Kingdomes within my Text since travail through them I can not Beloved These three generals are the particular limits of my remaining Discourse the which our God the God of all grace and glory so sanctifie unto us all that his most blessed Name may be by every one among us more and more abundantly glorified GOD is said to be glorified both by Himself and by his Creatures 1. In what sense God is said to be glorified By Himself If we cast into the Ocean one only spoonful of water nay By himself one only drop of a bucket we thereunto add because although the Sea be great and wide infinite it is not but unto Gods essential glory none can add for his glory is like [1] Acquaint thy self with God as be is described by B. ushers folio Christian Religon Bishop Baily his Practice of Piety Mo nay his Truâ—nesse of Christian Religion Balls larger Catechism or such others for It is life eternal to know God viz. Veluntas sequitur intellectum every other of his Attributes every way infinite It is more impossible infinitely more impossible for any yea for all the Creatures in the world to add either glory or blessednesse that I may not say delight or content unto the most infinite God then it is for the darkest Dungeon to augment the brightnesse or for the blackest coal to multiply the beams of the mid day Sun There can be no accession unto his essential blessednesse because he is for ever most infinitely blessed There can be no accession unto his glory because His glory is eternally the same In the soul of man the power of the Understanding of the Imagination 1 Non est necesse Deum velle aliquid nisi seipsum Non est ergo necessarium Deum velle quòd mundus fuerit semper Sed eatenus mundus est quà tenus Deus vult illum essè cum esse mundi ex voluntate Dei dependeat Tho. Aquinas 1 â. q. 46.3 c. and of the Memory abideth equally the same whether what is undestood conceived and remembred be or be not produced in word or writing so after a most incomprehensible manner in the divine nature the glory of the Father the glory of the Son the glory of the Holy Ghost was equally the same before all worlds as ever since the Creation it hath been and for ever hereafter will be The great God who from all never-begun Eternity unto the beginning of time took pleasure in forbearing to make any Creature at all did not at last [1] Gen. 1.1 John 1.1 Heb. 1.2 11.2 make the Heavens and the Earth as repenting himself of his eternity of leisure before neither did his then Creation proceed [2] St. August de civitate Dei lib. 12. cap. 17. With men animae quiescendo fiunt sapientiores it is not so with God from any new intent neither may we conceive that his Rest affecteth him one way and his Work another I neither was his Vacation idle or his working painful for as before the Creation he rested working so since the Creation he worketh resting again as at first in creating so afterward in redeeming preserving ruling sanctifying c. neither encreaseth he his essential glory neither changeth he his eternal purpose He in all these only applyeth his eternal Will unto new workings As [3] Rom 11.36 of him and through him so to him are all things yet of all those things which he hath made and doth govern it is His Glory that he [4] Psalm 50.12 Job 12.2 3 needeth none Wherefore as it was of his free goodnesse that he in the beginning created the world so [5] Deus suam gloriam quaerit non propter se sed propter nos Tho. Aquin. 22. ae q. 32. art 1. ad 1. mum of his free goodnesse it is that he ever since glorifieth Himself in them Then is God said to glorifie himself when he vouchsafeth to manifest any of his excellencies whether [1] Esay 6.3 Hab. 3.3 1 Pet. 4.13 universally by way of Redemption Creation c. or [2] Esay 60.7 Ezek. 43.2 Numb 14.21 John 13.31 particularly upon distinct ages places or persons 2. By his Creatures God is also glorified for By this crehtures while they glorifie although all the Creatures in the world could not 〈◊〉 they would resist the [1] Voluntati benâ—placuâ— Will or diminish the [2] Job 22.2 3 35.6 7 Psalm 16.2 50.8 12 Prov. 16.26 Rom. 11 35 self-glory of the most high God yet on the other side such several prints and degrees of his goodnesse hath the most high God [3] Acts 14 17 Rom. 1.20 communicated unto all his works that all his works glorifie him as they concur with the good pleasure of either his revealed or his secret Will thus all of them more remarleably set forth the wisdome c. of his providence some of them the power and severity of his Justice others the Riches of his free grace and mercies First His Providence To say nothing of [1] Psalm 77.19 135.6 unsearchable co-operations harmonious contextures regulated contingencies sim Every creature as it existeth and worketh after its kind setteth forth Gods Providence whether Rivers as they [2] Eccles 1.7 run into the Sea or the Sun as he knoweth his [3] Psalm 104 19 148.3 9 going down whether the Stars as they keep their due motions or the Trees bearing fruit in their season yea Angels whether good or evil while they reserve the nature of spirits and men whether regenerate or unregenerate as they partake of body and of spirit too For although Devils have [4] Jude 6. corrupted themselves with envy malice pride c. and although man hath [5] Eccl. 7.29 fallen from his integrity yet the nature of Devils as it continueth the distinct nature of intelligent spirits the body of man as it speaketh the flesh neither of beasts nor of birds nor of fishes but of men likewise mans spirit as it produceth the operations of the soul not of a brute but of a reasonable Creature do all of them after the same manner as all other Creatures do [6] In quantum sunt res quaedam Deus est in daemonibus Tho. Aquin. 1 a. q. 8. 1. c. 4. m. Uâ—â—co simplicissimo actu omnia in suâ bonitate vult Deus licet ejusdem suae divinae voluntatis nulla prorsus sit causa Idem 1 a. q. 19. art 5. c. bring glory unto the Providence of the great God I say whether Physically or Metaphysically considered the worst of men and the worst of Angels by performing that whereunto their nature was ordained and in observing after their kinds the ocult lawes of their Creatour glorifie Gods Providence that is they expose an open view of it unto [7] Psalm 148. per totum Psalm 139.14 Revel 14.7 Creatures reasonable and intelligent Secondly Creatures His Justice as creatures shew forth Gods Providence
