thing in the Verse was the Ministers office as the friend of the Bridegroome prepareth a Bride for him so do Gods Ministers persuade prepare and fit the people to joyne themselves in a Holy wedlock to Christ Jesus Doctr. THat it is the speciall labour of Gods faithfull Ministers to perswade the people to turne unto and joyne themselves in a holy wedlock with Christ Iesus as Abrahams Servant sought a Wife for his Sonne Isaac made an oath to be faithfull praying for good speed Gen. 24.9 12. gave the Woman bracelets and a golden earering vers 22. would not eate till he had done his errant vers 33. commended the riches of his Master vers 35.36 So must the Ministers of the Lord seek woo and perswade men to joyne themselves unto Christ in a spirituall marriage Hence Paul saith he had espoused the Corinthians to one Husband that he might present them as a chast virgin unto Christ 2 Cor. 11.2 the Ministry of the Gospel compared to the marriage feast the Ministers unto Servants inviting men to the wedding by the use fruition sence and feeling of his Ordinances the spouse was made sick of love and filled with vehement and earnest longings after Christ Jesus Cant. 2.4 and this the Apostle sheweth to be their chiefest labour 2 Cor. 5.19 20. and so they make it 1. Because it bringeth much honour to God as Prov. 14.28 So by the encrease of godly men the bringing of many to yeeld ready and cheerefull subjection unto God is the name of the Lord much honoured by this the Scepter of Christ Iesus is erected in the hearts of men the Kings of Tarshish and of the Isles are constrained to bow before him to subject their necks to his yooke to plow up the fallow ground of their hearts and to bring forth fruit unto God by this they are brought to confesse their sin and to give glory unto God as Achan did when the Lot was cast upon him Ios 2.19 by this they are turned from Idols and wordly vanities to serve the living God 1 Thes 1.9 by this their nature is changed Isa 11.6 they are made to be at peace with God and among themselves by this of a barren wilderness they are made a fruitfull vineyard Isai 35.1 2 5 6 7. 2. Because it is very pleasing unto God the returning of the prodigall was delightfull to his Father as appeareth by the hast he made to meet him by the entertainement he gave him the bringing home of the lost sheep doth much rejoyce the Shepheard so the conversion of sinners is very pleasing unto God Luc. 15.7 What the bringing of many sheass into the barne is to the Husbandman what the birth of the Child is to the Mother the same is bringing of many to the new birth the gathering home of many Souls into Gods garner it is not the adorning of the body with gold and silver but the adorning of the heart which is in the sight of God of the greatest price 1 Pet. 3.3 4. It is not the bestowing of much riches upon men but the making of them rich in the grace of the Spirit which God respecteth 3. Because this doth bring the greatest ruine unto Satans Kingdome this like a key openeth the prison doores of sin and bringeth forth the Souls of men to liberty as the Angel brought Peter out of prison Act. 12.7 this overturneth his strong holds 2 Cor. 10.11 driveth him from his former possession Luc. 11.21 as the breaking of the pitchers shining of the lights with the cry of the sword of the Lord and Gideon put the Midianits to flight and gave freedome to Israel thus Isai 9.4 5. 4. Because this is most profitable for the people this of dead doth make them new and living creatures Joh. 5.25 of dry trees doth make them like trees planted by the waters side Psal 1.3 of barren Souls it maketh them fruitfull like a Mother of many Children Isai 54.1 of a desolate and forsaken people it bringeth them to a holy fellowship and honorable Communion with Christ Jesus by working faith in them Ephes 1.13 By separating them from profane persons like sheep from goats Chaffe from Corn Mat. 3.12 Ier. 23.29 Use This therefore discovereth the fearefull sin of such in the Ministry as in stead of turning men unto God do turne them from God in stead of joyning them in wedlock unto Christ do separate them from Christ in stead of drawing the hearts of men unto God and to the love of holy duties do like Absolon steale away the hearts affections of men from delight in the works of sanctification from subjection unto Gods precepts 2 Sam. 15.6 Some like the false Apostles seek to marry the people to themselves not to Christ seeking their owne praise not the honour of the Lord Jesus as the Disciples of the Baptist would have had their Master have taken the honour to himselfe which was due to Christ so there are some Masters labour to make their Disciples give them the reverence obedience praise which is due to Christ alone by making their sayings to be a Law an infallible ruse which must be followed giving preheminence or equalizing their traditions and unwarranted Doctrines to the Scriptures exercising Lordship tyranny over the faith and consciences of men rather than assisting them contrary to that of the Apostle 2 Cor. 1.24 and that of our Saviour Mat. 23.8 9 10. as if they were authours when they can be but instruments the fountaine when they must be like cisternes conveying the waters of life which they receive from God the Sun when they must be but starres in the right hand of Christ shining in the light which they receive from him Ier. 6.14 II. Some draw others from Christ by their false Doctrine flattering them in their sin speaking peace when there is no peace healing the disease of the people deceitfully like an unfaithfull Physician Ezek. 13.10 daubing with untempered morter like a deceitfull builder promising liberty when themselves are the servants of sin 2 Pet. 2.19 III. Some hinder men from coming to Christ harden them in sin by opposing and disgracing the wholesome Doctrine and gracious admonition given by their fellow brethren by sowing tares to choake the wheat by withstanding like Elimas Acts 13.8 by forbidding them to speake Amos 7.10 by seeking to alienate the hearts of the people from them Gal. 4.17 by incouraging the people in evill 1 King 22.11 12. IV. Some hinder men from coming to Christ by their silence they teach not the way of life and salvation they open not the danger of the naturall mans estate they acquaint not men with the riches of Gods mercy but Isai 56.10 11. A man that is both blind and dumb is an unfit man to make a marriage so they who are spiritually blind and dumb are no way meet to perswade the people to joyne themselves in wedlock unto Christ they cannot open unto them the honour
night season Psal 16.7 As Hanna celebrated God for the birth of a Sonne So let every regenerate Soul praise God for his new birth and say 1 Sam. 2.1 2 8. He raiseth us from the grave of sin from the dust of iniquity He lifteth up the poor Souls from the dunghill of sin to set us among them that are Kings and Princes unto our God Vers 23. And John also was Baptizing in Aenon neer to Salim because their was much water there and they came and were Baptized FRom the practice of our Saviour descend we to the labour of the Baptist wherein we may take notice of 1. His constant practice in his calling notwithstanding Christ had now manifested himself 2. The quality of his imployment 3. The place where 4. The reason why 5. The concourse of the people to him 1. Christ began publickly to teach to shine like a glorious Sun yet the Baptist did not therefore cease from his calling but continued constant not saying that Christ is come therefore I may be silent hence marke Doctr. That we may not at our owne pleasure leave our callings but follow them while God doth give us ability to performe them Like Noah who as he went in so he would not come forth againe but by the Lords commandement Vse A sharpe taxation for such as take every occasion to neglect their calling But I passe by this and come to the second namely 2. The quality of the Baptists worke he baptized This baptisme administred by Iohn and that administred by our Saviour was the same In regard of the Author authority Iohn 2.33 2. In regard of substance and thing signified Remission of sin in Christ 3. In regard of the signe Water 4. In regard of the Ceremony Washing the body 5. Inregard of the efficacy and effect Offering forgivenes of sin to all true believers Acts 19.4 thus they agree They differ In regard of time the Baptisme of John was before Christs Baptisme The Baptisme of John sealed up remission of sinnes to beleevers in Christ to come The Baptisme of Christ is extended to all people Johns Baptisme extended onely to the Israelites The Baptisme of our Saviour hath greater measure of efficacy than the Baptisme of the Baptist because the Spirit after Christs passion and ascension was more plenteously given Bellarmine contendeth that the Baptisme of the Baptist was not the same with Christs that such as were baptized by him were againe to be baptized by Christs Baptisme But this is not so for otherwise we should not have the same baptisme with Christ for he was baptised by Iohn And as by his circumcision he sanctified the circumcision of the Fathers so by his baptisme he sanctified ours otherwise their should be two baptismes which the Scripture contradicts Eph. 4.5 One baptisme Baptisme thus administred by our Saviour by the Baptist it sheweth Doctr. That the Sacrament of Baptisme must be carefully administred to such as are capable of it This is the first Sacrament of the new Testament by the washing of water representing the powerfull washing of the blood and Spirit of Christ and so fealing our new birth and enterance into the Covenant of grace read these places Ephes 5.26 1. Cor. 6.11 Heb. 10.22 Iohn 3.5 Tit. 3.5 As the benefit represented and sealed by it to the faithfull is great So the authority of it is not humane but divine it was brought into the church by the commandement of God by the Ministry first of Iohn therefore called the Baptist after sanctified and confirmed by our Saviour himself being baptized of Iohn and giving commission to his Apostles and Ministers to continue the same in his Church unto the end In this Sacrament there are two parts The outward Element of Water Iohn 1.31 With the action of washing Eph. 5.26 In the name of the Father Sonne and Holy Ghost That which is signified by this is the blood and Spirit of Christ Heb. 9.14 1 Cor. 6.11 Washing away both the guilt and filthines of sin Acts 2.38 Ezek. 36.25 Yet this spirituall and inward doth not alwayes accompany the outward washing for how ever God by his Minister offer unto all yet the elect onely are effectually partakers of the benefit thereof and that not alwayes as soone as they be baptized but after they be once converted and ingraffed into Christ Gal. 3.27 Then Baptisme doth ever after become a fountaine for sin and for uncleanenes Zach. 13.1 And this doth wash from all sin originall actuall sinnes before sinnes after Baptisme and that perfectly in respect of the guilt Isa 1.18 Though inperfectly and by degrees in regard of the pollution and power of sin Iohn 13.10 Psal 51. Thus you see the authority and benefit of the Sacrament Let therefore every one that hath participated of it be carefull as he is thereby received into the number of Gods people brought within the Covenant of God So 1. Let him live as one of Gods Family and not as a stranger as a friend and not as an enemy 2. Let him strive to find that Union wrought between him and Christ which is represented by Baptisme Gal. 3.27 3. Let him be sure that as his body so his conscience be baptized the inward man be renewed Tit. 3.5 1 Pet. 3.21 4. Let him get the assurance of the pardon of his sinnes Acts 2.38 Cease not till by the best testimony of Gods Spirit the witnes of thy own conscience and the saving fruit hereof thou be assured of the same 5. Ever remember the obligation wherein thou art hereby bound to believe and obey Rom. 6.34 6. Ever keep thy conscience sincere and unspotted 1 Pet. 3.21 And then in the deepest affliction thou maist find much comfort for as the rising out of the water of Baptisme may assure thee of the comfortable passage thorough the waters of all afflictions of a future resurrection to glory and happines 2. Since the authority and benefit is so great we are much to blame that deny our presence at this Ordinance for 1. It is a parcell of Gods worship 2. We should pray for a member more received into the Church 3. Give thanks that God vouchsafes this grace and favour to him 4. We might be put in mind of our owne covenant A shame it is that we cannot a little while afford our presence to a duty so behoofull so comfortable 3. The place where the Baptist did Baptice was in Aenon a city neer unto Salim whereof is mention 1 Sam. 4. Two cities nigh unto Jordan The Baptist remained not still in one place he baptized our Saviour in Jordan now he Baptizeth in Aenon hence learne Doct. That we must according to the utmost of our abilities communicate the means of salvation to the people of all places The more largely the meanes of salvation are divulged 1. The more the goodnes of God is commended 2. The more the name of God is honoured 3. The more Souls are converted 4. The more Sathans
By the stirring struggling and striving nature of sin within them it is not asleep it lieth not like a dead man as it doth in the hearts of carnall and unregenerate people but it fighteth and warreth like a Souldier Gal. 5.17 It is not like a resty jade in the pasture but in the bridle under spur whip It is as pricks and thornes in their sides as the Canaanites were to Israel Iudg. 2.3 as a heavy burthen on their backs Psal 38.4 as a dead body a rotten carkasse unsavoury noisome hatefull a continuall vexation Rom. 7.24 afflictions are very availeable to make and keep a man humble but the feeling of the nature and operation of sin as working more immediately upon the soule conscience is much more forcible to drive man out of himselfe to make him humble this will make a man endued with a propheticall Spirit to say Prov. 30.2 3. It will make a man of the rarest endowments of the greatest industry to say Rom. 7.24 and for this it is that God doth leave sin in the hearts of his Servants 2 Cor. 12.7 3. By the continuall subtle and violent assaults that Sathan doth make against them he spreadeth snares and layeth stumbling blocks in the way to make them fall he seeketh as a Pyrate to rob them like an enemy he layeth continuall siedge against them hunteth like a roaring Lion to make a prey of them he casteth his fiery darts at them to affright such and if it were possible to burne and utterly consume them he raiseth many stormes within and without to disturb and amaze them so mighty so incessant so fraudulent are his attempts that as Israel said in another case Psal 124.1 2 3. So do Gods people in this case and by this meanes it cometh to passe that as the Princes of Israel and the King humbled themselves when Shesack had taken some of their Cities and was come up against Ierusalem 2 Cro. 12.5 6 7. so the people of God perceiving how this Prince of darknes taketh advantages against them how he is in continuall warre with them how they are buffeted by him do still walk humbly before the Lord and this is one use God doth make of him 2 Cor. 12.7 4. By the disposition and qualification of their hearts of Lions they are become Lambs of hard they are become soft and tender ground trembling at the Word of God contrite and breake thorough godly grief and sorrow as a high building beaten to the very dust as a strong body having all the bones broken emptied of all conceit of their strength abilities excellencies cast like Paul from the horse back to the ground denying themselves their owne reason affections purposes thoughts ends renouncing their owne wisedome as folly looking on themselves as on a Lamp that hath no Oile as on a broken vessell wherein is no liquour as on a wounded body wherein is no soundnes 5. By the nature and operation of true and saving grace wheresoever this taketh possession it maketh the heart meek and humble according to the sway and dominion which it beareth the full eare of Corn boweth downeward the full loaden ship goeth deep in the waters The nigher Abraham came to God the more humbly he thought of himself Gen. 18.27 The more grace any man hath the more hee seeth the deformity of