Jesus Christ is in you except ye be reprobates 2 Cor. 13. 5. What a sad thing will it be for us to sport our selves in our self-deceivings as too many do 2 Pet. 2. 13. Better it is now for us to deal faithfully with our selves then to flatter our selves or be flattered by others to our endless and eternal misery and calamity Come we then to the light of the Lord the Gospel of Christ and therein and thereby we may see our selves whether we be chosen no Even he that is an hearer of the word and not a doer is like unto a man that beholdeth his natural face in a Glass for he beholdeth himself Even as a man may see his natural face in a Glass and see whether it be clean and free from spots and pollution or no so a man that is only called by and an hearer of the word of Truth may see himself and see what manner of person he is Jam. 1. 22 23 24. He may see whether he be chosen out of the World by the Grace of God or whether he be not but still remain in or be turned back again into the World and so is at present rejected of God and not loved with peculiar manner of love As the Apostle intimateth 2 Cor. 13. 5. And if by this Glass we see we are hearers and of the called only Oh let us give no rest to our eyes not slumber to our eye-lids until we so receive and retain the Grace of God which brings Salvation to us that we may be chosen out of this miserable condition and redeemed from amongst Men that it may be well with us for ever and we may not perish with the World And if it appear that we are of the number of those who are chosen that we still abide and continue in the Doctrine of Christ that we may have both Father and Son 2 Joh. 9. Inq. But some may say how may we know whether we be of the chosen number or no declare a little more particularly how we may know it Answ Those who are indeed chosen do know that they are of God and that the whole World lieth in Wickedness as 1 Joh. 5. 19. by keeping His Commandments as the Apostle saith Hereby we know that we know Him and are in Him if we keep His Commandments 1 Joh. 2. 3-5 And he that keepeth His Commandments dwelleth in Him and He in him chap. 3. 24. that is to say in more and plainer words His Commandments are That we believe on the Name of Jesus Christ and love one another as He hath given us Commandment 1 Joh. 3. 22-24 He that hath and keepeth these hath right unto the tree of life and shall enter in thorow the gates into the City even into the new Jerusalem Rev. 22. 14. that is to say they do know they are chosen 1. By this That the Faith they have received is the Faith of our Lord Jesus Christ and according thereto they believe with the heart that good report the Father hath given of Christ in His Word and Sayings in which He hath testified That He sent the Son into the World not to condemn the World but that the World thorow Him might be Saved And so they believe on the Name of the Son of God Joh. 3. 16-18 they have their Faith begotten by closing with and founded on not Mens Doctrines or their own Thoughts and Imaginations which they know to be corrupt and evil But they have received and retain for their Faith nothing else then the Word of God and Testimony of Jesus which was witnessed by the holy Prophets in former times and is now revealed to us by the Apostles of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ And so they believe on Christ as the Scripture hath said and testified of Him and not as Men in their Glosses and Interpretations speak of Him They call no meer Man whatsoever their Rabbi nor own any to have dominion over their Faith but Jesus Christ and God in Him He is their only Law-giver in this respect the Father of their Spirits the Lord of what they believe And so according to His testimony they believe Him to be the Son of God the Saviour of the World the only Foundation of Faith and Hope the only Fountain of all the fulness of Grace and Truth the only Bread and Water of Life the only door of approach of God the only Lord of our Faith and Consciences the only High Priest and Mediatour between God and Men And according hereto they come unto and depend on Him in His way for bottoming all upon Him for receiving all from Him for living continually by Him and to Him for approaching to God thorow Him and expecting and waiting thorow His Spirit for His perfecting all that concerns them c. And so they hold forth this word of Life in Word and Conversation And he that thus believeth on the Son hath the Witness in Himself and gives not God the lye but hath set to His Seal that God is true in all He hath testified of His Son 1 Job 5. 10 11. Job 3. 33. And in receiving this Testimony of Jesus they receive also therewith certainly and undoubtedly the Spirit of Gods Son Gal. 3. 2-5 which Spirit beareth Witness with their Spirit with their enlightened mind and judgment that they are the Sons of God Rom. 8. 16. And hereby they know that they dwell in Him and He in them because he hath given them of His Spirit And they have seen in the light and by the evidence thereof and do restifie that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the World 1 Joh. 4. 13 14. with 2 Cor. 13. 5. 2. They also know they are chosen by this that this Faith worketh in them by Love Gal. 5 6. and therein is efficacious in them And so they are distinguished from and preferred before such as say they have Faith and have not its works and so believe in vain But this Testimony of Jesus being received by them not as the word of man but as it is in truth the word of God it worketh effectually in them From the knowledge and belief of Gods love in Christ His first love they are begotten and prevailed with to love God even to love Him withall the heart and mind and soul and strength And so to love Jesus Christ as to suffer the loss of all things and count them but dung in comparison of Him It makes them willing to part with their Sins and Idols for His sake and prefer Him before all other things which they may love with a moderate affection 1 Joh. 4. 16-19 And this love of God in Christ known and heartily believed by them begetteth them unto and effecteth in them a delightful love to those who are begotten of Him and that not in word and in tongue only but in deed and in truth And by this they know that they are passed out of death â—nto life because