Angels Him who did once give himself for us and doth ever since give himself to us Him unto whom God hath given (1) Nec patior me quicquam nescire de co quem amew Plin. Epist a name above every name Him we shall worship blesse admire and adore in my Fathers house But That which putteth so great a value upon my Fathers house is (1) Bonum mihi Domine in camino habere te â—â—â—cum quam esse sine â—e vel iâ— caelo Bernard principally my father himself The Refuge the Rest the Reward the Riches the Inheritance the Crown The Mansions the many Mansion the many Mansions in my Fathers house The eternal peace the infinite love the everlasting joy there set before us neither these nor the fellowship of the Saints nor the society of Angels shall be able to (2) Rom. 8.39 divert us from gloryfying our God as God For as all things appertaining unto life are therefore bestowed upon us here that here we may in body in soul and in spirit be (3) Testimonium credibile nimis gustatae sapientiae est esuries ipsa tam vehemens Idem Serm. 2. de duab mensis Oportebat quidem si fiâ—ri posset revivere me ut ita loquar denuo quod malè vixi srá saciam cogitaado quod reoperando non possum Idem Cant. de Serm. Hezekiae wholly taken up in obeying trusting loving honouring worshiping blessing and gloryfying our God as God so all the peace pleasures mansions joyes and glories which are treasured up for us in our Fathers house are therefore freely and everlastingly vouchsafed unto us that we may with a perfect love joy thankfulnesse and delight both admire and adore our everlasting Father Lastly as here upon earth no one mercy can so much require our thankfulnesse as the communion betwixt (1) Deus tuus totum tihi crit S. Aug. in Psalm 26. Et quem scmper habeat semper habere volunt our spirit and the sanctifying spirit of our most holy God so neither can any thing in heaven more excite our prayses and thanksgiving unto him who sitteth upon the Throne then the blessed Vision of our most glorious God even of God the Father of God the Son and of God the Holy Ghost ever for ever blessed and glorifyed In His presence is fulnesse of everlasting joy To him be the Kingdome the power and the glory ever ascribed Amen Dear Christians hear the [1] Eccles 12.13 conclusion of the whole Fear God and keep his Commandements love God and cleave unto him with your whole heart esteem [2] Solicitus incipit ambulare cum Deo suo ex omni parte scrutatur ne vel in le vissimà re tiemeadae illius maj statis offendatur aspectus Bernard Serm 3. in vigil nativ every thought word and deed misplaced which is not ordered to glorifie your God as God Oh let not your heart be troubled saving that it cannot be troubled enough for neglecting so merciful a God stretch out daily hourly stretch out and stir up your faith believe in God he hath [3] Esay 54.8 an everlasting love for you believe in his Son he is [4] 1 Cor. 1.30 made unto you wisdome and sanctification and redemption and righteousnesse believe in his Spirit he is [5] Jude 24. able to keep you from falling and to present you to your Bridegroom and to his Father with exceeding joy Look for and [6] 2 Pet. 3.12 hasten unto these mansions in my Fathers house Beloved this is life eternal this will be joy eternal to see God! Without holinesse it is [7] Heb 12.14 impossible to see God the Lord [8] Heb 13.21 perswade the Lord allure the Lord ravish your hearts Blessed for ever blessed are the pure in heart they shall possesse these mansions in my Fathers house they shall see God! Oh then for your own sakes yea for your Redeemers sake for your Gods sake improve [1] Luke 19.13 every talent of his which he in this your day putteth into your hands [2] Ephes 5.16 redeem [3] Cajus unius avâ—â—tia hotesta est Seneca time value time husband time do not oh do not content your selves with the lowest of these mansions in my Fathers house make you hearts more and more obedient more and more watchful humble faithful loving and thankful hearts the [4] Matth. 6.19 20 2 Pet. 3.18 1 Tim. 6.6 1 Cor. 15.58 Gal. 6.7 8 Mark 10.29 30 Revel 3.5.12 2.17 more grace the more glory you do treasure up for your selves the more you glorifie your God as God Be holy as the Spirit your Preserver is holy put on the Lord Jesus finde it [5] Consilium futuri ex praeterito venit Seneca Epist 83.9 your duty make it your businesse to glorifie the God and father of your Lord Jesus Christ so doing let not your heart be troubled believe in God believe in his Christ in my Fathers house are many mansions Oh thou who speakest in my Text speak [1] Psal 33.4 the word and our heart shall not be troubled Lord we believe help thou [2] Psal 33.2 our unbelief in Thy Fathers house are many mansions Brethren Unto these mansions after that we have [3] 1 Pet. 5.10 hoped trusted obeyed waited and suffered a while the God of all grace who hath called us to his eternal glory by Christ Jesus will receive first our soules then our bodyes To him be [4] 11 Pet. 5.11 glory and dominion for ever and ever Amen D. Bernardus Epist 341. Erubescat anima conversa ad Dominum minori affectu sectari justitiam quà m iniquitatem antea sectaretur pudeat negligentius nunc in vitam quam prius in mortem ire minori studio salutis acquirere quam perditionis augmentum PSALM 105. v. 4.3 Seek ye the Lord and his strength seek his face evermore Glory ye in his holy Name Let the heart of them rejoyce that seek the Lord. FINIS Venial escapes the Reader is desired to impute unto the Authors absence from the Presse and to correct these or the like ERRATA Read P. 12. l. 31. our days p. 42. l. 13. a King p. 44. l. 9. this stone p. 47. l. 3. Aegyptians had p. 121. l. 5. sibi p. 123. l. 18. flatten p. 128. l. 28. I cleared p. 138. l. 12. affections p. 143. l. 5. Arnon p. 151. l. 19. to ply p. 152. for Tertullian r. Cyprian for Cyprian r. Tertullian p. 156. l. 18 19. Let them Who p. 122. l. 26. Three particulars p. 201. l. 31. This he considereth p. 240. l. 11. reprieve p. 245. l. 3 5. dele I say p. 319. l. 6. smutty-faced p. 356. l. 14. mett p. 401. l. 7. not ease p. 405. l. 3. deign p. 423. l. 2. womb The margin is referred to the Reader
