brought in wherefore comfore one another with these words MATTH 5.5 Blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth CHAP. XII Concerning Christian meekness WE are now got to the third step leading in the way to blessedness Christian meekness 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Blessed are the meek See how the Spirit of God adorns the hidden man of the heart with multiplicity of graces The workmanship of the Holy Ghost is not only curious but various it makes the heart meek pure peaceable c. The graces therefore are compared to Needle-work which is different and various in its flowers and colours * Psal 45.14 In the words there is a duty meekness and that Duty like the Dove brings an Olive-leaf in the mouth of it They shall inherit the earth Doctr. The Proposition I shall insist on is That meek persons are blessed persons For the right understanding of this we must know there is a two-fold meekness 1. Meekness towards God 2. Meekness towards man 1. Meekness towards God which implies two things 1. Submission to his Will 2. Flexibleness to his Word 1. Submission to Gods Will when we carry our selves calmly without swelling or murmuring under the dispensations of Providence 1 Sam. 3.18 It is the Lord let him do what seemeth him good The meek-spirited Christian saith thus Let God do what he will with me let him carve out what condition he please I will submit God sees what is best for me whether a fertile soil or a barren let him chequer his work as he please it sufficeth God hath done it it was an unmeek spirit in the Prophet to struggle with God Jonah 4.9 I do well to be angry to the death 2. Flexibleness to Gods Word When we are willing to let the Word bear sway in our souls and become pliable to all its Laws and Maxims he is spiritually meek who conforms himself to the mind of God and doth not quarrel with the instructions of the Word but the corruptions of his heart Cornelius his speech to Peter did savour of a meek spirit Acts 10.33 Now therefore we are all here present before God to hear all things that are commanded thee of God How happy is it when the Word which comes with Majesty is received with meekness * James 1.21 2. Meekness towards man this Basil the great calls the indelible Character of a gracious soul Beati Mites Blessed are the meek To illustrate this I shall shew what this 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or meekness is Meekness is a grace whereby we are enabled by the Spirit of God to moderate our passion 1. In is a grace The Philosopher calls it a vertue * Mititia est virtus quae mediocritatem servat circa iram Piccolom but the Apostle calls it a grace therefore reckons it among the fruits of the Spirit Gal. 5.23 it is of a Divine Extract and Original 2. By it we are enabled to moderate ou◠passion By nature the heart is like a troubled Sea casting forth the foam of anger and wrath now meekness doth calm the passions it sits as Moderator in the soul quieting and giving check to its distempered motions 't is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 as the Moon doth serve to temper and allay the heat of the Sun so Christian meekness doth allay the heat of passion meekness of Spirit doth not only fit us for communion with God but civil converse with men and thus prae omnibus virtutibus principatum tenet * Piccolom Meekness hath a divine beauty and sweetness in it it credits Religion it wins upon all this meekness consists in three things 1. Bearing of injuries 2. Forgiving of injuries 3. Recompencing good for evil 1. Meekness consists in bearing of injuries I may say of this grace it is not easily provoked a meek spirit like wet Tinder will not easily take fire Psal 38.12 13. They that seek my hurt spake mischievous things but I as a deaf man heard not Meekness is fraenum irae the bridle of anger the passions are fiery and head-strong meekness gives check to them meekness bridles the mouth it tyes the tongue to its good behaviour meekness observes that Motto 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 bear and forbear * Epictetus There are four things opposite to meekness 1. Meeknesse is opposed to hastinesse of spirit Eccles 7.9 Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry for anger rests in the bosome of fools When the heart boyls in passion and anger as Seneca saith sparkles forth in the eye this is far from meeknesse anger rests in the bosome of fools Anger may be in a wise man but it rests in a foole The angry man is like flax or Gunpowder no sooner do you touch him but he is all on fire Saint
