the servant Mat. 25.23 and so Dan. 12.3 Prov. 11.30 he if any layeth up a sure foundation against the World to come Reas 11 Because this doth inable him to present himselfe with singular comfort before the Judge the good servant cometh with confidence so he that can say Isa 8.18 shall look on God with more boldnes than he that can say behold the many Benefices Ecclesiasticall Dignities that I have gotten these will be miserable comforters then but 1 Thes 2.19 Prov. 11.4 2 Cor. 1.14 Use Most prophane and impious therefore are such Ministers as are grieved to behold the zeale sincerity love faith and holy conversation of the people under them a sin even unnaturall and monstrous what more unreasonable more vile more hatefull than that the nurse should envy the growth of the Child the Generall the courage and forwardnes of the souldier the Shepheard the welfare of the flocke the Husbandmen the growth of the Corn and pasture the steward the welfare of the family that Minister must needs be full of profaneness who maligneth the spirituall prosperity of the Lords Servants it is either weakenes or sicknes in the eye that maketh the light offensive it is an evill Master to whom a good Scholler doth prove unpleasant he can never be the Bridegrooms friend that cannot brook his spouse a good Embassadour that affecteth not the embracers of true peace a good servant that liketh not the trees which grow bear blossoms in great abundance it is fearfull in any but espeally in Ministers to dislike others for their holines Ezek. 34.3 Like butchers that kill the fat with the Pharises accompt them accursed Joh. 7.48 Vse 2 This should acquaint us with the grief that we bring to the Ministers of God when we walk profanely reforme not by their Doctrine but continue like bad ground Heb. 6.6 8. Like deaf adders Psa 58.5 Like knobby timber that will not cleave like a wild asse Ier. 2.24 this maketh them weary Ier. 20.9 this putteth them out of courage Like Peter when he fished all night and could take nothing Ioh. 21.3 this doth provoke them to impatience Jer. 9.1 2. breedeth many complaints Isai 53.1 this filleth their Souls full of heavines as Anna's heart was of bitternes when her womb was barren 1 Sam. 1.16 this maketh them complaine of loosing their labours Isa 49.4 as Ier. 12.13 Hag. 1.6 maketh them grieve for the dishonour done to God as Josuah grieved when Israel fled before the men of Ai Ios 7.9 filleth their Souls with sorrow to see them still in the gall of bitterness in the bondage of Satan as it grieved David to see his Sonne rebell 2 Sam. 15.30 the parent to see his Child still abiding upon his languishing bed as Christ grieved to see the obstinacy of Jerusalem and Ier. 13.17 Isai 22.4 This is no small sin to grieve the Souls of Ministers to frustrate their labours to disanull their endevours to make them uncheerefull in their undertakings to make them say as Jer. 51.9 as 1 Sam. 15.11 14. Use 3 This sheweth us what course to take to make the faithfull Ministers of God cheerfull exceeding joyfull the growth of the Corn maketh the Husbandman merry the bearing of much fruit maketh the Gardener glad fruitfulnes in grace sound obedience to Gods precepts a lively faith in Gods promises repentance from dead works love to Gods truth zeale for Gods glory these are as a well tuned instrument making sweet musick in Gods eares a precious ointment casting a sweet smell in their nostrils as David 1 Cro 29.17 Jud. 5.1 2. So doe the Ministers of the Lord rejoyce to see the people offer themselves willingly unto God this doth more comfort them than a feast of the choisest dainties you can provide for them more delight them than if you did bestow much gold and silver upon them to win your Souls to God is more pleasant to them than to win the whole World as Psal 69.30 31. so in this case therefore let this move your hearts work upon your affections provoke you to repentance perswade you to holines that the hearts of Gods Ministers may rejoyce and in making them after this manner joyfull you shall make them more fervent in their prayers Col. 1.8 9. more frequent in their labours Isai 52.5 a good draught giveth incouragement to a second casting in of the net as 1 Sam. 17.34 35. more intire in their conversations like a vertuous loadstone it draweth them to a holy fellowship with us more free and familiar in their counsels more patient in their afflictions more bold and couragions against all oppositions more plenteous in all internall and externall comforts There are wayes by which the people may administer much comfort occasion much joy in the faithfull Minister of the Lord. I. By their holy language gracious counsels and incouragements for the strongest is many times much comforted holpen and edified by the weake the Generall is many times comforted by the common souldiers the little sticks set the greater logs on fire Prov. 27.9 Sometimes Jethro is able to advise Moses Aquila can instruct Apollos Abigail give good counsell to David and Psal 8.2 therefore Rom. 1.11 12. and the people may strengthen the faith of the Minister by praying for him by ministring inward and outward consolations to him by expressing such subjection to his Doctrine as may plainely testify that God hath sent him and given him this honour to be an instrument of much good to his Church II. By visiting the faithfull Minister of the Lord as the presence of the Children rejoyce the father the presence of the flock doth comfort the Shepheard so doth the presence of the people refresh the Minister for 1 Thes 2.17 and as Prov. 27.17 so doth the face of Gods people like a Whetstone sharpen the affections of the Minister when they began to grow dull and therefore Paul calleth it a refreshing being like dew to to the ground drink to the thirsty traveller 1 Cor. 16.17 18. 2 Tim. 1.16 17. III. By amending at the reproofs they administer censures they impose it comforteth the parent to see the Child bettered by correction it comforteth the Husbandman to see the tree bettered by pruning so 2 Cor. 7.12 13. IV. By being full of love to their fellow brethren delighting in them that excell in vertue joying together as members of one body sheep of one fold stones of one building helping comforting and edifying one another in their most holy faith this the Minister of God knoweth will much adorne the Gospel improve the graces of the people strengthen them in the truth make them rich in every good gift and therefore Phil. 20. vers 7. V. By growing in all the graces of the Spirit as the nurse rejoyceth at the growth of the Child the Husbandman at the growth of the Corn so 2 Thes 1.3 4. VI. By the joyfull entertainement of the Word of God receive it as the dry ground the
glory 2 Cor. 5.14 This will make them esteem nothing to dear for God Rev. 12.11 4. Be hereby drawn to rest and depend upon God as upon an Alsufficient Arme an iron pillar a sure foundation as a sick man upon a Physitian full of art and skill to cure him as a poor man upon a rich friend aboundantly able to supply him as a child upon a loving father able to releeve him to this the people exhort one another upon the sight of the great things which God should doe for them in giving Christ to them in working their spiritual feedom Isa 26.12.3 4. Psal 61.3 4 5. Confidence in God wil surely animate us to do good a man cannot beleeve in God but he must also live to God Psal 37 3. 