Though Christs Ministers are many times pooâ— yet they make many Rich 2 Cor. 6.10 Thâ—â— are Deacons of Christs Testament They aâ—â— hands by which Jesus Christ gives forth his Almes and distributes Spiritual Gifts O come and hear the Gospel this may be the day of your Visitation A new Leaven may be laid in your Meal and a new Byass may be put on your Wills for over to incline your Hearts towards God That word may be ingrafted that may better and ennoble your stock and enable it to bring forth â—ruit to God The Lord Jesus may speak that with a strong hand to thy Soul that Man speaks 〈◊〉 with a weak hand to thy Ear. God saith to Hoses that he would stand on the Rock and he â—â—ould smite it and it should give forth Water â—â—od 17.6 If God had not been there Moses â—ould rather have struck Fire out of the Rock â—â—an have drawn out Water from it But because God stood on the Rock it did cleave and â—â—eld Water abundantly when Moses smote it 〈◊〉 this my incourage Ministers to smite the Rocky â—â—arts of men with the Rod of the Word that God that Christ will be there to cleave the Rock â—â—d to turn the Flint into a Fountain of Water 〈◊〉 114. last God's hand goes along with his â—â—sign Isa 49.22 When Christ Curcified is reached then God lifts up a standard and disslays an Ensign and this cannot be in vain for â—hen God so lifts up his hand to the Gentiles â—hat they presently bring Zions Sons in their arms â—nd carry her daughters on their shoulders that â—hey may be joined with and to the Church Christ by the Gospel opens blind Eyes Isa 42.7 â—sal 110.3 Psal 47.3 And by this Rod of â—is strength he subdues disobedient and Rebellious souls While Ministers do open the Riches of Christs Testament he opens the understanding of Men to perceive and discern the Fulness and Glory of this Testament Luke 24.45 Christ takes away the vail from the Heart unstops the deaf Ear and takes away the Heart of stone Though Ministers may seem but poor contemptable men yet they bring Treasure in Earthen Vessels 2 Cor. 4.7 There is a hidden Treasure and a Pearl of price to be found in the dispensation of the Gospel Christ executes his Testament and dispenses the Treasures of his Grace by the Preaching of the word of Life and of the Gospel of Salvation The Gospel is the Arm of the Lord and the Ministration of the Spirit and of Power so that the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God and the deaf shall hearken to the word of Life Isa 53.1 John 5.25 Isa 29.18 3d. Doctrine It is God that makes Men able Ministers of the New Testament 1st God the Father fits Men to be Laborers and thrusts them forth notwithstanding all difficulties and discouragements into his Harvest It is not every one that is fit to pluck secure Sinners out of the fire and compel them to come unto the Feast Judes Epistle 23. Luke 14.23 It is God the Father that must qualify for this noble and hard work 2dly The Son of God makes able Ministers of the New Testament Eph. 4.11 12. He gave Gifts to Men Apostles Prophets Evangelists Pastors and Teachers Christ gave them from Heaven when he ascended up on high and poured down the Spirit from on high Psal 68.18 with Isa 32.15 By the Holy Ghost he furnished them with Light Life Zeal for the discharge of their Office 3dly The Holy Ghost gives the inward call and fits Men with Gifts and Graces for the fulfilling of their Ministry The Holy Ghost is said to make overseers of the Church Acts 20 28. 1. Question Wherein doth this ability to be Ministers of the New Testament consist What is requisite furniture to make Men able Ministers Answer 1. They must have the word of Knowledge and of Wisdom 2 Cor. 12.8 The word of Knowledge is a skill to open explain and vindicate the great Principles of the Gospel the very Foundations of our Holy Religion And the word of Wisdom seems to signify an ability and dexterity to apply the word sutable to the various Conditions and Exigences of Souls to divide and apply it aright that every Hearer may have his proper portion 2. This ability consists much in Spiritual Experience of the Power of the Word on their own Souls and Consciences When Ministers themselves taste that the Lord is gracious to them 1 Pet. 2.3 that he hath Reconciled them to himself 2 Cor. 5.18 when they have been cast down and raised up When they have been wounded and healed When they have tasted the bitterness of Sin and the sweetness of the Grace of Christ Paul when Christ called him from Heaven was three days blind and did neither Eat or Drink during this time Paul seems to be under great anguish and anxiety of mind for his former Enmity to Christ and Persecuting of his Church at this time Saul did know the Terror of the Lord how Terrible God would be to him if he did not faithfully Preach the Gospel and how Terrible the Lord would be to others if they did not listen to it Embrace and Receive it 3. This ability consists in love to Christ the Love of Christ constrains us because we thus judge that if one dyed for all then were all dead The Apostle had a Spiritual mind and did rightly judge of things that if Christ died for us all then we were all Spiritually dead else we needed not that Christ should die for us yea if Christ died for us all then this was as effectual for our Redemption and deliverance as if we had all died yea we all died in him and with him O how should this heighten affection to and inflame Love towards Christ How should Ministers bestir themselves to gain Souls to Christ that hath so much obliged them 4. This ability consists much in tender compassions and pitty to perishing Souls Christ awakens the pitty of his Disciples when he bids them to go to the lost Sheep of the House of Israel Matth. 