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
that come like Noahs dove with an Olive branch Rom. 10.15 These are the cisternes by which God conveyeth the waters of life to the Souls of his people the Word of in God their mouth is the power of God unto salvation these are Gods Angels Rev. 1.20 Ambassadours for Christ 2 Cor. 5.20 Doctr. therefore must be received as an Angel of God yea as Christ Jesus Gal. 4.14 they must be to us the choise and most welcome men in the World as one of a thousand Job 33.23 As the light to the traveller as the counseller to the client as the Pilot to the Ship our guides and instructours in the way of life and true holines for according to the second observation Gods faithfull Ministers are after a peculiar manner acquainted with Gods Counsells as a bosome friend is acquainted with the counsels and purposes of his friend so are the faithfull messengers of God after a peculiar manner acquainted with Gods will and counsell therefore called Embassadours 2 Cor. 5.20 an Embassadour knoweth the Kings mind and counsell called the light of the World Mat. 5.14 the starres in the right hand of Christ Rev 1 16. to shew as these are filled with light for ruling the day and night Gen. 1.16 So are Gods Messengers replenished with divine and heavenly knowledge Iob 33.23 Who for this end are also I. Called interpreters for the evident and plaine unfolding of the mind of God contained in his Word Gen. 29.10 As Jacob rolled away the stone opened the Wells which were shut up that so the sheep might drinke so doe these open the sacred Fountaines of living Water and by the bucket of their wisedome do draw waters out of the Wells which are deeper than the Well of Jacob. II. By their nearness unto God they are his mouth Je. 15.19 His fellow labourers 1 Cor. 3.9 his stewards 1 Cor. 4.1 III. By the place wherein he hath set them he hath made them as eyes to the body Cant. 7.4 As watchmen to the city Jsai 62.6 as guides to the blind Rom. 2.19 as Physicians to the sicke Ier. 6.14 IV. By the charge given to the people to attend to their Doctrine to seek the knowledge of the truth from them as water from a full Fountaine Mal. 2.5 6 7. And that they should be thus acquainted with Gods counsell is very behoofull 1. In regard of the high and heavenly nature of the Scriptures which they must unfold these are like Sampsons riddle of that difficulty that they cannot be opened unles we plow with Gods heifer a store-house whole locke and doore cannot be unlocke without Gods key a light which cannot be beheld with a humane eye a treasure which cannot be digged up with the hand of humane abilities this is a wisedome no where to be learned but in the Schoole of Christ an ability which cannot be attained but by the peculiar work of Gods Spirit Sapientissimum esse oportet perspicacem in omnibus sacerdotem mille ut dicitur ex omni parte oculos babentem saith Chrystome and this another calleth ars artium scientia scientiarum and Augustine tanta est Christianarum pofunditas literarum ut in eis quotidie proficerom si eas solas ab ineunte pueritia usque ad decrepitam senectutem maximo otio summo studio meliori ingenio conarer addiscere c. Therefore the Apostles must stay at Ierusalem till the Holy Ghost were given the deepest counsels of men are but a shallow brooke to this foord as Prov. 18.4 so much more are the Words of Gods mouth and as Prov. 20.5 so he must be a man of understanding who will draw out these waters for 1 Cor. 2.14 2. In regard of the wiles of Satan his devices are deep Rev. 2.24 not a shallow but a deep water 2 Cor. 2.11 the wayes of sin and Satan are as Agur said in another case Prov. 30.18 19. they have need of more than Eagles eyes who shall trace them out he is an old Serpent full of subtilty experience hath added much to his naturall policy the Shepheard hath need of much wisedome that shall keep his flock from this Lion the guide must have his eyes open look circumspectly about him that will keep the feet of them that are conducted free from this snare he must be a wise Generall who will perserve his Spuldiers from the arrowes of this warriour none but Gods counsell can give us this wisedome 3. In regard of the craft and subtlety of Satans instruments he doth not chose the foolish but the Serpent the wisest of the beasts he taketh not babes but the Wisemen the great disputers of the earth 1 Cor. 1.18 26 27. Absolon hath Achitophel whose counsell was as the Oracles of God The adversaries of Gods truth the men whome Gods Messengers must encounter with do take crafty counsell Psal 83.3 they hide their wolvish nature under a sheep skin of faire pretences Matth. 7.15 their dark and diabolicall intendments under a white an innocent and angelicall appearance 2 Cor. 11.14 therefore likened to foxes the subtilest among beasts Luc. 13.32 Cant. 2.15 Unto merchants none of the weakest reach among men 2 Pet. 2.3 to men for their wisedome to women for their faculty in alluring to horses prepared to the battel for their courage to Lions for their cruelty to Scorpions for their poysoning the Souls of men with false Doctrine Rev. 9.7 8 9 10. To a Leopard I. For their variety of heresies superstitions traditions resembled by the Leopards spots II. For their pleasures honours riches voluptuous living easy attaining of life eternall art of drawing many to them resembled by the sweet smell of the Leopard III. For their speed and swiftnes in executing their plots in spreading their Doctrines likened by the swift motion of the Leopard IV. For their malignant disposition against Gods people as the Leopard flieth upon man pulleth out his eyes so do these keep the people in blindnes rob their bodies of their temporalls their Souls of their Spiritualls they are also likened to the feet of a beare for their fast-holding of what they get Rev. 13.2 and 2 Thes 2.9 10. To encounter with such enemies so furnished as these there is need of much wisedome need of being well acquainted with Gods counsell 4. In regard of the difficulty of discerning mens foul-diseases sinfull men dig deep to hide their sin Isai 29.15 as Achan hid his golden wedge Ios 7.22 they keep their sin close as Rahel sate fast upon her Fathers Idols Gen. 31.34 and Ier. 17.9 this is a theef which we shall never find out by a Candle of our owne kindling a disease which will never be healed by a medicine of our owne making like the evill Spirit which would not go out by the Sonnes of Sheva's conjuring but Ier. 23.22 therefore Cant. 7.4 The teachers of the people are likened to a tower for their vigilancy to a tower of Ivory for their purity to
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
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