5. Bee hereby put in minde of God let every gift you receive every blessing you enjoy be a monitor to bring God to your remembrance to make you think upon the Alsufficiency which is in him from whom all these things flow as water from the fountaine to make you consider how respectfull God is unto you how mindfull hee is of you how abundant his mercy and loving kindnesse is towards you every favour must be as an Embassadour testifying Gods goodness as the voice of Watch-men to bring the Lord to your remembrance Deut. 8.13.18 Psa 63.5.6 6. Bee hereby occasioned to rejoyce and delight thy selfe in God as rich gifts and liberall testimonies of love from a friend cause the receiver to rejoyce in his love so must the many gifts which he bestoweth on us cause us abundantly to rejoice and delight our selves in God who is so mindfull of us so open-handed and plenteous in his mercies towards us this must be as sweet sounding Musick in our eares cheering up our dull and drooping spirits as Wine filling our heavy hearts with gladnesse Psa 28.6.7.8 1 Sam. 2.1 Deut. 12 7. Deut. 16.11 7. Endeavour to imploy all thy abilities to the best uses in the way wherein they may bring most honour to God like a good Steward seeke not your owne but your great Masters advantage bestow upon the maintenance of Gods worship every man in his calling place and according to the measure of the gift God hath given to him Exod. 35. from the 20. to the 30. and 1 Chro. 29.3.6.9.10 If thou hast knowledge instruct Gods people if thou hast courage oppose Gods enemies if thou hast joy magnifie God with praises if thou hast sanctity faith patience meeknesse shew it by thy contempt of the world patient bearing of afflictions holy grave and religious carriage glorifie God by giving a good example to others if thou hast earthly abundance say with the Psalmist Psa 16.3 As 1 Tim. 4.14 1 Chro. 12.7 Thus of the giver next of the gift not the world not externall and transitory riches not earthly and vanishing honours but the Spirit none dearer to God then Christ none more regardfull of Gods Glory none ordained to a more honorable service and therefore without controversie God bestowed on him the chiefest gifts the rarest pledges of his Love and what are these but the gifts of the Spirit from whence learn Doct. That the holy and saving graces of the Spirit are of all other gifts the most excellent as the Sun excelleth the Gloe-worm the Vine is to be preferred before the bramble the purest and most perfect wine befor-the smallest water so are the gifts of the spirit to be preferred before all the endowments of the world these like Beniamins portion are five-times as good as any of his brethrens like Isaacs Inheritance far better then Ishmaels moveables this is evident by the titles and attributes given to these graces as precious 2 Pet. 1.1 Exceeding great and precious Verse 4. unspeakeable and glorious 1 Pet. 1.8 Unsearchable riches Ephes 3.8 deep things of God 1 Cor. 2.10 Excellency of knowledge Phil. 3.8 Things more Excellent Ro. 2.18 2. By the similitudes used to expresse the nature excellency worth use and comfort of them the Sun and Moone the most glorious among the starres Cant. 6.10 Doves the most harmlesse among the birds of the Aire Cant. 2.14 Trees of Frankinsense the choisest of all spices a Garden inclosed wherein are trees of the choisest nature a fountaine sealed a fountaine of living and streaming Waters of all waters the most pure and pleasant Cant. 4.14.15 wine and ointments the chiefest liquor of the grape Cant. 1.3 Gold and Silver the purest mettals in the earth Cant. 1.11 An Inheritance choisest among possessions Col. 1.10.11 3. By the comparisons which the Holy Ghost doth make between these and the choisest gifts of the earth Pro. 3.14.15 Pro. 8.11 Cant. 4.10 Eccles 9.16.18 4. By the price which Gods people have put upon them Phil. 3.8 5 By the charge given to seek imbrace them before and above all other things Mat. 6.33 Pro. 8.10 And these are of blessings the most Excellâ—nt 1. Because these have the most excellent authour all things are the common worke of Gods hand but grace holinesse and true righteousnesse are the Crowne of his Labours the Glory of his workeman-ship as the Sun to the Candle as the Flower to the common Grasse a fruit of â—he Sanctifying finger of Gods Spirit Gal. 5.22 2. Because they are of the most pure excellent nature these are Gold without drosse trees not having one fading leafe nor one rotten branch these are of a Holy and Heavenly originall as it was fore-told of men in regard of the paucity of them Isa 13.12 So it is true in regard of the saving grace of Gods Spirit it is more precious then fine Gold even then the Golden Wedge of Ophix Job 16.28.17.18 3. Because these are the best the choisest and most lively expressions of Gods Image it is not gold and silver gorgeous apparell that maketh a man like God but true holinesse Col. 3.10 Ephes 4 22 Therefore God doth not say bee yee rich for I am rich bee yee strong for I am strong ascend you the steps of earthly dignity for I am glorious though this be true but bee yee holy for I am Holy Lev. 11.44 other things are rich as the earth hath store of treasure in her bowels other things are strong for so the Rocks are other things are glorious as the Sun Moone Starres Flowers but holinesse is that which doth peculiarly expresse Gods Image 4. Because this is the gift which God bestoweth on them that are deare to him the Sun shineth on the bad as well as on the good the worst men have often the largest portion of earthly good things their tree is most fully loaden their cup most plenteously filled the wicked mans Barnes must be enlarged to hold the fruits which God hath given him Lu. 12.18.19 Psa 17.14 But the saving graces of the Spirit these are the jewels which God bestoweth on his owne children these are the riches with which hee doth endowe them all things are Gods gift but in comparison of
3.1 Isa 26.8.9 2. To use all diligence to get them all businesse set apart all other gaine neglected let us seek to be partakers of Grace of the Spirit as the Wise men left their owne countrey to come to Christ the disciples left all to follow him so let us take off our hearts from the world from carnall friends and from whatsoever is deare unto us and seeke to bee endowed with heavenly riches let us Pro. 2.2 3. Let us with David Psal 27.4 desire to dwell in the house of the Lord all our life that we may behold the beauty of the Lord to enquire in his temple Jer. 50.4 Dan. 9.3 Let us by hearing premeditation fasting and by all holy meanes seeke this grace 3. Let us value it more highly then all the treasures of the earth for Job 28.19 Psa 84.10 Psa 119.72 4. Let us love it more entirely then any other endowment give them the preheminence in our affections the chiefest roome in our hearts let us enlarge desires of our hearts towards them let us bestowe the strength and quintessence of our love upon them let us so affect them that with the Spouse we be sick of love Cant. 5.2 So love them that it make us long for them Psal 119.20 so love them that with Jacob we serve an apprentiship for them 5. Let us rejoyce and delight in it more then in all earthly treasure as Matth. 2.10 So wee to see any starre of Grace appeare in the heart as Anna 1. Sam. 2.1 So wee for our new birth thus Psa 4.6 6. Let us receive it more thankfully as Eccles 16.1 Gal. 6.14 7. Let us treasure it up more carefully when Achan had gotten a golden Wedge hee hid it 8. Let us receive the saving graces of the Spirit more thankfully then any common endowments and render more praise to God for this then for any other favour let us be more thankeful for our new birth then for noble birth so for victory ouer sin then for conquest our all bodily enemies for the riches of grace then for all worldly treasures for knowledg faith love meekness patience the joy of the spirit then for all the choisest jewels and most precious praises in the world As wee receiv a cup of pure and pleasant wine more thankfully then a cup of small water a piece of gold more thankfully then a handful of ordinary and common earth as Theodosius gave more thanks that hee was a member of the Church than head of the Empire so should wee give more thanks that wee are the members of Christ Jesus than for the greatest earthly present whereunto the hand of the world can advance us as Naman was thankful for the purging of his leprosie so let us for the washing away of the filth of sin as Moses sang praises to God for their deliverance from the hand of Pharaoh so let us for our deliverance out of the hands of Satan for the donation of the spirit and the grace wherewith wee are enriched Ephes 1.3 This was the Saint's practice Col. 1.12 13. Wee should say for this as David did 2 Sam. 7.18 19 20 22. so should wee com and stand before our God and say Who are wee O Lord God that thou shouldest bring us hitherto that of slaves thou shouldest make us thy free men that of men dead in sin putrified in the grave of corruption thou shouldest raise us to a new life of thorns briars thou shouldest make us fruitfull and bearing vines of strangers thou shouldest make