Redeemer who hath done [4] Rev. 5.9 and suffered so great things for us will in due time welcome us to his Fathers house [5] 1 Thes 4.17 and so shall we ever ever ever be with the Lord When [6] Psal 101.2 shall I come unto thee I will walk in thy house with a perfect heart O my Soul [7] Psal 37.34 Isa 49 23 40.31 wait for the Lord wait I say for the Lord O ye Saints of his rejoyce in the Lord [8] Phil. 4.4 3. The Doctrine applied again I say rejoyce Hallelujah Ye have I trust such is your patience [1] Mat. 13.51 understood all these things ye have seen every afflicting stone [2] Mar. 16.4 rolled away ye have seen a world of Troubles [3] Joh. 14.1 2 swallowed up in Mansions of glory ye have seen life in death yea and life [4] Joh. 10.10 more abundant too ye have seen the good [5] Deut. 33.16 Angel in my Text as it were face to face ye have seen his strong [6] Isa 41.21 reasons his seven reasons his seven spiritual Reasons I had almost said his seven [7] Rev. 3.1 Spirits Our hearts should be troubled should we neglect [8] Luk. 9.44 Application O blessed Spirit Application is thy (1) Jer. 30.21 work Thy work O blessed Spirit Thou hast opened (2) Luk. 24.45 our understandings open our (3) Act. 16.14 hearts too Lord the stone is rolled (4) Joh. 11.39 41 43 away raise up thy Lazarus Give us life give us life (5) Joh. 10.10 more abundant AND now whether I look back upon the troubles past and gone or whether I look up unto the Mansions already prepared let my tongue cleave unto the roof of my mouth and let my right (1) Psal 137.6 hand forget her pen if I prefer not my Soveraign above the head of my comforts Therefore though I forget not my (2) Prov. 25.6 distance my first Application shall be The Lively Pourtraiture of CHARLES the Second King of Great Britain France and Ireland c. TO THE SACRED MAJESTY Of our most GRACIOUS SOVERAIGN LORD in all Causes and over all Persons as well Ecclesiastical as Civil our Supreme Governour CHARLES second only to that blessed Martyr and glorious Saint his royal Father of Great Britain France and Ireland KING Defender of the Faith and next unto God and his Christ the Prince of our Peace My Lord O King LIve like your (1) Psal 112 6 Name for ever live (2) Psal 61.6 and be The same you are 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 (3) 2 Cor. 3.18 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Great as was your (4) Psal 132.1 Affliction and our (5) 2 Sam. 15.30 woe Good as late (6) Psal 61.8 116.14 2 Chro. 32.25 Vows Happy as we (7) Psal 144.15 Prov. 13.12 are now Thus thus I (8) Ezra 6.10 pray But let Applauses be Suppress'd by others and refus'd by me Not as undue nor that a zealous praise May too too much mans expectation raise Nor that words match not though when all is done Ne're yet could pensil fully paint the Sun But loe Believers Sir should we display Your brighter beams would ravish'd sin for joy Saw they your soul they would sleight heav'n again And doat on earth because on earth you reign I blame my fears From Charles no evils spring They walk with God who follow such a King Next unto Christ this Prince of our Peace may If Subjects please roll ev'ry stone away Next unto Christ He doth our life appear Good Subjects find life more abundant here That Truth that Peace which with [9] 1 Tim. 2.2 Isa 49.23 His Throne consist Lifts us from Earth to Heaven from Charles to Christ But the Stairs at Whitehall are no winding stairs Blessed be God there is no cause why I should borrow Verses feet to bring me to the Presence-Chamber there I need not there measure mine approaches where blessed be God the golden Scepter is always [1] Hesther 5.2 held forth As in Majesty and [2] Psal 82.6 Power so in Patience and Clemency King Charles the second resembleth his God God is a God (3) Psal 65.2 that heareth Prayer and his Servant Charles (4) Deut. 17.20 shutteth not his ear no not unto his meanest Subjects In prose therefore When I compare the troubles of these Disciples hearts with the Mansions that are set before them rather To the Kings most Excellent Majesty when I compare the 30. of January with the 29. of May and again the third of September with the 23. of April Verily if ever any Christian in the world had encouragement to believe in God and in the only Son of God your Sacred Majesty hath I trust the same God who hath delivered (1) 1 Cor. 1 10 will yet deliver Nations could not get Dominion over your sacred person I trust (2) Rom. 6.14 sin shall not The Lord hath raised and removed the many burdens but I trust not the many (3) Heb. 12.6 7 Psal 94.12 13 and 132.2 5 compared with 1 Cot. 3.16.17 blessings of your Majesties late sorows Should not afflictions so great as your Majesties have been be more and more sanctified unto your Royal soul alas your heart might then be troubled indeed Should you desist to believe in God who (4) Psal 89.27 placeth your Majesty higher then the Kings of the earth it might then be unto you and your Kingdoms a grief of heart Should not your Princely soul believe in that only Son of God who (5) Isa 53.8 Heb. 2.10 suffered more for your Majesty then your gracious Majesty suffered for your lost people this might also trouble your heart Lastly should your soul (6) Isa 53.3 neglect so great salvation should your soul despise the Mansions in your heavenly Fathers house then then your heart would be utterly perplexed everlastingly troubled and that beyond measure But although King Hezekiah did not render according unto the (1) 2 Chro. 32.25 benefit received I trust your most excellent Majesty will True the more God blesseth his (2) Job 1.10 servant Job the more the Devil (3) Job 1.11 seeketh his ruine No doubt where the Lord hath multiplied so unparalleld favours as are heaped upon your dread Majesty there the malice of Satan will be very wilte very full of (4) 2 Cor. 2 11 stratagems the Serpent once enraged will first (5) 2 Cor. 12.17 buffet then sting Nevertheless while your sacred Majesty figheth not only against (6) 1 Pet. 2.11 flesh and blood but even against (7) Eph. 6.12 Principalities and Powers the same God who (8) Psal 140.7 covered your royal head in the day of battle the same God your sacred Majesty hath to believe in The same Christ who delivered you from so (9) 2 Cor. 1.10 great a death the same Jesus your Majesty hath to believe