10.6 Jeremiah saith if the Jews would not hear him his Soul should weep in secret places his Eyes should run down with Tears Jer. 13.17 Paul served God with many Tears and ceased not night and day to warn the Ephesians with Tears Acts 20.19 31. He tells the Philippians with with Tears that there were some among them that were Enemies to the Cross of Christ Phil. 3.18 And he wrote a Letter to the Corinthians with many Tears 2 Cor. 2.9 5. This ability consists in great Self-denial 2 Cor. 12.15 I will very gladly spend and be spent for you though the more abundantly I love you the less I be loved I if I am offered on the service and Sacrifice of your Faith I therein rejoyce 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 If my blood be poured out as a Drink-offering to promote the Service and Sacrifice of your Faith do therein
A DISCOURSE On 2 Cor. III. 6. Who also hath made us Able Ministers of the New Testament not of the Letter but of the Spirit For the Letter killeth but the Spirit giveth Life BY Samuel Comlyns M. A. Minister of the Gospel in Marleborough LONDON Printed for Tho. Parkhurst at the Bible and Three Crowns at the Lower End of Cheapside near Mercers-Chappel 1699. THE DEDICATION To my Well-beloved Friends in Christ Mr. Stephen Lock Mr. William Smith Mr. John Isgar and other Christian Friends living in Gospert Grace Mercy and Peace be multiply'd IT is near Thirty years ago that I was first Acquainted with some of you and Conversant among you Preaching the Gospel of the Kingdom of God I am now drawing towards the Confines of Time and the Borders of Eternity I was therefore willing to Dedicate this Discourse of Christ's Testament to you as a Grateful Acknowledgment of your Kindness to me and as a Token and Pledge of that Real Love that I bare towards you The Testament of Christ is the most Noble and Sweet Subject that your Minds can be Conversant about and your Affections feed on that which was contrived from Eternity may well be Matter of Contemplation in time and of Admiration to Eternity This Testament was drawn in the Mind and Counsel of God before the Foundations of the World and hath been since Written in the Blood and established by the Death of the Son of God In it there are the most precious and inestimable Legacies Bequeathed God gives himself as a Father and Portion Jesus Christ gives himself as a Husband and the Spirit is given as a Sanctifier and Comforter and Christians are caused to inherit the Church and Heaven that once were desolate Heritages as to them though the Testator be alive again yet this doth not lessen our Portion or worst our Estate Isa 4.8 as the Death of Christ doth Purchase so the Life of Christ is powerful to conveigh and bestow his Legacies Christ hath passed through the most hard and difficult part of his Work Rom. 5.10 he died to reconcile us that he may live and save us and may sit in Heaven and Enrich us and perfect whatever concerns our Happiness Consider these following particulars in Relation to the Testament of Christ 1. The Wisdom of God shines in this that such a way should be found out to set God's House in Order and to dispose of the most Rich and Great Estate all ways of Communicating Good to the Creature seemed to be shut up and obstructed by the Guilt of Sin God's Treasury was Locked his Fountain Sealed his giving Hand bound but Christ died for the Redemption of Transgressions Heb. 9.15 to buy off those sins that would separate between God and us that would hinder good things from us and sink us down into the Bottomless Pit and shut us up in the Eternal Prison The Conveyance therefore of a Rich Estate to Guilty Beggerly Bankrupt Creatures through the Death and Testament of Christ is the bare contrivance of Infinite Wisdom In the Lord's Supper the Seal of Christ's Testament his Blood is set forth as Purchasing us to be a peculiar People Acts 20.10.41.15 and his Flesh is set forth as Bread to strengthen and enable us to perform our Duty towards our Saviour By Redemption we are obliged to be First-Fruits to God and the Lamb Rev. 14.4 and by Regeneration we are fitted to be First-Fruits James 1.18 that is to consecrate and devote our selves to God and Christ and to live to them 2. Consider the Admirable Righteousness of God that appears in this Testament that Jesus Christ purchased what he Bequeathed he is a Priest of good things Heb. 9.1 that is he Merited he procured them by his Death Good things do not come to us as a Gift from Christ Living but as a Legacy from Christ Dying It is now just with God to forgive the sins of Believers John 1.9 It might have been just with God to punish and destroy but now through the Death of Christ it