us thine own adopted Children of poor and blinde naked thou shouldest make us rich with the saving grace of thy spirit and this was yet a small thing but thou hast also prepared everlasting mansions for us to dwell in immortal crowns for us to wear upon our heads a glorious ever shining sun to give us light even fulness of joy at thy right hand for ever And what can wee say unto thee our God for all these things how can we sufficiently laud thee for thy goodness for in this are all the motives and inducements of thankfulness If you will sing for refreshment received in the day of drought as Israël did for the spring of water Num. 21.17 here is our welspring of everliving water Joh. 4.14 If yee will bless God for victorie as Debora and Baruc did Jud. 5.1 Here is that which inableth you to tread Satan under foot Rom. 16 20. and maketh you more then conquerers in all assaults Rom. 8.36 If you will offer sacrifice and make vows as the heathen marriners for the appeasing of the tempestuous and raging Sea Jona 1.16 here is that which appeaseth a greater storm which breedeth a sweeter peace Phil. 4.7 If yee will give thanks for the opening of your eies which were blinde as the blinde man did Joh. 9.38 here is that which openeth the eie of the understanding inableth you to see the deep things of God 1 Cor. 2 9.10 This is the sword which conquereth the Physick which healeth the musick which delighteth the milk which nourisheth the wine which cheereth the friend which comforteth the hand which enricheth therefore wee should bee thankfull for this above all other blessings 7. Let us treasure up these gifts most carefully as the husbandmen hide the good seed in the ground that it may bee preserved from the fowls of the aër take root and bring forth increas as rich men lock up their jewels in strong chests place them in close and sure rooms that the hand of the thief may not reach them so must wee with all diligence hide and with all carefulness keep the saving grace of the spirit it is our choicest endowment it will yield us most comfort do us most good stand us in most stead as the people said of David 2 Sam. 18.3 Thou art worth ten thousand of us so the grace of the spirit is worth ten thousand of your sheep oxen gold and silver therefore bee as careful to keep it as the people were to keep David as a man would be to keep the apple of his eie or his right hand It was Solomon's charge to his Son a charge often repeated to make him heedful of it Proverb 3.21 4.23 urged by our Saviour Rev. 2.21 3.12 The like may bee seen in Paul Tit. 1.9 1 Tim. 6.12.13.14 Satan the the World the Flesh will all strive to wrest from us the grace of the spirit by force by flattery by promises and provocations as Dalila labored to cut away Samson's locks so will these strive to rob us of God's saving grace therefore wee must give all diligence to keep it 8. Let all God's people bee contented how slender soëver their outward estate bee though you wash not your feet in butter neither doth the rock yield any oil though your root spread not out by the waters nor the dew lay not all night upon your branch though your outward glorie be not fresh
none of the Astrologers onely Joseph and Daniel can interpret it for Mat. 11.27 7. In regard of the ministration of his kingdom and government of his Church and people none so great a charge so many people to rule so many great and strong enemies to oppose subdue and conquer therefore hee is said to bee girded with the sword Justice by his Word the sword of the spirit striking the hearts of rebellious people to bring them into subjection to ride upon the word of Truth by the ministry of the Gospel defending his chosen beating down sin and superstition working many wonders striking terror into the hearts of his enemies and for the accomplishment hereof hee is said to anointed with the oil of gladness above his fellows to have received more grace then all men or angels Psal 45.3 4 5 6 7. for thus also it is said that the spirit of God doth rest upon him filling him with all heavenly gifts and graces the spirit of wisedom fulness of knowledg in the things of God the spirit of understanding promptness and readiness to know all things of what nature or condition soever the spirit of counsel faculty and quicksightedness to free himself out of all perplexities the spirit of might courage to teach the truth and to oppose shake and overthrow all fals doctrine and to reprove their wicked conversation the spirit of knowledg a sure and firm understanding of things the spirit of fear filial cheerfull and perfect obedience Isa 11.2 3 4. Observ Isa 512. 1. In external appearance hee was outwardly of low estate Phil. 2.6 7. but the more contemptible hee was in his outward condition the more evident was the work of the God head manifesting it self therein 2. Hee wanted beauty in the eies of carnal men the sun seemeth not beautifull to the blinde but to such as have the eie of understanding savingly enlightned hee is the fairest of ten thousand Cant. 5. vers 10. Vse This by way of instruction sheweth where to go to have all our spiritual wants supplied and furnished Christ is the fountain in whom the Father hath put all fulness hee is the Physitian that can cure us when wee are diseased the Conquerer able to deliver us when wee are captived the Counseller able to advise us when wee are doubtfull hee is the Teacher which can instruct us when wee are ignorant Isa 9.6 therefore when all the cisterns of the world are broken holding no water when no physitian can cure us when all store-houses are empty and no hand can enrich us when all lips are shut and no tongue can comfort us when all waters like Abana and Pharphar have no healing virtue no cleansive power then like the woman Mark 5.11 let us come to Christ like Naaman 2 King 5.14 let us come to the Jordan of his blood for in his hand there is power to heal the wounded soul in his blood is efficacy to purge away the filth of sin which no nitre can purge in his word is virtue to comfort the troubled soul which no voice of man or angel can quiet Isa 50.4 in him as the Apostle saith dwelleth the fulness of the Godhead bodily Col. 2.9 in him it hath pleased the Father that all fulness should dwell Col. 1.19 all fulness both for number and measure of graces there is in Christ an absolute compleatness 1. In respect of members Ephes 1.23 2. In respect of inhabitation of the divine nature Col. 2.9 3. In respect of power and authority over all both in heaven and earth Mat. 28.4 In respect of merit 5. In respect of grace in him is fulness of wisedom to make us wise fulness of redemption to make us free fulness of righteousness to make us just fulness of sanctification to make us holy and hee is made to us of God 1 Cor. 1.30 therefore to him let us come Mat. 11.28 2. This by way of confutation reproveth and confuteth all Saint-worshippers and Meritmongers in Christ is all fulness there needeth no supply from Saint Angels or Works a fulness is no where to bee had but onely in Christ hee is able to save us to the utmost his royal robes are long enough to cover us his arm is strong enough to deliver us hee needeth not another to bee joyned with him hee trod the wine-press of his Father's wrath alone Isa 63. hee is the lamb slain from the beginning of the world which taketh away the sin of all beleevers in the world John 1.29 neither Saint nor Angel but Christ hath purged away our sin and is set down at the right hand of God Heb. 1.3 hee maketh reconciliation Heb 2.17 hee offered himself Heb. 7.27 all other are broken cisterns weak shields such as will not cover us in the day of Gods anger therefore it is not kiss the Saints but the Son Psal 2.12 3. By way of exhortation this seemeth to stir up men to labor for fulness of grace to bee replenished in measure as Christ is above measure as the members of the body are answerable to the head the branches in the tree answerable to the fulness of the juice in the root of the tree so wee who are members of the body whereof Christ is head branches in the true vine should labor a blessed fulness of all graces wee should strive to bee full of knowledg as the sea full of waters Isa 11.9 abundant in love 1 Thess 3.12 perfect in patience Isa 1.5 ful of joy and peace in the