just sicabitur omnis case coâ—am illo accipentes quippe mandatum seatientes defectum clamabimus in coelum miserebitur nostri Deus S. Bernardus Serm. 50 in Contic seek Gods face in vain Object Where then lyeth the Controversie Answ In mans pronesse to [1] Rom. 9.20 We are like him in Seneca Dic aliquid ut simus duo dispute against God Sirs Truth [2] John 8.32 would free us from extreams would we receive a love of the truth For instance Them that are without the pales of the Church God [3] 1 Cor. 5.13 judgeth therefore What have we to do to [4] 1 Cor. 5.12 judge them that are without Next since we of this Kindom are a people near [5] Psal 148 14 unto the Lord let every man mind his own Duty [6] Phil. 2.12 2 Pet. 1.10 If the Lord will that John should tarry in the flesh until Jesus [7] John 21.21 22 come in his fury against Jerusalem what hath Cephas to do with that Let Peter follow Jesus and leave John unto his Masters pleasure Thitdly The good Angel in my Text would quickly roll away the stone would we cease to interpose our thoughts [8] Esay 55.8 9 against Gods thoughts Had the woman of Samaria known the [9] John 4.10 gift of God instead of urging [10] John 4.12 Art thou greater then our Father Jacob she would have asked [11] John 4.15 Sir give me of this water that I thirst not On the other side While Naaman is wroth [12] 2 Kings 5.10 11 12 13 14 Omnis fessinatio caecaest Seneca de Renefic l. 3. c. 3. Lukc 16.15 to see his opinion crossed he continueth as leprous as ever The Question was not whether had been the better manners in home-bred Elisha to send his messenger or to come out himself unto Prince Naaman Nor whether was a more probable course like our Princes which heal the Kings Evil to move the hand over the place affected or meerly to wash it with cold water no nor yet what was most seemly in a Prophet whether to send a stranger unto an unheard of practice or to stand and call upon the name of the Lord his God no nor whether were to be preferred Abana and Pharpar or the Rivers of Israel nor lastly whether the waters of Jordan were cleansing waters No The state of the question was Whether [13] 1 Cor. 1.20 25 27 28 29 How brâ—â—ish and below our thoughts is the manner of mans generation and yet God is pleased from that brutishnesse of humane nature to raise unto himself his own Image even a nature exalted above the nature of Angels Water in Baptism how common an element Bread Wine are ordinary food and yet by these God vouchsaseth to convey his Spirit â—rby Answ The more inconsiderable the meanes of any mercy or grace the more plainly God is seen to be the Author of that mercy and grace 1 Cor. 3.7 Jordan could cleanse from the Leprosie then when the Lord said Wash in Jordan and Jordan shall cleanse Just so The Question is not whether a natural man can discern the things of God for we are all of us born spiritually blind no nor yet whether the Lords Christ can give sight unto the blind for unto God all things are possible but whether clay and spittle even earthen Vessels may not then help men to their sight when Christ so ordaineth Sure I am in every Ordinance of His the power of his [14] Luke 5.17 Spirit is ready to heal A leprosie we all bring with us into the world and let Gehazi reprobate as he is accompt upon it that he shall dye leprous but if Christ bid a man shew himself unto the Priest though that man were a Samaritane I would not [15] Luke 17.16 question his recovery Except a man be born ugain drawn of God endued with Christs Spirit c. there can be no entring into the Kingdom of Heaven It is confessedly true And of this truth both the Jewes were frequently animadvertized and the Gentiles throughly informed and herein great was the loving kindnesse of God unto both Jew and Gentile but Christian in the mean space what signifieth the ministery of the Gospel Is not the ministration of the Gospel the [16] 2 Cor. 3.8 administration of the Spirit Verily it is Unto them who are without [17] 2 Cor. 4.3 the pales of the Church our Gospel is hid unto them within hid it need not be It is I say the savour of death unto death [18] 2 Cor. 2.16 only unto such as chuse death rather then life Object Without me ye [1] John 15.5 can do nothing Answ By God thou [1] Acts. 17.28 movest Tell me is that a pretence for thee that thou canst not stir Rather as I have already answered it is [2] Phil. 2.13 an argument that thou mayest stir if thou wilt That which thou sowest thou sowest not [3] 1 Cor. 15.37 that body that shall be but bare grain yet be not deceived [4] Gal. 6.7 God is not mocked What thou sowest that thou [5] Gal. 6.8 therefore reapest because unto [6] 1 Cor. 15.38 every seed God giveth his [7] Matth. 7.7 Luke 11.13 sim own body The same God which [8] Matth. 16.27 maketh our obedience the measure of his heavenly gifts the same God which maketh our mortal life the beginning of life everlasting the same God which useth the blood in our veines to conveigh animal spirits the same God which frameth the body for the benefit of the soul the same God blessed for ever maketh use of our natural senses while he infuseth into us spiritual graces If we desire that God should [9] Heb. 2.3 12.25 Hos 2.15 Psalm 126.5 Phil. 2.12 Despice ne parùm sit providum sperare ex aliis quod tibi ipse non praestes Plin. lib. 2. Epist. 10. Neverthelelse Ille facit ut nos faciamus quae praecipit nos non facimus ut ille faciat que-promisit Aug. Epist 143. see Psalm 57.3 Inspirat Charitatem ut quae discende novimus diligendo faciamus Therefore Phil. 2.12 13. Take the ball at the bound not be wanting unto us let not us be wanting unto our selves Unto your finest and smallest white thred tye that thred which you call brown tye unto that pack-threds unto that the smallest Twist unto the Twist a small cord to that a threefold cord to a threefold cord a Cart-roap to a Cart-roap a strong Cable and although the weaknesse of the first thred could not yet the strength of the Cable may wind up an Anchor of hope at the last Object But certainly it is non in mans power to come unto Christ Answ Where [1] Matth. 11.28 compared with Mat. 14.27 28 Christ calleth there is hope given that he will [2] John 6.37 give a power Samuel knew not the Lord at the first and