upon the ordainer of it Why are the waters of Jordan more effectuall than the waters of Abana and Parphar to wash away the Leaprosy of Naaman but because God hath ordained them thereunto 2 King 5.10 Why should Moses Rod divide the waters rather than another staff but because the Lord hath commanded it to be used he ordaineth it and maketh it to accomplish that whereunto he doth send it Isa 55.10.11 Reas 3 Because all the Ordinances of God do receive their vertue saving power from Gods Spirit The waters in Bethesda can do nothing unles the Angel move them John 5.4 The Philistines can never unfold Sampsons riddle unles they plough with his heifer Judg. 14.18 Let God withhold his Spirit the Word will be as a sealed book which we cannot understand you may read that the wisdome and understanding of the Word is by the Spirit Eph. 1.17 So John 16.13 Let God withhold his Spirit and the Word will be a killing letter 2 Cor. 3.6 And for the Sacrament that will be as a shell without a kernell as a dry tree without fruit as a fountaine shut up Vse This must give incouragment to the Lords Ministers though the work be difficult the burden heavy the taske great the opposition strong the hinderances many their armes weak their abilities no way answearable to the work Yet the Lords arme is strong the Lords eye is cleare he is every way sufficient he will make his Ordinances effectuall he will do great things by weak instruments Psal 8.2 Babes and sucklings our one weaknes must not so much dishearten as Gods power must give incouragment to us The consideration of Gods alsufficiency must make us pass through all difficulties with confidence chearfulnes and much courage Though we are as empty vessels yet in God is fulnes though it be a taske to hard for any humane strength a burden to heavy for the shoulders of the very Angels a labour which no created power can accomplish Yet the Lord having given us commission he may look on us and say as he did to Gideon in another case Iud. 6.14 Go you messengers of the Lord of Hosts you that are full of power by the Spirit of the Lord and of judgment and of might Mic. 3.8 Go on in this your might and ye shall save the chosen of the Lord out of the hands of their enemies have not I the Lord sent you and if any reply as Gideon did Iud. 6.15 O my Lord how shall I convert how shall I save this people behold I am weak and fraile a Lamp wherein is little Oile an arme wherein is small strength the most unworthy among the many thousands that beare thy name Yet as the Lord answered Gideon vers 16. So will he answer us surely I will be with thee I will guide assist incourage thee and thou shall smite down the sin of the people as one man thus Ier. 1.6 7 8. and Isa 49.2 Like a sword to peirce open prick and wound the consciences of men Hid me in the shadow of his hand protected me against the snares of men and hath made me as a polished arrow to peirce deeply and speedily into the hearts of the people And since it is the Lords work the faithfull messengers of God the leaders of his army may say one unto another as Ioab did to Abishai his Brother 2 Sam. 10.12 Be strong and let us be valiant for our people and for the Cities of our God and let the Lord doe that which is good in his eyes 2. Since God giveth the efficacy the ministers must take heed that they go not in their name bragging and boasting like the great Goliah of their owne abilities presuming like the Sonnes of Sheva without any commission from God to cast out the uncleane Spirit least as Goliah so they be foiled in the battel least as on the Sonnes of Sheva so the uncleane Spirit leape upon them and prevaile against them But as David went against the great Goliah not in his owne but in the name of the Lord and prevailed so must the ministers of God if they desire the conquest they must go in humility sensible of their owne weaknes as Gideon was of his Iud. 6.15 As Moses was of his Exod. 4.10 Such God will guide in judgment Psal 25.9 And shall do great things Psal 45.4 They must go in faith in the name of the Lord Jesus they shall be able to do great things Acts 3.16 Thorough this they shall cause the walls of the Spirituall Jericho to fall they shall subdue the Kingdom of Sathan stop the mouth of the Roaring Lyon quench the violence of fiery Concupiscence raise the spiritually Dead unto a new life make the weake strong the faint-hearted valiant put to flight armies of strange and strong corruptions worke righteousnes and seale up to mens Souls Gods promises as the Apostle doth in another case speake of Faith Heb. 11.30 33 34 45. They must go in Gods counsell and not in their owne wisedom David could do nothing in Sauls armour but with his sling and his stone he cast Goliah to the ground Humane inventions Philosophicall speculations like Sauls armour fit not Gods Messengers they are as a blunt weapon having no power The Word of the Lord is as a two edged sword the stones gathered out of the Scriptures slung with the sling of faith prevails mightily against sin Jer. 23.22 3. This must teach the people to take heed that they rest not in the naked receiving of Gods Ordinances from the hands of the Minister this is not enough but as the Minister so Christ must also baptize as the one baptizeth the body the other must baptize the conscience as the one preacheth to the eare so the other must preach to the heart Otherwise as the heart of Simon Magus so may ours after baptisme be full of the gall of bitternes Ismaels circumcision of the flesh availed not the heart remaining uncircumcised the washing of the sow doth not cause her to be a lamb as long as her swinish nature is not changed the ravens feathers become not white by being in the Arke with the dove Esau is not accepted of God because in the same womb with Jacob the same waters prove a swallowing gulph to the Egyptians which were dry ground a safe and sure way to Israel That Arke which causeth the house of Obededon to prosper causeth the men of Ashdod to perish It is not the possession but the fruitiō of Gods Ordinances that maketh them effectuall not the naked having but the sound application maketh them powerfull to salvation What availeth the shining of the Sun upon the blind that hath not an open eye to entertaine the light What is Physick in a Box vertuous herbes in a garden if not applied to the diseased Stomack to the wounded member What is raiment in a Wardroab or cloath under the arme if it be not put on the back What are apples above the head
waters under thy feet if thou feed not on the one if thou drinke not of the other dost not thou starve between both What is a faire and stately building to thee if thou take up thy abode in the open field doth not dewes fall upon thee doth not the Sun scorch thee doth not the cold pierce thee What is remission of sin what is resurrection to a new life represented in Baptisme what is it to thee if thy lusts be not mortified if thou rise not by vertue of it to a new life What is it to thee that the word is a Lamp if thou apply it not to thy feet that it is as milk in the breast if thou suck it not that it is a spirituall weapon if thou gird it not about thee that it is a seed if not sown if not hidden in the field of thy heart Say not then as he did Iud. 17.13 Now I know the Lord will be good unto me seeing I have a Levite to be my Priest But if thou wilt have Gods Ordinance prove a blessing if thou wilt know thy self blessed in the having of them cease not till thou find it as a shining Starre a burning Lamp enlightning thy understanding filling thee with knowledge of Gods love to thy Soul in Christ as the candle filleth the house with light the waters the Sea till they wash thy sin from thy Soul as waters wash dirt from the body as the fan driveth chaffe from the corne as Jordan washed away Naamans Leprosy Till they stablish thy saith as a strong foundation supporteth the building as firm rootes sustaine the tree a strong