holy Ghost Rom. 15.13 full of faith in beleeving God's promises full of courage in maintaining God's truth against all opposition Act. 6.8 rich in all good works 1 Tim. 6.18 like trees bearing much fruit lamps holding much oil vessels filled with good liquor like travellers going forward like rich men building their barns greater enlarging our hearts more and more towards God and his waies this is the Apostle's charge 2 Pet. 3.18 this is Saint Paul's earnest entreaty 1 Thes 4.1 and for increas of grace of grace wee should strive 1. Becaus the more grace the more sweetness shall wee finde the more consolation shall draw from the ordinances of God the more health the more comfort doth the body finde in the food prepared for it the more perfect the eie the more pleasure it taketh in the light of the sun which it beholdeth the ordinances of God do good to them that are good Mic. 2.7 to those they are sweet Psal 119.103 joyous Jer. 15.16 comfortable tidings Rom. 10.15 holiness maketh God's ordinances to the soul like the chariots which Joseph sent to Jacob an occasion of reviving Gen. 48.25 like a wel-spring to the thirsty like dew to the ground like a feast to the hungry Psal 65.4 Cant. 2.4 2. The more grace the more comfort wee shall have in God's presence the more clearness wee shall behold in God's countenance the more obedient the childe is the more favorably his parent looketh on him the more profitably the servant
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
a pen-man this I can more than promise verbo Ministri that there is nothing in it for matter or manner either spurious or surreptitious nothing but what is genuine and the Authors own the immediate issue of his working brain and flowing from his own pen. This I shall promise the Reader if he shall like of what is in this Book I shall present him shortly with another of this Author In the mean time I refer this to thy serious reading and gracious benefiting who am From my Study at Stratcley in Armington Com. Devon Thy Servant in the Gospel JOHN WELDEN John 3. the 22. c. After these things came Jesus and his Disciples into the Land of Judaea and there he tarried with them and baptized c. THe Sun in the Firmament is never wearied but cometh forth like a mighty man rejoycing to run his race casting forth his bright and glorious beams in whatsoever circuit of the Heavens he moveth The Sun of righteousness Christ Jesus in like manner is never weary of well doing but his lips were alwayes dropping knowledge feeding Souls with heavenly understanding his Lamp was alwayes burning his cloud was alwayes distilling the dews of heavenly Doctrine in all companies on all occasions he like a faithfull Shepheard sought to gather home the straying sheep to Gods fold like a good guid to reduce the erring travellers into the right path like a carefull Physician to heal every diseased Soul No place no company but received some benefit by his presence having instructed Nicodemus in the Doctrine of Regeneration he came now into the Land of Judaea and there baptizeth After these thinges Iesus c. Our Saviour about the thirtieth year of his age came into the desart unto John to be baptized of him being baptized he was led by the spirit into the wilderness where he fasted fourty dayes and fourty nights from thence he returned to John in the desart at which time he called John Andrew Simon Peter Andrews brother from thence he returned into Galilee and in his journey called Philip and Nathaniel cometh to Nazareth where he was brought up and there after a few dayes being invited to a marriage he came to Cana where he wrought his first miracle after this he went to Capernaum and from thence to Ierusalem where he taught wrought a miracle and discoursed with Nicodemus about the point of Regeneration as we have largly set down in the beginnig of this Chapter From thence he came into the Territories of Iudaea and there baptized In the connexion of these words we have presented before us 1. The carefull and constant practise of Iesus Christ to win Souls to God and to communicate to them the knowledge of the truth 2. In the words we have his journeying into the Land of Judaea His attendants the Disciples His commoration or stay there he tarried His worke the administration of baptisme yet not by himselfe but by his Disciples as appears in Ioh. 4.2 Iesus himselfe baptized not but his Disciples I shall begin with the connexion of this history wherein we have discovred our Saviours constant practise and from thence draw this conclusion That we ought in all places to busy our selves in well-doing specially in endeavouring the conversion of Gods people As the clouds cause there dewes every day to distill more or less as the beast every day yeild their milk and the Stars continually send forth there light So must we according to our best abilities be alwayes doing good alwayes watering the Souls of our bretheren with the dewes of holy admonition with the milk of Gods word shewing the way of salvation to them by the light of the truth This charge the Apostle giveth Heb. 3.13 But exhort one another daily while it is called to day c. To this the promise of profiting is annexed Gal. 6.9 And let us not be weary of well doing For in due season we shall reap if we faint not And the Apostle will not have this duty in any case to be forgotten Heb. 10.24.25 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works Not forsaking the assembling of our selvs together as the manner of some is but exhorting one another and so much the more as ye see the day approaching What Paul gave in charge to Timothy may in a more generall manner be given in charge to every Christian 2. Timoth. 4.1 2. I charge the therefore before God and the Lord Iesus Christ who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his Kingdom preach the word be instant in season out of season reprove rebuke exhort with all long suffering and Doctrine Be instant in thy calling in seeking the good of thy bretheren in season and out of season exhort rebuke reprove with all earnestnes and long suffering The grounds why we ought to busy our selves in well doing specially in endeavouring the conversion of Gods people are these Reas 1 Because thereby Sathan who 1. Pet. 5.8 as a roaring Lyon walks about seeking whom he may devoure shall be prevented of that advantage which otherwise he will get against us The flynig bird is hardly smitten with the Arrow the industrious and diligent person alloweth Sathan no time to tempt him when David was idle then the devil ensnared him 2. Sam. 11. Reas 2 Because we shall hereby thrive in the graces of the Spirit The seed by sowing is encreased the fire by burning is augmented so grace is encreased by exercise and holy industry what Solomon speaketh concermnig outward poverty or riches that he becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand but the hand of the diligent maketh rich Prov. 10.4 The same is true as to inward riches or poverty that a lazy slothfull heart becometh poore in grace but the diligent heart maketh rich in grace to this very purpose is that passage af Iesus Christ in the Luk. 8.18 take heed therefore how ye heare for whosoever hath to him shall be given and whosoever hath not from him shall be taken even that which he seemeth to have This is the way to thrive in grace namely to exercise and improve it for the good of others for as Solomon saith Prov. 19.17 he that hath pity on the poor lendeth to the Lord and that which he hath given will he pay him back again Reas 3 Because we shall hereby prevent much evill deadnes and dulnes in our hearts vanity of thoughts idlenes of speech As the motion of the body prevents the cold the using of the plough-share prevents rust the moving of the water prevents putrifaction the manuring of the feild preventeth the growing of weeds thornes bryars Therefore is that of the Apostle Heb. 3.12.13 Take heed bretheren least there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God But exhort one another daily while it is called to day least any of you be hardned through the
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