is just for God to Forgive Grace may now Reign through Righteousness to Eternal Life Rom. 5. last And they that receive an Abundance of Grace and of the Gift of Righteousness shall Reign in Life Rom. 5.17 Jesus Christ doth not as other Testators by Death leave the Inheritance empty but Purchases a Right for us to enter upon the Inheritance and to possess and enjoy it 3. Consider the wonderful Grace of God and Christ that is manifested in this Testament 1. That Christ should Constitute us as his Heires then he might have Executed us as Malefactors 2. That when the Threatnings were in force for our Death that Jesus should die to put the Promises in force for our Life that he should cease to live for a time that we might live eternally 3. That he should make a Testament to enrich us with Spiritual and Eternal Blessings when we had by sin forfeited our Lives and deserved to be stript of all Temporal Comforts and Enjoyments 4. That Jesus Christ should become poor to enrich us 2 Cor. 8.9 He became poor that we by his Poverty might be made Rich. Jesus Christ had no House to put his Head in he lived on what others Ministred to him Matth. 8.20 Luke 8.3 He was robbed of his good Name and censured as a Blasphemer of God and Condemned as an Vsurper and Enemy to Caesar they stript him of his Garments and did not cease afflicting him till every drop of Strength was gone out of his Body and every spark of Life was quenched and he became a weak cold Carcase Christ was thus emptied to fill us and stooped so low to lift us up to Glory 5. What the Law of God requires as a Duty by Christ it is Bequeathed as a Legacy and bestowed as a pure Gift What is required of the Heirs of Promise is purchased for them by the Blood of the Testator and wrought in them by the Spirit of Promise They are changed from Glory to Glory as by the Spirit of the Lord 2 Cor. 3. last The Holy Ghost doth excite actuate and draw forth Grace This North and South Wind blowing on Christ's Garden doth cause the Spices of it flow forth Cant. 4. last If Duties were required to be performed by our Free-will and Natural Strength the New Covenant would not differ from the Covenant of Works The First Promise was a most Free and preventing Promise and in it undertakes to break the League and Amity that was between the Woman and the Serpent and to kindle Enmity between them and their Seed Gen. 3.15 And this Free Promise was to be apprehended by Faith only God doth not say Do and your Soules shall live but hear that is Believe and your Soules shall live Isa 55.3 The Promise doth not run thus I will be your God if you will be my People but I will be their God and they shall be my People Joel 31.33 Christ takes it upon himself
out of him so the Church was hid in Christ formed and drawn out of Christ cast into the deep sleep of death Ezek. 47.11 John 19.34 O rejoyce in Christs Testament glory in his Riches Triumph in his Salvation that when sin reigns over most unto death grace should reign over you thro' the Righteousness of Christ unto Eternal life 2 Cor. III. 6. Who also hath made us Able Ministers of the New Testament not of the Letter but of the Spirit For the Letter Killeth but the Spirit giveth Life IN the words 1. we have a Subject spoken of and that is the New Testament as it is distinguished from the Old Testament which was not the Covenant of Works but the Covenant of Grace wrapt up in Types and Figures more darkly Administred Galat. 3.18 2. The Apostle insists on this New Testament and commends it that it is Spirit and not Letter 1 John 17. that is the Holy Ghost doth eminently and signally manifest himself in this New Testament Dispensation It is Filled it is Enriched it is Ennacted by the Holy Ghost he doth so breath in it and worketh it that it may well be called Spirit and not Letter The Gospel is not a meer Literal Doctrine or Command but mightily animated by the Spirit if it were only Letter it would kill us frail and weak Greatures exacting Duty And requiring Obedience of us that are Impotent yea dead Creatures but it is Spirit and so it gives Life The Holy Ghost enlightens Blind Minds softens Hard Hearts and Quickens Dead Souls The effectual Workings of the Spirit are called the Law of the Spirit and this Law of the Spirit of Life is said to make free from the Law of sin and death Rom. 8.2 This is a Law that is all Power and consists wholly in Execution 3. The Apostle informs us of the Honour and Dignity of Gospel-Officers for they are Ministers of this New Testament 4. The Apostle glorifies God and instructs us how it is that Officers do become able Ministers of this New Testament It is God that made Paul and others Able Ministers of the New Testament The words afford us Three Doctrines 1st That there is a New Testament 2dly That Gospel Officers are Ministers of this New Testament 3dly That it is God that doth make Men able Ministers of the New Testament 1. Doctrine that there is a New Testament We may observe and admire the Wisdom of God that first there was a Promise then a Covenant then a Testament this last the best and most Noble Edition of the Covenant of Grace this is called the New Testament to distinguish it from the Old Testament First