hand upholdeth him that is led by it Till they warme thy heart inflame thy affections as the fire warmeth the house as the Summer Sun doth warm the aire Till it make thy love to God and his wayes as a vehement flame as coales of much fire Till it make thy peace as deep as the rivers even a peace passing all understāding 4. This must teach men to seek to God for the efficacy of his Ordinances desire him to make them as a launcing knife in the hand of the Physician as a Sword in the hand of the Spirit Desire him that when Moses strikes with the Rod upon the Rock when the Minister doth press the Word upon our stony hearts that he will stand before shew his powerfull and gracious presence there in making them to melt in causing them to become contrite and broken for as Psal 33.16 17. There is no King saved by the multitude of an hoast a mighty man is not delivered by much strength c. So without Gods blessing unlesse he put his hand to it it is but vaine as Psal 127.1 2. Except the Lord build the house they labour but in vain c. For as Prov. 10.12 The blessing of the Lord it maketh rich and he addeth no sorrow with it so in this case Therefore as the Daughter of Caleb desired her father having given her south Land that he would also give her springs of water Iud. 15.19 So God having given us his Ordinances let us desire him with all to give us his Spirit As his ministers like seeds men sow the seed of his word so we must desire God to joyne therewith the dewes of heaven that it may not lye like seed in dry ground withering for want of moysture That the Messenger of the Lord may not stand knocking in vaine at the iron gates of our unregenerate hearts but that the Lord will open our eare and heart our eyes to see our hearts to attend believe obey as he opened the heart of Lydia that he will make his Ordinances as seed sowne in good ground as the bow of Jonathan which turned not back and the sword of Saul which returned not empty 2 Sam. 1.22 As the cake and cruse of water whereof the Prophet did eate and drinke and went in the strength thereof to Horeb the mount of God 2 King 19.8 That we may be so refreshed replenished herewith that we may thereby go from strength to strength till we appeare before God in Sion Psal 84.7 5. As the efficacy is the Lords so let the praise be Gods let the hand which doth the worke receive the honour the faithfull instrument which God useth is worthy of double honour of singular love for his works sake David may have the praise for giving Goliah the overthrow The wise men may rejoyce to see the Starre leading unto Christ Iesus The feet of the messenger must be beautifull in the eyes of the people as one of a thousand to them but yet still as he is Gods instrument as a Lamp that hath received his Oile from Gods Olive as a vessel filled with water flowing from the Ocean of all goodnes as a starre held in the hand and receiving all his light from the Sunne of righteousnes the Ministers must be so respected as that God must in and above all be honoured loved praised and rejoyced in If Iosua smite the countrey of the hils Ios 10.40 41. It is because the Lord God of Israel fought for Israel vers 42. So if any or all the Lords Iosuahs the spirituall leaders of Gods Armies smite the sinnes of men which were high as the mountains or deep as the vale which were for Dominion like Kings for continuance like a living spring for extent like the deluge overflowing the whole man if these be beaten if their life be taken away it is because the Lord God of Israel hath fought for Israel If any tree of Pauls planting do grow if any field do flourish by the watering of Apollos it is because the Lord hath given the increase If any man learne wisedom if any man be presented perfect in Christ Iesus by Pauls labour in the ministrey it is thorough the working of God who worketh mightly in him Coll. 1.28 29. If David have escaped the Lion and the beare conquered slaine them delivered the lamb from them it is because God was with him wrought for him 1 Sam. 17.34 35 36. If any Shepheard of Gods flock have delivered any of Gods Lambs out of the jawes of the roaring Lion it is the Lords doing and as the Psalmist touching Israel deliverance from Aegypt So may we all say touching the deliverance of Gods Israel from their spirituall bondage Psal 44.1 2 3 4 5. We have heard with our ears O God! our Fathers have told us what works thou didst in their dayes in the times of old how thou didst drive out the heathen with thy hand and plantedst them how thou didst afflict the people and cast them out c. Therefore let every Soul that hath tasted of Gods goodnes say in this kind that hath felt the mighty arme of God in the weilding of this weapon that hath had any comfortable experience of the moving of Gods Angle in this poole Let him blesse the Lord that hath given him counsell that hath caused his reines to instruct him in the
planted by the water side Psal 1.3 like an orchard of pomegranats Cant. 4.13 5. In regard of remaining corruptions and imperfections 1. If there be much ignorance in us and we see the things of God but darkly as the man that had his eyes opened did at the first see men as trees The Lord Jesus is in the bosome of his Father Mar. 8.24 in him are all the treasures of wisedome Joh. 1.18 and he is our Husband therefore he will instruct us more perfectly Col. 2.3 In his Schoole we shall learne wisedome he will give us his Spirit Ioh. 14.26 he will open the Scriptures Luc. 24.32 He will give us pastors to feed us with knowledge Ier. 3.14 15. and Luc. 1.77 he will open the sealed book Rev. 5.2 2. If we be weake in faith Christ will strengthen us and make us strong in faith like Abraham Rom. 4.20 Cause us like trees to be rooted in faith Col. 2.7 he will mightily persuade us Rom. 8.37 38. 3. If we find our Souls like a diseased body annoyed with sin as with a strong disease Iesus Christ is a Physician he will heale us Hos 6.1 If our consciences be burdened he will ease us Mat. 11.28 Isai 61.1 2. as Mat. 8.25 26. 6. In regard of perseverance though Satan buffet us though our corruption like a heavy burthen presse us down though the World hang like birdlime about the wings of our Souls Though we sometimes think and are ready to say of sin and Satan as David did of Saul 1 Sam. 27. I. Yet let us remember we are married unto Christ Iesus and that for ever Hos 2.19 there is no dissolution of this wedlocke being in his hand we shall be held fast Ioh. 10 28. We shall be kept by the power of God unto everlasting life 1 Pet. 1.5 Satan may win now us but Christ will not suffer our faith to faile Luk. 22.32 the Ship of our Souls may be shaken but it shall not sinke we may receive many wounds in the battel but yet we shall have the conquest as 2 Cor. 4.8 9. The next thing is the affection which Christ doth bear unto his messengers he calleth them his friends the friend of the Bridegroome a friend is one whom we do entirely love above others and use more familiarly and privately than we do others as David did Ionathan and of such a friend Solomon saith Prov. 18.24 A friend of God is one to whome God imparteth his mind and secrets so familiarly and fully as one friend doth to another Gen. 18.17 and the Apostles Ioh. 15.15 and thus doth the Baptist stile himselfe the friend of Christ noting the love which Christ did beare unto him and the understanding which he had of Gods will and counsell whence Doctr. That Christ Iesus doth beare a singular love to his faithfull Ministers II. Gods faithfull Ministers are after a peculiar manner acquainted with Gods Counsells III. Every faithfull Minister of God is an unfained friend unto God First of the first of these Christ Iesus doth beare a singular love unto his faithfull Ministers this appeareth plainely I. By the place wherein see hath set them made them his Embassadours 2 Cor. 5.19 20. starres in his right hand Rev. 2.20 his mouth Ier. 15.19 keeper of his vineyard Cant. 8.11 steward of his family 1 Cor. 4.1 The nurses of his Children 1 Thes 2.7 II. By the trust he committeth to them the instruction conversion edification salvation of his people hence are they called Fathers 1 Cor 4.15 Saviours Obad vers 21. 