31.18 19 20. and Rom. 7.24 3. They cannot be separated from sin if Naaman go not into Jordan he cannot be cleansed 2 King 5. if the fan be not used the chaffe corne cannot be severed Math. 3.12 read also Iohn 15.3 and Ier. 23.29 4. They can never have experience of the happy estate of Gods servants of the good things that he hath provided for them that love him of the sweetnes of his Ordinances these cannot be as Psal 46.4 A river the streams whereof make glad the heart But as waters in a sealed fountaine these cannot be as Eccl. 11 7. Light which is sweet and pleasant But as light under a bushell as a treasure under the earth as an unknown language They cannot say with Ieremiah in the 15 Ier. 16. nor with David in the 119. Psal 72. 5. Their Consciences can never be truely pacified for the publication of reconciliation is by the ministrey as 2 Cor. 5.20 the stormy and tempestuous Sea of a troubled soule cannot be quieted they cannot be assured they shall be saved Rom. 10.17 Eph. 1.13 14. The streams of Gods loving kindnes flow not with an equall fullnes into all corners of the earth To some God affordeth his mercies his blessings spirituall as a river of great strength of much depth running for many ages together to others as a weake streame a shallow brooke soone dryed among some he erecteth the meanes of life as a Lamp full of oile giving much light shinnig very long to others as a Lamp with little oile giving a slender light soone gone out to some the means of life are as a Sommers day cleare glorious of long continuance to others as a Winters day more obscure more short as Joseph in the distribution of his meat and apparell among his bretheren gave five times as much to Benjamin as to any other of his bretheren So our God in the distribution of the meanes of life giveth five times as much to some nations to some particular places as to others Thus our Saviour in the first beginning of his ministry passed by Jerusalem like a traveller making a very small stay but in the Land of Judaea he tarried as a sojourner making a longer stay among them revealing himself more fully unfolding the mysterie of salvation more plainly from whence we may gather this Doct. 4 That the long continuance of the faithfull ministery of the Gospell is a very great blessing to any people As the continuance of the fiery Pillar was a great blessing to Israel Exod. 40.38 So is the continuance of the fiery and shining Pillar of the Gospell to all that are appointed to travell from Aegypt to Canaan As the continuance of the light shining in Goshen was a great blessing to Israel when Aegypt sat in darknes Exod. 10.23 So is the continuance of the light to any Nation or particular person or assembly when others are left in ignorance This is apparent by Gods gracious and comfortable promise made to the Gentiles Isa 60.11 20. Therefore the gates shall be open continually they shall not be shut day nor night that men may bring unto thee the forces of the Gentiles and that their Kings may be brought vers 20. The Sun shall no more go down neither shall the Moon withdraw it self for the Lord shall be thine everlasting light and the dayes of thy mourning shall be at an end And also to the Jewish Church as some conceive under the new Testament Isa 62.6 7. I have set Watch-men upon thy walls O Jerusalem which shall never hold their Peace day nor night ye that make mention of the Lord keep not silence and give no rest till he establish and till he make Jerusalem a praise in the earth And this doth God put into the hand of his Church as a burning Lampe to give her light in the darke night of affliction Isa 30.20 21. And though the Lord give you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction yet shall not thy teachers be removed into a corner any more but thine eyes shall see thy teachers and thine ears shall hear a word behind thee saying This is the way walk ye in it when ye turn to the right hand and when ye turn to the left The reasons of the point are these Reas 1 Because it is a peculiar testimony of Gods love a powerfull argument of his mercy towards us in Christ A surer a sweeter a richer testimony of his favour than if he did turn the shallow streame of our outward prosperity into a deep river the barren tree of our earthly abilities into a fruitfull vine loaden from the top to the bottome with the choicest grapes As Abrahams reservation of the inheritance for Isaac was a greater Testimony of his favour than if he had given hin all the moveables bestowed on Ismael So Gods donation of the ministry of the Gospell the means of life eternall is a far greater favour than if he had given all the moveable and mutable wealth of the world Earthly things are but as favours bestowed upon a servant but the Gospell is a Jewell peculiar to the wise Jer. 3.14 15. Turn O Back-sliding children saith the Lord for I am married to you and I will take you one of a citie and two of a family and I will bring you to Zyon and I will give you Pastours according to my heart which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding read also Isa 62.5 6. Reas 2 Because it is a gracious argument of Gods comfortable presence as the continuance of the fiery Pillar of the Arke were a blessed Signe of Gods presence among the men of Israel So is the continuance of the light of the Gospell unto us Where sacred assemblies are according to Gods Ordinance continued there Christ is present Math. 18.20 Where two or three are gathered together in my name there am I in the midst of them and Rev. 1.13 in the midst of the 7 golden Candlesticks one like unto the Sonne of man cloathed with a garment down to the foot and girt about the paps with a golden girdle Mat. 28.19 20. I am with you to the end of the world As the tree of life in the midst of the garden so is Christ in the middest of such assemblies affording them food and nourishment unto life eternall Reas 3 Because it is a peculiar end of Christs resurection a singular benefit of his ascension As it is a singular benefit of the rising of the Sun in the Firmament to give light to the inferiour parts of the world So it is a singular benefit of the ascending of the Sonne of righteousnes to give light to them that sit in darkenes He did not rise he did not astend to endow his flowers with earthly riches to make them rulers over nations but he ascended to pour the grace of his Spirit to endow men with graces to instruct his people as you have it Eph. 4.8 11 12. and John 16.13
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
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
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
the tidings of salvation rejoyceth greatly because of the bridegroomes voyce Doctr. THe study meditation and publishing of the Gospel is very comfortable to Gods faithfull Messengers Psal 8.9 10. Ier. 15.16 and Paul called it a finishing of his course with joy Acts 20.24 Herein they see the great things of God the sight whereof is more pleasant to the eye of the mind than the sight of the Sun is unto the eye of the body as the Psalmist saith of the marriners Psal 107.24 so may I say of the Ministers of the Lord they go down into the deep and behold the holy and heavenly wonders of the Lord. II. Hereby the Word of God doth cast a sweet savour in their nostrils and becometh as a warme fire in their bones often travelling among the flowers refresheth us with their smell the bruising of spice maketh the sent thereof the more odorifeous in our nostrils III. They are glad to do any service to bring any honour unto God it is their meate and drinke to do the Lords will IV. They are glad to do good to others to informe their judgments stablish their faith cleanse their affections comfort their hearts quicken them in the duties of holines and make them rich in the grace of the Spirit Vse 1 They are no faithfull Ministers that do not the work of the Lord with cheerfulnes that rejoyce not of all opportunities to publish the gladsome tidings of eternall happines but to go about the Lords busines by constraint as a lasy horse driven with the whip as a sluggard that must be compelled to his labour this want of delight in Ministers in their calling argueth want of love unto God want of a lively feeling of the goodnes and operation of the Word of God within them want of zeale for Gods honour want of hatred against sin want of true compassion to the Souls of