The Old Testament was made with one Nation in the day that the Lord took Israel by the hand to lead them out of the Land of Egypt but it is God's design by Christ and the New Testament to gather together into one all the Children of God that are scattered abroad John 6.52 Christ Preacheth now not onely to the Jews that were nigh but also to the Gentiles that were afar off Ephes 2.17 2. The First Testament had Moses for â Mediator Gal. 5.19 The Law was given by Moses but Grace and Truth comes by Jesus Christ 1 John 17. Jesus is the Madiator of the New Testament Heb. 9.15 The Old Testament was accompanied with Figures and Shadows of things to come 2 Col. 17. The Law had a shadow of good things to come and not the very Image of the Things that is Christ himself and the very Live Image of Spiritual things were not then exhibited Righteousness was not yet brought Atonement was not yet made the Fountain was not yet opened for sin and uncleanness The Law and Prophets Prophesied till John Matth. 1.13 they spake of Christ and foretold the Glorious things of the Gospel as yet to come but now the Kingdom of God is clearly discovered and is Preached as come Luke 7.16 I ourthly The Old Testament and the Ceremonial Law made nothing perfect Heb. 7.19 but did introduce the Hope of a better Priest and of a more Noble Sacrifice but Christ by one Offering hath perfected for ever them that are Sanctified On the day of Atonement there was a remembrance of all the Sins committed that year which did shew the weakness and imperfection of those Sacrifices in that there was a Remembrance again made of Sins But in this the Excellency and Perfection of Christ's Sacrifice appears in that it did purge and put away Sin and God on the account of it made that Promise Your Sins and Iniquities I will Remember no more Heb. 10.17 18. Fifthly The Old Testament was confirmed by the Blood of Beasts Moses killed Sacrifices and took the Blood of them and sprinkled it on the People saying behold the Blood of the Covenant that God hath made with you But the New Testament was confirmed with better Blood Christs Blood is the Blood of Sprinkling and the Blood of the Everlasting Covenant Heb. 12.24 Heb. 13.20 Sixthly The Old Testament was weak and faulty it did not it could not purge Conscience by the Blood of Brutish Sacrifices neither could it introduce the Law of God into the Soul and write it in the Heart but the New Testament is strong and powerful it makes those that were barren to bear and rejoyce Isa 54.1 And by it the Law of God is writ in the Heart and put into the inward parts and the Soul is Renewed and Transformed to walk with and live to God 7thly The Old Testament waxed old and did vanish away but the New Testament remains abides and is Everlasting Heb. 13.20 the Blood of Christ is still fresh and therefore his Testament is still new He offered one Sacrifice for Sins for ever Heb. 10.12 His Sacrifice is of an Everlasting Virtue and the way made by it to the true Holy of Holies is living and still new Heb. 10.19 and the Covenant and Testament built on this Everlasting Sacrifice must need be Everlasting This is God's last speaking to the World and it shall never give place to any other Covenant Heb. 7.1 This is a better Covenant or Testament established on better Promises than the Covenant of Works was Heb. 8.6 yea the Promises of the New Testament are clearer and exhibit more grace than the Promises of the Old Testament The Old Covenant is compared to and set forth by Hagar that was a young Woman and had Natural Strength to conceive and bare a Son Gal. 4.24 25. with Isa 54.1 but the New Testament is set forth by Sarah that was barren and was made fruitful by a supernatural power Acts 1.11 The Promises of the Law do respect the strength that God first put into Man and are built on the obedience to be performed by this strength but the New Testament is built on a Spiritual and Supernatural strength put into the Soul by the Holy Ghost For the opening and Explication of this New Testament I shall insist on these several
good things for us else he could not bequeath them to us We were such Criminals such guilty Creatures that Jesus Christ could not live and give any good to us or bestow any Spiritual Blessing on us but he must die to bequeath Legacies all Spiritual Good Things must come swiming to us in the Blood of Jesus Christ 3. That Jesus Christ should empty himself to fill us impoverish himself to inrich us You know saith Paul The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ that though he was rich yet for our sakes he became poor that we through his Poverty might be Rich 2 Cor. 8 9. The Lord of Heaven and Earth the Heir of all things was in a meaner and lower condition than Birds and Foxes The Birds of the Air have Nests and Foxes have Holes but the Son of Man hath not where to lay his Head Luke 9.58 The Curse took hold of him that the Blessing might flow to us Death came to him that Life might be derived to us 4. Consider how sweet comfortable and refreshing Christ's Testament is 1. In a Covenant there are Two Parties obliging themselves to each other but in a Testament there is but one Party Bequeathing and that is Christ 