his owne hearts the obliquity of his wayes the unprofitablenes of his works Luk. 17.10 it maketh them loath themselves Ezek. 36.25 31. This maketh them esteeme others better than themselves Phil. 2.3 to neglect temporall and externall dignities Heb. 11.24 Christ Iesus in whom was the fulnes of all holines was the most compleat and absolute patterne of all meekness Mat. 11.29 Ioh. 15.3 this is a jewell wherewith they be alwayes adorned a garment with which they be every day cloathed without this they think themselves naked 1 Pet. 5.5 Humility waiteth on true grace like the handmaide upon the Mistriss like the threed following the needle the light attending the Sun the Daughter the Mother Ruth Naomi Gal. 5.22 this is one of the wayting maids belonging to this Princesse one of the branches which springeth from this roote 6. By the work of Gods Word upon their hearts this like a hammer doth breake and bruise them like fire doth melt them Ier. 23.29 like an axe laid to the roote of the tree it doth cast them to the ground Mat. 3.10 like dew it doth soften their hearts which are hard as clay under a long Sun shine Deut. 32.2 Like a warlike weapon it doth cast down the mighty Holds of sin maketh high thoughts stoope 1 Cor. 10.5 maketh hils to become low as the Valleys Luk. 3.5 As the Priest looking upon pronouncing the leprous uncleane caused him to lay his hand upon his mouth and to cry uncleane Lev. 13.44 45. So the Minister of the Lord presenting to Gods people the leprosy of their Souls by the Ministry of the word causeth them Acts 2.37 Rom. 7.9 As David by his perswasions and proffers 2 Sam. 19.14 so God by the Ministry of the Gospel doth bow the heart of the people Psal 45.5 7. By the opinion and apprehension they have of their owne works their best performances their sincerest duties they look upon them as on water running through an impure channel on silver mingled with much drosse a heape of Corn mixed with much chaffe an apple having much rotteness within it their understanding like Leah is bleare-eyed their faith like a palsy mans head hath much shaking in it Joh. 11.44 their will like Lazarus comes forth of the grave bound hand and foote Gen. 32.31 their love is but like a fire in green zeale like the flying of a bird whose wings are broken in their best duties they halt like Jacob and find occasion of humiliation after the performance of their choisest service need to pray for forgivenes of what is amisse for Iob 9.3 Psal 143.1 2. 8. By the afflictions which doe befall them they are a ship tossed a tree shaken corn winnowed spice bruised a field plowed a patridge hunted a body Physicked a Child corrected an oxe in the yoake a tree under the pruning knife Zeph. 3.12 Psal 34.19 Heb. 11.25 and this will keep them low and humble this will make them stoop and bow down to the commandements of the Lord. 9. By the base estimation the World hath of them they are in the eye of the World as the dung and the off-scouring of all things 1 Cor. 4.13 as monsters signes wonders Isa 8.18 Zach. 3.8 gazing stocks Heb. 10.53 excommunicated persons Luk. 6.22 pestilent people unworthy to live upon the face of the earth Acts 22.22 Acts 24.5 driven into dens and caves Heb. 11.36 37. and by this meanes they are also kept meek and humble 10. By the sight and apprehension they have of God which others have not they by faith see him who is invisible are sensibly affected with the beauty
and then you shall bee able to rest on Christ The woman came not to Christ till shee saw a vanity in all other Physitians Mar. 5.29 no more do wee rest on God rely on Christ till wee see there is no remedy elswhere to bee found thus Hos 2.6 7. this was that which caused the disciples to rest on Christ they found not whither els to go Joh. 6.68 2 Chron. 20.11 12. the contrary to this was the ground of Israëls unbelief Isa 31.1 2. You must strive to be throughly humble labor for a contrite and broken heart you must becom vile in your own eies bee far from all ambition and vain glory and so you shall feel your heart to bee drawn to rest and rely upon Christ then the doctrine of salvation shall bee sweet then God will reveal himself unto your souls very graciously multiply his grace upon you abundantly according to his gracious promise Isa 57.15 Psal 25.9.14 Jam. 4.6 and then shal you bee able to fasten your hearts upon Christ strongly then shall you bee able to rest in Christ firmly for Isa 61.1 Isa 29.19 Psal 22.26 the want of this continued the unbelief of the Pharisees Joh. 5.44 Gal. 6.3 3. You must bring your hearts to this pitch to seek the prais and commendation which God giveth to his people to bee approved in the sight of God to make it your crown your glory and comfort to bee accepted before the Lord to rejoice more in the inward witness of God's Spirit and our own consciences then in the applaus of all the men of the world you must with Paul 2 Cor. 1.12 and then you shall feel God will shed abroad his love abundantly into your hearts seal up to your souls the pardon of your sin strongly and inable you to rest upon him firmly Joh. 5.44 4. You must meditate and acquaint your selvs with the all sufficiency of Christ bee perswaded of his love goodness readiness to help you see in him more beauty more peace more joy more honor more comfort more power than in all the world look upon him as on a glorious sun and let all the world bee a glow-worm in comparison as an empty cloud to a full fountain as a withered arm to a strong man and this will work frame and draw your hearts to beleeve in him John 12.11 Joh. 10.28 John 7.31 Proceed wee now to the gain of Faith namely everlasting life whence learn Doctr. That everlasting life is the fruit of a true and saving faith Everlasting life is God's gift in regard of the free donation of it Rom. 6.23 It is Christ's purchase in regard of the price paid for it in regard of the meritorious cause thereof in regard of the head whence it is derived It is the work of the Spirit in regard of the principal cause efficient It is the fruit of the Word in regard of the external seed whence it springeth and instrument which worketh it It is the fruit of Righteousness in regard of the way which tendeth to Christ in whom this life is hidden Therefore our Saviour in earnest asseveration to perswade his disciples hereof John 5.24 And the Evangelist sheweth this to bee the principal purpose of God in inditeing the Scriptures Joh. 20.31 hence Paul Gal. 2.20 and plainly S. Peter speak's to this purpose 1 Pet. 2.8 9. And that everlasting life is in this manner a fruit of faith is apparent Reason 1. By the union which faith worketh between us and Christ it joineth us in wedlock with him it interesteth us in all the riches of Christ as Mediator it maketh us living members of that body whereof Christ is the head it build's us upon Christ as the residue of the building upon the head-corner stone it ingraffeth us into Christ as as the branches into the vine it maketh Christ to bee ours it fills us with fulness it causeth him to rule within us and to replenish us with all good things Ephes 3.17 John 2.16 Reason 2. By the interest which it giveth us God's promises this is the foundation whereupon our faith is builded and faith is the condition which God requireth to make us capable of what hee hath promised Gal. 3.13 14. this is the hand by which wee receiv all good things of God this is the key by which wee open the store-house of God's bounty without which all the good things of God are to us as the Sun under an eclips as water in a sealed fountain riches in a treasury locked up as the tree of Life to Adam when the Angel kept the way with a flaming sword it is faith doth give us claim and entrance into all the great and glorious promises of Christ 2 Pet. 1.1 3 4. 3. By the application it make's of the righteousness of Christ it covereth us with this as with a roial robe it healeth all our sins herewith and maketh us just in the sight of God for what els is our justification but the gracious sentence of God whereby for Christ apprehended by faith hee doth absolve the beleever from sin and death and accounteth him just unto life Rom. 3.22 24. Rom. 9.30 Rom 8.1 4. By the victory which it getteth over whatsoëver is adverse or repugnant to this everlasting life it conquereth sin it purifieth the heart Acts 15.9 it giveth an overthrow to Satan as David by his sling to Goliah 1 Sam. 17. therefore 1 Pet. 5.8 9. overcometh the world all the allurements and all the oppositions of it it trampleth them all under foot 1. John 5.4 Like David's Worthies it breaketh through an hoast of dangers to drink of the waters which are in the wells of Life 2 Sam. 23.16 it will follow the Lord wheresoëver hee goeth it will leave him in no estate it will endure any hardness sustain any loss bear any reproach encounter with any danger it will leave all rather then leave the Lord the power of faith is invincible nothing is too hard for it 5. By the gracious acceptation and spiritual adoption which it procureth for us with God whereby wee are become the sons of God 1 John 12. 1 John 3.1 made heirs and co-heirs with Jesus Christ Rom. 8.17 for as Christ in justification is applied as a garment to cover our sins so in adoption hee is applyed as our brother and Prince of our salvation Heb. 2.10 11 12 13. and by virtue of this adoption and communion with Christ all true beleevers are called the first begotten of God Hebr. 12.23 and this sonship of theirs remaineth unalterable the dignity and happiness of their condition is unchangeable John 8.35 6. By the use which it maketh of all the Ordinances of God the Word Sacrament praier c. which otherwise would bee as unsavoury meat without taste as a shell without a kernel as a deaf ear of corn as a cloud without rain without comfort without any benefit at all yea many times a trouble a terror a great disquietment the very savour
seed took occasion to speak of the word sown in the hearts of men This is a blessed use of things earthly it sweetneth our Meditation it plainly informeth the weakest understanding it strongly convinceth it deeply in presseth upon the memory we find like Sampson a hony combe in the Lyon and fetch water from the rock 2. Let us be well acquainted with the sacred Scriptures let us get the word of God to dwell with in us plenteously Coll. 3.16 and then as a full fountaine sendeth forth waters a full cloud poureth out the raine so shall our lips drop down knowledge when there is much fewel in the fire it giveth heat to al that come nigh to it if the Word of God be as a fire in our bones it will make us that we shall not be silent see it in Iob in Iob 32.18 19 20. in Jeremiah Ier. 20.8 in David Psal 40.10 11. 3. Let us get our hearts inflamed with love to God his word his wayes we easily break forth into a large and full discourse of the persons and things we entirely love the worldly man of his wealth the voluptuous man of his pleasures the ambitions man of his honour every mans tongue is ready to discourse of the object of his love so David the commandments being his love see what he saith Psa 119.46 47. I will speak of thy testimonies also before Kings and will not be ashamed and I will delight my self in thy commandments which I have loved This will make us with the spouse to enter into a large discourse of the diety of her Saviour Cant. 5.11 of his judgement and understanding in all things vers 12. of the sweet manifestation of himself in his ordinance vers 13. of the excellency of his actions depth of his councels vers 14. of the stability of his proceedings of the amiablenesse and uprightness of his carriage towards his chosen vers 15. of the sweetnes of his voyce and the singular comforts which flow from him reside in him vers 16. 4. Let us get our Souls filled with the knowledge of the Lord and of his wayes We must first inform our selves before we can well inform others the Lamp can give no light unless it self be first filled with Oile the blinde man is not fit for a guide therefore David prayes Make me to understand the way of thy precepts so shall I talk of thy wondrous works and that of the Prophet in Isa 50.4 The Lord God hath given me the tongue of the learned that I should know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary c. We must be skilfull like Physicians to apply our exhortation aright it is not enough to speak but it must be to edifying to good purpose so as it may minister grace to the hearers therefore Prov. 15.2 The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright c. 5. Let us labour to be thoroughly affected with the goodness of God towards our Soul to be assured of the forgiveness of all our sins to have a lively feeling of Gods love and the joyes of his spirit and this will make us ready and cheerfull in teaching others as we have mentioned in that of David Psal 51.12.13.14.15 Restore me to the joy of thy salvation and uphold me with thy free spirit Then will I teach transgressours thy wayes and sinners shall be converted unto thee c. And that Psal 66.16 6. Let us strive to be truely good and gracious sanctified throughout both in our Souls and also in our bodies let grace be as a fountain of living water in the heart and the speech shall be as many gracious streams issuing from it As waters to the citie as silver to the needy as food to the hungry so shall be the speech of a gracious man Prov. 10.11 20 21 32. If these things be in us we shall not be idle nor unprofitable but we shall communicate of what we have received impart what we know stirre up others to attain the like measure of grace and assurance with us And let not any say like the sluggard there is a Lyon in the way if we seek the good of mens Souls we shall be hated reproached say not they are dissolute or wordly businesses shall be hinderers for as Solomon saith Eccl. 11.4 He that observeth the wind shall not sow and he that regardeth the clouds shall not reap But look upon Christ the Prophets Apostles Gods precept bretherens wants Gods blessing Gods acceptance clearing of thy owne conscience joy which will accompany the due performance and so go forward in it without fainting So much for the first point We have seen the connexion next we are to take notice of the words and therein first of all the place whereunto he journied namely into the Land of Judea that is into that part thereof which was nigh unto the city Aenon a city situate in the Tribe of Manasses thither he came to shew himself a Saviour to them to tender life and salvation to declare Gods counsell he did not stay altogether in one place but went from place to place to publish the tidings of life Thereby shewing thus much Doct. That some of all places and of all nations are appointed to eternall life by Christ Jesus As the Sun in the Firmanent though not all at once yet by succession doth cast his light and heat upon all the parts of the earth more or lesse So the Son of righteousnes sooner or later bringeth some out of all places and nations from darknes to light from death to life from ignorance to the knowledge of the truth This was shadowed as some conceive by the four corners of the Altar and sprinkling of blood round about it Exod. 27.6 7 8. nothing the all-sufficiency of Christ's death the plenty of his bloodshed the manifestation of him to the four corners of the world by the ministry of the Gospell This was Prophesied Zzech 14.8 And it shall be in that day that living waters shall go out from Jerusalem half of them towards the former sea and half of them towards the hinder sea in Summer and in Winter shall it be As the sea sendeth her streams to all the corners of the earth as the King swaying over the parts of his Kingdom Psal 72.6 7 8. He shall come down like rain upon the mowen grasse as showers that water the earth In his dayes shall the righteous flourish and abundance of peace so long as the moon endureth he shall also have Dominion from Sea to Sea and from the river unto the ends of the earth Therefore he gave his Apostles a large commission Math. 28.19 Go teach all nations c. and long before he told the people Math. 8.11 I say unto you that many shall come from the East and West and shal sit down with Abraham Isaac and Iacob in the Kingdom of God and this was the tenure of their song Rev. 5.9 And they sung a new song saying thou