Gods people inconsideratenes unsensiblenes of the weighty calling they have taken upon them of the fearefull accompt they must render unto God for the Souls of whom they have the oversight Vse 2 This discovereth the cause why some Ministers are so laborious so frequent constant earnest in the work of their Ministry it is a great delight unto them delight maketh hard things seeme easy irksome things seeme pleasant labour becometh no labour sufferings are turned into joy the work becometh as joyous as their meate As this hath relation particularly to Ministers so it is generally true of all faithfull Christians of every godly man that loveth Christ every one that is his friend heareth the Bridegroomes voyce and rejoyceth greatly Doctr. IT is a very great joy to Gods faithfull people to heare the voyce of Christ in the preaching of the Gospel as Israel shouted at the presence of the Arke 1 Sam. 4.5 so do the people of God at he presence of the Gospel as appeareth by the examples recorded in this behalfe Acts 8.8 Acts 2.46 Acts 13.48 1 Thes 1.6 II. By the entertainement they give the faithfull Ministers of the Word Gal 4.14 Job 33.23 Acts 21.17 III. By the charge which is in this regard given Phil. 2.28 29. IV. By titles given attributed to the Gospel Psal 89.15 Luc. 2.10 1 Tim. 1.11 V. By the promise which God hath made Jer. 31.12 13 14. Isai 35.2 Reas 1 From the nature of the Gospel and the preaching of it it is of a very pleasant and delightfull nature therefore likened to the light 2 Pet. 1.19 Ps 119.105 for as the light is pleasant to the eye Eccles 11.7 so it is a pleasant thing to Gods people to behold the light of the Gospel II. To the dewes as the dewes rejoyce the ground make it green and pleasant so doth the Gospel rejoyce the hearts of the people Isa 35.1 2. III. To milk as that delighteth and nourisheth the Child so doth this Gods Children 1 Pet. 2.2 IV. To wels of water which afford much refreshment to the thirsty traveller so doth the Gospel to the Souls of Gods people Isai 12.3 V. To ointment poured out because as that is very savoury to the nostrils of men so is this to the nostrils of Gods people Cant. 1.3 even the savour of life unto life 2 Cor. 2.16 Reas 2 From the matter of joy contained in it it is a letter full of the expressions of the love of Christ Jesus replenished with exceeding great and precious promises 2 Pet. 1.4 A garden overspread with sweet flowers a shop full of precious ointments and savoury perfumes a tree every branch whereof is loaden with most pleasant and comfortable grapes a proclamation of peace Acts 10.36 a treaty of Union 2 Cor. 5.18 19. the profer of a free pardon Mar. 1.4 a marriage feast between Christ and the people Mat. 22.2 3 4. gladsome tidings Rom. 10.15 a relation of the high and incomparable love of God to man of the victories which our Saviour wonne the downfall of Satan sin and the shutting up of the gates of Hell the large endowments high honourable priviledges of Gods people all matter of the truest sweetest most lasting joy and therefore cannot but make the hearts of Gods people exceeding joyfull Reas 3 From the sence and feeling the people of God have of the want of the Ministry of the Word as a sick man feeleth the want of Physick a man in darknes the want of light a hungry man the want of food a captived man the want of freedome a condemned man the want of a pardon and therefore do much rejoyce at the presence and enjoyment thereof as the Wisemen rejoyced at the appearing of the starre which formerly they beheld as the woman in the parable rejoyced at the finding of the groate which shee had lost thus the Apostle Rom. 18.15 alledgeth that of Isai 52.7 to signify that the coming of Gods Messengers unto such is very desirable their preaching sweet and comfortable their words being sweet as honey as drink to the thirsty bread to the hungry alluring and drawing them like a loadstone their conversation being cleare as the Sun as their lips their Doctrine so their feet their walking was holy and upright and their Message altogether replenished with comfort Reas 4 From the sweet agreement which is between the hearts of Gods people and the Ministry of the Gospel as between the eare and the best tuned musick the palate and the pleasantest wine the nostrill and the purest ointment never did Jonathan David better accord than the heart of a sincere Christian and the faithfull Ministry of the Gospel and surely as David said of Ionathan 2 Sam. 1.26 so may every faithfull servant of God say of Gods Word Ier. 15.16 Ps 19.10 Reas 5 From the near Union between Christ and his faithfull people they are his friends Ioh. 15.14 members of that body whereof Christ is the head 1 Cor. 12.12 joyned in wedlock with him Ephes 5.30 and therefore as the Bride rejoyceth to hear the voyce of the
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 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
Lord how can the Sun shine if light were not put into him the Souldier fight if he be not trained up in military discipline and furnished with weapon 2. Because otherwise they cannot preach Christ but themselves not seek the Glory of God but their own ends as the fals Prophets did who ran when God did not send them 3. Because otherwise they will not convert the people from sinne but confirme them in sinne not make them loath but rather blesse themselves in their iniquities Ier. 14.14 Ier. 23.16 Not turne them to God but drive them from God Neither must they preach any thing besides Gods councell 1. Because this alone hath power to discover mens sinnes Heb. 4.12 This is a light discovering of all their spots this will finde it out though never so deeply vailed never so artificially hidden as Psa 19.5 so it is true of this Doctrine 2. Because this alone can awaken the conscience like Peters Cock Eccles 11.13 Acts. 2.37 This makes them cry Rom. 7.24 3. Because this doth purifie and cleanse the soule from sinne all other doctrines are but like the rivers of Damascus unable to cleanse the leprosie of Naaman This is the fan Matth. 3.12 The fire Ier. 23.29 This doth drive away the evill spirit 4. Because this doth pacify the conscience Christs voice stilled the raging tempest the Dove brought the Olive branch Gods word is the word of peace 5. Because this maketh men fruitfull in grace the chaffe is sown in vaine the good ground bringeth the increase the pleasant rivers makes the earth fruitful other doctrins like the water about a Jerico make the soules of men barren Vse Miserable is the estate of such people as live under and content themselves with such ministers as have not their commission from God as open not faithfully the councells of God these are as a house without light full of darknesse as a field without husbandmen full of briars as a Garden without Gardener full of weeds as a child without breasts a sick man without Physick and more dangerous is the estate of such as have libertine false teachers set over them for these are as a traveller that hath a false guide to lead him a ship that hath a false Pilot to conduct him a patient that hath poyson ministred unto him a child that hath a stone given instead of bread as a Serpent instead of fish 2. Therefore this must cause the people fervently to desire earnestly to pray and carefully to labour for such ministers as are sent of God and duely qualified for that calling as sick men desire a skilfull faithful Physitian as passengers desire a careful understanding Pilot to convey them over rough and dangerous waters travellers desire a good and circumspect guide in a doubtfull way which must be run with much speed and that upon paine of death as the souldiers entring combate with potent and politick enemies desire wise couragious and experienced commanders and leaders Sinne is a disease of all diseases the most dangerous a malady not curable by the hand of the most skilfull Physitian a leprosie like Naamans the Rivers of Damascus cannot cleanse it no passage so dangerous as the passage of a Christian between Egypt Canaan no gulfs no rocks no sands no stormy tempests no mischievous and bloudy pyrates so hardly avoidable as sin and Satan no snares so uneasily discerned no by-paths so difficultly avoided as the crooked waies of iniquity no enemy so strong so