A Feast of fat Things of Wines on the Lees of fat things full of Marrow of Wines on the Lees well Refined Isa 25. 6. Prov. 9. 1 3. And to this Marriage-feast also are Men Called and Bidden that they might partake hereof and their Souls be satisfied here with as with Marrow and Fatness Isa 55. 1 2 3. And so that whereto men are Called is to Jesus Christ and Him Crucisied and that excellent and compleat Preparation provided in Him They are called into the Grace of Christ Jesus Gal. 1. 6. The Spirit of Christ in the Prophets did testifie before hand of the Sufferings of Christ and the Glory that should follow And these things are now Reported to us in the Gospel with the Holy Ghost sent down from Heaven 1 Pet. 1. 11 12. with Luke 24. 25 27. To Christ God the Father was and is Calling and Directing men To the Teachers He said This is the Rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest and this is the Refreshing Isa 28. 12. 16. Behold saith he my Servant whom I uphold c. Isa 42. 1. 6 7. He hears Witness of Him and Christ is so the Sum of his Teaching that every one that hath Heard and hath Learned of the Father cometh unto Him John 5. 31 37. and 6. 45. Unto Himself Jesus Christ also calleth men He saith Look unto me all the ends of the Earth and be ye saved For I am a Just God and a Saviour and there is none beside me Isa 45. 21 23. with Phil. 2. 8 9 10. And He saith Behold me behold me unto a Nation that was not called by His Name Isa 65. 1. Thou shalt saith the Father Call a Nation which Thou knewest not to wit unto Thy self for so much is signified in what follows And Nations that knew not Thee shall run unto Thee c. Isa 55. 5. All things saith our Saviour are delivered unto me of my Father c. Come unto me I will give you rest Isa 49. 1. 6. Mat. 11. 27 28. John 7. 37 38. It is also the Work of the Holy Spirit to Lift up the Son of Man as Moses lifted up the Serpent in the Wilderness that Men might look unto and believe in Him To bear Witness of Jesus Christ To take of His things His Abasement Death Resurrection and Glory and to shew unto us And therefore also He is called the Spirit of Christ John 3. 5 6 14. and 15. 26. and 16. 14 15. Acts 5. 30 32. Rom. 8. 9. 1 Pet. 1. 11. Yea the one God Father Word and Holy Spirit beareth His Record of Jesus Christ and this is the Record that God hath given us Eternal Life and this Life is in His Son 1 John 5. 7 10 11. Yea to Him all the holy Ones call us the Spirit and the Bride say Come to wit unto Christ And let him that heareth say Come c. Rev. 22. 16 17. And hereby we may see the desperate folly and madness of Men who forsake or come not unto the Lord the Fountain of Living Waters but hew them out Cisterns broken Cisterns that can hold no Water Jer. 2. 12 13. And it might Ingage and Provoke us all to obey this heavenly Call and run unto Christ because of the Lord his God and for the Holy One of Israel who hath Glorified Him in Himself and displayed the Preciousness of His Blood and His Excellency and Comeliness by means thereof so our escape before us in the Gospel And is Calling and Inviting us unto Him Isa 55. 5. with John 13. 31 32. Oh! let us not turn a deaf Ear to this Call but let us incline our Ears and come unto Him let us hear that our Souls may live c. Isa 55. 2 3. Considering also that which followeth Namely The Account and Ground upon which Men are Called unto this Marriage and Marriage-feast is because it was intended and prepared for them If the Trumpet give an uncertain sound who shall prepare himself to the Battel 1 Cor. 14. 8. But so doth not this Trumpet in the glorious Gospel of God for as it gives a joyful sound Psal 89. 15. so also a certain one Gods Mouth hath therein spoken Truth and Wickedness is an Abomination to His Lips All the Words of His Mouth are in Righteousness there is nothing froward or wreathed in them Prov. 8. 6 8. This is a faithful Saying and worthy of all Acceptation it is both true and Good that Christ Jesus came into the World to save Sinners Sinners indefinitely and without exclusion of any 1 Tim. 1. 15. This His Marriage of our Nature is and was by an Heavenly Messenger proclaimed to be Glad tidings of great joy to all people Luke 2. 10 11 14. And Christ had the Trespasses of the World imputed to Him 2 Cor. 5. 19 21. And by the Grace of God He tasted Death for every man Heb. 2. 9. And is Risen again for theâ—… Justification So that as verily as all have sinned in the first Publick Man and are come short of the Glory of God So also they are Justified freely by God's Grace through that Redemption that is in Christ Jesus Rom. 3. 22 24. and 5. 18. And in Him there is a Feast prepared for all People Isa 25. 