Believer hath he hath the honour if I may so speak to (8) Psalm 145.1 30.1.66.17 Esay 25.1 Compare 2 Sam. 12.28 with Jerem. 9.23 24 extol that Throne which is the Lords to hand the Scepter of Gods Kingdom unto Gods right Hand and to lift a Crown of pure gold unto the Royal Head of this King of glory Then we extol God when we in our hearts and lives prayse and adore him And in this sense the solemn Coronation of our God is like Himself everlasting he that hath the honour to be one of those who magnifieth God hath this happinesse that he is said to extol God he glorifieth he crowneth his God and this is the (9) Non tam mea sunt quae mea sunt quam quae tua Plin. lib. 4. Epist 4. Crown of a Christian duty So shalt thou have (10) Rom. 13.3 compared with Gal. 1.24 Ephes 1.12 praise of the same Quest (11) Phil. 2 21 1 Cor. 10.24 2 Cor. 5.15 Sensum quendam voluptatemq percipio si ea quae mihi denegantur amicrs video superesse Plin. lib. 1. Ep. 10. What praise Answ The praise of bringing glory to thy God I undervalue my labours if I take paines for mine own only profit mine own only interest or mine own slender reputation The toyl which I undertake let me undertake it for the honour of my God No commendation (12) Ezra 9.6 sinful I do or can deserve Neverthelesse no that commendeth me or mine endeavours doth it to my losse let him praise not me for I am [13] 2 Cor. 12.11 Nothing but His God for His God is mine and he most favoureth me who [14] 2 Cor. 10.17 Psalm 115.1 105.3 103.1 23 2 Cor. 10.11 Gal. 1.24 Psalm 142.7.34.2 3. Amor non nisi donum amantis in amatum Gulicl Parisien de legibus c. 19. most glorifieth my God Lastly Life [1] Hoc etiam est quam ob rem cupiam vivere Plaut Curcul Psalm 119.17 1 Thes 3.8 2 Pet. 1.3 1 Tim. 4.8 Deut. 30.20 but such as dishonour God non tam vivunt quam in vitâ sunt Seneca Non est mortale quod opto Col. 3.3 more abundant Oh Sirs So often as we glorifie our God as God we anticipate life to come Then is our conversation like that in heaven when we be ever rejoycing in the Lord ever mentioning the loving-kindness of our God Verily we then seem to sit in heavenly places among Saints and Angels when in the midst of the congregation we set forth the prayses of our God in Psalmes in Hymns and in spiritual Songs Christians if ye know what it is to glorifie your God you will roll away that stone against which some have stumbled It will be unto you no trouble of heart if as you believe in God and believe in Christ so you through Jesus Christ celebrate [2] Psal 29.9 the name of your God publiquely and solemnly in your Fathers House Know Brethren if we glorifie God here upon earth They in heaven can do no more The most which They can do is though after a more heavenly manner to glorifie Our God We do what the Saints in [3] Psal 149.9 Neque ad loquendum digne de Deo lingua sufficit Neque ad pereipiendum intelâ—ectus praevalet magis ergo glorisicdre nos convenit Deum quod talis est qui intellectuÌ„ traâ—scendit cognitionis initium superat beaven do we do what the Angels in heaven do if we glorifie our God We do as the blessed Spirit doth we do as the Son of the Father doth yea we do as the Father himself doth if we glorifie our God Seeing it is unto us so great a glory to glorifie this God Seeing it is unto us heaven upon earth seeing it is unto us Life more abundant to laud praise and blesse the Name of our God I beseech you Friends Let us no more absent our selves from the Liturgie of our Church but let the Lord God have the glory of our open publick and solemn Thanksgivings Yea let us watch alwayes over our conversations words and hearts that at [1] Psalm 34.1 71.6 8 15 109.30 96.2.145.2 7 9 10 21 119.164 97 25.5 89.16 Nihil mihi fuit optatius quà m ut primum abs Te-ipjo deinde à caeteris omnibus quà m gratissimus erga Te esse cognoscerer Cicero Epist familiar lib. 1. Epist 5. all times whether in private or in publique whether in our labours or in [2] Non solum negotij sed otij reddendaâ—est ratio Col. 3.17 our recreations whether we mourn or rejoyce sleep or wake eat or drink or whatsoever we do we may [3] 1 Cor. 10.31 do all and desire to do all unto the glory of our God Beloved if we keep our selves [1] 2 Tim. 2 21 ever prepared unto every good work if we keep our selves ever unfeignedly desirous to ever glorifie our God Lo We have Psalmes and set-forms to [2] Eccles 5.2 Hos 14.2 furnish us with words the holy Scriptures to [3] 2 Tim. 3.16 instruct us in our duties the holy Spirit to [4] Rom. 8.26 Luke 11.13 Acts 5.32 Phil 2.12 13 assist us in our endeavours a [5] Heb. 4.15 16 1 John 2.1 2 Jude 24 Ephes 5.27 2 Cor. 4.14 15 Col 1.22 23 28 powerful Mediatour to render our imperfect performances perfectly acceptable nor can we want a perpetual supply of matter for our perpetual prayses and thanksgivings if we apply our selves unto the [6] See of this Treatise page 278.279 last General Part which limiteth this present Discourse I proceed therefore from the innumerable reasons why we should ever give thanks and prayses to the Lord our God unto the boundlesse matter of these our praises and thanksgivings The matter of our prayses and thanksgivings comprehendeth the three Kingdomes 1 represented in my Text. What supplyeth unto us perpetual matter for which our God is glorified If He who delighteth to [1] page 278. 1 Cor. 1.27 28 2 Cor. 4.7 strengthen grace by weak Instruments hath by * New Books are like new fashions taken up at the first with affection this Discourse of mine profited your soules then before we enter these three Provinces pause you here ye Christians Though such as I have I [2] Mat. 10 8 give Silver and Gold [3] See of this Treatise page 30 I have none at most so little that the imprinting of Sermons is too heavy for my light Purse Vnto the good example of other Generous Friends be it spoken What I write that another printeth not I but the surviving the affectionate Husband of a Gentlewoman now with God is [4] Imitating Jacob Gen. 35.20 the sole Publisher of this expensive Treatise and that not so much in memory of his dear Consort as in [5] 2 Cor. 13.9 Hominum charitas gratuita est Cicero de nat Deornm l. 1. 1 Cor. 13.5 compassion of us He so