cunning so violent as Satan no conquest so uneasy no overthrow so full of danger therefore Gods ministers who must heale this disease conduct the people over this passage make them conquerers over their enemies must bee abundantly replenished with all their utmost graces Gods people must do their utmost to obtain the most fit meanes for this calling men commonly desire the best food for their bodies the best seed for their ground the best Physick for their diseases the best councel for their weighty undertakings the best armour for the day of battel the best coyn to put in their treasury it is a great shame that men should have no regard to their souls whether they be fed with manchet or gravell with wheat or chaffe whither they have wholesome Physick or poison given to them whither they have good coynor reprobate silver brasse tin or led given them that you may a little more clearely see the folly of men contenting themselves with blind and insufficient guides the great necessity of able teachers looke 1. Upon the secrecy and depth of sinne how deep it lieth how uneasily found out how roughly it is guilded over like base with good mettall how much it is loved how men are uneasily brought to reject it it is deepe like a tree of deepe roots there must be much digging to finde it like a deepe wound there must be a skilful Chirurgion to search out the depth of it it lieth like Jonah in the bottom of the ship so Jsa 29.15 Josua 7.21 Prov. 30 18 19.20 Therefore the ministers of God must be able to apply the word aright to make it pierce like a two-edged sword Heb. 4.12 Psa 49.2 that 1 Cor. 14.25 It is also artificially vailed curiously and cunningly covered as the rotten bones under a whited Sepulcher as poison under a golden cup or sweet Sugar brutish and beastly lust is covered under the white comely apparel of love Pro. 7.18 Covetousnesse under the vail of frugality and application of things to better uses Io. 12.5 6. drunkennesse goeth under the name of love and preserving amity between men prophanation of Gods day under the vizard of recreation thus Iehorams wife comming to the prophet fained her selfe to be another then shee was so sinfull men that their iniquity may not be found out fain themselves to be others then they are Jehu 2 Kings 10.20 Mat. 15.8 Mat. 8.2 Lu. 11.44 Therefore Gods ministers must be replenished with much knowledge that they may discover their deceitfulnesse and disclose their Hypocrisies take away this deceitful vail from their faces and make them see their own vilenesse as Samuel dealt with Saul 1 Sam. 15 13.14 That they may say as 1 Kings 14.6 That they may convince them and make them ashamed of that wherein they glory and bring them to see Num. 7.9.24 And as sinne is deeply rooted cunningly covered so is it also strongly loved men are loath to depart from it it is as pleasant wine Pro. 9.17 As sweet Sugar Job 20.12 They are loath to leave it as Rabel her fathers Idols the hearts of men are wedded to it strongly set upon it and with much violence eagarnesse pursue it Pro 23.35 And there fore Gods Ministers must be both skilfull and earnest to make men hate what they love so strongly to make thē trample under foot as dung what they esteem more precious then gold to reject as gravell what they delight in
strength hath such fulnesse in him but they who interpret these words to be spoken of Christ give the best and most proper enterpretation for the purpose of the Baptist was not so much to commend and set forth the fulnesse and excellency of God whereof there was not then any question but of Christ of whose Alsufficiency the disciples of the Baptist were both ignorant doubtful therfore he setteth before them the full treasury of all goodnesse which was in Christ intimateth to them that in Christ alone was that sufficiency to be found which would make them wise holy just free happy from him they should derive and draw that which the world could not afford them for God had given him the spirit not by measure Christ and God the Father are one in regard of Divine Essence 1 Jo. 5.7 that is incommunicable and cannot be given but God the Father gave the Sonne his personal subsistance as a Sonne as a second Person whereof David speakes Psa 2.7 And also Solomon Pro 8.24 25 29.30 And God hath also given the Spirit that is the Grace of the Spirit unto Christ as man as Mediatour above measure in a most abundant and large measure as he is the Sonne of God by eternall generation so he hath infinite power Wisedome justice Holinesse Goodnesse as he is the Sonne of God by Grace of Hypostaticall Vnion so hee hath also all the former vertues but not in that measure as they are in him as he is God but yet in such measure as they doe wonderfully excell all the excellencies in men and Angels as the Sun doth the Starres in brightnesse Col. 1.19 Others received and do receive the Spirit in measure 1 Cor. 12.7 That is slenderly and this from Christ Ephes 4.7 as wee receive water from the Sisterne but to Christ as man it is given above measure that is largely abundantly farre more then to any creature In the words we have 1. a Giver God 2 The gift with the equality of it the Spirit 3. The measure or how much is givers not sparingly not nigardly but plentiously above measure 4. The receiver the party to whom it is given to Christ From the first wee may learne Doct. That God is the Authour giver of every blessing enjoyed by any person or people the royall robes where-with Christ as man was apparelled came out of Gods Wardrobe the singular Jewels where-with he was adorned came out of Gods Store-house therefore much more the blessings and endowments conferred upon people of inferiour condition as all the light in the Aire commeth from the Sun so James 1.17 As the Raine commeth from the cloud upon the earth so doth every good thing come unto us from the Lord nothing is due nothing is merited all is given Jo. 3.17 Therefore God is by the Apostle stiled the God of all grace 1 Pet. 5.10 The God in whom all goodnesse resideth as water in the fountaine from whom all goodnesse is derived all blessings Issue as waters from the fountaine as branches from the roote a God giving both spirituall and corporall temporall and eternall favours all that wee possesse is fruit from his Tree graine out of his Garner liquor out of his vessel the Lords hand maketh all Eccles 11.5 Wee cannot gather if God doe not scatter wee cannot receive if God doth not open his hand wee cannot be satisfied if God doth not fill us Psa 104.28 Reason Because God hath in himselfe all goodnesse originally independantly compleately and others have it by the communication as God will work it in them give it to them as all nourishment is in the roote and from thence sent up into the branch all waters are in the Sea and from thence sent in the chanels of the earth beneath and in the clouds above as in so many bottles for the watering of the earth so all goodnesse in God he deriveth to us as he pleaseth therefore the Psalmist ascribeth all to the Goodnesse of the Lord. Psa 68.9.10 And Psa 65.8.9.10.11.12.13 And 2. Because God hath Soveraignty and dominion over all right and interest into all he is the Lord the creature the servant he is the Work-man the world with all the fulnesse thereof his workmanship hee is the King all the creatures his subjects the servant can have nothing but what his Lord will allow him all tallents are in Gods hand hee hath both the dominion and the disposition of them he may doe with his owne what pleaseth him and hence 1 Chro. 29.11 12. Deut. 8.18 3. Because all second causes are no further helpfull comfortable and beneficiall to us then as God is pleased to put an ability and fulnesse into them as God is pleased to cause his blessing to accompany and go together with them as Jo. 15.5 So without God all that wee have can doe nothing and as Jsa 30.7 So all abilities without God will help in vaine their strength will be to set still as Jer. 10 5. So it will be in these to doe neither good nor harme men may glory of their abilities as Israel of the Arke but if God be not there the Arke will doe no good· 4. Because wee are altogether empty in and of ourselves dry trees barren fields bearing no fruit and empty Vessels without any licquor of grace wee are Rev. 