Kingdom is weakned 5. The more excuseles men will be in the day of judgement Vse A great incouragement to all Gods people specially to Gods Ministers to be industrious in all places not at any time hiding their light under a bushell but setting it upon the Candlestick that all that will not shut their eyes may see by it not being as a sealed fountaine but as a flowing streame to refresh the thirsty Souls of our bretheren Learning by our Saviours Example to do good in all places where we come going up and down seeking whom to save as Sathan compasseth the earth seeking whom he may devour compassing Sea and Land to turne men to God as the Pharises did to make a prosylite an embracer of their superstition Were our care and diligence thus manifested were our time thus redeemed our abilities thus exercised then 1. We should leave in all places a sweet savour behind us 2. We should prevent the commission of many evills 3. We should take from Sathan much advantage which he now hath against us 4. We should enlighten many blind understandings 5. We should revive many dejected Spirits 6. We should make fruitfull many barren Souls 7. We should reclaime many wandering sheep 8. We should replenish the fold of Christ Jesus 9. We should make the Gospel glorious 10. We should multiply our owne graces 11. We should make our appearance at last very comfortable before Christ Jesus Thus of the place 4. The reason why he baptized there because their was much water there other places afforded not so much water as this place did therefore he made choise of this where you may see 1. That the Sacrament of Baptisme ought to be administred in pure water without any mixture 2. That in antient time the whole body of the baptized did use to be washed 3. That Ministers ought to make choise of the most convenient places for the execution of their office of each of these a word or two Doctr. 1 The Sacrament of baptisme must be administred in pure water without any mixture As Naaman washed in the River of Jordan without any thing mingled with it and was healed So must we in this Jordan For so was Christ himself baptized Math. 3.16 So was the Eunuch baptized Acts 8.38 39. Therefore called washing Eph. 5.26 Acts 8.36 Acts 2.41 Math. 28.19 Thus they 1 Cor. 10.2 This answereth the water flowing from our Saviours side as the Wine in the Lords supper doth answer the blood which our Saviour shed and this doth represent the thing thereby signified the washing away of our sinnes Therefore Augustine Tolle aquam baptismus non erit Where by the way we may see the Manichees refuted refusing to use water in baptisme because as they fondly conceived the devill and not God had made the water Their errour discovered who would not baptize with water because Iohn baptized with water but Christ baptized with the Holy Ghost Their practice confuted who insteed of sprinkling water did impresse the forme of a crosse with a hot Iron in the forehead of their children because it is said that Christ did baptize with the Holy Ghost and with fire understanding that literally which was ment Spiritually The weak conceipt of such overturned as think the child may be baptized in Wine Oile or other liquour whereas Acts 8.36 Eph. 5.26 Water is the onely sanctified and appointed Element It also overthroweth the errour and presumtuous practice of the Papists in adding Salt Oile Spittle c. to the Element of Water a practice savouring of no lesse pride than ignorance For it is not in the power of any man or Angel but onely of God to appoint the matter of a Sacrament No man must dare to add to any of Gods Ordinances no creature can make them more compleat and perfect Dutr. 12.32 Whatsoever is by nams invention annexed to it is will-worship which God abhorreth Coll. 2.24 Such as hath neither precept or example in Scripture to warrant it but are taken partly from Iudaisme as Salt and Oile partly from their one blind zeale as spittle and partly from the abuse of the practise of the Church in the time of persecution used to preach and baptize in the night by candle light and hence the Papists will have their candles burning in the day But to leave these cold and comfortles discourses let us returne to our selves and as the water is the Element in Baptisme so let us labour to see that Baptisme in us produce such effects as the water useth to do in things subject to the operation thereof and 1. As the water doth wash the body so let us be stirred up to get our Souls washed from sinne and uncleanenes this is the worst dirt a filthines which doth most defile a Leprosie which doth most deforme no spot so sordid no blemish so uneasily removed no deformity but this causeth us to be refused of God it is not unwashen hands a polluted face but an unwashed Soule which the Lord doth hate this is that the Lord would have us put away Jer. 4.14 All other washings are nothing worth the heart remaining uncleane unwasht it is not so much the outside as the inside of the platter doth defile the meat therefore the Lord will have both to be washed Iames 4.8 And this Davids Prayer Psal 51.2 7. This is Gods promise and the work of his Spirit upon all his chosen children Ezek. 36.26 This is a testimony of his surest love Ezek. 16.9 The sweetest favour that he bestowes on any of his servants to wash away their sin is a greater mercy and higher honour than to cloath them with the richest raiment and seate them in the most eminent places of dignity for as Exod. 29.4 Aaron and his sonnes were washed with water before they ministred in the tabernacle so must we wash before ever we can Minister unto God in any acceptable manner as Iohn 13.8 Christ washed Peters feet else he could not have part in him so unless we be inwardly washed we can have no part in Christ as Levit. 1.9 The inwards and the leggs of the burnt offering was to be washed in water So must our inward parts be washed before we can offer our selves to God Therefore as Naomi advised Ruth intending to joyne herself in wedlock with Boas Ruth 3.3 Wash thy selfe therefore and anoint thee c. So let me advise as many of you as intend to joyne vour selves in this holy wedlock with Iesus Christ wash your selves from your iniquities anoint your selves with the Oile of grace be cloathed with the garment of true holines that so God may delight in you 2. As the water doth supply and make soft and tender the grounds whereon it falleth things cast into it So must we labour to find our hearts by vertue of the grace of the Spirit represented and comunicated to us in baptisme made soft and tender flexible and obedient to the will of God This is Gods
worke in the heart of his people Ezek. 16.4 Turning the hearts which were as hard as stones into hearts as tender as flesh Ezek. 36.26 This is a sweet and delightfull Sacrifice unto him Psal 51.17 This is a subject capable of Gods Word as the broken and tender ground is capable of the seed Ier. 4.3 4. Gods eyes are mercifully bent towards them he will communicate his comforts in a plentifull manner to them he will not behave himselfe as a stranger but as a most loving friend towards them Isa 57.15 A contrite heart is a loadstone of more force to draw the love of God to us than all worldly Ornaments Isa 66.2 A jewell of more price with God than many rubies 1 Pet. 3.34 To whom will God be a Physitian to to heal the wounds of the Soul but to the broken heart Psal 147.3 With whom will he be present to whom will he be a sure defence but the contrite heart Psal 34.18 To whom will he make his Gospel a joyfull tidings but the broaken Isa 61.1 2. Who will have a joyfull harvest they that sow in tears Psal 126.5 6. That goeth forth weeping This is one end of our baptisme one fruit thereof in all Gods people Luk. 3.5 And therefore let us all strive to be made partakers of it 3. As the water doth quench the flaming and burning fire so let us strive to feel the vertue of our baptisme in extinguishing all the fiery lusts that are within us in quenching all sinfull and libidinous and disorderly affections as a man cast into a deep water will feel his body cooled burning heats removed so must we strive to feel all unlawfull heats in our Souls by vertue of this water extinguished therefore resembled to a grave wherein all our lusts are buried and how strong soever before yet now they are as a dead body which doth every day more and more consume Rom. 6.3 4 5 6. 4. As the waters doth cause the herbes grasse trees and plants arising out of the earth to grow and flourish So must these waters of baptisme cause us to grow in Sanctification to be like the willowes Isa 44.3 Like the tree Psal 1.3 This is that God requireth 2 Pet. 3.18 This is the property of all the trees in Gods Orchard of Gods Planting Psal 92.13 14. We must imitate our Saviour Luk. 2.52 As the children in the family grow so must we as many as are children in Gods family grow to further perfection in the grace of Gods Spirit Like good Schollers in the Schoole of Christ Like Israelites moving after the fiery Pillar Like Jacobs driving his flocks though slowly like Josuah more and more subduing the Cananites which opposed Like David in his warres against Saul growing stronger and Saul weaker this will make us able 1. To discerne the things that differ Heb. 5.14 2. To take the opportunities God affordeth for the welfare of our Souls 3. To run with chearfullnes the race which God hath set before us 4. To conquer with facility all oppositions 5. To depend on God with much assurance 6. To appeare before him with much boldnes confidence and gladness Thus of the first point the second was this Doctr. 2 That in antient times the whole body of the Baptized did use to be washed Christ went downe into Jordan Math. 3.16 The Eunuch and Philip went into the water Acts 8.38 Resembled to a buriall wherein not one part but every member is buried Rom. 6.4 Wherein the Apostle setteth forth three degrees of our Sanctification 1. The first Mortification whereby the power of sin is destroyed resembled by the putting into the Water and expressed by a death of sin 2. The progresse of our Mortification resembled by the resting of the body under the water and expressed by a buriall with Christ because as the body buried doth continually moulder so doth sin in them that are Gods Children 3. Vivification Newnes of heart life resembled by the rising of the body out of the water and expressed by a resurrection out of the grave Thus the whole body was then dipped or dived into the water as divers Councels testifie Yet not of absolute necessity it should be now as it was then For then they were for the most part of mature age before they were baptized being such as were converted from Paganisme they were instructed in the Christian faith and desired Baptisme before they did participate thereof And besides their countrey was very hot But now few of ripe years are Baptized our countries are cold and therefore the sprinkling of water upon the child is used and that without any injury unto or violation of the Sacrament and that for these reasons 1. Because Baptisme doth signify a sprinkling as well as a dipping into the water 2. The thing signified the sprinkling of Christs blood upon our consciences is signified by the sprinkling of the water upon the Child as well as by dipping it into the water The Analogie between the signe and the thing signified remaineth 3. The weaknes of the Children requiring it The Ceremoniall must give place to the Morall Law charity and necessity may dispence with ceremonies and in equity mitigate their sharpness they being ordained for man and not man for them Onely that which was thereby in baptisme represented unto them and unto us and which we are to learne from it is this That as the whole body was dipped in the water so the whole man must be renewed every sin must be renounced every good duty practised every faculty of the Soul every member of the body must be sanctified graciously exercised in the duties of Godlines As the floore of the house was overlaid with gold within and without 1 King 6.30 So must we have the inward and the outward man adorned with the grace of the Spirit we must like the spouse be glorious within and richly arrayed without Psal 45.13 Thus Ps 119.128 and Luk. 1.6 To the end we may so do consider That 1. By this we shall resemble God as the aire thoroughly inlightned doth resemble the Sun in brightnes hence the change wrought in Gods Servants the restoring of Gods image is likened not to the putting off of a glove from the hand or a shoe from the foot but the putting off of the whole raiment Eph. 4.22 23 24. 2. Hereby we shall shew the truth of repentance which like Noahs flood drowneth hills and valleys all sinnes like a faithfull Physician letteth out the corruption out of every wound Counterfeit repentance like Saul spareth Agag and the best of the beasts But true repentance like Samuel sheatheth the sword in Agag too even in the dearest sin Unsound repentance like Pharaoh will let the aged men go some old sinnes wherein the sinner hath now no more pleasure But Pharaoh will not suffer the younger ones to depart no more will the unsound heart suffer his new sinnes to depart wherein for the present he taketh delight
answer to the Papists for none at greater variance than themselves among themselves who can reckon up the discords between the Popes themselves the secular Priests and Jesuits the Monks Canonists and the like they must first heal their owne wounds before they can object our scarres Yet their discords will not justify our contentions no more than quarrels between thieves cut-purses drunkards will justify the contention of honest sober men but we must bewaile the discords that are amongst us pray to the God of peace to suppresse attend the word of peace the instrument with which God doth use to work therefore let mee say to you as the Apostle doth to the Thessalonians 1 Thes 5.13 14. Let us labour for sincerity of heart freedome from corruption this sin is the cause of all quarrell nothing is more effectuall to quench this fire than the water of sanctification which is the internall baptising of the heart and for this the outward baptisme is called a purifying whence note Doctr. The efficacy and the proper fruit of Baptisme consisteth in the purging away of our corruption Therefore Paul resembleth it to a grave wherein our corruption is buried like a dead man Rom. 6.4 Other to a sprinkling of water not upon the body but the conscience 1 Pet. 3.21 not the putting away the filth of the flesh c. Reas 1 Because they who are effectually Baptised have Communion with Christ Gal. 3.27 None are in Christ but such as are sanctified 2 Cor. 5 17. Reas 2 Because they who are effectually Baptised are truely penitent therefore called the Baptisme of repentance Luc. 3.3 Marc. 1.4 True repentance there is none where there is not sanctification where sin like filthy dirt in the house is not washed away Reas 3 Because they who are effectually Baptised are ingrafted into the Mysticall body of Christ 1 Cor. 12.13 Now none are true and living members of that body but such as are truely cleansed from their sin Use This must therefore teach us not to content our selves with the outward washing of the flesh in baptisme but let us strive to feel the internall effecacy of it in our Souls Having our consciences sprinkled within our bodies washed without the inward and the outward man also renued not thinking it enough that we have the shell unles we have also the kernell the sheath unles we have also the sword the bowe without the arrow the parchment without writting hand seale delivery Pharaoh and the Aegyptians were in the red sea as well as Israel but they were drowned Israel had a safe passage as Jo. 6.63 You must feel the quickning Spirit move in your Souls in the use of this Sacrament as the Angel moved in the Pool of Betheshda or the diseass of your Soul will not be healed you must find your lusts mortified it is nothing worth your bodies are washed if the fire of concupiscence within be not quenched as Gal. 6.14 15. Nothing in the Kingdome of God is of any accompt but onely a new creature therefore under circumcision he comprehendeth the preheminence of the Jew which though it were much Rom. 3.1 Rom. 9.4 by uncircumcision the wisedome strength love Policy of the Gentile though of great esteeme in the eyes of the