are not deprived of the delight [21] Psalm 63.1 119.174.20 which accompanieth expectations As hope deferred maketh fruition the [22] Prov. 13.12 more sweet so there is a [23] 1 Pet. 1.3 livelinesse in hope A pleasant and amiable practice it is to [24] Job 22.21 Phil. 2 1 1 John 1.3 acquaint ovr selves with that God whose beatifical vision we long for When out [25] Rev. 19.7 marriage with the Lamb shall at length be celebrated we shall [26] 1 Thes 4.17 consummate our joyes in the highest heavens neverthelesse it is no small satisfaction unto us that we are [27] Hos 2.19 20 Jerem. 2.2 Ezek. 16.8 2 Cor. 11.2 1 Cor. 6.17 betrothed here below While the Bridegroom of our soules [28] Esay 58.11 Psalm 32.8 73.24 guideth us thorough the troubles of heart toward the mansions in his Fathers house his loving Spirit makes us to [29] Esay 23.2 36.7 8 9 10 lye down in green pastures and leadeth us as beside waters of quietnesse so beside [30] Cant. 3.11 Rivers of pleasure Sirs although the day of our espousals will be unto us the eternal day 30 of the gladnesse of our hearts yet we would not be debarred the [31] Jer. 2.2 sweets of wooing we would not misse the ever (32) Phil. 2.1 endearing communion of his most blessed Spirit Happy we that we may (33) Hos 2.14 take time between Aegypt and the promised Rest Oh let us (34) John 6.31 feed a while upon Manna in the wildernesse Let us rest (35) Ps 84.7 our selves upon the holy hill of Sion before we climb (36) Gal. 4.26 Jerusalem above By this we know that God hath a delight in us to do us good in our later end (37) 1 John 4.13 because he vouchsafeth unto us his own Spirit It is the holy Spirit which (38) Nehem. 9.20 instructeth (39) Psa 32.8 adviseth (40) Revel 3.18 counselleth (41) Eph. 2.1 Psalm 119.93 quickeneth and (42) Eph. 32 8 73.24 guideth us in every duty wherewith at any time we glorifie our God It it the holy Spirit that Spirit whom we so long resisted so ungratefully quenched and so frequently grieve which maketh every Ordinance of Christ (43) Eph. 3.7 4.16 1 Thes 2.13 effectual unto our soules It is the holy Spirit which (44) Eph. 4.30 sealeth us as his own peculiar goods against the day of Redemption This is that (45) Nehem. 9.20 good Spirit that (46) John 14.16 other that (47) Psa 51.6 inward that ever-present (48) John 14.18 26 Psalm 94.19 Comforter which maketh every day throughout the year to us a (49) Esay 57.18 19 Feast of Pentecost which continually (50) Esay 30.21 John 14.1 whispereth unto us Let not your heart be troubled yea which graciously (51) With Heb. 13.21 compare John 14.11 raiseth our hearts unto a belief in God and unto a belief in his Christ Dear Christians to be spiritually minded is (52) Rom. 8.6 life and peace be ye (53) Eph. 5.18 filled with the spirit and ye shall be filled with joy The graces of this blessed Spirit are the ornaments with which He who is the desire of our soules (54) Psalm 149 4 beautifieth us This Spirit of grace is that (55) John 3.29 friend of the Bridegroom which gaineth a good affection in us toward our Lover which (56) Esay 56.7 interpreteth unto us all his love-tokens By this Spirit he bringeth us into (57) Hos 2.14 Cant. 7.12 the secret places of the Wildernesse by this Spirit he allureth us speaketh dearly to us wooeth us courteth us and (58) Esay 5.1 Psalm 118.14 42.8 singeth unto us the whole song of Solomon By this Spirit he (59) Eph. 5.26 purifieth our hearts that we may come with the more confidence unto his Bride-Chamber He holdeth a close (60) 2 Cor. 13.14 communion with our spirits by this Spirit The time of our spiritual life here is the (61) Jer. 2.2 Tota Christiani vita est Esay 26.8 desiderium sanctum time of loves We have not patience to stay until he bring us unto his Bride-chamber oh let him kisse us here (62) Cant. 1.2 with the kisses of his mouth The mouth of him who espouseth us unto himself is this Spirit even the Spirit of truth and of love In every grace viz. in the (63) Heb 5.14 exercise of every grace we enjoy a (64) Phil. 3.20 Ephes 2.6 heavenly mindednesse which eternity it self shall perfect This God (65) 1 John 4 8. of love is a (66) Wisdom 1.6 loving spirit he leadeth us into his (67) Prov. 3.17 wayes of pleasantnesse he walketh with us in his garden walkes he filleth us with (68) Psalm 119 20 longings he ravisheth our souls with (69) Psalm 119 97 spiritual delights he (70) Rom. 8.15 adopteth us children children of God and heires of salvation he (71) 2 Pet. 1.4 maketh us partakers of the divine naturr he [72] Jer. 3.14 declareth us the Spouse of Jesus Christ O let us be thankful for that [73] Zech. 12 10 Spirit of grace which [74] James 1.17 alone can give us grace to be [75] Ephes 5.20 thankful Ninthly Vnto us a [1] Esay 9.6 Son is given As the Son imparteth unto us [2] John 3.34 7.38 15.26 his own spirit so the Father [3] John 3.16 giveth unto us his own Son his own Son [4] 1 John 1.2 Eph. 3.9 11 manifest in the flesh A mysterie a great mysterie a [5] See Bishop Andrews Serm. on 1 Tim. 3.16 See Ephe. 3.10 great mysterie almost swallowing up our meditations and making us not so much thankful as thankfulnesse it self For since this Son of God is both [6] Acts 10.36 Lord and [7] Heb. 1.2 heir of all things give [8] Rom. 8.32 HIM to us and we will quickly lay our claim unto [9] 1 Cor. 3.22 whatsoever he hath The work of [10] John 1.3 Col. 1.16 his hands the worlds which [11] Heb. 1.2 he created they are [12] Ps 115.16 our goods and chattels Ours [13] Matth. 6.32 1 Tim. 4 8 Heb. 13.5 during our life for [14] 1 Cor. 7.31 our use His for ever for [15] Psalm 119 91 his glory What inheritance he holdeth by [16] Mat. 21.33 birthright that by his [17] Heb. 1.2 purchase is [18] Rem 8.17 Tit. 3.7 Heb. 1.14 James 2.5 1 Pet. 3.7 made ours The price of his blood is [19] 1 Cor. 10.16 Ephes 1.7 Ours payeth off [20] 1 John 1.7 9. all our debts and that [21] Phil. 2.9 unto his gain The [22] Phil. 3.10 power of his Resurrection is [23] Rom. 6.5 11. Ours raiseth us from [24] Col. 3.1 dead works and will [25] John 6.54 raise us up at the last day His holy life is [26]