changeth the soile and makes it peaceable How can faith grow in an unpeaceable heart for faith works by love Impossible it is that he should bring forth the sweet fruits of the Spirit who is in the gall of bitterness if a man hath received poyson into his body the most excellent food will not nourish till he takes some antidote to expel that poyson Many come to the Ordinances with seeming zeal but being poysoned with wrath and animosity they receive no spiritual nourishment Christs body mystical edifieth it self in love Eph. 4.16 There may be praying and hearing but no spiritual concoction no edifying of the body of Christ without love and peace 9. Peaceableness among Christians is a powerful loadstone to draw the world to receive Christ not only gifts and miracles and preaching may perswade men to embrace the truth of the Gospel but peace and unity among the Professors of it When as there is one God and one faith so there is one heart among Christians this is as Cummin seed which makes the Doves flock to the windows The Temple was adorn'd with goodly stones Luk. 21.5 This makes Christs spiritual Temple look beautiful and the stones of it appear goodly when they are cemented together in peace and unity 10. Unpeaceableness of spirit is to make Christians turn Heathens 't is the sin of the Heathens 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 implacable Rom. 1.31 They cannot be pacified their hearts are like Adamant no oyle can supple them no fire can melt them 't is a Heathenish thing to be so fierce and violent as if with Romulus men had suck'd the milk of Wolves 11. To adde yet more weight to the Exhortation it is the mind of Christ that we should live in peace Mark 9.50 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 have peace one with another Shall we not be at peace for Christs sake if we ought to lay down our life for Christs sake shall we not lay down our strife for his sake To conclude if we will neither be under counsels nor commands but still feed the peccant humour nourishing in ourselves a spirit of dissention and unpeaceableness Jesus Christ will never come near us The people of God are said to be his house Hebr. 3.6 Whose house are we c. When the hearts of Christians are a spiritual house adorned with the furniture of peace then they are fit for the Prince of peace to inhabit but when this pleasant furniture is wanting and instead of it nothing but strife and debate Christ will not own it for his house nor will he grace it with his presence who will dwell in an house which is smoaky and all on fire SECT 4. Shewing some helps to peaceableness Quest HOW shall we attain to peaceableness 1. Take heed of those things which will hinder it There are several impediments of peace which we must beware of and they are either outward or inward 1. Outward as whisperers Rom. 1.29 There are some who will be buzzing things in our ears purposely to exasperate and provoke among these we may rank Tale-bearers Lev. 19.16 The Tale-bearer carries reports up and down the Divel sends his letters by this Post the Tale-bearer is an Incendiary he blows the coals of contention Do you hear saith he what such an one faith of you Will you put up such a wrong will you suffer your self to be so abused thus doth he by throwing in his fire-balls foment differences and set men together by the ears we are commanded indeed to provoke one another to love Hebr. 10.24 but nowhere to provoke to anger We should stop our ears to such persons as are known to come on the Divels Errand 2. Take heed of inward lets to peace As 1. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 self-love 2 Tim. 3.2 Men shall be lovers of themselves And it follows they shall be 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 fierce Ver. 3. The setting up of this Idol of Self hath caused so many Law-suits Plunders Massacres in the World All seek their own Phil. 2.21 Nay it were well if they would seek but their own Self-love angles away the Estates of others either by force or fraud Self-love sets up Monopolies and Enclosures it is a Bird of prey which lives upon rapine Self-love cuts asunder the bond of peace lay aside Self The Heathens could say Non nobis solum nati we are not born for our selves 2. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Pride Prov. 28.25 He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife Pride and Contention like Hippocrates Twins are both born at once A proud man thinks himself better than others and will contend for superiority Joh. 3.9 Diotrephes who loveth to have the preheminence A proud man would have all strike sail to him Because Mordecai would not give Haman the Cap and Knee he gets a bloody Warrant signed for the death of all the Jewes Esther 3.9 What made all the strife between Pompey and Caesar but pride their spirits were too high to yield one to another When this wind of pride gets into a mans heart it causeth sad Earth-quakes of division The Poets fain that when Pandora's box was broke open it fill'd the World with diseases When Adams pride had broken the box of Original righteousness it hath ever since fill'd the World with debates and dissentions Let us shake off this viper of pride humility soders Christians together in peace 3. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 envy envy stirreth up strife the Apostle hath linked them together 1 Tim. 6.4 Envy strife Envy cannot endure a Superiour this made the Plebeian faction so strong among the Romans they envied their Superiours An envious man seeing another to have a fuller Crop a better Trade is ready to pick a quarrel with him Prov. 27.4 Who can stand before envy Envy is a vermin that lives on blood take heed of it peace will not dwell with this inmate 4. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Credulity Prov. 14.15 The simple believeth every word A credulous man is akin to a fool he believes all that is told him and this doth often create differences As it is a sin to be a Tale-bearer so it is a folly to be a Tale-believer A wise man will not take a report at the first bound but will sift and examine it before he gives credit to it 2. Let us labour for those things which will maintain and cherish peace As 1. Faith faith and peace keep house together faith believes the Word of God the Word saith Live in peace 2 Cor. 13.11 And assoon as faith sees the King of heavens Warrant it obeyes faith perswades the soul that God is at peace and it is impossible to believe this and live in variance nourish faith faith knits us to God in love and to our Brethren in peace 2. Christian communion There should not be too much strangeness among Christians the primitive Saints had their 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 love-feasts * Tertul. The Apostle exhorting to peace brings this as an
Expedient Be ye kind one to another Ephes 4.32 3. Look not upon the failings of others but their graces there is no perfection here We read of the spots of Gods children Deutr. 32.5 The most golden Christians are some grains too light Oh let us not so quarrel with the infirmities of others as to pass by their vertues If in some things they fail in other things they excel 'T is the manner of the world to look more upon the Sun in an Eclipse than when it shines in its full lustre 4. Pray to God that he will send down the Spirit of peace into our hearts we should not as Vultures prey one upon another but pray one for another Pray that God will quench the fire of contention and kindle the fire of compassion in our hearts one to another So much for the first thing in the Text implied that Christians should be peaceable-minded I proceed to the second expressed That they should be 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Peace-makers SECT 5. Pressing Christians to be Peace-makers Doctr. 2 THAT all good Christians ought to be peace-makers Doctr. 2 they should not only be peaceable themselves but make others to be at peace as in the body when a joynt is out we set it again so it should be in the body Politick When a garment is rent we sowe it together again when others are rent asunder in their affections we should with a spirit of meekness sow them together again Had we this excellent skill we might glue and unite dissenting spirits I confess it is oft a thankless office to go about to reconcile differences * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Gr. Naz. Acts 7.27 Handle a bryar never so gently it will go near to scratch he that goes to interpose between two Fencers many time receives the blow but this duty though it may want success as from men yet it shall not want a blessing from God Blessed are the peace-makers O how happy were England if it had more peace-makers Abraham was a peace-maker Gen. 13.8 Moses was a peace-maker Exod. 2.13 and that ever to be honoured Emperor Constantine when he called the Bishops together at that first Council of Nice to end Church-controversies they having instead of that prepared bitter invectives and accusations one against another Constantine took their papers and rent them gravely exhorting them to peace and unanimity Use 1. Reproof It sharply reproves them that are so Use 1 far from being peace-makers that they are peace-breakers Reproof If blessed are the peace-makers then cursed are the peace-breakers If peace-makers are the children of God then peace-breakers are the children of the Divel Hereticks destroy the truth of the Church by Error and Schismaticks destroy the peace of it by division the Apostle sets a bâ—â—nd upon such Rom. 16.17 Mark those which cause divisions and avoid them Have no more to do with them than with Witches or Murderers The Divel was the first peace-breaker he divided man from God he like Phaeton set all on fire There are too many make-bates in England whose sweetest Musick is in discord who never unite but to divide as it was said of one of the Arian Emperours he procured unity to prevent peace * Unitatem procurat ne pax sit How many in our dayes may be compared to Sampsons Fox-tails which were tyed together only to set the Philistines Corn on fire Judges 15.4 5. Sectaries unite to set the Churches peace on fire these are the persons Gods soul hates Prov. 6.19 Sowers of discord among Brethren these are the children of a curse Deutr. 