world yet of no accompt in the eyes of God Regeneration sanctification are in chief esteeme with him not the noble wise rich strong creature but a new creature see Luc. 16.15 1 Cor. 1.26 and 1 Tim. 4.18 Therefore as Gideon pulled down the Altar his father had erected and then set up another at Gods commandement as men put off an old and then put on a new garment so let us Eph. 4.22 whatsoever we have hitherâ—o have been let us be so no more but let us strive to be such that it may be said of us as 1 Cor. 6.9 10 11. VERS 26. IN this Verse we have set before us the occasion of the controversy between some of John's Disciples and the Jewes the Disciples of John saw the people frequent our Saviours Doctrine morâ— than they did their Mr the Baptist and hereupon took occasion to quarell with them came to the Baptist and complained of it as loath to see their Masters honour overshadowed by the shining of a more glorious Sun 2. Their ignorance they heard what the Baptist had taught of our Saviour they saw what he did to our Saviour how he Baptised him but yet did not understand that Christ was the Sonne the Saviour and Redeemer of the World 3. The danger of over-much admiring the persons of our teachers they â—o admired his person that they did not rightly conceive his Doctrine that they did disable Christ and cried up the Baptist 4. The fidelity of the Baptist in his calling for so they confesse that the Baptist did beare witnes of Christ 5. Their envy at the successe of Christs Ministry of these in their Order From the of these we learne Doctr. That self-love and ambition are many times an occasion of most contention this is like the evill Spirit that came between Abimelech and the men of Shechem turning their Union into division their love into hatred their peace into trouble this is a bellowes kindling the coales of strif betweeÌ„ such as are knit together in the strictest bonds why did Josephs Brethren sell him into Aegypt but out of self-love because they would not be subject to him Why else did Eliab quarrell with David 1 Sa. 17.28 This made Saul seek the life of David a most faithfull beneficiall Servant this disturbed the peace even of the Apostles Luc. 22.24 and Solomon maketh it a generall rule Prov. 13.10 Reas 1 Because pride and self-love doth breed envy at other mens endowments and at the successe of other mens undertakings envy is the spawn of pride the daughter of self-love a branch alwayes adhering to this root Luc. 15.18 Dan. 6.4 Phil. 1.15 Reas 2 Because pride and self-love cause men to aime at by and base ends neglecting the glory of God the welfare of the Gospel the good of their brethren and to seek their owne applause ease wealth as the Apostle long since complained Phil. 2.21 and our Saviour discovereth this as the speciall cause of the Pharises contention against him Ioh. 5.44 Reas 3 Because self-love and pride doth occasion men to make evill and false constructions of the doings and purposes of others 1 Sam. 17.28 This made the Pharises think that our Saviour came to take their place from them Reas 4 Because pride and self-love doth make men ingratefull yea to contend with and render evill to such as seek to do them the greatest good yea that have shewed them the greatest love let David be a wall about Nabals men and possessions in the Wildernes 1 Sam. 25.16 yet Nabal that regards no man but himself will raile at him abuse him if he demand any assistance from him so Jud. 8.1 and Jud. 12.1 2 3. Thus self-love made the
Pharises who should have rejoyced in the coming of Christ as at the appearing of the most glorious and comfortable Sun that ever did shine to be full of indignation at it Use This must therefore cause us if we purpose to enjoy any true peace to receive any true comfort by Gods Ordinances to hold any comfortable Communion with Gods Servants to pluck up this evill weed to quench this fire to hew down this tree to suppresse this self-love and haughtines of Spirit no more seeking our selves no more serving our lusts no more living to our selves no more accompting all fish lost which cometh not into our owne net all the Oile spilt that is not put into our Lamp the honour misplaced that is not bestowed on us as they Mic. 3.5 But let us learne 1. To deny our selves our owne lusts reason ends desires living no longer to the flesh Mar. 8.34 Let us become little in our eyes lower and viler than dust truely apprehensive of and thoroughly affected with our owne sin with our owne unworthines and we shall find little occasion to contend with our fellow brethren to envy the graces of God in them but rather desire them out of their abundance to communicate to our necessities and this is their surest way to honour as our Saviour said in another case Math. 10.39 So in this case he that seeketh his owne honour shall loose it but he that forsaketh his owne praise he shall find it as Ioh. 8.50 54. Luc. 14.11 Before honour humility c. Ia 4.6 1 Pet. 5.6 2. To live wholy and altogether unto God seeking his glory bringing forth fruit to him devoring our selves wholy to his service as the wife forsaketh her fathers house becometh her Husbands and seeketh how to please him So must we leave the World and things most deare to the flesh and study how to please the Lord this is given in charge 1 Cor. 10.30 To this we are earnestly perswaded Rom. 12.1 2. 2 Cor. 5.15 and did we make Gods honour the mark whereunto we levell all our arrowes did we make this the end of our labour and desires as Phil. 1.15 16. We would be glad if God might be honoured whither by our selves or by any other instrument did we thus glorify God we should not faile to receive honour from the Lord 1 Sam. 2.30 3. To seek the good of our brethren as one member in the body doth seek the good of another to communicate what we have received as the full clouds do their raine to the barren grounds This is required 1 Cor. 10.24 practised 2 Cor. 12.14 This is the way to abound in the grace of the Spirit to shine in holines not the envying of other mens spirituall welfare but endeavouring to increase it 1 Cor. 9.6 Heb 6.10 4. To rejoyce in the welfare of our brethren as in our owne not like Cain that murdered Abel because more righteous than himselfe Not like Esau hating Iacob because he had obtained the blessing Not like Saul maligning David because he had slaine his ten thousands when Saul himselfe had slaine but his thousand but rather because with David 1 Chro. 29.17 2 Cor. 12.26 Iohn 12. Eph. 4. The second thing is their ignorance they heard what testimony the Baptist gave of our Saviour yet they understood it not for then they would not have envied but readily followed him as others did Doctr. That there are many who heare good and sound Doctrine delivered affect the person teaching it and yet do neither truely nor savingly understand it The Disciples saw the Miracles of Christ heard the Doctrine he delivered gave some Testimony of their love for they followed him but yet understood not his Doctrine Ioh. 6.60 61. This is also verified in Nicodemus Ioh. 3.5 8 9 10. In the Women of whom Paul speaketh 2 Tim. 3.7 Yea some undertake to be guides to others themselves not knowing the way 1 Tim. 1.6 7. and this so cometh to pass 1. Partly thorough the spirituall high and heavenly nature of divine things which the carnall eye cannot discerne 1 Cor. 2.14 A riddle which the naturall man cannot unfold unles he have Gods Spirit vers 11. As Sampson told the Philistines they could not have opened his riddle unles they had plowed which his heafer 2. Partly thorough some base and by ends which men propose unto themselves making their attendance on the word a hooke to take some other fish Judas followed Christ because he did beare the bag the Disciples because they had eaten of the bread 3. Partly thorough the sinister notives which stirre up some to attend upon the Word the novelty the applause accompanying carnall relations to the teachers of it to them that do embrace it horrour of conscience dismall feares which cause them to attend on it the Raven cometh into the Ark for feare of the Deluge Ahab humbleth himselfe when a judgment is threatned 4. Partly thorough the deceitfulnes of many mens hearts supposing it enough that they do heare though they do no more never searching as the Bereans did Acts 17.11 Never enclining the eare and applying the heart unto understanding as Solomon giveth charge Prov. 2.2 3 4. But as Ier. 7.10 as Prov. 7.14 therefore Ioh. 1.23 24 25. 5. Partly thorough the just judgment of God who sendeth a spirituall slumber upon some that seeing they shall not perceive and hearing they shall not understand Isa 6.10 but Isa 29.11 Whereunto agreeth that of our Saviour Mat. 13.13 14. and 2 Cor. 4.3 Vse This therefore must give every one of us occasion on to make triall of our selves whether we are not guilty of this sin whether we do not content our selves with the bare hearing of the Word or else do also savingly know and understand it a grace whereof few do participate a lamp that shineth in few mens Souls a work of a singular nature of the truest comfort of the greatest benefit a blessing peculiar to Gods faithfull a jewell not gotten without much diligence a tree loaden with the choisest fruit fountaine full of the purest water Therefore it is good wisedome to try while we are endowed with it 1. True knowledge is alwayes accompained with true humility contrition of heart meeknes of Spirit and a Holy teachablenes the whole man will readily subject it selfe to every Ordinance of God So that he who was once an indomitable beast now a child a weake man Gods Minister shall lead him Isa 11.6 True knowledge taketh downe the haughtines of the Spirit breaketh the obstinacy of the heart maketh man say as Paul did Acts 9.6 as Cornelius Acts 10.33 and maketh him with Job Job 42.6 putteth him altogether out of conceit with himselfe 1 Cor. 3.18 thus Ia. 3.17 The wisedome which is from above is gentle easily intreated as Naaman having the sight of his Leprosy hearkned to the advice of a maid to go to the Prophet and afterward to go to Jordan by the persvasion of his Servants Mat. 11.29 2.
before the Lord with sincere and unpright hearts and then Ps 145.18 19. Let us have no more to do with sin but say as Ephraim to his Idols Hos 14.8 let us take us Words vers 2.3 and then vers 4.5 6 7. Let us win on God with patience and constancy and the Lord at length will look upon us in mercy Heb. 10 35. Whatsoever be our want in the Lord is all fullnes all readiness to supply us therefore as Ia. 1.5 So if thou want faith knowledge patience if thou want tendrings of heart peace of conscience sence of Gods love or any other good blessing aske it the Lord will surely bestow it on thee Hanna was troubled with her barrenness cryed to the Lord he opened her womb Solomon considered the weightines of his calling sought wisedome and the Lord gave him wisedome Sampson was much oppressed with thirst called on the Lord and the Lord gave him water Iud. 15.18 19. In like manner when the barrenness of grace want of knowledge doth afflict thee seek it at the hands of the Lord and the Lord shall grant the supplication of thy Soul unto thee had we but hearts to seek we might enjoy what now we want the ignorant might be full of knowledge the empty Lamp might be full of oile the weake faith which shaketh like a withered reed might be like a Cedar of deep and strong roots the Soul which is like a barren vineyard might be full of grace like the valleys overspread with Corn and good pasture the naked Soul might be well armed richly apparelled the dejected Spirit might be full of comfort the mind that is pressed down with worldly cares like a cart with sheaves might soar aloft as on eagles wings unto the heavens the unstable Soul might be as well fastned the wilderness of the life might be made a Paradise a sweet Communion with God a holy fellow ship with the saints might be maintained much delight might be found in Gods Ordinances Isa 41.17 18 19. Isa 44.3 This must teach us to receive all as from God whatsoever our care labour industry hath been yet let us not look upon what we possesse as upon yarne of our owne weaving fish of our owne taking Hab. 1.16 Upon a house of our owne building as Dan. 4.30 But let us looke on all we have as on Gods blessing a gift from Gods hand a light shining from the sun of Gods bounty though Paul plant and Apollo water the encrease is Gods though Israel fight the victory is the Lords whatsoever evill is in us whatsoever evill is committed by us is the seed of our owne sowing whatsoever evill is inflicted on us is a wages of our owne deserving whatsoever good we work it is the labour of Gods finger whatsoever good we receive it is of the fulnes and freedome of Gods bounty therefore we must all say as 1 Cor. 29 11 12 13.14.15 16. for Prov. 21.31 Therefore let us fasten our eyes on all both internall and externall endowments as on shewers falling from the cloud of Gods love as on gifts given by the Lords hand even the least the meanest as well as upon the fairest of our possessions this will make us the more sensible of Gods love the more ashamed of our ingratitude and disobedience this will the more endeare and oblige our hearts to God this will make us the more thankfull the more circumspect and heavenly minded in the use of them nothing doth more occasion the abuse of Gods blessing than forgetfulnes of the hand whence they have there originall and beginning Ps 78.10 11. 4. This may acquaint us with a sure way how to be provided for in all estates to find a supply in all our wants to have some liccour alwayes in our vessel to refresh us some fruit upon the barrenest tree to relieve us God you see is the giver of every good blessing all cometh from him therefore get into his favour and you shall want no good thing be regenerate become a new creature make God your Father and your wants shall be supplied let the prodigall returne and in his Fathers house there is all manner of provision his Father kindly entertaining him Luc. 15. So let us do c. for as Mat. 7.11 this hath the promise Psal 84. â—â— Used as a motive to stirre up men to feare God Psal 34.10 to follow Christ Matth 19.29.30 This will bring us within the Covenant giveth us interest in all Gods blessings we shall be in league and Job 5.23 24 25 26. We shall enjoy security boldnes towards God tranquility and cheerfulnes in our hearts Job 11.13 14 15 16 17 18. It is not a carnall vexing care a greedy heaping up of things of the earth that will be sufficient defence a never setting light a never failing streame but the fruition of Gods love is the way to win it Mat. 6.33 this Psal 23. â— If God be Shepheard he will provide pasture and Ps 37.25 it is iniquity an ungracious conversation that bringeth want Pro. 13.25 Eccles 5.13.14 5. Is every good gift from God cometh it all from him then let us remember that we must give an accompt of all we do enjoy we are not Lords but stewards of Gods blessings such as must yield accompt to God of all our abilities though it be long before the Lord call us yet he will at length require a strict accompt of all our doings how we spent our time our strength our temporall blessing our spirituall graces how they have been improved what increase hath been made therefore as the Apostle said in another case 2 Cor. 1.24 1 Pet. 5.2 3. So in this case use what you have received not as Lords to do with it what you list but as they who must be accountable to the Lord that not onely for the greatest but also for the least blessings as our Saviour said we must render accompt of every idle Word so we must render accompt of every little favour which God hath bestowed on us the time will come Luc. 16.2 Therefore we should think of this that we might be able to do it with joy Heb. 13.16 6. As it is all from God so let us be carefull to imploy it to the honour of God his good ground receiving good seed yieldeth a good increase as the good servant Mat. 25.20 as it cometh from heaven so let us use it in a heavenly manner to the praise of him whose dwelling is in the heavens this their very originall doth challenge Ro. 11.36 This the Dominion that God hath over all doth claime this the end which God proposeth to himselfe in all his works doth require Prov. 16.4 Rev. 4.11 Ephes 1.5 6. and it is the charge 1 Cor. 6.20 and if we neglect this we abuse the gift we have received it is a wrong to the creature to restraine it from the service of the Creator I. It is a wrong to the light