6. Forgiveness of Sins for all Nations Luke 24. 47. Acts 26. 17 18. Righteousness for all Rom. 3. 22. Isa 61. 11. Eternal Life for all Mankind while it is called to day 1 John 5. 10 11 12. A Salvation prepared before the Face of all People Neither is there Salvation in any other Luke 2. 30 31. Acts 4. 12. And on this Ground it is that men are Invited to come to this Marriage and Marriage-feast because it was made and made ready for them even for Jews and Gentiles and so consequently for all Mankind Mat. 22. 2. 8 9 10. Luke 14. 16. 24. On this account His Servants have been provoked and excited to Intreat and Beseech men generally to receive the Grace of God to purpose The Love of Christ did constrain them to perswade men to come unto Jesus Christ because they thus judged that if one died for all then were all dead and that He died for all c. And after they had given an account of the Ministry of Reconciliation which they had received to wit that God was in Christ when one died for all and rose again Reconciling the World unto Himself not imputing their Trespasses unto them but unto Christ they say Now therefore we are Ambassadours for Christ as though God did beseech you by us we pray you in Christs stead be ye reconciled unto God 2 Cor. 5. 11 14 15 19 20 21. and 6. 1. John 3. 14 16. and 4. 42. Hence the Lord maketh Proclamation and Invitation to every Thirster both to such as thirst out of necessity and to such also as thirst out of delight having tasted the Graciousness of the Lord and saith Ho every one that thirsteth come ye to
Gospel are brought in and prevailed with to believe through Grace And in that believing Sanctified by the Spirit Chosen out of the World into Christ delivered out of the power of Darkness and Satan and removed into the Kingdom of Gods dear Son that they might be and continue to be and accordingly in some measure they are a special People unto Him here an holy People an Habitation for God who is their Portion to shew forth His Virtues and be to Him for a Name and a Praise and a Glory for the good of the residue of men among whom they are set and preserved And might hereafter and being faithful to the death shall Inherit that Inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that fadeth not away reserved in the Heaven for them who are kept by the Power of God unto Salvation c. 1 Pet. 1. 2 5. And so indeed Gods Elect are such as are redeemed by the Blood of Christ out of others amongst whom they dwell and of whom sometimes they were Rev. 5. 9. 10. Hence whereas in one place it is said They that were with the Lamb were such as were redeemed from the Earth and from among men In another it is said They that are with the Lamb are Called and Chosen and Faithful compare Rev. 14. 1 4. with Chap. 17 14. And so the Lord hath set a part for Himself or as the Vulgar Translation reads it Chosen to Himself the man that is Godly Even such as Worship him in Spirit and in Turth Psal 4. 3. And this is the first sense of Election A Chusing out 2. To Chuse doth sometimes in Scripture signifie the same with Appoint or Command And so to be Chosen doth signifie one who Obeys or Observes the Commands or Appointment of another So it is taken 2 Sam. 15. 15. David's servants said unto the King Behold thy servants are ready to do whatsoever my Lord the King shall appoint or Chuse as in the Margin So again 1 Sam. 19. 38. Whatsoever thou shalt require or Chuse of me that will I do for thee And thus it may be well here also taken in this place Many are Called viz. Unto Christ by the Gospel in the faithful Ministration thereof by his Servants Many are by the King commanded to come but few are Commanded Ruled or Appointed by Him but too many of them are Unruly and Disobedient to the Gospel or though some yield feigned Obedience unto Him and after a sort receive His Grace yet they receive it in vain So it is in this Parable The King sent forth his Servants to call them that were bidden to the Wedding and they would not come They would not have the Man Christ Jesus to Reign over them Again He sent forth other Servants when all was actually done and prepared to say unto them Come unto the Marriage But they made light of it c. And though the man that had not on the Wedding Garment came into the House yet he came not after the Appointment of the King he did not from the Heart obey that form of Doctrine delivered in the Gospel Mat. 22. 3 4 5 8 13. This is His Commandment and Appointment and that which He requireth of us in the Gospel when it is Preached to us That we believe on the Name of His Son Jesus Christ and love one another But the most to whom the glad tidings of the Gospel are Reported and unto whom these Commandments are given by the Lord Jesus will not come to Christ that they might have Life And they are therefore condemned because they obey not the Gospel in believing on the Name of the only begotten Son of God 1 John 3. 23. with John 3. 18. Rom. 10. 16. and 2 Thes 1. 8 9. God is faithful in Calling men in due time to the end they might come to the Knowledg of the Truth But alas few there are who receive and obey His Commandment but the greatest part remain sons of Belial in Heart such Persons as will not take Christs Yoke upon them nor learn of Him though His Yoke be easie and His Burden light and His Commandments are not grievous But give a with-drawing or back-sliding shoulder And so remain unruly and uncommanded Persons such as will do whatsoever goeth forth out of their own Mouth and will not be appointed and ordered by Him and the Light and Instructions of His Grace which teacheth that denying ungodliness and worldly Lusts we should live Soberly Righteously and Godly in this present world Zech. 7. 