27.24 Cursed be he that smiteth his neighbour secretly That is who backbites and so sets one friend against another if there be a Divel in mans shape it is the Incendiary Use 2 Use 2. It exhorts to two things Exhort 1. Let us take up a bitter lamentation for the divisions of England the wild Beast hath broken down the hedge Branch 1 of our peace we are like an house falling to ruine if the Lord doth not mercifully under-prop and shore us up None of the sons of England comfort her but rather rake in her bowels Will not an ingenuous child grieve to see his mother rent and torn in pieces It is reported of Cato that from the time the Civil Wars began in Rome between Cesar and Pompey he was never seen to laugh or shave his beard or cut his hair That our hearts may be sadly affected with these our Church and State-divisions let us consider the mischief of divisions 1. They are a Prognostick of much evil to a Nation here that Rule in Philosophy holds true omne divisibile est corruptibile When the vail of the Temple did rend in pieces it was a sad omen and fore-runner of the destruction of the Temple the rending the vail of the Churches peace betokens the ruine of it Josephus observes that the City of Hierusalem when it was besieged by Titus Vespasian had three great factions in it which destroyed more than the enemy and was the occasion of the taking it How fatal intestine divisions have been to this Land Cambden and other learned Writers relate our discerptions and mutinies have been the scaling ladder by which the Romans and the Normans have formerly gotten into the Nation How is the bond of peace broken we have so many Schisms in the body and are run into so many particular Churches that God may justly unchurch us as he did Asia 2. It may afflict us to see the garment of the Churches peace rent because divisions bring an opprobrium and scandal upon Religion these make the ways of God evil spoken as if Religion were the fomenter of strife and sedition Julian in his invectives against the Christians said they lived together as Tygers rending and devouring one another and shall we make good Julians words 'T is unseemly to see Christs Doves fighting to see his lilly become a bramble Alexander Severus seeing two Christians contending commanded them that they should not take the name of Christians any longer upon them for saith he you dishonour your Master Christ Let men either lay down their contentions or lay off the coat of their profession 3. Divisions obstruct the progress of piety the Gospel seldom thrives where the apple of strife grows the building of Gods spiritual Temple is hindered by the confusion of tongues Division eats as a worm and destroys the peaceable fruits of righteousness * Hebr. 12.11 In the Church of Corinth when they began to divide into Parties one was for Paul and another for Apollo there were but few for Christ confident I am Englands divisions have made many turn Atheists 2. Let us labour to heal differences and be repairers Branch 2 of breaches Blessed are the peace-makers 1. Jesus Christ was a great peace-maker he took a long journey from heaven to earth to make peace 2. Peace and unity is a great means for the corroborating and strengthning the Church
the wicked are of no account with God they are vile persons Nahum 1.14 I will make thy grave for thou art vile therefore the wicked are compared to chaffe Psal 1.4 to dross Psal 119.119 There is little use of a wicked man while he lives and no loss of him when he dies there is only a little chaffe blown away which may well be spared But Gods children are precious in his sight they are his jewels Mal. 3.17 The wicked are but lumber which serves only to cumber the ground but Gods children are his jewels locked up in the Cabinet of his Decree from all eternity Gods children are the apple of his eye Zach. 2.8 very dear and tender to him and the eye-lid of his special Providence doth cover them the Lord accounts every thing of his children precious 1. Their name is precious the wicked do leave their name for a curse Isa 65.15 The names of Gods children are embalmed Isa 60.15 So precious are their names that God enters them down in the book of life and Christ carries them on his breast How precious must their name needs be who have Gods own Name written upon them Rev. 3.12 Him that overcometh I will write upon him the Name of my God 2. Their prayers are precious Cant. 2.14 O my Dove in the clifts of the Rock let me hear thy voyce for sweet is thy voyce Every childe of God is this Dove prayer is the voyce of the Dove and sweet is this voyce The prayer of Gods children is as sweet to him as Musick a wicked mans prayer is as the howling of a Dog Hosea 7.14 The prayer of the Saints is as the singing of the Bird the finger of Gods Spirit touching the Lute-strings of their hearts they make melody to the Lord. Isa 56.7 Their sacrifices shall be accepted upon mine Altar 3. Their tears are