2. Covenants are Vacated and Disanulled by the Death of one or both of the Confederates but a Testament is not disanulled but established by the Death of Christ We are Heires in Reversion and Heires in Possession by our own Death 3. A Testament is irrevocable because it is built on something past and that cannot be undone Jesus Christ hath died and this gives eternal force to his Testament The Benefits and Legacies of Christ's Testament come to us in a Righteous way what he Bequeathes he Purchases and there is a powerful and effectual way to execute Christ's Testament The Holy Ghost fulfills the Promises and bestowes the Legacies of this Testament Men are Taught and do know God as the true God and their God they are drawn and do choose God for their God and Portion and do sincerely become a Peculiar People to him and they are caused to walk in his Statutes and to keep his Judgments and Commands 2d Vse of Exhortation 1. Branch O seek to have Benefit by Christ's Testament to be his Legatees yea his Heires O be not contented with a short Reprieve and with meer Patience and Forbearance Do not satisfie your selves with some present Almes of Mercy and Temporary Relief but seek a Rich and lasting Portion an Eternal Inheritance Let not this quiet you that you are Stewards of Temporal Things but make sure you shall be Heires of an everlasting Salvation and Kingdom Do not onely catch at God's Riches in Earthly things Psal 10.24.3 but lay hold of the Riches of Christ for Eternity Ephes 8. O prize and secure your Interest in this Testament for 1. It mainly and principally respects the Soul and Eternity The Soul shall find rest Matth. 11.28 Isa 55.2 of it self in fatness and obtain Salvation 1 Pet. 1.9 2. This is a Comprehensive Testament here is Grace given and Glory bequeathed 1. Galat. 6. 2 Thes 2.14 3. Here are the greatest most precious and Invaluable Legacies bestowed God gives himself as our God Father and Portion Jer. 31.33 and Jesus Christ bestowes himself as a Head Husband and Saviour 2 Cor. 12. Ephes 5.23 That you may have benefit by this New Testament I would Counsel and Advise these Two things 1. O be Married to Jesus Christ the Testator Rom. 7.4 as Adam awaked out of his deep sleep to Marry Eve so Christ is awaked and Risen from the Dead to Marry poor Soules and to settle his Riches and Inheritance on them 2. Cry and seek for the Spirit Luke 12.2.13 he is the Faithful and Powerful Executor of Christ's Testament he can open blind Eyes break hard Hearts quicken dead Soules 2d Branch of the Vse of Exhortation O be Grateful be Thankful to the Testator that hath established this New Testament give your selves to Christ 2 Cor. 5.5 and serve him Psal 22.30 Yield your selves to God as those that are alive from the dead Rom. 13. Offer your selves to God as living Sacrifices Rom. 12. Turn to Christ Acts 11.21 Run to Christ Isa 55.15 Live to him 2 Cor. 5.15.54 Be his Portion and Possession Isa 53.12 Psal 2.8 Be First-Fruits to God and the Lamb as those that are obliged to it by Redemption and as those that are enabled thereunto by Regeneration We are Redeemed to be First-Fruits we are Begotten to be First-Fruits Rev. 14.4 James 1.18 2d Doctrine Gospel Officers are Ministers of the New Testament this is their Honour and Glory that they are sent forth into the World with the Word and glad Tidings of Reconciliation in their Mouths and the Testament of the Son of God in their Hands 1. They are to reveal to the World this Great Secret this deep and wonderful Mystery that the Son of God hath set his House in Order and made his last Will and Testament The World is an utter stranger to this Supernatural Truth the Church only knows it and is acquainted with it Psal 25.14 This is spoken of as a great Mercy that God will Reveal this Secret and shew his Covenant unto any 2. Christ's Officers are to open explain and expound this Testament it is so Rich Full and Comprehensive that Ministers may Study Meditate Contemplate on it all their days and Preach it throughout their whole Life This is the Eminent and Noble Employment of Ministers to Preach to the World the unsearchable Riches of Christ 2 Cant. 3. 2 Cor. 2.14 They are to give forth the Savour of Christ's Ointments to pour out his Name as Ointment to shed abroad the sweet savour of the Knowledge of God and Christ in every place to bear Christ's Name before the World Acts 9.15 The Church is compared to a Company of Horses in Pharaohs Chariot as by her Officers she draws Christ's Spiritual Chariot and him sitting in it through the World 1 Cant. 9. with 3 Cant. 9 10. 3. They are to urge and press on Men to lay hold of this Covenant of this Testament of the Son of Cod As it is eminent Grace in God to shew us this Covenant Psal 25.14 so it is our main and most important duty to lay hold on this Covenant on this Testament Isa 56.4.6 We have nothing to relieve our Fainting and Famishing Soules we have nothing to bear up our sinking Spirits but the Testament of Christ 1. Here is a most clear Revelation of Spiritual and Eternal things Life and Immortality is brought to light by the Gospel 2 Tim. 1.10 The way to the Holiest of all was not yet made manifest while as the first Tabernacle was yet standing the Vaile stood and continued before the most Holy Place notwithstanding all the Sacrifices of the Law but when Christ died the Vaile of the Temple was rent from the top to the bottom and we have boldness to enter into the Holiest even