11. Jer. 44. 16 17. 1 Thes 5. 14. Tit. 2. 11 12. And this understanding it well agreeth with and is sutable unto the former sense given 3. Chosen or Elect signifieth choice ones and such as are more Excellent then others more Precious and Eminent then others Hence we have Chosen and Precious twice joyned together and both opposed in one Verse to disallowed 1 Pet. 2. 4 6. So Chosen and Dispised are opposed the one to the other Jam. 2. 5 6. So whereas in one place it is said A good Name is rather to be Chosen then great Riches In another it is said A good Name is Better then precious Oyntment compare Prov. 22. 1. with Eccles 9. 1. To signifie that such Persons or Things are the Subjects of Election which are better then others Thus it is said of Christs Spouse There are threescore Queens and fourscore Concubines and Virgins without number But my Dove my undefiled is but one she is the only one of her Mother she is the choice pure or elect one as some read it of her that bare her She is a choice elect and excellent one one that excels all others whatsoever Cant. 6. 8 9. So where we read With the pure thou wilt shew thy self pure It is thus rendred by others With the Elect thou wilt be Elect Psal 18. 16. So Chosen oftentimes signifies Choice or Excellent whether Persons or Things Exod. 14. 7. and 15. 4. Psal 78. 31. Ezek. 24. 5. So it is here also Those who are chosen out of the World by the out-chusing of Grace and so Ruled and Commanded by the Gospel they are indeed the precious Sons of Zion in comparison of whom the residue of men though Called are yet Vile Refuse persons Psal 15. 4. The Righteous is more excellent then his Neighbour even such an one as comes unto and believes in and puts on Christ for his Righteousness to Cover Cleanse and Conform him to His Will and Image Prov. 12. 26. The Lover of God the Elect one is the most Excellent person Luke 1. 3. distinguished from and preferred before all others and is allowed of God the Saints are the Excellent ones 1 Pet. 2. 4. Psal 16. 2 3. Born of more excellent Seed then others even of incorruptible Seed 1 Pet. 1. 2. 23. Of a more excellent Father even of God in Christ 1 John 4. 7 9. Ingraffed into Christ and made partakers of him and are one spirit with Him and shall
the Waters and he that hath no money c. And to move them hereto He saith Behold I have given Him for a Witness For a Witness of His Love and Faithfulness He hath so loved the World that He hath given His only begotten Son to be the Saviour of it that all men through Him might believe John 3. 16 17. and 1. 7. 1 John 4. 14. And hence exhorts men To seek the Lord while He may be found and call upon Him while He is near Yea The Wicked to forsake his ways and the man of Iniquity his thoughts and to return unto Him and He will have Mercy c. Isa 55. 1. 4 6 7. Here is a good account and sure ground given in the Gospel both for the Servants to Call so as they shall not run at uncertainty nor fight as those that beat the Air But may both Preach to any man or every man as they have opportunity and Pray for them Without wrath though they be their Enemies and without doubting whether God bears any good Will to them or no For they may certainly know and conclude God will have all men to be saved and come to the knowledg of the Truth Because Christ gave Himself a Ransome and Price of Redemption to God for all a Testimony in due time And for those who are Called who from hence may be Incouraged upon principles of Certainty and Truth to come unto Him in whom dwelleth all the Fulness of the Godhead bodily and in whom is all Compleatness prepared and treasured up for us And whosoever believeth in Him shall never be ashamed nor confounded Luke 6. 27 36. 1 Cor. 9. 26. 1 Tim. 2. 4 6 8. And so much for the first Inquiry Secondly By whom are the many Called By the Servants Instrumentally and Ministerially and especially by the Apostles in these last days For as we have said our Saviour in this Parable speaketh Prophetically of the Gospels being Preached unto Jews and Gentiles after He had finished the Work the Father gave Him to do upon the Earth And after His Death Resurrection Ascension Receipt of and sending forth the Holy Spirit in His Name in and by which His Apostles were fitted and furnished to Preach the Gospel according to the Revelation of the Mystery For until then the Servants had not Commission and Furniture to Preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable Riches of Christ And though when Christ was risen from the Dead He gave Commission to His Apostles to go into all the World and Preach the Gospel to every Creature of all the Nations yet they were by Him commanded to tarry at Jerusalem until they were Indued with Power from on High that they might be fitted and inabled to put in Execution that Authority and Commission they had received Mark 16. 15. Mat. 28. 18 19. Luke 24. 47 49. And then they were to be Christs Witnesses unto all men of what they had seen and heard And yet though by the Servants here are meant the Apostles principally yet not only For the Bride in general saith Come And he that heareth is commanded to say Come Rev. 22. 