precious they drop as pearls from their eyes I have seen thy tears Isa 38.5 The tears of Gods children drop as precious wine into Gods bottle Psal 56.8 Put thou my tears into thy bottle A tear from a broken heart is a Present for the King of heaven 4. Their BLOOD is precious Psal 116.15 Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his Saints This is the blood God will chiefly make inquisition for Athaliah shed the blood of the Kings children 2 Kings 11.1 The Saints are the children of the most High and such as shed their blood shall pay dear for it Rev. 16.6 Thou hast given them blood to drink for they are worthy 2. God looks upon his children as persons of honour Isa 43.4 Since thou wast precious in my sight thou hast been honourable c. 1. God esteems them honourable he calls them a Crown and a Royal Diadem Isa 62.3 He calls them his glory Isa 46.13 Israel my glory 2. God makes them honourable as a King creates Dukes Marquesses Earles Barons c. so God installs his children into honour he creates them noble persons persons of Renown David thought it no small honour to be the Kings son-in-law 1 Sam. 18.18 Who am I that I should be son-in-law to the King What an infinite honour is it to be the children of the High God to be of the blood-royal of heaven The Saints are of an Ancient Family they are sprung from the Ancient of dayes Dan. 7.9 That is the best Pedigree which is fetched from heaven here the youngest childe is an heir a co-heir with Christ who is heir of all Hebr. 1.2 Rom. 8.17 Consider the honour of Gods children 1. Positively 2. Comparatively 1. Positively 1. They have the titles of honour they are called Kings Rev. 1.6 The excellent of the Earth Psal 16.2 Vessels of honour 2 Tim. 2.21 2. They have their Scutchion you may see the Saints Scutchion or Coat-Armour the Scripture hath set forth their Heraldry sometimes they give the Lyon in regard of their courage Prov. 1.28 Sometimes they give the Eagle in regard of their sublimeness they are ever flying up to heaven upon the two wings of faith and love Isa 40.31 They shall mount up with wings as Eagles sometimes they give the Dove in regard of their meekness and innocency Cant. 2.14 This shews the children of God to be persons of Renown 2. Consider the honour of Gods children comparatively and this comparison is double Compare the chidren of God 1. With Adam 2. With the Angels 1. Compare the children of God with Adam in a state of innocency Adam was a person of honour he was the sole Monarch of the World all the creatures did vail to him as their Soveraign he was placed in the garden of Eden which was a Paradise of pleasure he was crowned with all the contentments of the Earth nay more Adam was Gods lively picture he was made in the likeness of God himself yet the state of the meanest of Gods children by Adoption is far more excellent and honourable than the state of Adam was when he wore the Robe of innocency for Adams condition though it was glorious yet mutable and was soon lost Adam was a bright star yet a falling star but Gods children by Adoption are in a state unalterable Adam had a posse non peccare a possibility of standing but believers have a non posse peccare an impossibility of falling once adopted and ever adopted as Isaac said when he had given the blessing to Jacob I have blessed him and he shall be blessed Gen 27.33 So may we say of all Gods children they are adopted and they shall be adopted so that Gods children are in a better and more glorious condition now than Adam was in all his Regal Honour and Majesty 2. Let us ascend as high as heaven and compare Gods children with the glorious and blessed Angels Gods children are equal to the Angels in some sense above them and then sure they must needs be persons of honour 1. Gods children are equal to the Angels this is acknowledged by some of the Angels themselves Rev. 19.10 I am thy fellow-servant here is a Parallel made between John the Divine and the Angel the Angel saith to John 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 I am thy fellow-servant 2. The children of God by Adoption are in some sense above the Angels and that two wayes 1. The Angels are servants to Gods children Hebr. 1.14 Though they are glorious spirits yet ministring spirits The Angels are the Saints servitors we have examples in Scripture of Angels attending the persons of Gods children we read of Angels waiting upon Abraham Moses Daniel the Virgin Mary c. Nor do the Angels only service to Gods children while they live but at their death too Lazarus had a Convoy of Angels to carry him into the Paradise of God thus we see the children of God have a preheminence and dignity above the Angels the Angels are their servants both living and dying and this is the more to be observed because it is never said in Scripture that the