shall be as a house builded on the rock and they as the waves of the Sea dashing themselves in pieces with the great assaults which they make against us IV. This procureth the truest and sweetest peace this turneth the tossing and raging Sea of a troubled conscience into a pleasant calme This like Noahs dove bringeth an Olive branch of peace like the Starre to the Wise men filleth the heart with much joy and gladnes this uniteth us to the Prince of peace reconcileth us to the God of peace maketh our hearts the temples of the spirit of peace for Rom. 5.1 and Ioh. 16.33 this is the fruit of holines Rom. 2.10 the attendant of an heavenly mind Ro. 8.6 in this standeth the Kingdome of God Rom. 14.17 and of this all that walke according to the rule of Gods Word shall infallibly participate Gal. 6.16 The 4th thing is the Commission the Ministers of God have before they do undertake this calling they go not of their owne accord but they stand heare they wait upon God for instruction they deliver not their owne devices but they wait upon God for his counsell and direction Doctr. GOds Ministers must be furnished with abilities before they undertake this calling and be sure that the Word of God do warrant their Doctrine they must be furnished with abilities as the Lamp with Oile for Mat. 5.14 as the well with water for Mal. 2.7 Deut. 32.2 as the Generall with skill and valour for 2 Tim. 2.3 as the Physician with art to discerne diseases and to apply right remedies Isa 61.10 As nurses have milk in their breasts 1 Thes 2.7 As Aaron was anointed Exod. 29.21 So must the Ministers be anointed with the grace of the Spirit Jer. 1.5 as they must be furnished with abilities so their Doctrine must be warranted by the Scriptures they are Gods mouth and therefore must not speake their owne but Gods language Ier. 15.19 Gods Embassadours and therefore must not deliver their owne but Gods message 2 Cor. 5.19 furnished they must be with abilities 1. Because the worke they undertake is a worke of great weight the glory of God and welfare of the souls of men is so deeply interest Onus vel ipsis angelis formidandum as Bernard speaketh a task requiring the strongest arme to effect it a building the laying of whose foundation requireth much wisedome 1 Cor. 3.10 a labour so hard that the Apostle proposeth the question 2 Cor. 2.16 2. A work of great difficulty the Scripture like Iacob's Well are deep our owne armes are too short to reach unto the waters therein a heavenly language to the unfolding whereof the tongue of the learned is required Isai 50.4 The hearts of men are very deceitfull they must handle the Word of God skilfully who will make it like a two edged sword dividing between the bone the marrow the joynts and the Spirit Heb. 4.12 the new birth is a hard work requiring a skilfull midwife much labour Gal. 4.19 abundance of strength the rooting up of these briars the planting of the trees of holines in the Lords vineyard requireth strong hands men furnished with good gifts if we look on the difficulty of bringing men out of the bondage of sin and Satan we may say as Moses did in another case Exo. 3.11 12. 3. A work resisted by forcible and subtle opposition the emenies of mans salvation are many powerfull crafty violent striving to hold the winds of the Gospel that they may not blow Rev. 7.1 standing at the right hand of Josuah that he may not Sacrifice Zach. 3.1 an old and subtle Serpent Rev. 12.9 his Souldiers are strongly armed Rev. 9.9 10. ready to withstand the messengers of the Lord as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses 2 Tim. 3.8 and therefore Gods Ministers must not be like naked men without armes but thoroughly furnished with every good gift 4. It is the grace of the Spirit which will make them abundant and plenteous in their labours this will make them like the Sun rejoyce to run the race which is set before them like the full clouds pour out abundantly their waters for the refreshing of the Souls of Gods people This will make them that they shall not be silent but as Job 32.18 19 20. This will constraine them to labour make the Word of God be as fire in their bones this will be as a spurre in their sides so that they shall say as 1 Cor. 15.10 And as they must be thus qualified so their Doctrine must be warranted by the Scriptures Because that Doctrine alone which is grounded upon the Scripture doth I. Open Gods counsell will and purpose touching our eternall salvation in these alone God speaketh this is the letter wherein the mind of God is unfolded the looking glasse wherein we may see the beauty of Gods holines Psal 27.4 All other writings of humane learning are in this regard but like painted lights dark Lanternes like the images Psal 115.5 6. Men of the greatest wisedome undertaking to declare Gods counsell without the sound study of Gods Word may say as Job did Job 42.3 and confesse as he did in another case Ps 139.6 therefore Paul who revealed the whole counsell of God Act. 20.26 taught nothing but what was grounded upon the Law and the Prophets Acts 26.22 Acts 28.23 II. This doth enlighten the understanding make us wise unto salvation 2 Tim. 3.16 17. therefore Joh. 5.39 III. This doth comfirme the faith of Gods people This is a sure foundation a firme anchor all other Doctrines are but sand this is a sure Word 2 Pet. 1.19 This is no deceitfull bow but like the bow of Ionathan it never returneth empty it alwayes accomplisheth that whereto it is sent Isa 55.10 it is sure Psal 19.7 As the Lord said of Eliakim Esa 22.23 So may I say of the Word of God Psal 111.7 8. IV. This is mighty in beating down the holds of sin this maketh the mouth of Gods Messenger like a sharp sword Isai 49.2 their Doctrine like sharp arrows in the hearts of men Psal 45.4 making them to stoop and humble themselves Acts 2.37 this like Canon shot battering down the strongest wals like a burning fire trying the Metall making a separation all Doctrine without this is weake like a withered reed like a dead carkasse Mat. 7.29 V. This hath a regenerating vertue 1 Pet. 1.23 therefore likened to good seed Mat. 13.23 24. a voyce awakening the dead in sin Ioh. 5.25 therefore called the Word of life Phil. 2.14 Use This therefore sheweth it to be a great misery to the Church to be pestered with insufficient Ministers with such as have no competent abilities to discharge their callings by reason whereof the Souls of men are as a diseased patient under the hand of an ignorant Physitian having no skill to cure him as a barren field under clouds which have no raine to pour upon them as flocke under a Shepheard that hath no pasture
Bridegroome so do they to hear the voyce of Christ Cant. 5.16 Reas 6 From the love which it doth breed in their hearts towards Christ This like a bellowes bloweth up the coales of their affections like the warme Sun it heateth their frozen hearts causeth them to be rooted and grounded in love Ephes 3.18 19. So to love him as to leave all for him Mat. 10.37 to despise all in comparison of him Luc. 14.26 an affection so strong that nothing can breed a separation Rom. 8.35 38 and loving Christ so fervently they cannot chuse but rejoyce abundantly in him love and joy like joynt companions go together Gal. 5.22 like the Sun and the light they will not he separated the one from the other Reas 7 From the operation of the Holy Ghost which doth attend it the Spirit of God which is the Fountaine of all joy is given with the Ministry of the word this is the key by which our hearts are opened and the Holy Ghost admitted into our Souls hence Acts 10.44 1 Thes 1.6 Acts 13.52 Reas 8 From the benefits which arise from hence by this the understanding is enlightned 2 Cor. 4.6 their faith is confirmed Ephes 1.13 victory over Satan obtained Ier. 31.11 their hearts are so softened and made tender as ground by the dewes Deu. 32.2 Isa 55.10 their affections are purified as the Corn by the fanne Mat. 2.12 Ier. 23.29 their consciences are purified Isa 57.19 their love and zeale is increased of a small drop these affections become like a flowing streame of few sparks become a burning flame of weake plants they become tall trees full of good fruit and hence as Acts 3.8 so Isa 35.5 6. Reas 9 From the protection which by this meanes they enjoy the Ministry of the Gospel is as Horsemen and Chariots to the people a sure defence Gods Ministers the best Watchmen the best Souldiers the Word of God is the surest shield the strongest shot the sounding of the Trumpet prevailed more against the walls than much Canon shot the shining of the Lamps the cry of the Sword of the Lord and Gideon put the Midianites to flight sooner than an army of men the Arke put the Philistines in greater feare than all the Israelitish army when the Ministry of life was removed from Ierusalem their house lest desolate then the Temple was cast to the ground Reas 10 From the grief which they conceive at the removing of it as Phinea's Wife would not be comforted when the Arke was taken away 1 Sam. 4.21 Ioseph and Mary went up and down sorrowing when Christ was lost Luk. 2.46 so the people of God are full of heaviness at the absence of the Word La. 2.6 12. Ps 74.9 Use This discovereth the misery of such as take no joy as delight not in the fruition of the Gospel to whom it is as light to the blind not seeing it musick to the deafe not hearing it food to the sick not relishing it want of delight in that Word of God is a sufficient argument of alienation from God an apparent testimony that we are not of God that we have not tasted of Gods goodnes he that doth not with David dance before the Lords Arke hath not Davids heart wanteth Davids love is a strangers to Davids sence and feeling of the working of Gods Word and Spirit within him He that looketh on this as on a vessell without water a tree without fruite a Lamp without Oile hath a heart without grace who is it but a Stoick a man of a stupified heart a seared conscience that accompteth Pauls preaching to be but babling that saith Job 21.14 A theef hideth himselfe from light Ioh. 3.20 Who but the deaf taketh no comfort in pleasant musick Psal 58.5 Mat. 11.17 Who but they that know not the things belonging to their peace Luk. 19.42 are not delighted with the Gospel of peace how canst thou be the Child of God if thou rejoyce not to heare the voyce of thy Father How canst thou be the Bride of Christ if thou art not affected with the language of thy Husband How canst thou be a new creature if like a new borne Child thou art not delighted with the milk of these breasts How canst thou be a traveller towards the heavenly Canaan and not be glad to see this fiery Pillar shine before thee How canst thou be a man of a hungry stomack and not be glad of this honey-comb How canst thou be experienced in the assaults of Satan and not rejoyce at the having of this weapon he cannot be the faithfull servant of God that findeth no delight in the Word of God Vse 2 This discovereth the cause why the people of God do so desire Gods Word Psa 27.4 Why they thirst after it as dry ground thirsteth Ps 63.1 Why they seek it Amos 8.12 why they incourage one another Zach. 8.21 why they wait Pro. 8.34 as Ioh. 5.5 Acts 3.3 why they say Ioh. 6.34 It is musick to their eares and they like David 2 Sam 6.16 it is Isa 25.6 and as Eccles 10.19 it is the joy and rejoycing of their hearts Ier. 15.16 It is the Sun that giveth light to them in darknes the staffe that sustaineth them in their weakenes the Arke bearing them up in the deepest deluge of troubles the Fountaine affording refreshment when all their water brooks do faile therefore no wonder they attend upon it Use 3 This must cause every one of us to try whether we can find this joy in the Word of God in hearing the Gospel preached whether it be to our Souls as the voyce of a kind friend a gracious Father a loving husband whether these apples these flagons Cant. 2.4 comfort stay and glad our hearts as they with their bottles Hos 5.3 made the King glad and if we doe rejoyce at it indeed it will appeare 1. By our conscionable preparation to it as sick men prepare their stomacks and Husbandmen their vineyards before the one receiveth Physick or the other soweth his seed so do they that delight in the Word for this is Physick and seed which they who wisely husband their Souls and highly value the wored of the Lord will not suffer to be sowne among thornes and briers but as Exo. 19.10 2. By our frequent meditation upon it man often thinketh upon that wherein he rejoyceth thus Psal 11.2 delight is a loadstone that draweth the thoughts a Chariot that carrieth the mind with an irresistible force to the thing rejoyced in 3. By our constant attendance on the same if we delight in it we will wait patiently and constantly upon it we will hearken diligently what the Lord will speake unto us we will be no strangers in Gods house but we will take every opportunity to go thither desire to make it our habitation Ps 27.4 accompt it our happines to have admittance within the gates of his house Ps 84.10 4. By our high valuation of it as the Sun above the Candle pure wheat
the voyce of the Father the subject to the voyce of the King the Wife to the voyce of the Husband so do all Gods people attend with all humility to the voyce of God their Father King Husband in the preaching of the Gospel Isai 66.2 Vse 3 By your experience apprehension and feeling of the gracious presence of God in your Souls Ephes 3.17 by the comfortable Communion you have with him blessed enjoyment of him Ro. 5.5 by the experience of his love shed abroad in your Souls like dew upon the ground of his dominion and sway in your hearts like a King in his Kingdome of the rare endowments wherewith he doth enrich you as the dweller doth adorne his house and as the low valleys are cloathed in the spring with grasse and flowers the humble soule is the house where God will dwell Isai 57.15 and as the inhabitant is present ruleth and manifesteth himselfe in his house as he garnisheth defendeth keepeth his house so doth God the humble and this doth every humble man find the Lord to be to his soule Ioh 14.23 Rom. 8.9 13 14 15. 