17. And so the many are Called by the Servants of the King indefinitly though principal Respect is had to the Apostles So much is plainly signified to us in this Chapter that the many Called are called to this Marriage and Marriage-feast by the Servants So it is said as with respect to the Jews The King sent forth his Servants to call them that were bidden to the Wedding Mat. 22. 3. Again He sent forth other Servants Ver. 4. And when the first invited Guests refused and dispitefully used them he saith to his Servants The Wedding is ready but they which were bidden were not worthy Go ye therefore into the High-ways c. Sâ— those Servants went out into the High-ways and gathered together all as many as they found Ver. 8 9 10. And indeed it is the Work of the Faithful Servants of the great King not to Commend or Preach themselves but Jesus Christ the Lord 2 Cor. 4. 5. And not to Disciple men unto themselves but to call and Espouse them to one Husband that they might be presented as a chaste Virgin unto Christ Acts 20. 28 30. 2 Cor. 11. 1 2 3. Their great Business is to bear Witness of Christ of His Sufferings and of what He hath thereby done and obtained into Himself and is become and is And of what He is now doing both from Heaven in the Name of the Father to us And in Heaven with the Father for us And what He will do hereafter John 15. 27. Acts 5. 30 32. 1 Pet. 5. 1. Heb. 13. 7 8. And not to proclaim their own goodness as the most men do Prov. 20. 6. that men might admire them or have their Faith standing in their Wisdom Goodness or Holiness 1 Cor. 2. 1 5. Acts 3. 12. But to Confess Praise and Call men unto Him in whom dwelleth all the Fulness that in coming unto and believing in Him they might of His Fulness receive and Grace for Grace But though they are called by the Servants instrumentally yet not by them only The King sends them not alone on this Errand of His but He accompanies them by the Light Influence and Power of His Blessed Spirit in their plain and faithful Ministration So much in former Times was signified to us As in that Scripture like to this and whereto it may seem our Saviour referreth in this Parable Prov. 9. 1 3. Wisdom hath Builded her House She hath hewen out her seven Pillars She hath killed her killing She hath mingled her Wine She hath also furnished her Table She hath sent forth her Maidens She crieth upon the highest places of the City c. Though She sent them forth to call others into the House yet Her Presence goes along with them And not only they Cry and Call but also She crieth Doth not Wisdom cry and Understanding put forth her Voice She standeth in the top of High places She crieth at the Gates of the City Unto you O men I Call and my Voice is to the Sons of Man She sends forth her Spirit in and with Her Servants that they might be successful Instruments in Her hand Prov. 8. 1 4 5. with Chap. 1. 20 23. So our Lord Jesus when He gave Authority to His Apostles to Disciple all Nations c. To Incourage them unto this their Service and against all their Discouragements He graciously assureth them that He would be with them always and not at some times only unto the end of the World And that He was faithful who promised another Evangelist informs us saying they went forth Preaching the Gospel every where the Lord working with them Mat. 28. 18 20. with Mark 16. 15. 20. Hence they are said to be Workers together with Him 2 Cor. 6. 1. And he that despiseth and rejecteth His Servants in their faithful Ministration of the Gospel rejecteth not Man but
do go alone But he that hath Gods Word let him speak Gods Word faithfully What is their Chaff to this Wheat Is not His Word like as a Fire And like an Hammer that breaks the Rock in pieces Jer. 23. 28 29. It argues a secret fear and jealousie in men as if the Gospel of Christ were a Weak Forceless Spiritless Doctrine and needed some what of mans to make it powerful when they deliver it in the Words or with the Arguments which mans wisdom teacheth And in thus doing they are so far from making it more Effectual or Saving to men that they render it Inforcible and Inefficacious because they thus corrupt the Word of God 2 Cor. 2. 14. 17. Christ sent me saith the Apostle to Preach the Gospel not with wisdom of Words lest the Cross of Christ should be made of none effect For the Preaching of the Cross even this manner of Preaching it without wisdom of Words the foolishness of Preaching is to them that perish Foolishness but unto us that are saved it is the Power of God 1 Cor. 1. 17 18 21. The weapons of their Warfare who War not after the flesh after the Wisdom or Guidance thereof are not Carnal but Mighty through God to the pulling down strong Holds casting down Imaginations c. 2 Cor. 10. 3 4 5. It is good therefore for Christs Servants in Calling men to the Marriage and Marriage-feast to beware of Philosophy and vain Deceit Yea and to chuse rather to speak five Words with their understanding that they may Teach others also then Ten Thousand words in an unknown Tongue for in so doing they do as to the Generality of men speak into the Air Yea are unprofitable to all and not understood by the most of men 1 Cor. 14. 19. And to that end its needful both to deny desires of vain Glory Aswel as also to consider that the plain and foolish Preaching of the Gospel is the Way God hath pitcht upon for Saving men And how weak or foolish soever this Way appears to the Wise ones yet the FoolishnesS of God is Wiser then men and the Weakness of God is stronger then men 1 Cor. 1. 21 24 25. Col. 2. 