1 Tim. 4.16 builders 1 Cor. 3.9 watchmen Heb. 13.17 Shepheards having the custody of Gods flocke Ezek. 34.4 6. the charge to feed Gods people Ioh 21.17 III. By the service they doe him like Souldiers they lead his armies fight his battels subdue sin and Satan his enemies 2 Tim. 2.3 4. 2 Cor. 10.5 Isa 49.2 Psal 45.4 5. Like Husbandmen they roote up the thornes and briars in the Lords vineyard breake up the fallow ground of mens hearts sow therein the seed of Gods Word plant trees of righteousnes and like good Husbandmen bring much fruit unto the Lord Ier. 1.10 1 Cor. 3.6 Like Shepheards they gather home the lost Sheep to Gods fold Like Fishermen by the draw-net of the Gospel they draw the Souls of men out of the gulfe of sin IV. By the acception of the wrongs done unto them he taketh it as done to himselfe as a King taketh the wrongs done to his Embassadour as done to himselfe Luk. 10.16 Exod. 16.8 V. By the care he hath to defend them the arme stretched out against them shall wither 1 Ki. 13.4 the tongues which mock them shall not go unpunished 2 King 2.24 2 Cor. 36.16 and it is the Lords promise Ier. 15.19 20 21. VI. In regard of the recompence provided for them their love and labour shall not be in vaine they that strive lawfully shall have the prize 2 Tim. 2.3 their work is with the Lord Isai 49.4 as they shine by their Doctrine and conversation now so shall they shine hereafter Dan. 12.3 VII In regard of the love they beare unto him Joh. 21.16 a love which maketh them industrious in their callings 2 Cor. 5.14 joyfull to see men convert unto the Lord Iesus 1 Thes 2.19 20. ready to lay down their life Acts 20.24 Vse 1 This must therefore occasion the Ministers to endevour to walke worthy of this love of the Lord Iesus to order themselves in such manner that the Lord may still continue a friend unto them as men near about earthly Princes enjoying the favour of their Soveraigne are carefull to keep so must we by our holy walking sincere faithfull and frequent teaching be carefull to keep the favour of the Lord Iesus II. This must encourage them to beare the hatred of wicked men because the Lord is their friend to be patient in the bearing the difficulties of their calling the Lord will recompence them Vse 2 This must cause the people to love and reverence the faithfull messengers of the Lord to be friends to them to whome Christ is a friend this is required Thes 5.13 not an ordinary but a singular love a peculiar honour and respect 1 Tim. 5.17 and surely there is great cause for I. These are your spirituall parents by whom you are begotten againe to God raised out of the grave of sin to a new life Iohn 5.25 II. These are the instruments by whom we are inabled to behold the great things of the Law of God these are the lights of the World Mal. 2.7 these are as the fiery Pillar to Israel Exo. 13.21 as the starre to the Wisemen Mat. 2.10 III. These are the Lords Champions by whom we are delivered out of sin and Satans bondage these are the Priests who by sounding the Trumpet of the Gospel cast down the walls of Iericho who by the thunder of the Word threw Satan down like lightning IV. These are the Messengers who bring glad tidings of peace
the whole man shall be cleansed from all iniquity and to labour for this estate let us be perswaded 1. Because this will interest us in all Gods favours make all things to become ours to be comfortable helpfull beneficial this will make God to be our God our Father Christ to be our friend Mediator Advocate Husband Sun Shield Prince of peace the Spirit of God to be our comforter Ioh. 15.26 our guide Io. 16.13 to be our earnest penny and our Seal to assure us of the Lords mercy and loving kindnesse Ephes 1.13.14 a fire to warm us 1 Thes 5.19 water to cleanse us Isa 44.3 the Ministery of the Gospel to be a Ministery of reconciliation to us 2 Cor. 5.18 a pleasant light to shine unto our feet Psal 119.105 a heavenly Manna pure milk to feed our Souls 1 Pet. 2.2 a goad to drive us forward Physick to heal us a weapon to kill sin and defend our Souls all the earth shall be serviceable to us this life and the life to come shall be ours 1 Tim. 4.8 we shall be the richest people upon earth have better revenues than all the mighty men in the World Psal 34.10 Because this will inable us to finde many sweet and heavenly comforts in Gods ordinances this will make them full of precious and choise delights to our Souls this will make them be a delicate and dainty feast this will cause us to behold them as a letter of love from the Lord Jesus the Bridegroom of our Souls this will make them sweet as the hony-comb to our palate Psal 19.10 even the rejoycing of our hearts Jer. 15.16 this will make them more precious than any Treasure Psal 119.72 more pleasant than any tidings Luke 2.10 this will make them the savour of life to our Souls 2 Cor. 2.14 this will make them speak peace to our consciences Isa 57.19 this will make them as a banquet to the hungry stomack Cant. 2.4 this will make them as the Dove to Noah as the Star to the wise-men as the water out of the Rocks to Israel this will inable us to say of them as David of Jonathan 2 Sam. 1.26 3 Because this will cause all to work for our good if we be regenerate whatsoever is against us shall in the issue be with us prove beneficial for us as David said of Shimei's railing 2 Sam. 16.11 So the fiery darts which Satan casteth the venemous arrowes which the evill speakers quiver shooteth the heavy burthens which the hand of the potent enemy imposeth imprisonment sicknesse poverty temptations disgrace and whatsoever it be it shall all by the gracious hand of God be turned to our good if we like David be men after Gods own heart for Tit. 1.15 all shall be for their welfare all shall be blessed to them the sword which is unsheathed against them shall like Goliah's sword become an instrument to cut off the enemies head the envious practises of their brethren shall be a means of their advancement as in Joseph the pit which is digged the snare which is spread for them shal take and entangle him that spread it every obstacle shall be turned into a furtherance every burthen into wings every lyon shall have a honey-comb in his belly This is the priviledge of Gods people the prerogative of sanctification an inducement full of power to perswade all that are not past feeling to return to God by true repentance to serve him in holiness and true righteousness 4. Since the natural mans workes are all naught water of a poysonous fountaine fruit from an evil tree let us all examine and try our selves what our workes are whether they be good or evill And this we shall discerne 1. By the fountaine whence they spring all good works must come from a good and a sanctified heart The good ground which brought forth good fruit resembled a good and honest heart and Matth. 