the tribes of Israel we see a [2] Revel 7.4 hundred forty four thousand sealed In the beginning of the world [3] Jude 14 ten thousand of the Saints were heard of If you will allow the seed of Abraham to be [4] Gen. 22.17 like that father of the faithful [5] Gal. 3.7 8 true believers you will as soon number the stars of heaven as them For although unto the great God neither [6] Psalm 139.16 they nor the [7] Psalm 147.4 stars are innumerable yet unto us finite creatures they are a [8] Revel 7.9 great multitude which no man can number Answ 4. A multitude of the heavenly host [1] Luke 2.13 seconded one Angel how great that multitude was God alone knoweth Every legion of Angels is computed six thousand six hundred sixty and six in number of these you may observe twelve legions mentioned [2] Matth. 26.53 like one single troop We read of [3] Dan. 7.10 thousand thousands spirits who ministred unto God and of ten thousand times ten thousand who stood before him and again [4] Revel 5.21 ten thousand times ten thousand and thousands of thousands Beloved in my Fathers house none of all these want their mansions Answ 5. Many viz. for the [1] Hos 4.16 greater solace of these Disciples Some conclude that one of hell-torments shall be an oppressing and [2] Esay 22.5 over-crowding one another thorough the narrow scantnesse of that bottomlesse pit If so One of the pleasures of Heaven shall be a [3] Mark 14.15 Psalm 31.8 118.5 Matth. 13.30 spaciousnesse of room God will [4] Esay 54.2 enlarge our Tent. The Saints shall not complain that the place is [5] Esay 49.19 20 too strait for them Answ 6. Many viz. to set forth the [1] Pauperis est aumâ—rare greatnesse of God their Maker and Builder Great is the House and therefore many are the mansions which he buildeth for [2] Dar. 4.30 1 Chron 29.1 the honour of his Majesty Saith Solomon [3] 2 Chron. 29 What house I build shall be wonderful great Answ 7. Many because of [1] Noâ— malè veteres intelligunt cum graduum differentiis G â—ot in locum 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Clem. Serom. 6. Quonodo multae mansiones â—pâ—d Patrem si non pro varietate mer'torum Tertul. Scorp Plures sunt mansiones jam paratae secundum electionem aeternam sed parandae adhuc secundum merita Gorran in locum many degrees At Jerusalem one [2] Consulas Maymon in biath Mik lash Abah R. Nathan per. 34. Rambam in Kelim per. 1. sim Josephum de bell Jud. lib. 5. cap. 14. R. Solom in Kelim per. 1. c. part in and about the Temple was holier then another A stranger might not approach the Ally before the Temple A Priest might enter the Courts which an Israelite might not Between the porch and the Altar no Priest might come unlesse his head were covered The inwarder part of the Temple was more holy then the Priests Courts and within the Vail was the Holy of holies So in heaven there be mansions one of a higher degree of glory then another Hereunto the person speaking in my Text principally alludeth Saith he This is the victory which overcometh your troubles even your faith wherefore believe in God believe also in me and take this for your encouragement The greater your faith is the greater your victory and the greater your victory is the greater shall be your Reward for I will reward every one of you according unto his work of Faith and that I may reward every one of you according unto your work of Faith In my Fathers house are many Mansions _____ are It is not said they shall be but they already are Thiâ— is yet one more incitement unto a thankful glorifying of God as God viz. the [1] Beatitudo haec duo requirit frutionem incommutabilis boni certitudmem aeternae sruitionis See Ephes 2.6 Phil. 3.20 c. full assurance the lively hope which is set before us There [2] 2 Pet. 3.13 Revel 21.1 shall be new heavens nay there [3] Esay 66.5 17.18 are There are mansions many mansions many mansions of many degrees of degrees already prepared to recompence the highest degree of faith and love which any Disciple can possibly reach wherefore my beloved Brethren be ye [1] 1 Cor. 15.58 stedfast unmoveable alwayes abounding in the work of the Lord for so much as you know your labour is not in vain in the Lord There are many mansion in my Fathers house Quest Why is the kingdome of glory compared to a house Answ For the same reason that you here see many mansions not only mansions but many mansions as I told you The glory of the invisible (1) See Bishop Reynolds on Hos 14. Serm. 5. Sect. 2. in The beauty of Lillies infinitely transcendeth the glory of the visible world Hence as we are forced to use many letters to spell one long word or many words to compose one eloquent speech so by reason of our imperfect understanding we are constrained to borrow many worldly excellencies to represent any (2) 1 Chron. 29.1 Revel 21.2 one glory in heaven Be Jerusalem the (1) Psalm 48.2 137.6 joy of the whole earth yet Jerusalem which is (2) Gal. 4 26 above if she would make her self known unto us below she will (3) Esay 54.11 12 Revel 21.19 take up Jewels and Riches and Gold upon trust So immoveable is heaven that name (4) Psalm 46.5 Mount Zion and you say nothing Be a Throne glorious and heaven is (5) Psalm 113.4 Flay 66.1 exalted above that glory The Crown there is a Crown which (6) 1 Pet. 5.4 fadeth not away The inheritance there is (7) 1 Pet. 1.4 undefiled incorruptible The substance there is (8) Heb. 10.34 an enduring substance The peace there (9) Phil. 4.7 passeth mans understanding Life is there life immortal life (10) Rom. 2.7 1 Cor. 15.54 eternal There pleasures swim in (11) Psalm 16.11 whole Rivers they (12) Esay 48.18 roll in upon us like waves of the Sea Call heaven a house and the builder and maker must be (13) Heb. 11.10 a God Call heaven a House and that house must be as wide as heaven The windows must be (14) Esay 54.12 Agates the gates Carbuncle the battlements pleasantnesse and whatsoever else is precious the pavement love joy and glory The azured firmawent which our eyes behold is but as the rough rags the made-earth the unhewen the lowest the buried part of the foundations of this House The stars of the firmament are but as so many sandy dusts everywhere scattered within that azured that clayie rubbish The Moon and Sun which seem so bright unto us unto the inhabitants of this House in my Text do indeed a little glizzen but no otherwise then two shells of