8 9 10. Oh then how doth it behove His Servants seeing they have such hope to use great plainness of Speech And not as Moses who put a Vail over his Face c. 2 Cor. 3. 6 12 13. To renounce the hidden things of Dishonesty not walking in Craftiness nor handling the Word of God deceitfully but by manifestation of the Truth commending themselves to every mans Conscience in the sight of God 2 Cor. 4. 1 2. 4. It may exhort us to give diligent heed to their Words and Calls and to esteem them highly for their Works sake who speak to us the Word of God because their Master also is present with them and assistant to them it might therefore Ingage us when His Servants come amongst us to say in our hearts however as the Centurian did to Peter We are all here present before God to hear all things that are commanded thee of God Acts 10. 33 34. The Apostle speaks this to the praise of the Churches of Galatia that when he first Preached the Gospel amongst them they received him notwithstanding his Temptation in the flesh as an Angel of God even as Christ Jesus Gal. 4. 13 14. Oh! How Beautiful are and should be the feet of them that Preach the Gospel of Peace and bring glad Tidings of good things Rom. 10. 14 15. Did we indeed consider that they call us unto the Fellowship of Jesus Christ our Lord and into the Grace of Him 1 Cor. 1. 9. Gal. 1. 6. And that the great King of Heaven and Earth speaks by them and with them and doth as it were by them beseech us to come and Eat of Wisdoms Bread and to Drink of the Wine she hath mingled To forsake the foolish and Live c. It would certainly be powerful with us to Ingage us to receive their Word and obey their Call not as the word or call of men but as it is in truth of God 1 Thes 2. 13. And to account them worthy of double Honour who Labour in the Word and Doctrine for their Masters sake even because they belong to and are Labourers with Christ And though not to Idolize them or think of them more highly then we ought to think yet to account them as Ministers of Christ and Stewards of the Mysteries of God 1 Cor. 4. 1 6. And to know that when in and with Preaching the Gospel of Christ they Call upon and Invite us to come unto the Feast God also Calleth us and enableth us to what He Calleth us unto And as our Saviour saith to His Disciples Verily verily I say unto you he that receiveth whomsoever I send receiveth Me And he that receiveth Me receiveth Him that sent Me John 13. 20. Whereas were the most of men Called with an outward Call only they might either receive or reject the Caller and neither receive nor reject Jesus Christ or Him that sent Him 5. This Consideration shews unto us their causless Iniquity and inexcusable folly who when they are thus Called to Christ by such a Powerful and Effectual Call yet regard not but turn a deaf Ear thereto Of such our Saviour saith Ye will not come unto Me that ye might have life John 5. 32 36 39 40. This was the provoking Iniquity of Gods People in former Times whereby God was greatly Incensed against them They refused to hearken and pulled away the shoulder and stopped their Eaers that they should not hear Yea they made their hearts as an Adamant stone lest they should hear the Law and the Words which the Lord of Hosts had sent in His Spirit by the former Prophets Therefore came a great Wrath from the Lord of Hosts Therefore it is come to pass that as he cried and they would not hear so they cried and I would not hear saith the Lord of Hosts Zech. 7. 11 13 14. Indeed those Persons who say the greatest part of the Called ones are only called with an outward and ineffectual Call put a Plea into their Mouths and fill them with Arguments to excuse their not coming They may say they had no power of themselves and God gave them none or not that which was sufficient These teach men to lay the blame upon God and to father the brats of their disobedience on Him But alas it will appear in conclusion that such charge God foolishly And that though the Spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envic yet He giveth more Grace that Grace which brings Salvation to all men to enable us to come at His Calls And at last He will be Justified in His Sayings and overcome when He is Judged James 4. 5 6. with Tit. 2. 11. This is mens iniquity not that they cannot come of themselves but that they will not when God is enabling them hereto This
Saviour of the World And we have known and believed the Love that God hath to us God is Love c. Hereby is our love made perfect even through the Knowledg and Belief of His Love and that He is Love And what Love of God is the producer of our love to Him is also declared by the same Apostle We love Him because He first loved us It is the Manifestation and Discovery not of any delightful distinguishing Love of His but of that great Love wherewith He loved us and all Mankind whereby we are begotten to the Love of Him and therein made of the Chosen and Elect Generation 1 John 4. 7 10 16 19. with Ephes 2. 4 5. And so it appears that the Argument for effecting this Election is the Grace of God to Manward discovered in the Gospel of Christ Que. 2. What is the way owned and approved of God in or through which men are Elected Answ The way of His owning and approving is the Sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the Truth when and as discovered to them That is Men are then Chosen when they so with the Heart believe the Word of Truth and Grace of God therein discovered as that thereby they are Sanctified and Cleansed in the Spirit of their Mind and devoted unto God and not before To this purpose the Apostle Peter speaketh Elect according to the foreknowledg or Fore-approbation of God the Father according to that way fore-owned of Him in or through the Sanctification of the Spirit 1 Pet. 1. 