12.35 Matth. 7.17 all the works of a carnal man are dead works in regard of their original nature and issue none but a new creature can doe the works of new obedience All our actions are actions of uncleanness till we be washed and justified by the blood of the Lord Jesus 2. By the rule by and in obedience to which they are done They must not be done after our fancy in obedience to our own will our Sacrifice must be offered with fire from Gods Altar what we doe must be that which God required and it must be done because God hath required it Lev. 10.1 2. 1 Sam. 15.22 out of conscience to Gods precept 3. By the faith and perswasion we have in our heart when we do it We must beleeve that God in Christ is well pleased with us we must bear fruit as branches of Christ else it will be in Gods account as soure grapes Heb. 11.6 As we must ask all so we must do all in the name of Christ 4. By the affection wherewith it is performed It must not arise out of feare nor proceed from constraint but out of unfeigned love to God This must be the first mover in all our undertakings 1 Cor. 16.14 2 Cor. 9.7 as Jude 5.2 5. By the circumstances wherewith it is apparelled as Prov. 25.11 for Eccles 3.1 and Matth. 6.3 4. 6. By the end whereunto it is done We must chiefly look unto God all our arrows must be levelled to his glory as to the chiefest mark we are not our own but his by our election he hath chosen us Eph. 1.5 6. By our creation he hath made us for himselfe Prov. 16.4 By our redemption he hath bought us to himselfe 1 Cor. 6.20 By our vocation he hath called us to shew forth his praise 1 Pet. 2.9 and to him must we live 2 Cor. 5.15 If our works be thus qualified we may be sure they come from a regenerate spirit and are well accepted of him who is above all This is a repetition of what was formerly spoken to shew his disciples that they must needs subject themselves to Christ and to let them see how difficult it is he doth againe repeat it So that you see the repetition and the reason of the repetition The former may teach us Doct. 1 1. It is very needfull that Gods Ministers should often urge and presse the same material duties upon their hearts Phil. 3.1 that they may understand it more clearly be awakened by it more effectually affected with it more throughly that it may be imprinted upon their hearts the more effectually that it may abide with them the more constantly People must not think it unprofitable to heare the same points of doctrine often pressed upon them Naaman went seven times into Jordan Peters cock crowed thrice From the other we may learn Doct. It is a very hard thing to make men renounce all self-confidence and subject themselves unto and altogether rely vpon Christ Jesus therefore the Baptist doth againe and againe presse it This occasioned
as if God had brought them into a condition wherein he could not preserve them into a danger out of which he could not deliver them made a promise which he was not able to accomplish Psa 106.25 Hereby they deny Gods Soverainty and dominion they harkened not saith the. Psalmist Psa 106.25 that is they detracted from Gods authority and dominion they would not be guided by his voice ruled by his counsell but would fight against the Amalekites go into the land of promise when God forbad them Deut. 1.42 43.44 thus you see now greatly God is dishonoured by infidelity 2. Therefore as we doe desire to make the name of God glorious to doe any thing pleasing in Gods presence let us labour to beleeve his word to consent subcribe and yeeld to the truth of his testimony to search after the through-knowledge of it to imbrace it with most hearty and unfained affection to build upon it as upon a sure foundation to rest upon Christ alone for life and salvation to get a gracious perswasion in our hearts of the goodnesse of God in Christ towards our own soules to stay upon Christ as upon a sure pillar to build upon him as upon the onely foundation a foundation which will not faile to fasten our faith upon him as the marriner his Anker on a sure rock and as 2 Chron. 32.8 so let us rest our selves upon the promises of God no other hath promised life and salvation no other can conferre the remission of sinne and life eternall no other can deliver from Hell sinne and Satan therefore let us take off our hearts from all other and relye onely upon him Isa 45.22 for there is no other name Acts 4.12 and all the promises which God hath made in him are most certaine 2 Cor. 1.20 most constant whatsoever change there be this faileth not Isa 40.8 this like the Sea continueth full though other water brookes doe faile these are most pleasant and delightfull full of refreshment delight and comfort to Gods people Psa 23.4 and in beleeving Gods promises in geting interest in them in building upon them wee shall be drawne to attend Gods ordinances with delight as the child sucketh the brests as Job desired it more then his appointed food to come as to our fathers house as into our friends presence to be glad with David Psa 122.1.2 Wee shall stirre up others to seeke God in the use of his ordinances we shall call others Jsa 2.2 wee shall strive to bring them to the Physitian of their soules to make them partakers of his Grace Lu. 22.32 3. Wee shall be full of love to God and to his wayes Gal. 5.6 7. Wee shall be rich in all good works like a tree full of fruit a garden full of sweet flowers and thus shall we abundantly glorifie God by believing to this we should be induced by considering the fulnesse and Alsuffici of Christ Jesus for Verse 34. He whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God for God giveth not the spirit to him by measure The Baptist here rendereth the reason why they doe put to their seale that God is true when they doe receive the testimony of Christ even because the testimony of Christ is the testimony of God for Christ is come from his Heavenly Father and God alone doth speake by him for so Jo. 7.16 Jo. 14.24 Heb. 5.5 6. wherein we may consider 1. Christs authority he whom God hath sent speaketh the Words of God 2. His sufficiency for he hath not received the spirit by measure first his authority hee was sent of God equall with God in regard of his Divine Essence but inferiour to the Father according of his humane nature office of a Mediatour the Sun is said to be sent in that he was appointed put forth and furnished with gifts and authority to fulfill the office of a Mediatour Gal. 4.4 and to speake the words of God in that as a Messenger declareth not his owne mind but his who sent him So Christ doth deliver the mind and Councell of God the Father from whence we may learne that the doctrine which is delivered by Christ Jesus is most holy and infallable the very word of God who is truth it selfe a doctrine of power to convince Mat. 7.28 full of light to give knowledge Mat. 4 16. a key opening Gods Councell which is hidden from the wise men of the World Lu. 10.21.22 a Doctrine not to be reproved but