Ministers that Preach what they have Tasted and Experienc'd Christ in the 7th of St. Iohn v. 38th saith He that believes on me out of his belly shall flow Rivers of Living Waters This phrase out of his Belly is to be observed he that hath drank of Christ's Spiritual VVaters out of his Belly shall flow Rivers of Living VVaters that which hath satisfied and delighted him shall flow out to the Refreshment of others O how earnest and importunate should Christians be at the Throne of Grace that God would furnish the Church with a skilful and active Ministry Aaron was to have Golden Bells and Pomegranates on the Hem of his Garment round about Exod. 28.33 24 35. The Pomegranates might point at the Sweet Savour of Christ's Death and Sacrifice And this was to be sounded out by the Apostles Preaching as Golden Bells Justin Martyr doth apply these Bells to the Apostles and Gospel Ministers in his Dialogue with Tryphis the Jew These do depend on the Garment of Christ as High Priest of the Church They are by Preaching to sound out the Sufferings and Death of Christ to the World Solomon made a Molten Sea that contained a great quantity of Water and it was put upon Twelve Oxen three of which looked to each of the Quarters of the World And this Sea seems to point out the Blood of Christ and its abundant Merit and the Twelve Apostles as so many Spiritual Oxen were to bare and carry this Sea of Blood into the several parts of the World by the Preaching of the Gospel that Soules might be washed in this Spiritual Sea the Great Trumpet was to be blown Isa 27. last the Spiritual Jubilee was to be Proclaim'd and Who should do this but the Ministers of the Gospel Christ was to be lifted up Isa 49.22 Isa 11.10 Isa 53.1 2 Cor. 2.14 as a Standard and to stand as an Ensign to draw perishing sinners together to seek Righteousness and Salvation in him A Report was to be made of Jesus Christ the sweet Savour of his Knowledge was to be shed abroad And who are fit Spiritual Incense-Pans or Vessels to bear the Name of Christ before the World but the Ministers of the New Testament Though these are but as little Children in the Eye of the World because of mean Quality and Degree as to their outward State yet such Little Children shall be enabled by the Power of God to Lead Herds of those that have been Lions Tygers and Bears but now become Tame and Gentle Creatures Isa 1.6 7. They are to Reclaim Men from their Savage Cruel Barbarous Nature and Manners and to Reduce them to the Meekness and Gentleness of Christ They are to Hew Sinners out of the Common Quarry they are in to Fish and draw them out of the Dead Sea Ezek. 17.10 11. to cut them out of the Wild Olive not to be Burnt but to be Grafted they are to out the Navel of Sinners Ezek. 16.4 and to separate them from Old Adam They are to beget Men in Christ 1 Cor. 4.15 they are to Ingraft Men into Christ and to Espouse them to Christ 2 Cor. 11.2 They are to encourage the Dejected and Disconsolate In this sense the Breasts of the Church are as the Clusters of the Vine they contain excellent Wine of Consolation Isa 66.11 Soules may suck and be satisfied with the Breasts of her Consolation Cant. 7.8 They are to strengthen the weak hands to confirm the Feeble Knees to say to them that are of a fearful heart be strong and fear not Isa 35.3 4. They are to Feed Strengthen and Nourish Soules The Breasts of the Church are as Towers Cant. 8.10 The same Hebrew Word is used to fignifie a Pulpit 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Migdal The Pulpits of Ministers are the Churches Breasts whereby Soules are Fed and Nourished Not only their Lips but their Souls must Preach Therefore it is put in the Feminine Gender Cokeleth Eccles 1.1 So Psal 68.11 They that Publish it is also put in the Feminine Gender to intimate it is Souls that must Preach There is need of a Mighty Power to work in Ministers that they may Pray Fervently Preach and Exhort Zealously 1 Col. last Have large and capacious Soules that may have room for all the concerns of the Church and be suitably affected with the Burdens Temptations Afflictions Soul-Troubles and Distresses of every particular Christian to Watch over the Members of the Church to care for them to Instruct Warn Reprove to deny themselves to spend and be spent for Christ O what a Presence Assistance and Powerful Influence of the Spirit doth this Require to fit and enable Ministers for the full Discharge of their Office O therefore wrestle with God cry mightily to him to Raise up such Able Ministers of the New Testament that may be filled with the Spirit and Preach in the Demonstration of the Spirit and of Power 1 Cor. 2.4 And be earnest to rescue Souls from the Power of Darkness and to Translate them into the Kingdom of God's dear Son That they may be Pens in the Hand of the Spirit 2 Cor. 3.3 to Write the Doctrine of the Gospel in the Mindes and Hearts of Men that their Mouthes may be a Sword in