4. By the holy gracious experimentall and saving knowledge you have of God and his Word that is by the gracious tast you feele of the goodnes of God in your hearts of the working of his Word upon your Souls in purging out your corruption subduing the lusts which fight against the Soul healing the wounds which sin and Satan darts have made in the conscience stablishing your faith sealing up the forgiveness of sin acquainting you with the counsell and purpose of God towards your Soul the deep things of God 1 Cor. 2.9 10. are revealed to them who are humble as babes Mat. 11.25 as the poor man by his wisedome delivered the citty so the poor in Spirit they onely have the wisedome to know the things of God and to deliver their Souls Prov. 11.2 Psal 25.9 for these onely doe subject themselves to the Doctrine of life and salvation Isa 11.6 and Isai 61.1 5. By the joy which you find in your hearts when the Children and Church of God are delivered out of any dangers enriched with any favours and when the adversaries thereof are suppressed Rom. 12.15 the meek do mourne with them that mourne are afflicted with the affliction of Joseph Hab. 3.16 Ezra 9.3 4. Neh. 1.4 and therefore they rejoyce at their welfare as at their owne prosperity take the mercies of God bestowed on their brethren as on themselves therefore Psa 34.2 Psa 69.32 to rejoyce at the promotion of the Gospel encrease of Gods people enlargement of Gods Kingdome for the Gospels sake is as a signe we are humbled 6. By the emptines and vanity which you find in the creature in every thing saving in God in your owne endowments in your works in your possessions in all the furniture of the earth when you look upon the wealth riches pleasures applause of the World and on all your owne personall gifts and can say of them all as the Psalmist in another case Psa 33.16 they are all vaine for the day of battel wherein we must fight against Satan and our corruption when we can in affection value them as an empty vessell a broken cisterne a cloud without raine a broken tooth and a foot out of joynt as a sheath without a sword a shell without a kernell a Lamp without Oile a vaine thing when we can set the Worlds counsell and proffers thereof at naught as they did the counsell of the Lord Prov. 1.25 When we can esteeme it as the Lord calleth it Amos 6.13 When we can look upon it as upon an Aegypt Isa 30.7 the comforts thereof as on that Zach. 10.2 when we can willingly accompt all losse Phil. 3.8 and 〈◊〉 in this manner deny our selves and seek all fulnes in God a lone and cast our selves wholly upon him this is a signe that we are truely humbled Mar. 8.34 1 Pet. 5.6 7. Use 3 This must move every man to labour for this meek and humble disposition that so he may be able by these evidences to assure himselfe that he is the Child of God and to comfort himselfe in the Lord this was the charge our Saviour gave to his Disciples the first lesson he would have them learne Mat. 11.29 a lesson without the learning whereof they could not be his Disciples Mar. 8.34 and it should be our care in the first place to learne this as men in their buildings first dig low and lay the foundation else all the building besides will fall so must we first lay a deep foundation or else all our other labour will soone come to nothing and to this let us be moved 1. Because the more we have denied our selves the better we shall be approved with God the lesse we are in our owne eyes the more precious shall we be in the eyes of God Isa 66.2 things which in their owne apprehension are poor and base hath God chosen 1 Cor. 1.27 the deformed bush was the tree wherein God appeared Exo. 3.2 2. Because the lesse we see in our selves the more we shall see in God and Christ the hungry see abundance of goodnes in that food which the full stomack despiseth they who want this humility say of God and his Ordinances Job 21.14 Mal. 3.13 but the truely humble utter another language Psal 63.1 2 3. Psal 84.10 Psal 27.4 they who want this Isai 53.2 but to others Mal. 4.2 3. Because the more humble we are the lesse irksome wrongs injurie and the burthens of affliction shall be the lowest trees and buildings are least assaulted and endangered by the wind thus Neh. 1 2 3. 2 Sam. 16.11 4. Because the more humble we are the more we may be assured of our nigher and more spirituall and familiar converse and acquaintance with God for the more thoroughly we apprehend the beauty of Gods holines the more apprehensive we are of and the more we are affected with our owne vilenes Gen. 18.27 5. Because the more humble we are the more we shall fructify in the grace of Gods Spirit Iac. 4.6 as Gen. 29.31 the low valleys do usually drink in most raine beare most fruit as Psal 63.13 so Neh. 24.5 6. 6. Because the more humble we are the more honour we shall have Jud. 6.15 16. Prov 15.33 as Abigail who cast herselfe at the feet of David was afterward made his companion in wedlock 1 Sam. 25.41 as Luk. 5.8 9 10. so Luk. 14.11 as Luk. 15.16 22. 7. Because the more humble the more sweetnes nourishment and spirituall refreshment shall we suck from the breasts of the Gospel this will make the Ordinances of God to be as a pleasant river to the thirsty soule as Physick to him that is loaden with many and dangerous diseases Iob 33.22 23. as a hand taking of a heavy burthen from another mans shoulder Mat. 11.28 as the shadow of a great tree refreshing the wearied traveller Gods
the Kingdom of glory is departed from you 2. We may behold here the recompence due to our works as they are the work of sin so death is the wages due to the same an evil race a dishonourable price a bad seed an uncomfortable Harvest an evil ground burning will be the issue of it 3. Therefore since our Original is earth our disposition earthly our talk of the earth our whole practise carnal worldly things tending to the irrecoverable ruins both of soul body let us strive to get forth of this miserable and uncomfortable estate to finde a gracious change and alteration wrought in our hearts let us get the fallow ground of our hearts to be broken up that we may sow no more among Thorns that we way no more conceive Chaffe and bring forth stubble Isa 33.11 that we may be made free from sin and become the servants of God Rom. 6.22 that the old man with all his lusts like a menstruous garment may be put off and the new man like a rich and royal roabe put on that we may no longer sit in darknesse and in the shadow of death but that we may behold the glorious light of the truth and the comfortable light of Gods face and that our feet may be guided into the way of peace that all old things may be put off and all things become new 2 Cor. 5.17 that we may lead a new life speak a new language love with new affections discern with new judgements and be made partakers of new favours receive a new name Rev. 2.17 let it be the choise of our cares the strongest of our desires the first of our labours the chief of all our endeavours to put off sin to put on the Lord Jesus to make no more provision for the flesh to fulfill the lusts thereof but provide for the welfare of the Soul 1 Pet. 4.3 4. but 2 Cor. 5.15 as David Psal 132.2 3 4 5. so let us enter into Covenant with our God not to take any rest any pleasure not to seek any worldly store any earthly contentment till our souls of a den of thieves of a lodge of unclean spirits be made a habitation for the Lord to dwell in as Gen. 8.9 as Ruth 3.18 so let there be no rest till you are returned unto your God till you have made your peace with him till you finde in your selves a sanctified and holy alteration and to the end we may no longer continue in this corrupt and sinfull estate let us 1. Be sensible of our sin as a Thorn in our side a prick in our eyes as sensible as Israel of the Cananites as the chased Hart of the wounding Arrow and then as the Hart goeth to the water brooks Psal 42.1 2. as the Traveller of a heavy burthen and then as Israel groaned under the burthens Pharaoh imposed and sought freedom so shall we as a woman of her travell and then as she hath no rest till delivered of her burthen so shall we take no rest till delivered of the burthen of our corruption by regeneration the sence which David had of his sin made him earnest to be washed Psal 51.2 this made him pray Ps 38.1 2 3. thus Acts. 2.37 2. Be throughly affected with the vilenesse the dishonourablenesse the dangerousnesse and uncomfortable issue of sin 1 Be affected with the vilenesse of it as the eye with an ugly spectacle the nostril with an ill savour the palate with unsavoury food the stomack with meat repugnant to it there the Psalmist was affected with his sin as with a loathsom disease Ps 38.5.7 thus Iob 42.6 as Iobs friends beholding the loathsome disease how it disfigured him how deformed and unpleasant it had made him to the eye then they sate down and wept so shall we do when we are throughly afflicted with the vilenesse of our sin 2. with the dishonorablenesse of it it leadeth into bondage 2 Tim. 2.26 into poverty strippeth the Soul naked Rev. 3.17 it casteth into a ditch of spiritual filthinesse Ezek. 16.3 4 5. it cloatheth the Soul with menstrous rags Isa 30.22 Isa 64.6 as Isa 20.4 5. so sin leadeth us away prisoners and captives not onely the buttocks but the shoulders also even the whole man uncovered and were we throughly affected with this we could not but be afraid and ashamed Rom. 6.21 3. with the dangerousnesse of it how as long as this is not repented of renounced your Souls are as a bird in the snare as a condemned malefactor every day looking for execution as bad ground nigh to burning as a woman with Childe whose travel is neer as a rotten ship in a stormy tempest every moment ready to sink never able to return to the Haven as Cattle in fat pasture Jer. 12.3 2 Pet. 2.3 an estate wherein is no escaping 1 Thes 5.3 Jer. 11.11 4. The uncomfortable issue of sin how the Honey will turn to Gal the wine into water of Marah the manchet into Gravel Jer. 2.19 their Paradice into a Thorny wildernesse their pleasant stream into a tempestuous Sea Amos 8.9.10 however with Agag 1 Sam. 15 32. yet vers 33. as Dalilab to Sampson as Jael to Sisera Isa 24.6.7 were the hearts of men throughly affected with this did this sink deep into their Souls then surely they would never rest in that estate but with the Jaylor Acts 16.29.30 as the Disciples in the storm Mat. 8.25 this will make them run as the men of Gibeon Ios 10.6 3. Be carefull and willing to be instructed shut not the eye against the light stop not thy ear against the voice of the truth withdraw not thy shoulder make not thy heart as an Adamant stone Zach. 7.11.12 but wait upon the posts of Gods house Prov. 8.34 lye as the lame man for an Almes dayly at the Gate of the Temple Acts 3.2 fasten thine eyes on this Sun be thou constant in Christs School behold view thy self throughly in this looking glasse Rom. 7.8.9 Ier. 31.18.19 let thine ear be open to the crowing of this Cock Matt. 26.75 let thy heart imbrace this as the ground doth the seed and thereby thou shalt be new born Ia. 1.18 4. Come unto Christ by fervent prayer as the blinde men by the high-way side as the Centurion for his servant the ruler for his daughter open thy estate discover the condition of thy Soul unto the Lord pray with Ephraim Ier. 31.18 Psal 80.7 as Solomon asked neither riches nor long life nor the life of his enemies but onely wisdom 1 King 3.9 so do you ask neither wealth nor honour prosperity nor pleasure but above all things ask for the saving grace of the spirit pray for the dews of grace as Eliah for rain upon the earth and as the Lord caused a cloud to appear which though little at first yet at length it covered the whole heavens so shall God cause the power of his spirit so to distill into thy Soul that
as the purest manchet to distast as gall what now is pleasant as honey to their palate 2. Consider the strength of sinne and Satans hold it is a stronge Castle uneasily beaten downe the Devill is no weakling but a Prince a Potent adversary it is not every one can conquer him a bow without arrows a minister without abilities can doe nothing to this adversary powder of humane eloquence though it make a great noise cannot shake the powers of his Kingdome an Axe without edge a Sermon without Zeale and courage cannot cut the roots of this tree the Divell doth no more regard such mens preaching as preach not with power and in the evidence and demonstration of the spirit then hee did for the sonnes of Sceva conjuring Acts. 19.15 Instead of casting him out of others he will enter further into them themselves therefore like good souldiers they must be well furnished with spirituall armour and 2 Cor. 10.5 Psa 45.5 their arrowes must be sharp 3. Consider the depth of Gods councels how uneasily unfolded opened applied how these are a riddle which like Sampsons riddle cannot be enterpreted unlesse wee plough with Gods Heifer deep things of God which cannot be found out but by Gods Spirit 1 Cor. 2.11 A way that cannot be knowne without a guide Acts. 8.31 A sealed booke which we cannot read unlesse wee have some one to open it Isa 29.11 Neither are the Lamps which reserve the greatest portion of this oyle so full of light nor the fountaines which hold the largest measure of knowledge so ful of waters but that with Paul they may say who is sufficient for these things 2 Cor. 2.16 4. Consider the number the subtlety and the power of them that seduce to sin that lead to errour and that provoke to evill that spread snares and cast stumbling blocks in the waies of Gods people The envious man hath many servants that sow tares among this Wheate Mat. 13.25 Many Factors that sell deceiptfull wares that make merchandise of the soules of the people 2 Pet. 2.3 Many mountebanks that apply healing salves before ever they search and open the wound Jer. 6.14 Many unskilful builders that daub with untemperate Morter upon a rotten wall before ever they pull downe the ruinous places Ezek. 13.10 Many clouds without raine many breasts without milke 2 Pet. 2.17 Many lazy Husbandmen that sow before ever they breake up the fallow ground of the hearts of Gods people Contrary to that Jer. 1.10 Many deceivers transformed into Angels of light 2. Cor. 11.11 Many Lions in sheepes Skins Mat. 7.15 Many that with Ahabs Prophets bad us goe on and proper 1 Kings 22.12 Therefore behoofull wee should make choice of able ministers that may teach sound Doctrine convince opposers lead us forward and build us up in the saving knowledge of Christ Iesus in despite of all oppositions 5. Consider our dulnesse deadnesse security backwardnesse Israel cannot travell longer then the fiery Pillar doth shine before them Peter will continue in the denial of his Master if the Cock do not crow to awaken him Israel will erect a golden calfe if Moses do but a little absent himselfe from them if Jehojada once dye the Princes of Juda will leave the house of the God of their Fathers and serve groves and Idols 2 Chro. 24.18 The best men with the men of Ephesus will forget their first love if they live not under faithful Ministers as the best garden will grow barren if it be not weeded the best tree will grow wild if it be not pruned the soile will become unfruitfull if the dewes fall not upon it the strongest body will grow weake if good food bee with holden from it the best ship will miscarry if it want a good Pilote therefore 2 Pet. 1.12 This is the Pillar which supporteth us the word of life which keepeth life in us Phil. 2.14 The breast which giveth food to us 1 Pet. 2.2 The cloud whose dewes water us and makes us fruitfull in the grace of the Spirit Deut. 32.2 6. Consider how hardly a true lively faith is wrought without labour men are perswaded and assured of their salvation what industry constancy fervency and shill is required and must be used before the judgement can bee informed rightly to descerne the things which differ before the will can bee inclined to chose the things which are most excellent before the affections can be cleansed the heart purified the holds of sinne cast downe the soule made free from the service of evill and free to the love of God and of what is truely good as in 2 Kings 4.32 34.35 So the Minister must againe and againe exhort instruct and pray before the life of grace be restored the conscience pacified the fruits of a new life infallably apparant and the heart throughly perswaded of Gods goodnesse towards it in the free remission of all sin all temptations quelled all objections answered the pardon of fine sealed Naaman went seven times into Jordan before he was washed the Cock crowed thrice before Peter awakened our Saviour stood long at the doore before the Spouse stirred up her selfe to open to come forth to him she sought long ere she could and him Cant. 2.5 she speaketh to the Ministers to comfort or sustaine her by the Ministry of the word Rom. 1 11. Acts. 14.2.22 7. Consider the sweet and singular comforts which the powerfull Ministry of the word breedeth in the soules of the people of God how it is unto the eies of their understanding as the light of the Sun to the eye of the bodie whereof Eccles 11.7 So it is to them a pleasant thing to behold the things of God as Mat. 2.10 So doth the light of the word rejoyce joyce the people of God Isa 9.2 3. Lu. 10.23 How it is unto their eares as the harp in Davids hand chasing away the evil spirit How a very joyfull sound Psa 89.15 How it is unto their palate as the sweetest honey Psa 19.10 As the daintiest feast Isa 25.6 How it is to their feet a burning light guiding them into the waies of peace Lu. 1.79 How it is to their thirsty soules as a wel-spring of living waters to the thirsty and their troubled consciences as the Olive-branch to Noah as the still voice to Eliah to their weary spirits as Horsemen and Chariots to drive and carry them forward in their journey to the high and Heavenly habitation which God hath prepared for his people and out of all this wee may abundantly behold the necessity of an able constant and powerfull Ministry and the folly of them that content themselves with Lamps that have no Oile with Messengers that have no tidings with such at least as like the evil servants hide and imploy not their talent 3. This must occasion the people to try whether the Ministers who are set over them be sent of God or whether they be come of their owne