worthy to be beleeved Jo. 8.46 therefore to this wee should come upon this wee should wait as upon the light which alone is able to shew us the way of life as upon the Schoole wherein we may learne true wisedome 2. Tim. 3.17 as on the Jordan which will cleanse us from our iniquities Jo. 15.3 This wee should imbrace as the seed which will beget us againe unto a new life Jo. 1.18 As the voice which will raise us Jo. 11.44 Jo. 5.25 On this wee should feed as on the Milke which will make us grow in the grace of Gods Spirit 1 Pet. 2.2 this wee must follow as the fiery pillar which will lead us to the Heavenly Canaan this wee must use as the Spiritual weapon which will beate down the holds of sinne Satan which will cast him downe as the thunder doth the lightning thus wee must affect as the meanes of peace and reconcilement between us and our God Much more might be said of this but wee have lately heard of this more largely One thing more may be learned out of these words from the preparation of Christ to his office as he comming to preach the Gospel had his commission from God spake no other but the words of God so it setteth before us the duty of Gods Messengers and teacheth us Gods Ministers must be sure that God doe give them their commission and that they preach nothing but what is Gods will and councell First they must have a commission as an Embassadour must have a commission from his Soveraigne So Heb. 5.4.5 This is so needfull that without it they cannot discharge their calling Ro. 10.15 Therefore wisedomes Maidens Christs Ministers went not of their owne accord but were sent Pro. 9.3 And the Prophets of old went not upon their owne head but the Lord sent them Jer. 44.4 The disciples of our Saviour had also authority given before they undertooke this function Mat. 10.16 as they must have their commission so they must deliver none but Gods mind and message to the people an Embassadour may not deliver his owne but his Soveraignes message to the people it was the Lords charge Ezeck 2.7 It was Pauls care 1 Cor. 11.23 and 1 Pet. 4.11 And it was Peters comfort 2 Pet. 1.16 2. Cor 1.11.12 2 Cor. 4.1.2 Their commission they must have from God 1. Because otherwise they cannot faithfully open the mind and councell of God how can they preach accept they be sent unlesse they be furnished and prepared by the
as the purest manchet to distast as gall what now is pleasant as honey to their palate 2. Consider the strength of sinne and Satans hold it is a stronge Castle uneasily beaten downe the Devill is no weakling but a Prince a Potent adversary it is not every one can conquer him a bow without arrows a minister without abilities can doe nothing to this adversary powder of humane eloquence though it make a great noise cannot shake the powers of his Kingdome an Axe without edge a Sermon without Zeale and courage cannot cut the roots of this tree the Divell doth no more regard such mens preaching as preach not with power and in the evidence and demonstration of the spirit then hee did for the sonnes of Sceva conjuring Acts. 19.15 Instead of casting him out of others he will enter further into them themselves therefore like good souldiers they must be well furnished with spirituall armour and 2 Cor. 10.5 Psa 45.5 their arrowes must be sharp 3. Consider the depth of Gods councels how uneasily unfolded opened applied how these are a riddle which like Sampsons riddle cannot be enterpreted unlesse wee plough with Gods Heifer deep things of God which cannot be found out but by Gods Spirit 1 Cor. 2.11 A way that cannot be knowne without a guide Acts. 8.31 A sealed booke which we cannot read unlesse wee have some one to open it Isa 29.11 Neither are the Lamps which reserve the greatest portion of this oyle so full of light nor the fountaines which hold the largest measure of knowledge so ful of waters but that with Paul they may say who is sufficient for these things 2 Cor. 2.16 4. Consider the number the subtlety and the power of them that seduce to sin that lead to errour and that provoke to evill that spread snares and cast stumbling blocks in the waies of Gods people The envious man hath many servants that sow tares among this Wheate Mat. 13.25 Many Factors that sell deceiptfull wares that make merchandise of the soules of the people 2 Pet. 2.3 Many mountebanks that apply healing salves before ever they search and open the wound Jer. 6.14 Many unskilful builders that daub with untemperate Morter upon a rotten wall before ever they pull downe the ruinous places Ezek. 13.10 Many clouds without raine many breasts without milke 2 Pet. 2.17 Many lazy Husbandmen that sow before ever they breake up the fallow ground of the hearts of Gods people Contrary to that Jer. 1.10 Many deceivers transformed into Angels of light 2. Cor. 11.11 Many Lions in sheepes Skins Mat. 7.15 Many that with Ahabs Prophets bad us goe on and proper 1 Kings 22.12 Therefore behoofull wee should make choice of able ministers that may teach sound Doctrine convince opposers lead us forward and build us up in the saving knowledge of Christ Iesus in despite of all oppositions 5. Consider our dulnesse deadnesse security backwardnesse Israel cannot travell longer then the fiery Pillar doth shine before them Peter will continue in the denial of his Master if the Cock do not crow to awaken him Israel will erect a golden calfe if Moses do but a little absent himselfe from them if Jehojada once dye the Princes of Juda will leave the house of the God of their Fathers and serve groves and Idols 2 Chro. 24.18 The best men with the men of Ephesus will forget their first love if they live not under faithful Ministers as the best garden will grow barren if it be not weeded the best tree will grow wild if it be not pruned the soile will become unfruitfull if the dewes fall not upon it the strongest body will grow weake if good food bee with holden from it the best ship will miscarry if it want a good Pilote therefore 2 Pet. 1.12 This is the Pillar which supporteth us the word of life which keepeth life in us Phil. 2.14 The breast which giveth food to us 1 Pet. 2.2 The cloud whose dewes water us and makes us fruitfull in the grace of the Spirit Deut. 32.2 6. Consider how hardly a true lively faith is wrought without labour men are perswaded and assured of their salvation what industry constancy fervency and shill is required and must be used before the judgement can bee informed rightly to descerne the things which differ before the will can bee inclined to chose the things which are most excellent before the affections can be cleansed the heart purified the holds of sinne cast downe the soule made free from the service of evill and free to the love of God and of what is truely good as in 2 Kings 4.32 34.35 So the Minister must againe and againe exhort instruct and pray before the life of grace be restored the conscience pacified the fruits of a new life infallably apparant and the heart throughly perswaded of Gods goodnesse towards it in the free remission of all sin all temptations quelled all objections answered the pardon of fine sealed Naaman went seven times into Jordan before he was washed the Cock crowed thrice before Peter awakened our Saviour stood long at the doore before the Spouse stirred up her selfe to open to come forth to him she sought long ere she