3.17 desolate houses in whom dwelleth no good thing Ro. 7.18 Hos 10.1 Nineveh Nah. 3.10 And therefore well might the Apostle say what hast thou that thou hast not received 5. Because wee are able to discerne nothing wee are all gone astray Psa 14.3 Wee are like a wildernesse like the sluggards field as full of sinne as that of thornes and briars Pro. 24.30 After our conversion when wee have done our best we doe but that like Jacob in the way of Gods commandements our best apparell is very menstruous best grain hath much chaffe and our best coyne hath much drosse mingled with it Jsa 64.6 So that when wee have done all wee can doe we are unprofitable servants wee have deserved nothing and therefore whatsoever wee enjoy it must needs be Gods gift 6. Because all doe exspect and looke for every behoofull gift at the hands of God as the eye waiteth on the Sun for light the sucking child on the breasts for milke the providence of God extendeth it selfe to all creatures to all persons to all seasons occasions and conditions he doth not like the Carpenter build a house and then forsake it like a carelesse Pilote leaving his ship in the stormy tempest but God guideth preserveth feedeth and sustaineth all that hee hath made in him Acts. 17.28 From him Psa 104.27 Vse Is all we enjoy all that doth relieve us Gods gift is it he is the Authour and the giver of all then let us seeke to God for every good gift whereof we stand in need as Ja. 1.5 So if any man want grace to subdue his corruption let him aske of God for hee giveth
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
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
earth hee doth not promise them a paradise of pleasures to dwell in a river of wordly delights to drink of a wardrobe of rich raiment a treasury of gold and silver an eminent place of wordly honor but the grace of the spirit a holy fear to displeas him a holy care to walk uprightly before him Jer. 32.38 39 40 41. this is prophesied to be the sequel of God's love to his people Jer. 31. is the promise of his love ver 3. the testimony of it ver 8 9. I will bring them from the north countrey and all the coasts of the earth literally from Babylon Assyria and the Medes where they were detained captive spiritually from the slavery and bondage of sin and Satan and when will hee bring the blinde who cannot see the waies the commandements of the Lord the lame who cannot walk aright in the path of his precepts the woman with childe such as feel themselvs heavy loaden with the burden of their sin and did much long like a woman in travel to bee delivered and hee that travelleth with the childe the broken hearted afflicted and such as want spiritual strength to do good but how in what manner shall they come from their bondage with weeping grief for their sin and with supplication with praier for the remission of sin but by what way shall they bee led by the rivers of the water their spiritual thirst after rightetousness shall bee quenched by the preaching of the Gospel and their souls watered and refreshed by the dews of the Spirit in a right way by the doctrine of life wherein is no terror no obliquity and for why shall all this bee for I a father to Israël and Ephraïm is my first-born that is I love them with a most intimate affection they are very dear unto mee and therefore I will bestow this spiritual favor upon them this the Prophet Hosea after a metaphorical manner doth most lively and elegantly express Hos 14. v. 4. first hee maketh mention of the freedom of God's love toward them then hee setteth forth the consequences thereof the fruit growing on this tree of God's love the gifts given by this hand of God so full of love unto them and first by the similitude of a Physitian healing hee setteth out the free remission of their sin by the similitude of the dew the grace of the Spirit regenerating and quickning to new obedience by the similitude of the growing of the lilie which is an effect of the dew hee setteth out the adorning of the faithfull with heavenly graces that so both they and their services might cast a sweet savour in God's nostrils by the similitude of casting out of roots as Lebanon hee expresseth their constancy and perseverance in the grace of the Spirit notwithstanding all temptations by the similitude of spreading their branches hee declareth their increas of the Church both in graces and also in persons the great glory of the Church and the sweet savour which they should send forth both in the nostrils of God also of men by the similitude of siting under his shadow he expresseth the safety security and peace which they should enjoy under the protection of Christ by the similitude taken from the reviving of the corn hee sheweth their growth in grace even by the storms and tempests of affliction which fall upon us by the similitude of the growing of the Vine and sent of Lebanon hee proposeth the zeal of the godly and the fragrancy of their conversation so that the forgiveness of sin regeneration sanctified and acceptable obedience constancy in the way of God's commandements growth in grace joy and peace in the holy Ghost zeal and courage for God's truth these are gifts which above all the gifts in the world do testifie the love of God therefore 1 Joh. 3.1 2. Eph. 2.4 5. Reas Because these of all gifts are the most excellent these are as the Spouse said of our Saviour Cant. 2.2 Cant. 5.10 as the apple-tree among the trees of the forrest the fairest of ten thousand therefore called by the Apostle the best gifts 1 Cor. 12.31 preferred by Joh above the choicest treasure lockt up in the bowels of the earth Job 28.16 by Solomon before the chiefest riches in the custody of the merchant Prov. 3.14 though other gifts are in their kinde excellent and of great comfort to such as can rightly apply apply them yet as Prov. 31.29 so many other endowments deserve much commendation but the saving grace of the Spirit excelleth them all 2. Because these gifts of all other are the most rare most proper and peculiar to God's own children these are precious pearls given to a few they are flowers growing in few gardens a seed sown but in few fields stars shining in the firmament of few mens souls 2 Thes 3.2 earthly endowments are a liquor put into every vessel a sion graffed on every stock a seed sown on every field but these are bestowed only on the elect Tit. 1.1 3. Because these gifts do bring a man nighest to God in likeness of nature these make a man holy as God is holy for the truth though not for the measure of holiness these make a man like God as the childe is like the parent as the aër is like the sun therefore 2 Pet. 1.4 being holy wise simple sincere immortal as God is not in perfection but in trueth not independently but by communication hereby wee have fellowship with God walk with him have our conversation in heaven are of God's counsel Psal 25 9. are his friends Joh. 15.15 enjoy the light of his face Psal 21.6 a man may have all other gifts bee furnished with all other abilities and yet bee a stranger to God and Christ Eph. 1.12 4. Because these gifts of all other gifts are the most pleasant the most delightfull and full of comfort this maketh the soul of a Christian cheerfull and full of rejoycing Lu. 10.20 Isa 55.12 13. 1 Pet. 1.8 Isa 4.6 5. Because these gifts are of all others the most satisfactory and contenting these like living springs do abundantly fill the vessel of their souls like clouds full of rain they quench the thirst of the heart as they do-the dry and barren grounds like trees loaden with plenty and variety of all good fruit they fill the hungry stomack therefore likened to a living spring whose waters never fail Jo. 4.14 to milk and wine which quench the thirst Isa 55.1 to a of the choisest dainties both filling and delighting the hungry soul Isa 25.6 to great gain which quieteth the heart though enlarged with strong desires 1 Tim. 6.6 when all other gifts like water to a dropsie man do inflame their thirst and make them cry like a horsleach and make them miserable as the grave Pro. 30.15 16. then they who have the grace of the Spirit are satisfied as the child that sucketh milk from a full breast Isa 66.11 this is promised Psal 22.26 where 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