continual wrestling as Jacob wrestled with the Angel so we must wrestle with our corruptions we must not lay our sins in our bosome but set our feet upon their necks if we foyle our sins and get them down 't is not baseness or cowardise to strike them when they are down and we must wrestle with Satan wrestlers get one within another Satan labours to get within us and give us a fall as he did our first Parents What the Divel would have done to Christ thrown him from the pinacle of the Temple Mat. 4. that he did to our first parents he threw them down from the Pinacle of happiness therefore we must wrestle with him resist the Divel and he will flie from you Jam. 4.7 3. Sometimes the life of a Christian is compared to fighting 1 Tim. 6.12 Fight the gâ—od fight of faith Christ is the Captain of the Saints Forces he is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Captain of their salvation Hebr. 2.10 We must all be Military persons faith is our shield hope is our helmet the Word of God our sword we come into the world as into a field-battel lusts war against us 1 Pet. 2.11 Good reason therefore that we should war against them 't is a day of battel and it is dangerous going abroad without our Armour 4. Sometimes a Christians work for heaven is compared to the running of a race so in the Text Know ye not that they which run in a race run all but one receiveth the prize So run that ye may obtain In which words the Apostle seems to allude as learned Writers observe either to the Olympian games which were kept every fifth year in honour of Jupiter or to the Isthmian games celebrated near Corinth in the honour of Neptune in which games they did put forth all their strength to win the prize So saith the Apostle Run the race of Christianity which is set before you with a winged swiftness that ye may obtain the prize of salvation The words fall into two general parts 1. The race to be run 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 so run 2. The end of running 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that ye may obtain The Observations out of the Text are these two 1. That Christianity is a race 2. That wise Christians should labour so to run as to win the prize 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 so run that ye may obtain Doctr. The first Doctrine is That Christianity is a race or the life of a Christian is a race Hebr. 12.1 Let us run with patience the race that is set before us We must be Viatores before we are Comprehensores heaven is a place of rest Hebr. 4.9 There remains a rest for the people of God No more wrestling there for then we have overcome the enemy the Saints in glory are set forth with Palms in their hands Rev. 7.9 in token of victory No more running there for the prize being obtain'd the Saints have Thrones to sit and rest themselves upon Revel 3.21 But this life is a race and it must be run and so run For the illustration of the Doctrine there are three things to be opened 1. Wherein a Christians life is compared to a race 2. Wherein the Christian race differs from other races 3. Why this race must be run 1. Wherein a Christians life is compared to a race that appears in four particulars 1. In a race there is the way or path to run in * Stadium locut erat in quo cursu câ—rtabatur pedibus aut equis Estius so in Christianity there is the path-way in which we must run Psal 119.32 I will run the way of thy Commandments this is a good old way Jer. 6.16 'T is as good as it is old The way of sanctification and obedience is the way the Saints have gone in and the way which God hath been found in this way we are to run in is 1. A pleasant way 't is sweetned with comfort Prov. 3.17 All her wayes are pleasantness Rom. 15.13 Joy in believing The way of Religion is strowed with Roses oh the bunches of grapes that God cuts down the flagons of wine that he gives to those that turn their feet into this way 2. The way of Gods Commandments is a clean way 't is a way paved with holiness Isa 35.6 Christians may run in this way and never wet the sole of their feet the way of sin is defiling such as use themselves to this way the filth of hell sticks upon them in the wayes of sin there are such deep sloughs that men sink into perdition but the way of the Christian race is clean such as run this race cleanse themselves from all pollution of flesh and spirit perfecting holiness 2 Cor. 7.1 2. A race is laborious the running of a race is a violent exercise men do vires exerere put forth all the strength of their bodies in running Thus Christianity is a race for labour we must put forth all our strength in this race My soul followeth hard after God Psal 63.8 I reach forward Phil. 2.13 14. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the word signifies I stretch my neck forward and saith the Apostle I press 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 toward the mark as runners in a race gather up their feet with all swiftness and stretch themselves forward to lay hold on the prize 't is not an idle wish a dead prayer will win the garland but a Christian must put forward with all speed and vigour of affection that he may obtain what he runs for 3. A race is short breve curriculum as Horace calls it the Greek word for a race 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 signifies a short stage of ground the Olympian race contained six hundred feet 't was one hundred twenty paces long as Authors report A race is but a short space of ground it is soon run Thus our time being short our race cannot be long and this may encourage us in the race of Religion and keep us from being out of breath remember it is but a short race 1 Pet. 5.10 After ye have suffered awhile So I may say after ye have run awhile you will be at the end of the stage it is but awhile Christians and you shall have done wrestling weeping praying and you shall reap the fruit of all your prayers it is but awhile and you shall have done suffering and be among the spirits of just men made perfect it is but awhile and you shall be at the end of your race 1 Pet. 1.9 Receiving the end of your faith c. How should a childe of God rejoyce to think he hath got over a good part of his race and is almost at the end as Doctor Taylor Martyr once said I have but two stiles to go over and then I shall be at my Fathers house You that have set out betimes for heaven now are in your old age comfort your selves with this you have but a few steps more to take
to be gray-headed in Religion what a credit when it shall be said of him His last works are better than his first Revel 2.19 A good Christian is like wine full of spirits which is good to the last drawing A Limner makes his last work more compleat and curious blessed is that man who the nearer he is to death moves swifter to the heavenly Center FINIS THE TABLE Alphabetical A. ABusers of their souls page 462 Acceptance through Christ 422 Adoption wherein it consists 291 Afflictions no sign of Gods anger 321 322 Afflictions light 395 Angels in some sence inferiour to Saints 319 Anger opposite to meekness 133 Appearance of sin to be avoided 242 Appearing of Christ 579 Arguments to brotherly love 618 Assurance to be laboured after p. 437 Assurance though feisible yet difficult to be attained 440 It is useful 441 How this jewel of assurance may be had 442 B. BAlm of Gilead 490 Beauty of grace 511 Blessedness in reversion 17 Wherein blessedness doth not consist 18 Wherein it doth consist 24 Believe a blessedness to come 27 The godly in some sense blessed in this life 31 32 Blood of Saints pretious 317 C. CHearfulness 588 Childship a state of freedom 332 Children of God 290 291 They labour to make others Gods Children 310 They have boldnesse in Prayer 331 All things turn to their gaod 335 They shall never finally perish 338 They should endeavour to carry themselves as Children 343 Christ the best of Preachers 2 Christ our Righteousness 421 Christ a most transcendent blessing 432 Christ a soul-Physitian 485 Why a Physitian 486 The best Physitian 493 Christs love to his Patients 495 Christ can cure a relapse 504 Christianity no disgraceful thing 60 The nature of Christianity 363 Christians should shine forth in their Relations 594 Comforts belonging to mourners in this life 108 111 In the life to come p. 125 Commands of God not grievous 402 Concatenation of the Graces 38 Conversation must be pure 246 Covetousness a multiplying sin 234 235 D. DAnger of despair 98 99 Dangerous to phancy sin less than it is 101 Deceit of the heart 538 539 Dead in sinne healed by Christ 498 Debt of love differs from other debts 624 Degrees of fruit 607 Deriding holiness a fatal sinne 237 Desertion 323 Differences between true and false desires 194 195 Differences between the Christian race and other 559 Divisions dangerous 626 E. EMissaries of Satan 8 Examples of meekness 143 Excellency of grace 516 Excellency of the mourners comfort 113 Exhortation ton to mutual love p. 627 F. FAith in our heavenly Physiitian 505 Faith makes us Children 952 Faith a suffering grace 381 How faith enables to suffer 382 Fences about the heart 550 Fear an enemy to suffering 370 Fickleness of the heart 540 Flesh not to be listned to 371 Forethoughts of sufferings 366 Forgiving of injuries 138 Forsaking of sinne may have its deceits 241 Fruitfulness 591 Fruit in the season 595 Exhortation to fruitfulness 604 Fulness of Christ 417 G. GOod Conscience 373 Glory proportioned to the service we do for God 65 Godly have cause to long for death 61 Gospel-precepts facill compar'd with the severity of the Law 409 Grace severally taken in Scripture 512 Grace not bestowed on all p. 514 Grace quickneth the soul 516 Grace enricheth 517 Grace adorneth 518 Grace a Spiritual perfume 520 Grace the ballast of the soul 523 Grace fits for glory 523 524 How grace is to be obtained 526 H. HArdness of heart dangerous 87 Heart-custody 529 Heart kept with all kind of keeping 531 At all times 534 Heart the Fountain of our actions 541 Motives to heart-custody 552 Hindrances of the successe