could and him Cant. 2.5 she speaketh to the Ministers to comfort or sustaine her by the Ministry of the word Rom. 1 11. Acts. 14.2.22 7. Consider the sweet and singular comforts which the powerfull Ministry of the word breedeth in the soules of the people of God how it is unto the eies of their understanding as the light of the Sun to the eye of the bodie whereof Eccles 11.7 So it is to them a pleasant thing to behold the things of God as Mat. 2.10 So doth the light of the word rejoyce joyce the people of God Isa 9.2 3. Lu. 10.23 How it is unto their eares as the harp in Davids hand chasing away the evil spirit How a very joyfull sound Psa 89.15 How it is unto their palate as the sweetest honey Psa 19.10 As the daintiest feast Isa 25.6 How it is to their feet a burning light guiding them into the waies of peace Lu. 1.79 How it is to their thirsty soules as a wel-spring of living waters to the thirsty and their troubled consciences as the Olive-branch to Noah as the still voice to Eliah to their weary spirits as Horsemen and Chariots to drive and carry them forward in their journey to the high and Heavenly habitation which God hath prepared for his people and out of all this wee may abundantly behold the necessity of an able constant and powerfull Ministry and the folly of them that content themselves with Lamps that have no Oile with Messengers that have no tidings with such at least as like the evil servants hide and imploy not their talent 3. This must occasion the people to try whether the Ministers who are set over them be sent of God or whether they be come of their owne
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
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
throne of grace in his name wee shall finde acceptance for his sake Hebr. 10.22 Rom. 5.1 2. though Jonathan could not appeas the anger of his father Saul against David yet our Jonathan will surely prevail with our God for us though wee are unworthy yet as the man of God looked on Jeboram for Jehoshaphat's sake 2 King 3.14 so will our God look favorably on us for Christ's sake 3 This must quicken and stirr up us to love the Lord Jesus the children use to love where the father doth the servants use to affect where their Lord God the Father loveth the Son therefore let us also get our hearts inflamed with love to him to them that love him all felicity is wished Eph. 6 24. to them that love him not all evils are denounced 1 Cor. 16.22 and many inducements there are to move us to set our affection upon 1. the dignity beauty majesty glory and excellency of his person Isa 45.3 Cant. 5.10 2. The love that hee hath shewed to us Joh. 15.13 Rom. 5.8 Jonathan's love to David caused David again to love him fire begetteth fire 3. The great afflictions hee hath suffered for us 4. The great endowments hee hath bestowed upon us 5. The many enemies hee hath conquered for us 6. The great things hee hath purchased for us in the heavens these are as so many load-stones to draw our hearts unto Christ Jesus as so many bellows to blow up the fire of our affections to inflame or hearts with fervent sacred and constant love unto the Lord Jesus and that so much the more because wee have hence seen Doctr. That the love of God to Christ Jesus is the fountain of all the happiness which cometh to God's servants as the waters come to us from the fountain by and thorow the cistern the light cometh from the sun to the eie by and thorow the aër so is Christ the medium whereby all the goodness of God cometh unto us and God's love to Christ is the original and prime cause hereof as Gen. 45.17 18. the love of King Pharaoh to Joseph was the moving caus of all the favor and kindness hee shewed to his father and brethren when they were in great distress by reason of the famine so the love of God the King of kings viz. Christ Jesus is the fountain of all the happiness peace comfort which is derived and communicated to the brethren of Christ Jesus as the Ark was the caus of the wellfare of Obed-Edom's house so is God's love to Christ the caus of all our welfare this was shadowed out by the ladder in Jacob's vision Genes 28.11 12. reaching from heaven to earth the Angels ascending and descending to shew how all the goodness of God descendeth unto us by and thorow Christ this was also prophecied as the Lord hath put the grace of his spirit upon the son of righteousness to enlighten them that sit in darkness and why hath hee done so but because hee delighted in him and the Apostle speaketh plainly that wee are accepted in the beloved Ephes 1.6 Acts 2.33 Reas 1. Because wee are from all eternity elected in Christ as the Apostle witnesseth Eph. 1.4 saying wee are chosen in him before the foundation of the world in him noting the order in which wee are elected not the cause of election the grace of election beginneth first with Christ our head and descendeth to us in him wee are not first elected and then Christ is chosen by reason of our fall but God out of his love did first chuse him to bee the head of the body mystical and then are wee chosen to bee his members as the head corner stone in the building is first chosen Psa 116.22 and then the other stones which are to bee put into the building hence hee is said to bee the first begotten amongst his brethren Col. 1.18 to have the preheminence to bee sealed John 6.27 set apart to be the prince of our salvation to be fore-ordained before the foundations of the world 1 Pet. 1.20 by how much more excellent things are by so much more timely and principally they bee in God's decree hee doth not think of electing and predestinating us first as a body and then come afterward by occasion to think of a him who is the head hee is the first pattern and wee are predestinated to bee like him Rom. 8.29 and as the master-picture and pattern is first and then the thing which is to bee drawn by it as in a naturall birth the head cometh first and then the feet after it so first was Christ chosen then as the head or the elect and fountain of grace and then are wee chosen in him things in their material existing have one order in their intentional another as for example a man that maketh a house intendeth to dwell under some covering 2 hee intendeth to build a house 3. to hire workmen 4. to prepare matter but in the execution hee 1. setteth stone and wood in place 2 hee hireth workmen then raiseth the frame and lastly entreth in and dwelleth there In order of materiall existing Christ is revealed promised exhibited after sin but intended before sin 1 Cor. 3.22 23. The Apostle reckoning the order in which things exist mentions 1. the world 2 the elect 3 Christ then God but giveth us to understand in order of intention that God intendeth first his own glory then Christ then the Church then the world out of which hee intended to gather such as should bee saved by Christ and thus Christ is the head of the elect and the fountain of grace 2. Because all the promises of God are to us in Christ 2 Cor. 1.20 hee is the cistern by which God hath promised to convey the waters of life to our souls It is hee who of God is made unto us all things behooffull to our salvation 1 Cor. 1.30 it is in him that God hath promised audience and acceptance to our persons Gen. 3.15 it is in him that the blessing was promised to all nations Gen. 12.34 it is in his dayes that all peace and felicity was promised to the Church Jer. 23.5 6. it is hee that brought good and joyfull tidings Micah 4.4 5. 3 Because God hath put all fulness in him for the good of his Church as hee hath put all fulness of light into the sun for the giving of light to the world all fulness of water into the sea for the watering of the earth so hath God put all fulness into him for our behoof that are in him that wee might receive grace needfull to salvation Col. 1.19 John 1.16 Isa 61.1 2. as all Aegypt fetched out of Joseph's store as the ointment on Aaron's head ran down to the beard even the skirts of his garment Psalm 133.1 2. 4. Because our life the life of grace is hidden in Christ even when wee were dead in sin Col. 3.3 as the life of the tree in the winter is in the root the