this they are as no gift at all Prov. 19.14 So c. therefore 1 Pet. 5.5 5. Because these are the choisest and surest testimonies of the Love of God to our soules he giveth common and worldly endowments to his enemies as well as to his friends the Master of the Family giveth food rayment some-time money to the servant as well as to the childe the Raine falleth on the Rock as well as on the ground Eccles 9.1 But as the Master of the Family sheweth his love to his children in putting them to Schoole giving good education to them so doth God shew his Love to his Children in training them up in the Schoole of Christ in educating them with the saving knowledge of his will in framing their hearts to love him and to walke sincerely and uprightly towards him when he leaveth others in darknesse and in the shadow of death as Christ sheweth his Love to Lazarus in raising him out of his grave Jo. 11.44 So doth he shew his Love to us in raising us to a new life as he shewed his love to Israel in causing the Sunne to shine upon them when all Egypt sate covered with darknesse so doth hee open the Fountain of his Loving-kindnesse in causing the light of his truth to shine among us Jerem. 3.14.15 Isaiah 62.5.6 Psalm 87 2.7 6. Because these do most endeare men unto God these like a Load-stone draw the Love care and goodnesse of God towards us cause him highly to esteem us tenderly to affect us carefully to watch over us mightily to defend us as 1 Sam. 16.7 8. So it is neither for riches honours nor beauty that God respecteth us neither Dives wealth Absolons beauty Sampsons strength Achitophels Policy Senacharibs victories nor Solomons royalty can move or draw affection from the Lord but the holinesse and sincerity of his servants Isa 57.15 Isaiah 66.2 Pro. 11.21 Psalm 16.3 Vse Our spirituall gifts of all others the most excellent are these the graine and world the chaffe are these the sweet the earth the sower grapes then behold and be astonished at the strange and wonderfull folly of the greatest number of the world who like the Jewes of old preferre Barrabas before Christ who like Esau value a messe of earthly pottage above a Heavenly birth-right like revolting Israel are more affected with Egyptian Onions and Garlicke then with the best fruit growing upon the Heavenly Canaan what more frequent amongst men then to cry after the things of the earth like the horsleeches two daughters Pro. 30.15 what more common then to runne after riches honours pleasures as Mica after his Idol Jud. 18.23.24 How many see wee rising early setting up late and eating the bread of sorowfulnesse to dig silver out of this Mine how many behold wee wounding and piercing themselves with sharpe thorney care intangling and wearing themselves with worldly snares for triviall and transitory riches how many see wee making ship-wrack of Faith and a good conscience to load themselves with this treasure what more usual with men then to deprive themselves of rest peace all true comforts to neglect God their souls heaven the Crown of Eternall Glory for the vanishing cloud of worldly abilities as if all our felicity safty comfort stood in the having of the abundance of the earth the saving grace of Gods Spirit were nothing worth but these mens folly will be easily descerned if they would but looke 1. Vpon the vanity of the world what is the riches and honoures when thou hast it without the grace of Gods Spirit but as the Apostle said of false teachers 2 Pet. 2.17 It hath no filling satisfying nor contenting vertue in it Isa 50.11 Hag. 1.6 If at any time they have abundance and seem like the first Kine in Pharaohs dreame to be fat yet presently one thing or another ariseth like the second Kine in Pharaohs dream to deceive and devour all the fat so that still the soule is an empty vessell a barren womb not satisfyed 2. The impotency of these outward things they are weak unable to defend themselves or their owners like the Idol gods unable to keep themselves and therefore must bee kept by their worshippers the rust will consume it the theefe steale it the fire burn it if the Lord smite thee with sicknesse though with Asa thou hadst a kingdome it cannot procure health for thee if God send an enemie and thou hast horses swift of foot yet it will not deliver thee Isa 15. Psa 33.16 If thou hast all kind of delights art seated in a Paradise of worldly pleasures yet if God doth send a dreadfull noise into thy eares then wilt thou runne like Adam to the covert If God awaken thy conscience it will be with thee as with Balshazar Dan. 5.4 5. Zeph. 1.18 3. The impiety it is full of truble as Achans golden Wedge troubled the whole army so the things of the world if they bee not sanctified if men want grace to esteem affect and imploy them as they ought they are a great trouble as Adams forbidden fruit in evill men as a heavy burthen to the back as a net full of snares to the feet as a bed of thornes in the night Pro. 11.17 Pro. 15.6 As the Sea where are most waters are most tempests 4. Their commoneness a flower grown in the worst as well as in the best mans garden a livery worn by Gods enemies as well as by Gods followers a gift in the hand of a reprobate as well as in the hand of Gods chosen Solomon saw servants on horse-back and Princes on foot and wee may easily see the servants of sinne the bondmen of Satan on horse-back on the Throne in place of eminency enriched with the abundance of the earth men as Princes men richly adorned with the grace of the Spirit men who are conquerors over Satan and their lusts who are Kings and Priests to God goe on foote are in a low state of no reputation in the world the most wicked usually are most favoured and suck most milke out of the breasts of the world Jo. 15.19 Job 12.4.5.6 Is it not great folly to neglect the graces of the Spirit which are so sweet so pure so full so pleasant so peculiar to Gods people so precious as nothing in the world is sufficiently able to expresse it and to seeke after the things of the earth which are so vaine so weake so beggarly so troublesome so common that he that hath the greatest abundance of them may be and often is the divells bondman an abomination in Gods sight a vessel of Gods wrath a firebrand of everlasting destruction 2. Therefore since the graces of Gods Spirit are of all gifts the most excellent this must cause us 1. To desire them most earnestly to long after them as Rachel after children Gen. 30. 1. As the thirsty ground after water the hungry soule after food th man that setteth in darknesse after light Psa 143.6 Psa 42.12 Cant.
nor the bow of your wordly strength renewed in your hand as Job's was yet if your souls bee washed in Christ's blood if the oile of grace bee powred upon them if the dew of God's grace rest upon them if they grow in holiness as trees planted by the waters side if the inward glorie of the soul bee fresh if the strength of grace bee renewed if God's external ordinance your internal grace bee like the bow of Jonathan that turned not back the sword of Saul which returned not empty from the blood of the slain and from the fat of the mightie if this conquer your corruptions prevaile against Satan and the world though your earthly estate be like a small river a lamp with little oil a tree with few branches yet having the saving grace of the Spirit you have the best having this they have enough As God answered Paul 2 Cor. 12.9 Complaining vers 8. so may all men endued with the saving grace of the Spirit if they complain of anie want of absence of anie outward good or presence of anie outward evil bee answered The grace of God is sufficient this is a feast to the hungry Prov. 15.16 an inheritance to the poor Psal 119.111 armor to the assaulted Ephes 6.13 this is instead of all other blessings as the sun is instead of all other lights therefore all God's people should say as David did Psal 16.5.6 for 1. Tim. 6.8 and wee should all resolv with Jacob. Gen. 28.20.21 grace is the best portion the most abiding substance the tree whose leaf doth never fade the fountain whose waters are never dried up the store-hous which yieldeth the best riches a garment like them once worn by Israel it weareth not out with using like the widow's barrel of meal and cruis of oil it will feed not consume nor grow dry with drawing forth a catalogue of blessings do ever attend it the light of God's face which ministreth more joy than the brightest Sun of worldly prosperitie doth alwaies accompany it a singular and satisfactorie fulness is ever to bee found in it and therefore rest your selvs contented with it Prov. 19.23 Motives quickning stirring moving induceing and leading us to the practice of all these duties may bee drawn 1. From the dignitie Honor Eminence and Excellency of their estate above all other estates and conditions of men and estate exceeding other estates as far as life exceedeth death as far as liberty excelleth bondage light darkness for others are dead in sin Col. 1.22 bondmen to Satan 2 Tim. 2.26 sitting in darkness and the shadow of death Mat. 4.16 but these are alive to God free from sin Rom. 6.11.18 have seen a glorious light Isa 93. These have the most worthy and honorable original they are the regenerate ofspring of the everliving and most glorious God Isa 1.18 Ioh. 1.13 These have most honorable kindred Heb. 2.11 Luk. 8.21 calling 1 Tim. 1.9 1 Pet. 2.9 These are not strangers but Sons Ioh. 1.12 not rubbish but living stones in God's building 1 Pet 2.5 not thorns and briars in the forrest but fruitful and bearing trees in Gods Orchard Cant. 4.14 even trees of God's planting Isa 16.3 Holiness is the surest way to the best preferment the onely step to bee unchangeably and gloriously advanced this shall bring men like Ioseph out of the prison to bee advanced into the second place not of an earthly but a heavenly kingdom this shall make them shine as the Sun Mat. 13.43 set a glorious crown upon their head Rev. 2·10 for Mat. 19.28 As Saul was the head of the people so shall these bee the head of all their brethren Isa 58.13.14 men do much for honor bee good you shall bee great 2. From the joy which doth accompany the true and saving grace of the spirit the opening of the womb to the barren of the prison to the captived of the hand to the needy the filling of poor with riches of the diseased with health of the heavie-hearted glad tidings of the hungry with the choicest delicates cannot so warm the soul so rejoice the heart so solace the inward man as a gracious measure of true holiness The joy of Anna for the birth of a childe 1. Sam. 2.1 the joy of Saul and the men of Israel and the day of their enemies overthrow and Saul's Coronation 1 Sam· 11.15 the joy of the Citizens of Susan in the time of Haman Est 8.15 the joy of the rich man in filling his barns Luk. 12.19 the joy of the Souldier in dividing the spoil Isa 9.3 is not so great as the joy of the new birth spiritual coronation of God's people the overthrow of the holds of Satan the filling of the soul with the saving graces of the spirit this joy to other joyes is as a full stream to a few drops as a flaming fire to a few sparks as a bright and shining Sun to the light of a candle readie to extinguish this is a full joy Ioh. 16.24 great joy Acts. 8.8 glorious and unspeakale joy 1. Pet. 1.8 constant and abiding joy Ioh. 15.11 a Sun which shineth when all other vanishing meteors of comfort are extinct Prov. 13.9 all the causes of true joy do accompany a godly life God's favor God's presence God's blessing sense of God's goodness assurance of a gracious issue out of all dangers 3. From the stabilitie and stedfastness which doth attend it men that are endued with true grace are like a hous upon a sure foundation like a tree of deep roots uneasily moved therefore likened to a tree by the waters side Psal 1.3 Psal 52.8 and Pro. 14.11 they are held in a strong hand Ioh. 10.28 they are built upon a sure rock Mat. 16.18 they are compast about with a strong defence Zech. 2.5 hence Psa 31.20.21 1. Sam. 2.9 Prov. otherwise Psal 73.18 Hos 13.3 4. From the presence of God vouchsafed to it God's gracious presence is yielded onely to such as are indued with true holiness amongst them will hee be as a General among his army a shepherd among his flock a teacher among his scholars a father among his family defending against adversaries power instructing them in holy duties encouraging them in all their undertakings feeding them with his ordinances watering them with the dews of his spirit hee will frustrate all assaults of the enemie Zeph. 3.15 he will fill the souls of his people with gladness v. 17. make them a prais glory among the people as flowers among the grass as the lilly among the thorns Zech. 2.5 they shall enjoy all abundance Ioël 2.26.27 if they fall into affliction it shall not consume them Exod. 3.4 5. From the happy gracious and comfortable issue whereunto it leadeth how full of storms soëver the sea bee yet it alway bringeth to a peaceable haven though the seed twice bee full of tares yet the harvest is ever replenished with joy though the godly man meet at first like Samson with
doth imploy his talent the more acceptable hee is to his Master so the more full of grace the more God will love us the more comfortably will hee speak to our souls and couscifences the more graciously will hee manifest himself unto us make us glad Psal 21.6 Job 33.26 hee will speak to our consciences as the master to the good servant in the parable Mat. 25.23 for God will make his face to shine upon them that serv him Psal 31.16 so that when they come before him have prayed meditated heard his word c. they shall say as Jacob of Esau Gen. 33.10 3. The more grace the more peace in our own conscience the more boldness towards God it is neither riches nor learning nor friends nor any thing els but grace that can stablish the heart Heb. 13.9 other staies are but like Sampson's withes easily broken as thread this is the anchor which staieth the ship of the soul the foundation which beareth it up the sun which giveth it comfort the fountain which yieldeth it refreshment this filleth the soul with peace in hearing in praying in doing in suffering Righteousness and Peace like two twins are born at one birth like Ruth and Naomi they go together they walk in one way dwell under roof Psalm 85.10 Psal 116.165 Mal. 2.6 Isa 32.14 4. The more grace the more patiently they shall bear all affliction this like Moses's rod will divide and make a way through the deepest waters of trouble like Noah's ark it will keep the soul from sinking this will make them with Paul and Silas to sing in prison to rejoice that they are accounted worthy to suffer for Christ to esteem it all joy to fall into manifold temptations this will enable to receive affliction as a purgation to remove their corruption as a testimony of God's love as a seal of their living righteous in Jesus Christ this will assure them of a happy passage out of all troubles 5. The most grace the more delight they shall have in doing the will of God in performance of all sacred and religious duties the more strength there is in the body the more easily the traveller passeth on his way the fuller the wing is of feathers the easier the flight is to the bird so the fuller the soul is of grace the more pleasantly hee doth run the race of God's commandements this maketh him say with Samuel 1 Sam. 3.10 with the Psalmist Psal 40.8 this will make the commandement easie Mat. 11.29 1 Joh. 5.3 4. This serveth by way of consolation to cheer up the souls of God's people in all estates the fulness and sufficiency of Christ may bee as a tree loaden with much fruit for the feeding of the hungry a fountain filled with pleasant water for the refreshment of the thirsty a lamp full of oil to give light to them that are in darkness a singular stay a strong supportment to God's servants 1. Against all wants if they want wisedom Christ is a glorious day-star full of heavenly light able to discover the deepest mysteries and make them like words written in great characters so that hee that runneth may read them able so to elevate the lowest capacity that it shall clearly discern things heavenly counsel is his and sound wisedom hee is understanding it self Prov. 8.14 in him are all treasures of knowledg Col 23. he hath opened the eies of the blinde and made them that sate in darkness to see a great light it was prophesied that in his time Isa 92.4 Isa 35.5 Isa 11.9 and as Pharaoh said of Joseph Gen. 41.38 39. there is not another to bee found in whom the spirit of God is as it is in Christ none in heaven or earth neither Saint nor Angel so discreet so wise as hee the greatest wisedom in the world is to his wisedom but like the wisedom of a childe to the wisedom of the choicest statesman like the light of a candle to the light of the sun therefore if wee want wisedom how to prevent avoid and save our selvs from treacherous adversaries how to order our conversations how to mannage our callings wherein wee are placed how to imploy the talent wee have received how to discern the things which differ how to understand the deep things of God let us com to Christ let us set our selvs to school to him and in him is fulness of knowledg hee is our head hee will not leave his members in ignorance 2. If thy faith bee weak if it bee withered like Jeroboam's hand 1 King 13.4 if it shake like the hand of a palsey man if thy soul be full of doubtings as the sea of tossings if thy heart bee full of agitations and rowlings hither and thither like a ship without anchor yet as the man of God prayed and Jeroboam's hand was made whole as the other as our Saviour cured the palsey man so in him is fulness of ability to make thy faith strong like a tree of deep root like a hous of sure foundation Mat. 7. like the arm of a strong man hee can make thee more than conquerer hee can so fasten the ship of thy soul that thou shalt not bee moved hee can so fill thee so affect thee with the sence of God's love that thou shalt say Rom. 8.38 39 hee can strengthen thee to do all things Phil. 4 13. hee can stablish and settle thy soul 1 Pet. 5.10 Rom. 16.24 25. 