the hand of the Spirit to wound the Old Man to Death Ephes 6.17 Jer. 23.29 And that the Word they Preach may be a Hammer in the Hand of the Spirit to break the Rocky Hearts of Men in Pieces and as a Fire to burn up the Dross of Men and inflame their Soules with Love to and Zeal for God FINIS BOOKS Printed for Thomas Parkhurst at the Bible and Three-Crowns in Cheapside near Mercers-Chapel THE Fountain of Life opened or a Displaâ— of Christ in his Essential and Mediatoral Glory containing Forty two Sermons on various Texts Wherein the Impetration of our Redemption by Jesus Christ is orderly unfolded as it was begun carried on and finished by his Covenant Transaction mysterious Incarnation solemn Call and Dedication blessed Offices deep Abasement and Supereminent Advancement A Treatise of the Soul of Man wherein the Divine Original excellent and immortal Nature of the Soul are opened its Love and Inclination to the Body with the necessity of its Separation from it considered and improved The Existence Operations and States of separated Souls both in Heaven and Hell immediately after Death asserted discussed and variously applied Divers knotty and difficult Questions about departed Souls both Philosophical and Theological stated and determined The Method of Grace in bringing home the Eternal Redemption contrived by the Father and accomplished by the Son through the Effectual Application of the Spirit unto God's Elect being the second Part of Gospel Redemption The Divine Conduct or Mystery of Providence its Being and Efficacy asserted and vindicated all the Methods of Providence in our course of Life opened with Directions how to apply and improve them Navigation spiritualiz'd or a New Compass for Seamen consisting of Thirty Two Points of pleasant Observations profitable Applications serious Reflections all concluded with so many spiritual Poems c. A Saint indeed the great Work of a Christian A Touchstone of Sincerity or Signs of Grace and Symptoms of Hypocrisie being the second Part of the Saint indeed A Token for Mourners or Boundaries for Sorrow for the Death of Friends Husbandry spiritualiz'd or the Heavenly use of Earthly Things All these Nine by Mr. John Flavell Sermons and Discourses on several Divine Subjects by the late Reverend and Learned David Clarkson B. D. and sometime Fellow of Clare-Hall Cambridge Folio Of Thoughtfulness for the Morrow With an Appendix concerning the immoderate Desire of foreknowing Things to come Of Charity in reference to other Mens sins A Sermon directing what we are to do after a strict Enquiry whether or no we truly Love God A calm and sober Enquiry concerning the Possibility of a Trinity in the Godhead A Sermon preach'd on the late Day of Thankâ—giving Decemb. 2. 1697. To which is persixâ— Dr. Bates's Congratulatory Speech to the Kingâ— All these Eleven by Mr. John Howe The Good of Early Obedience or the Adâ—vantage of bearing the Yoke of Christ betimeâ— Octavo The Almost Christian or the false Professoâ— Tried and Cast Duodecimo Spiritual Wisdom improved against Temptatâ—on Duodecimo The Vision of the Wheels seen by the Propheâ— Ezechiel Quarto A Sermon of Unity or Two Sticks made one Quarto All Five by Matth. Mead Pastor of Church of Christ at Stepney Discourses upon the Rich Man and Lazaruâ— Octavo Three last Sermons of Mr. Cruso To which 〈◊〉 added a Sermon on Novemb. 5. 1697. Octavâ— Both by Tim. Cruso M. A. His Funeral Sermon preach'd by Matth. Meaâ— Quarto The Life and Death of Mr. Philip Henry Miniâ—ster of the Gospel at Whitchurch in Shorpshire whâ— died June 24. 1696 Recommended by Dr. Bates David Jones's Sermon in Ember-Week preacheâ— before the University of Oxford The Qualifications requisite towards the Râ—ceiving a Divine Revelation A Sermon preacâ—ed in the Cathedral Church of St. Paul Januaâ—â— the 2d 1699. Being the First for this Year 〈◊〉 the Lecture Founded by the Honourable Robeâ— Boyle Esq By Samuel Bradford M. A. Rector 〈◊〉 St. Mary le Bow
to fetch back and bring home straying Sheep and to cause them Isa 29.19 though deaf and dead John 5.25 to hear his voice John 10.16 We cannot sincerely enter into Covenant with God till God in a great measure hath executed his Covenant in us whence Miracles of Grace is to be wrought on us that Gifts of Grace might be received by us Till we have new hearts and spirits given to us we shall but flatter God and lie to him in all our seeming Service Psal 79.36 37. Hos last It is bad to lie to God in all our Confessions of Sin and Petitions for Grace and Mercy We must not therefore stay in the Exacting Letter of the Law but have Recourse to the Living Testament of Christ The Law saith be Holy Deut. 20.7 But it is Christ that Sanctifies Heb. 2.11 and as an everlasting Father doth propagate and derive a new Divine Nature to us Isa 9.6 2 Pet. 1.4 We are bid to Love God but it is Christ that Circumcises the Heart 2 Col. 11. To Love God he cuts off the Vnclean and Filthy Foreskin of Sinful Self-love and Baptizes with his Spirit as with Fire Deut. 30.6 to inflame our hearts with Love towards and zeal for God Matth. 