make us to bee in the waies of God as it was said in another case of Saul and Jonathan lovely in our lives aimiable in our conversations strong as the lion swift as the hinde full of courage swift speedy and cheerfull in the waies of God's commandements whose bow returned not back nor sword returned empty whose holy labors are not in vain who faint not in the waie of God's precepts but move as water to the ocean and eagles to the carkass And thus of the first part the love of God to Christ the sequel of the Father's love to Christ followeth and hath given all things into his hands The ability of the Physitian to heal of the Pilot to guide of the General to rule the army to conquer the enemy of the friend to supply in time of need causeth the sick the passenger the souldier the poor man to bee much the more confident so the ability fulness and alsufficiency of Christ causeth all his servants to rely upon him with so much the more firm dependance therefore the Baptist the more effectually to perswade his disciples to believ rely and rest upon Christ the more strongly to entertain his doctrine the more reverently to value him the more highly to rejoyce in him the more abundantly to devote and resign themselves into his hands the more thoroughly doth not only acquaint them with the love of the father unto Christ which is the well-spring whence all the waters of salvation flow but also acquainteth them with the authority soveraignty and kingdom wherewith hee hath endowed him hee hath given all things into his hand all things visible and invisible all things without exception are made his hee hath full and free power and possession over all and rule and administration of all this hee took not by force hee bought not with money but received from his father as the only begotten son of the father places of government and jurisdiction must bee neither bought nor injuriously usurped but given freely to the best deservers the father gave all into his hand John 17.5 not that hee ever was without them as hee is God or that hee was unequal to the Father but as in fulness of time hee was incarnate Phil. 2.8 so his assumed nature received many singular gifts and priviledges and this not of that which was anothers but that which was his own as hee was God and this hee received not as a sealed fountain to reserve all unto himself but hee received it for us to bestow it freely on us for our salvation Math. 11.27 Math. 28.23 therefore the Apostle testifieth that all is ours 1 Cor. 3.22 and thus the Father hath put all things into Christ's hands whence learn Doctrine That God hath put all creatures in subjection to Christ Jesus and hath endowed him with all fulness to save his chosen servants As Pharaoh made all his people subject to Joseph Gen. 41.44 and Joseph was endowed with wisdom how to govern them and had plenty of Provision to preserve them so hath God put all creatures in subjection unto Christ and hee hath all fulness of wisdom power goodness to rule govern and supply the wants of his people hee hath the preheminence above all as the lord over the servant as the head over the body Col. 1.18 Ephes 1.22 as the Conqueror over the captived This the Apostle doth abundantly prove Heb. 1.2 3 4 5 6 7 8. by the interest Christ hath in all by the beeing hee hath given to all by his his equality with God by his sustentation of all by the purgation of sin by the dignity and authority vouchsafed to him by his preheminence above Angels by the religious worship given to him by the Angels by the eternity of his kingdome by the measure of grace bestowed on him by the subjection of all that rise against him And this truth is moreover clearly evidenced 1. Reason By the Offices which hee was to execute 1. the office of a king and therefore hee must have preheminence above all as the king above the subjects Psal 2.6 therefore hee is called a king set upon a holy hill Psal 45.6 an everlasting king king of Jews Math. 2.2 king of righteousness Heb. 7.2 king of peace and king of kings Rev. 1.5 2. The office of a prophet Luke 4.18 and all are to wait on him as scholars on their teacher as sheep on their shepherd Isa 40.11 as the eie waiteth on the sun for light Mat. 11.29 as the offender on the Embassadour of peace Zech. 9.10 what Job said of himself Job 39.21 23 must be much more verified of Christ unto him men must give ear and wait and keep silence at his counsel they must wait for him as for the rain and open their mouth wide as for the latter rain 3. the Office of a priest Heb. 3.1 6. and on him must they wait as sick men on the physician as captived men on him that doth ransom them 1 Tim. 2.6 2 By the preheminence given to him the head the husband the prince the first fruits of his people as the head is above the members the husband above the wife the prince above the subjects the first fruits before the residue of the residue of the lump so is Christ above the rest of the people 3. By the miraculous works which hee wrought hee turned water into wine John 2. 8. walked upon the sea Mat. 14.25 healed all manner of diseases which no physician could cure Mark 5.25 opened the eyes of men born blind John 9.31 a work exceeding the abilities both of art and nature raised the dead stilled the raging tempest Mat. 8.26 cast out devils an evident argument of his dominion over all creatures 4. By the potent enemies which hee overcame Goliah the Philistine the Midianitish armies Sennacherib's forces were no more to the enemies subdued by Christ then a molehil to a mountain then a child to a gyant then the shadow to the body then rotten reeds to bands of brass and iron Col. 2.15 Ephes 4.8 5. By the blessed change which hee wrought in the hearts of men of fierce as lions hee maketh men gentle as the lamb Isaiah 11.6 of unclean as the leper hee maketh clean as Naaman coming out of Jordan 2 Kings 5. of dead in sin hee raiseth to a new life of dens of devils hee maketh them temples for the holy spirit of a barren wilderness hee maketh them as a fertile soil of a field like the sluggards field full of thorns and briars hee maketh them a very fruitfull orchard Quest How could the Father put all things into the hands of the Son since hee hath the same fulness majesty and power hee ever had and is no way emptied by any thing the sun hath received Reas As a fountain filleth the cistern and is no way thereby emptied a king sendeth forth his son to a rebellious people to reclaim reconcile subdue them giveth him authority hereunto yet his own authority is