2 Thes 4.3 3. If they want peace sens and assurance of God's love and joy in God's spirit if their souls bee as a stormy sea like a sick man upon his bed full of tossings like Israël stung with fierie serpents in a condition altogether restless like a hunted hare or chased hart like David hunted by Saul as a partridg like a besieged city full of fears like Israël's bearing heavy burthens working in an iron furnace like the dove seeking a place to rest her foot and finding none complaining Psal 38.3 in trouble Job 30 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 26 27 28 29 30 31. yet remember in Christ is all fulness hee is the Prince of peace Isa 9.6 Ephes 2.14 hee can Mat 8.27 hee is the brasen serpent Numb 21.8 9. hee is the physitian Isa 61.1 the true Samaritane Luke 10.30 therefore comfort thy self come to him as those of Gibeon to Joshua Jos 10 6. and Christ shall remove the siege 4. If they want holiness if corruption like a strong disease do waste and spoil the vigor of the soul like an evil weed do over-spread the garden of their hearts like a foul spot do blemish their face like a strong tyrant do lead them captive like a heavy burthen fetters and tumbling blocks do hinder them in holy duties and make them go slowly about the performance of sacred exercises if they hang like birdlime about the wings of the soul as Canaanites in Israël's sides yet let this sustain them let this revive them in Christ is all fulness of
holiness hee hath healing in his wings Mal. 4.2 hee is like Mal. 3.2 3 4. Isa 35.6 7 8. he can Mat. 1.21 Tit. 2.14 1 Joh. 3 8. as Joh. 11.44 hee can bring you out of the grave of your corruption though no nitre can purge you yet Jerem. 2.22 yet hee Ephes 5.25 26. 5. If they want temporal endowments our outward estate bee slender our wealth small our love friends honor respect and place in the world nothing at all if our outward abilities bee like waters in a dry summer at a low ebb like the heat of fire arising from a little wood like the light of a lamp wherein is but little oil though our backs bee cloathed with camel's hair a leathern girdle sheep-skins goat-skin or vile raiment though we feed with puls barly bread or a few fish have nothing but a little oil in the cense a little mâ—aâ— in our barrel though with David wee bee set behinde the ews with Amos bee gatherers of Sycamore fruit with Gideon our family bee poor among the families of the earth and wee the least in our Father's hous though with Jacob wee have but a stone whereon to lay our heads with our Saviour have no room in the inn of this world where none but they that have store of money in their purs are welcom though wee have nothing but a manger to rest in yet remember that in Christ the head of the body whereof yee are members the Master of the family whereof yee are sons daughters the husband of the souls in him is all fulness hee is the heir of all things Heb. 1.3 hee is the maker the preserver of all the great Lord treasurer of the world in him saith the Apostle all things consist Col. 1.16 in respect of conservation hee continueth them in their beeing in respect of precept hee prescribeth the laws by which nature policy and religion are governed in respect of operation in that all things move by the influence of his hand in respect of ordination hee appointeth all things to their end in respect of disposition hee disposeth the means to the end intended and therefore since all things are in him thus dispensed by him let us say in our needs as the prodigal in his wants Luke 15.17 10. there is enough in Christ and therefore let this sustain us 2. As this comforteth against all wants so it is full of consolation against all evils if wee bee full of sin the blood of Christ is full of virtue to purge it out 1 Joh. 1.7 Heb. 9.14 Zach. 13.1 2. If the law bee full of exactness and rigor all the letters thereof written in blood every sentence a sentence of death though it stand like the Cherubin and flaming sword to keep us from entring into eternal life as that kept the way to the tree of life Gen. 3.24 yet in Christ is righteousness exactly to answer every title of it hee hath fulness to satisfie it so that it becometh as a serpent without sting as a sword without edg it cannot condemn the people of God though God bee a consuming fire yet in the merits of Christ is fulness enough to appeas his anger to procure his favor to turn his angrie into a pleasant voice his frowning into a shining face of an enemy to make him a friend of one dreadfull as a lion to make him gentle as a lamb of a stranger to make him the loving husband of our souls though Satan assault with violence though his holds bee strong his weapons venemous his attempts incessant his devices deep his instruments subtile his stratagems treacherous yet in Christ there is all fulness to prevail against him to put him to flight to drive him to his den to roul a stone upon his cave and tread upon his neck as Joshua did upon the five Kings of Canaan Jos 10.18 24. cast him down in his own pursuit as hee did the Egyptians Pharaoh Exod. 14.24 disarm him as David did Goliah 1 Sam. 17.51 Col. 2.15 Eph. 4.8 if our enemies be strong many violent merciless and wee have no power no helper no way to fly but begin to despair to hang down the head and lose all our comfort then look upon Christ's fulness and as Elisha said to his fearing disquieted and perplexed servant 2 King 6.16 17. so may you say to your own souls for Christ will bee with you stand by you work for you and overthrow all such as rise against you Isa 54.17 Psal 2.9 the stoutest opposers the greatest disputers the most bloody persecutors iron-handed oppressors and iron-hearted and brasen-faced dispisers shall by the Lord Jesus be scattered as the chaff trodden down as the dung rooted up as thorns and briars thrown out as the salt which hath lost his savour and is good for nothing but the dunghill therefore Mat. 18.6 Isa 35.3 these and the like are the streams of consolation which flow from that full fountain of all goodness which is in Christ Jesus this is the pleasant and soul refreshing fruits which grow upon this tree of life the delightfull and heart-rejoicing beams which discend to the souls of God's people from this sun therefore let us all strive for interest in him communion with him let us in all estates depend upon him in every condition rest our selvs contented with him hee hath fulness of riches for all his faithfull that are now poor fulness of honor for all that are now in ignominy fulness of peace for all his that are now in trouble fulness of joy for all that are now in heaviness fulness of liberty for all that are now in bonds fulness of power to deliver all his which are in any distress for Vers 35. The father loveth the son and hath given all things into his hands THe Baptist having set before his disciples the authority of Christ the commission which the father gave him to undertake the great and mighty work of our salvation having also declared the sufficiency of Christ the abundant effusion of the saving grace of the Spirit upon him descendeth now to discover and lay open the ground hereof even the love of God as if hee had said The Father hath wonderfully enriched the Son with many choice and singular endowments bestowed upon him a rich store-hous of all graces and why hath hee done so becaus hee loved the Son so that from the coherence of this with the former vers wee may learn Doctr. That the bestowing of the saving gifts and graces of the Spirit is the choicest testimony of the love of God a greater testimony of the love of God to fill the vessels of the soul with sanctification then to fill the barn with corn the fold with sheep the stall with oxen the chest with gold the life with pleasure or to set upon the head a crown of worldly honor therefore when God entred into Covenant with his people promised to bee their God and took them above all the people of the
Psalmist alluding to the sacrifices and feasts among the Jews sheweth as they fed delicately filled themselvs plenteously so the people of God fed with the preaching of the Gospel and administration of the Sacraments should be abundantly filled with all heavenly comforts with all saving gifts and graces so filled that they should bee therewith satisfied the like expression to this is used Psal 23.5 6. the Psalmist thereby setting forth the large measure of grace which God conferred on him the abundant holy joy and rejoycing wherewith the Lord did replenish him 6. Because these gifts are of all other gifts the most profitable these like the Ark to Obed Edom like Joseph to Potiphar do cause all wee have all wee do to prosper The Apostle doth excellently express it where hee saith godliness is profitable to all things having the promise of this life and of that which is to come 1 Tim. 4.8 godliness profitable helpfull to every duty to every estate and condition of life it is profitable to us when wee hear it causeth our hearts to bee to the word as good ground to the seed as a healthy stomach to the food it maketh the Word to us as the light to the eye very pleasant and delightfull as musick to the ear very comfortable as a joyfull tidings to the sorrowfull for Mica 2.7 2. It is profitable to us when wee pray it maketh us to com before the Lord with confidence 1 John 3.20 21. it inlargeth the desires of our souls strengtheneth our affections and maketh them more fervent carrying them towards God like a strong flood which cannot bee stopped maketh the cry of our souls vehement maketh them as incense the smoak of sweet wood in God's nostrils Jam. 5.16 this is like Aaron and Hur to Moses Exod. 17.12 14. 3. It is profitable to us when wee are assaulted it inableth us to draw nigh to God with fulness of assurance Heb. 10.22 it maketh us confident bold and couragious Prov. 28.1 It defendeth us like a breast plate Ephes 6.14 it is an Ark in the Deluge 4. It is profitable when wee are in any affliction It maketh all troubles to bee as fire to the gold fanne to the corn the fiery fornace to the three children an occasion of nearer communion with God holiness to God's people in the time of trouble is as Moses rod making a way thorough the red sea opening the stony rock as the tree making the bitter waters sweet as the meal making the pot which was full of death to become full of health as a wise Phisitian maketh a healthfull and healing medicine of that which in it self is very poison 5. It is profitable when wee are to perform any sacred duty it is to us as wings to the bird as horsmen an chariots to travellers as wind tide sails to the marriner as art skill and strength to him that undergoeth the labor of handicraft it strengtheneth enliveneth and inableth the soul with a singular readiness marvellous joy great content and unspeakable delight to run that race fulfill that task with God hath set him 1 John 5.3 Psa 40.8 Psal 108.3 and Jud. 5.2 6. It is profitable in the collection gathering receiving affective fruition and using of all outward blessings it teacheth us to gain them lawfully to affect them moderately to rejoice in them sparingly to use them holily to order our selvs in all our businesses religiously wisely graciously as becometh the Gospel of God making all outward blessings occurrents and occasions to bee as feet to help us forward and not as stumbling blocks to occasion our fall to bee as a garment not a burden as a cup whereof to drink to refreshment not a sea wherein to drown our selvs 7. It is profitable in sickness in death holiness inableth us to dy with comfort to imbrace it as the most welcom of all guests to look upon it as a friend of a most lovely countenance as a messenger bringing most joifull tidings as a Physitian curing all diseases as a key opening the gates giving liberty from all troubles entrance into all happiness as the marriage day of our souls this will make us with Faninus the Italian to kiss death as hee kissed the traitor which brought him tidings of his execution these are the fruits which grow on this and the like branches this is the gain which is gathered out of this treasury no gift so profitable therefore no gift so sure a pledg of God's love to his people 7. Because these gifts are of all other gifts the most lasting these are gifts without repentance that know no change Rom. 11.29 a living spring that never faileth Joh. 4.14 a seed that never dieth 1 Joh. 3.9 a jewel which never consumeth Prov. 4.18 a sun that never setteth all other gifts of whatsoëver kinde worth or excellency are but like a cloud soon dispelled a vessel of clay soon broken a sandy foundation soon sunk but they who are endued with the saving graces of the Spirit like trees of deep roots shall surely stand like trees planted by the water side they shall not wither but shall bee as the green olive Psal 52.8 as rich treasure in a strong hand Job 10.28 God's covenant shall have no end his grace shall never dy Jer. 32.39 40. so that in all these respects the holy and saving graces of God's Spirit are the chiefest testimony of God's love Vse This will therefore discover unto us plainly assure us undoubtedly make us see infallibly who they are that are best beloved of God who are the joy of his heart the dearly beloved of his soul not the men who have the largest earthly possessions but they whose souls are replenished with most holiness not they who are endowed with most lordship and autority over their brethren but they who have most sway and dominion over their corrupt affections the most holy the most religious the most sincere in heart the most sanctified in their conversation these are God's dear ones God regardeth not the rich man for his abundance the noble man for his birth the great man for his high place the wise man for his policy these are in the eies of God stars of no brightness flowers of no beauty pearls of no price load stones of no virtue to draw the love of God towards the souls of men hee is moved with none of these things Deut. 10.17 the best common abilities without saving grace are but like glorious apparrel about a dead carcase unable to move any affection or to beget desire of communion the greatest living man will rather enter fellowship and hold communion with the poorest living beggar then with the dead carkass of the greatest princes of the world though cloathed in most rich and roial raiment so will God have fellowship with and set his eies upon the poorest soul that hath the life of grace in him then with the most renowned commander on earth being a stranger to the life of God