2. To which agreeth also that of the Apostle Paul to the Thessalonians We are bound to give thanks always to God for you Brethren beloved of the Lord because God hath from the beginning viz. of their Gospels coming to them as 1 Thes 1. 5. and 2. 13. Chosen you to Salvation through or in the Sanctification of the Spirit and Belief of the Truth Whereunto He also Called you by our Gospel c. 2 Thes 2. 13 14. No man therefore while he abides in his Ignorance Unbelief and Disobedience of God is Elected or Chosen nor until he be in some measure Washed and Sanctified in the Name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God 1 Cor. 6. 9 11. Que. 3. Out of what are men Elected or Chosen Answ Out of the World which lieth in Wickedness or in the Wicked one 1 John 5. 19. And of which until they were Chosen out they were as well as others and not only in it but also of it They sometimes walked according to the course of this World according to the Prince of the power of the Air the Spirit that now worketh in the Children of Disobedience Amongst whom we also had our Conversation in times past in the Lusts of our Flesh And were by Nature Children of Wrath even as others saith the Apostle Paul of both Gentiles and Jews who were after Chosen out of this sad condition Ephes 2. 1 3 5. To this purpose speaks our Saviour unto and concerning his Disciples Ye are not of the World but I have Chosen you out of the World And I have manifested thy Name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the World John 15. 19. and 17. 6. In both which places it is plainly Intimated that time was that they were not only in the World in their Persons for so they still were nor did our Saviour pray to His Father to take them out of it in this sense John 17. 11 15. but also they were of the World as to their State Condition Fellowship and Demeanour and during that time they were not Elected or Chosen out of it For Gods Elect and Chosen ones and the world are opposed the one to the other and the former hated by the latter As also our Saviour oft times signifieth in such expressions as these If ye were of the world the world would love his own but because ye are not of the world but I have chosen you out of the world therefore the world hateth you John 15. 18 19. Ye shall weep and lament but the world shall rejoyce Chap. 16. 20. I pray for them I pray not for the world but for them that thou hast given me out of the world I have given them thy Word and the World hath hated them because they are not of the world even as I am not of the world Chap. 17. 9 14 16 20 21 23. 1 John 3. 1 13. And so the chosen ones are such as are seperated and severed from others in their state pollutions evil principles and manners And so Seperated and Chosen are used indifferently and put one for another in our Types whom we are instructed to behold 1 Cor. 10. 18. As whereas in Deut. 10. 8. it is said At that time the Lord seperated the Tribe of Levi to minister unto him It is thus rendred Chap. 21. 5. 18. 5. 2 Chron. 29. 11. The Sons of Levi shall come near for them the Lord thy God hath chosen to minister unto him So again in one place it is said I am the Lord your God which have seperated you from other people Ye shall therefore put difference between clean Beasts and unclean And ye shall be holy for I have severed you from other people that ye should be mine In another place upon a like occasion it is thus said The Lord thy God hath chosen thee to be a peculiar people unto himself Thou shalt not eat any abominable thing Consider and compare Levit. 20. 24 26. with Deut. 14. 2 3 c. And so they are a chosen Generation who are called not only whom God is calling but who are eventually called out of darkness out of the darkness of this world and out of their ignorance and unbelief into his marvelous light Compare 1 Pet. 2. 9 10. with Chap. 4. 3. Such as are delivered out of the power of darkness and translated or removed into the Kingdom of Gods dear sons Col. 1. 13. with Acts 13. 22. This is that out of which men are chosen even out of themselves and out of the world and power of darkness Que. Into and in whom are Men chosen Answ Into and in Jesus Christ as the Apostle saith Who hath chosen us in him Eph. 1. 4. As we have seen before The Elect are not chosen in the first Adam nor in themselves but in Christ who is the prime Elect unto whom God hath given the pre-eminence and first-ship in all things Isa 42. 1. Col. 1. 18 19. Rom. 16. 13. And who is the Root and Foundation of Election To this purpose the Apostle Peter speaketh To whom coming to wit unto Christ as unto a living stone chosen or elected of God Ye also as lively stones are built up a Spiritual House Ye are a chosen Generation It is here signified that in order of Nature however and of Time also Christ is first of all an Eleâ—t chosen stone an Elect foundation and Corner stone And those that