of the Word 9 10 Honour of Gods children 315 Honour to suffer for Christ 391 Hope of a Christian 576 Hope and Faith differenced 577 Signs of a true hope 583 How Christ heals 489 Hunger of the soul described 153 A reproof of those who have no spiritual hunger 156 Who hunger after unrighteousness 160 Signs of Spiritual hunger 162 Helps to spiritual hunger p. 170 Hungry shall be filled 172 173 I. IMpure hearts deciphered 229 230 Interest in Christ to be laboured after 431 Joys of heaven resembled to a feast 116 K. KEeping the heart 531 Kingdom of heaven excells other Kingdoms 56 57 How we may know we belong to it 62 Thoughts of this Kingdom sweetens poverty 66 Knowledge alone will not make a man happy 633 634 L. LIfe to be denied for Christ 377 Loss of the soul foolish 464. Fatal 465 Love of God in making us his children 313 Love to be centred on Christ 445 Love to Gods Children 307 Love of the world an enemy to suffering 369 Love among Christians 616 617 M. MAlice mental murder 134 Manner of the Spirits comforting p. 111 112 Manner of our seeing God in heaven 259 Means of a Spiritual cure 507 Meekness what it is 132 Motives to meekness 145 146 Directions for meekness 152 Mercifulness 180 Mercifulness to mens souls 183 Names 188 Estates 193 Offences 194 Wants 195 Exhortatâ—â—n to mercifulness 206 Motives to mercifulness 210 Rules about showing mercy 218 Ministers must take all opportunities for soul-service 6 Ministers Seedsmen 7 Their dignity 12 Ministers under the torrid zone of persecution 354 What need there is of Ministers in the Church 477 Misery of a Christless person 428 Mourners are blessed 67 Sin the object of mourning 69 What is not the right mourning for sin 70 What is the right mourning p. 72 Mourn for the sins of others 80 For the miseries of the Church 82 Seasons of mourning 83 Degrees of mourning 85 Motives to mourning 91 Hinderances of mourning 98 Helps to mourning 106 N. NAmes of others not to be wronged 188 189 Nicities in Religion too much minded 159 This discovers want of appetite ibid. O. OBjections of sinners answered 501 502 Opposites to meekness 133 Opposite to mourning 86 Ordination needful for Preachers 4 5 6 Outward things not suitable to the soul 20 Not durable 21 P. PAssions to be watched over 548 Patience abused grows furious 105 Patience a Christians Armour of proof p. 386 Peaceable mindedness 269 Motives to it 277 Peace-makers blessed 285 People to encourage their Ministers 14 15 Persecution 347 VVhy it must be 351 352 What that persecution is which will not make a man blessed 358 What that is will make him blessed 359 A reproof to such as refuse to suffer persecution 364 To such as inflict persecution 365 How to prepare for persecution 368 Persecution cannot hinder blessedness 397 Poverrty of spirit 41 How poverty of spirit differs from humility 42 How from self-denial ibid. Why Christians must be poor in spirit 43 Signs of poverty of Spirit 47 Practice of Religion makes us happy 638 What it is hinders practice 642 Pretiousness of the soul 451 Pride of spirit dangerous 45 Priviledges of Gods Children 320 Procrastination dangerous 103 Promises made to suffering p. 388 Purity of heart 222 Why we must be pure 224 Why the heart must be 226 Purity the souls beauty 227 Signs of a pure heart 238 An exhortation to peart purity 248 Means for heart purity 254 R. REasons why mourners want comfort 122 123 Reasonings of the flesh dangerous 379 Recompencing good for evil 140 141 Regarding iniquity what it is 231 Regeneration 301 Rejoycing in Christ 448 Religion a Race 554 Reproof to be taken kindly 479 Reverence in Gods worship 245 Rewards for Christs Martyrs 399 Righteousness what it implies 154 Righteous person who 368 S. SAints perseverance 524 Saints glorified are Kings 53 Scandals p. 415. Self-denial needful for suffering 375 Scripture to be resorted to 374 Signs of Gods Children 298 Signs of sincerity 238 Sins commands grievous 411 Sin a deadly evil 106 Sin a soul desease 469 How resembled to sickness 469 470 Sin the worst sickness 475 Sick souls think themselves well 481 The reasons of that mistake 482 Sin spreads over the whole soul 470 471 Sin a spiritual sleep 545 Soul more precious than a world 458 Spirit of Adoption a Spirit of supplication 302 303 Sufferings of Christ 392 Suffering-graces 381 T. TEaching 330 Tears pretious 92 Tenderness of heart 299 Thankfulness for Christ 450 Thoughs to be watched over 549 Tongue-persecution 350 Torments of the damned unexpressably grievous 412 Trial of grace p. 526 Truth to be prized 373 V. VAnity of the Creature 425 Vindication of the Church of England 200 Vision of God in heaven glorious 260 It will be speedy 264 Unbelief how great a sin 233 Unfruitfulness 600 Unmercifulness reproved 203 Unworthiness should not keep us from Christ p. 501 W. WAant of love reproved 625 Watchfulness needful in prosperity 537 Witness of the Spirit 305 Word of God healing 489 Works commendable 201 Z. Zeal 305 FINIS