an Oyster opened under our feet If heaven be a house it is a mansion-house a glorious house a holy house the house of my God and that I may speak home My Fathers house God even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ is (1) Exod. 15.11 glorious in holinesse Fearful in prayses What sort of (2) 1 Chron. 29.1 Palace What kind of Temple must that be which deserveth to be called (3) Esay 66.1 The House of God! And yet our rejoycing lyeth not so much in the fabrique as in the builder not so much in the builder as in the owner of this house The Owner of this House is the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ This is My Fathers house First in regard of God the-Father Heaven is God the Fathers home He indeed (1) Jerem. 23.14 filleth all places but heaven is the (2) Luke 16.9 Esay 57 15 place of his habitation the (3) Palm 26.8 palace where his honour dwelleth the (4) 1 Chron. 29.1 palace where he keepeth his Court the (5) Esay 62.9 Court where he exalteth his Throne his power and his glory Next in regard of God the Son As to work out our Redemption he came down from heaven so having finished that work he ascended up on high Oh it was a (1) John 20.17 comfort to the son of man as man to go unto his Father for his Father is (2) John 14 28 greater then he Thirdly in regard of us Believers First We (1) Esay 64.1 fancy great matters might Jesus Christ here converse among us in the flesh Sirs God the father loveth Jesus Christ as his only Son Jesus Christ reciprocally loveth him as his dear Father If we love Jesus Christ more then we love our selves we (2) John 14.28 rejoyce because he is now at home with his own Father Fools may prate that Fathers are good friends but evil company it was never so with the Son of man For the (3) Acts 3.21 7.55 Humane nature of Jesus Christ there is no such company as the visible society of his eternal Father Shew him the father and (4) John 14.8 it sufficeth Secondly My Fathers house is (1) Matth. 6.9 Our Fathers house Doubtlesse thou art our Father was a high-strained faith even then when (2) Esay 63.16 derived from Gods creation at most from Gods protection of us But the person speaking in my Text hath now given us a nearer claime he can (3) John 20.17 send us word I go to my Father and your Father therefore your Father because my Father Thirdly Our Fathers house was never built for Spiders God doth not like some of our Gentry first build a great house and then ever after lay all hospitality aside No He (1) Esay 25.6 feasteth it he (2) Revel 19.9 ever feasteth it like (3) Revel 19.17 Esther 1 an Emperour In the house of my Father as none serve him (4) Revel 1.6 under Priests and Kings so all who serve him fare like (5) Revel 3.20 Princes Upon earth this is the infelicity of Kings that to maintain a requisite State they most what sit at Table alone whereas in heaven although Kings we are yet our meat doth us no good except we eat it (6) Heb. 12.22 23 with company In our Fathers house as our Supper is the (1) Revel 3.20 19.17 Supper of the Lord so our society is the (2) Heb. 12.22 communion of the Saints In heavenly places we shall sit (3) Ephes 2.6 together with Abraham Isaac and Jacob. Abel will there tell us what hard words and blowes he (4) Gen. 4.8 received from Cain We shall there see Job beholding his Redeemer with his (5) Job 19.27 own eyes Charles the (6) Of great Brittain France and Ireland King First the first since that hour wherein Jesus Christ was crucified that ever dyed and so dyed for the good of his people Him we shall finde among if not above the noble Army of Martyrs Yea we shall there converse with every glorified soul with every soul glorified in its own order in its own mansions joying and rejoycing with its own peculiar degree of glory The elect of God which here upon earth were unto us Neighbours Friends Kinred Brethren Sisters Children Parents Wives or Husbands with these we shall renew an acquaintance an acquaintance encreasing unto all eternity Scholars if ever you would save time in your studies if ever you would be exquisite Phisosophers great Historians or perfect (1) Hoc hâ—bet animus argumentum suae divinitatis quod illum divina delectent Seneca Divines make your (2) Bene oravisse est bene studuisse Luther Plus cogitando orando proficiunt quà m legendo audiendo August Epist 112. Origo sontium sluminum maâ—e virtutum scientiarum Christus Bern. in Cant. Serm. 13. calling and election sure get an everlasting fellowship in these mansions in heaven your knowledge shall be made perfect nor shall you sit like mutes but you shall speak of the goodnesse of your God with a fulnesse of delight joy and love How happy would some children acknowledge themselves were the place of their education adjoyning unto the place of their nativity How much of her Dowrye would many a Wife part with upon condition that her husbands estate lay not far from (1) Illa domus laetâ—tiae est ista militiae illa domus laudis ista orationis Idem Serm. 2. in dedic Eccles her Fathers house Beloved in my Fathers house are many mansions but all of them in one and the same House We are there all of us one Society one Family one Colledge one Houshold one Church one Body Forget thy (2) Psalm 45.10 Fathers house and thine own kinred taketh no place in these mansions Duty and Death separate the nearest relations here but in my Fathers house friends never part Dominions Principalities Powers Angels Arch-Angels c. about whom the Schoolmen have been so idly busied them and their (1) Delectat quâ—cquid est adm rabile Cicere Part. Oâ—at distinct orders we shall know and delight in Many a good Angel which unaware to us took of us an especial charge we shall know by name and by sight in these mansions The Holy Ghost who gave us life first natural then spiritual That good that (1) Neminâ—m unquam demisit tristem loving spirit which did doth and will continue our preserver sanctifier and comforter will in Heaven put life into us indeed when he once entertaineth us in my fathers house then we shall live The person speaking in my Text thorough whom the just God is so well pleased with us He who came down from heaven to bring us thither who underwent for us the reproaches of men and the curse of God who for our sakes spake and wrought and suffered wonders Him who passed by the fallen Angels and exalteth our nature above his elect