3.11 We are charged to acquaint our selves with God Job 22.21 but the Promise must help us here All Zions Children shall be Taught of God and shall all know me from the greatest to the least Isa 54.13 Jer. 31.39 He that hath heard and learned of the Father comes to Christ John 6.44 45. We are enjoyn'd to keep God's Precepts diligently Psal 119.4 but God hath promised to Write his Laws in our hearts Jer. 31.33 We ought to live to and walk with God yet it is by virtue of his Spirit put into us and causing of us to walk in his Statutes and to keep his Commandments Ezek. 36.27 All the Earth is called on to Fear God Psal 33.8 but that we may do it God must put his Fear into our hearts Jer. 32.40 We ought to Repent but it will never be except God doth take away the heart of Stone and give a heart of Flesh Mark 1.15 Ezek. 36.26 Faith it self is comprised in and given by Christ's Testament to know God and Christ containes Faith in it Jer. 31.34.17 John 3. By his Knowledge that is by Believing on him Christ Justifies many Isa 53. Chap. 11. 4. Consider the Excellent and Glorious Power that executes this Testament 2 Cor. 4.7 Ephes 1.19 God saith he will be our God and we shall be his People Jer. 3.33 God cannot be our God if Idols are not cast out if Enemies are not dethroned if Rivals and Competitors are not put from their nearness to and intimacy with the Heart and this the mighty Power the glorious arm of God only can effect And we can never be Gods People if our blindness be not cured our enmity conquered if our Minds be not renewed and our Wills inclined to choose God for our chief good and only portion Christ knocks and it is he that must open the door Rev. 3.20 Acts 16.14 It is he that calls Isa 55.5 And must enable us to Eccho to his call to say we are the Lords Isa 48.5 and that he is our God Zech. 13. last 5. Consider the consolation that may be drawn from this Testament that we are so safe that there is no condemnation to us Rom. 8.1 because Gods sword hath awaked against Christ Zech. 13.7 Our debt was exacted of him our Curse was executed on him and that spiritual things are made so sure to us by Christs death that is past and by his Testament that is confirmed and made irrevocable that there can be no detracting from its free Promises or adding barder and heavier terms to it Gal. 3.15 There is no disanulling or adding to it God promises to pour Waters on him that is thirsty and floods on the dry ground Isa 44.3 4. The Heavenly Husbandman will improve and inrich dry and barren ground If the overflowing of Nilus makes Egypt fruitful therefore we read of the Harvest of the Kiezr Isa 23.3.4 that Harvest that is caused by the River much more can the Spirit as the River of God make us fruitful 3. I would exhort you to make sure your own concern in an Interest in this Testament of Jesus Christ be is risen from the dead to woo and espouse Souls to himself Rom. 7.4 If you be joined to the suerty of the Testament and be Married to the Testator all the Riches of this Testament shall be yours God with Christ gives all things Rom. 8.32 Eccho to Christs call and open at his knock let in the Heir of all things and he will bring in his Righteousness his Riches his fullness with him Christ will come in and order our Thoughts our Wills Affections and subdue all to himself Isa 9.7 Psal 47.3 Christ will execute justice and Judgment Jer. 23.5 he will execute justice He will do God right in raising up fallen bringing back straying alienate sinners to God Isa 49.56 And he will execute judgment in destroying Satan and his works Heb. 2.15 1 John 3.8 Though there were many Creatures in the Earth yet Adam was counted to be alone till a VVoman was made for him to set his love on So though you have abundance of Creature enjoyments yet count your selves to be alone till you Know Love and Marry Jesus Christ 3. Express your gratitude and thankfulness to God and Christ for this Testament Paul saith Brethren we are debters Rom. 8.12 Never were any such great debters as believers are to God and Christ you were Reconciled when Enemies justified when Vngodly Rom. 5.2 Rom. 4.4 Righteousness hath looked down from Heaven Psal 55.11 And Bread hath been rained down from Heaven when it should have sprung up and grown out of the Earth How wonderful is it that Enmity should be slain Isa 61.1 Isa 49.9 Isa 49.24 Ephes 2.16 and yet Enemies be spared and reconciled That Sin should be condemned Rom. 8.3 yet Sinners be pardoned Col. 2.13 That Christ came to destroy Satans work only John 1.38 but to heal revive and set at liberty those that were the workmanship of God he releases Prisoners and delivers those that were lawful Captives Heb. 2.18 Rom. 8.2 They are turned from the power of Satan to God and made free from the Law of sin and death Rom. 8.2 Children of wrath might have been made Vessels of wrath have been filled up with Gods fury and have been dashed to pieces by that Rod of Iron that is in Christs hand In the Law if a Husband was Arrested for debt his VVife and Children might be sold to pay the debt Matth. 15.25 and to free the Husband and Father But what Grace is this that Christ who is the Everlasting Father and Husband of the Church should be sold to pay our debts As Eve was hid in Adam and by a Divine Power Isa 9.6 2. Cor. 11.2 brought forth