hear the Word of Truth and to be hearty Believers and doers of it John 1. 12. 13. with Jam. 1. 18 19 22 25. John 3. 3 5 7. So in the sense before spoken of Men cannot reconcile themselves to God but it is the Work of God by Christ to reconcile us to himself And yet something is required of men Hence the Apostle saith We pray you in Christ stead be ye reconciled to God 2 Cor. 5. 18 20. So here Though God in Christ be the first chuser and by him we are chosen yet something is required of us in the strength he gives that we may be chosen out of the world ruled by him become choice ones and be the subjects of his peculiar love c. And though we find not this command any where Be ye chosen in express words given unto us yet we have the same thing in other expressions given in commandement to us As Be ye saved Isa 45. 22. And save your selves Acts 2. 40. Whereby the same thing is intended as is foreshewn in comparing 2 Thes 2. 10 12. with verse 13. And Be ye seperate which in another Scripture is rendred and read Chosen As also hath been noted by comparing Deut. 10. 8. with Chap. 18. 5. and 21. 5. And Levit. 20. 24 26. with Deut. 14. 2 3. 2 Cor. 6. 17. And we may see this is required of men that they may be Chosen even to come to Christ in which doing they shall be made of the chosen Generation though formerly they have not so been As also hath been said before and may be seen in comparing 1 Pet. 2. 4 5. with verse 9. 10. And to the end we may come unto Christ and so be chosen and pluckt out of the world needfull it is 1. To hear the Word of Christ this is the first and one thing needfull unto the saving of the Soul Luke 10. 39 42. It is good and needfull for us to chuse this good part As God is speaking to us and opening our Ears even to hear in hearing For saith in which men are chosen cometh by hearing and hearing by the Word of God viz. by the Gospel of Peace and glad tydings of good things Rom. 10. 14 15 17. with 2 Thes 2. 13. It is the work of the Father by his Spirit to glorifie Christ and to bear witness of him He speaketh excellent things unto us concerning him and the opening of his lips are right things And together herewith he both gives unto men capacity of hearing and calls upon them to hear Prov. 8. 4 6 17 20. He saith Hearken diligently unto me and eat ye that which is good and let your Soul delight it self infatness Incline your Ear and come unto me hear and your Soul shall live Isa 55. 1 3. Let every man be swift to hear viz. the Word of Truth Jam. 1. 18 19 The hour is coming and now is saith our Saviour that the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God and they that hear shall live John 5. 25. And this is the first Branch of the description of him that passeth from death to life from an Estate of wrath and misery into a state of favour and blessedness he that heareth Christs word John 5. 24. 2. Needfull also it is that we learn of the Father that we may be Chosen not onely that we hear as that is distinguished from learning But that also we heartily embrace his heavenly lesson and doctrine So after Wisdome had called upon men first of all to hear she after saith also Receive my instruction and not Silver Prov. 8. 6. 10. Indeed God teacheth many that are not taught by him and so they deprive their soules of good Isa 48. 17 18 But it is needfull to the end we may be elected that we receive the instruction of our Heavenly father even to buy the truth and not sell it even to buy it with an undervaluing and parting with and forsaking all that we have that we may be made partakers of Christ Prov. 23. 23. with Luk. 14. 33. And every one that is taught of God every one that hath heard and learned of the father cometh unto Christ Job 6. 45. with Matth. 22. 3 4 5. And so shall be chosen and a subject of Gods election And let no man be discouraged from coming unto Christ in this way because of his former vileness and wretchedness for though he be the chief of sinners that cometh yet him that cometh he will in no wise cast out but will receive such an one graciously he will chuse him and not cast him away Isay 41. 9. with Joh. 6. 35. And as the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who hold the truth in unrighteousness so as persisting in such like iniquity he will at last reject such and give them up to a reprobate mind Reprobate Silver shall men call them who after all means used yet will not come to Christ who is the rest and way to it because the Lord hath rejected them Rom. 1. 18 28. Jer. 6. 16 17 30. So also all such as hear the joyfull sound sounded forth by the Father in the Gospel and receive his instruction so as to come unto Christ Such shall find rest Mat. 11. 28 29. Their Souls shall live Isa 55. 3. And they shall have fellowship and partnership with Jesus Christ in him be chosen and after him reckoned And shall abiding in Christ inherit the Kingdom which God hath prepared for them that love him and look and wait for his coming from Heaven 1 Cor. 1. 8 9. Yea this Doctrine of Gods Election may also admonish and warn them who are in Christ Jesus not to depart from him Upon this presumption that the Elect cannot possibly be deceived For certainly it is possible for them so to be and they will certainly so be if they abide not in Christ by Faith and Love As our Saviour saith If a man abide not in me he is cast forth as a Branch and is withered and men gather them and they are cast into the fire and they are burned John 15. 6. In which words our Saviour signifieth that such as have been ingraffed into himself who is the true Vine by his Father the Husbandman may not abide in Christ but may so depart from him as not only to be cast into the fire which a man may be and yet be plucked out again as a brand out of it Jude 23. But also be burned that is he may finally perish And to the same purpose the Apostle speaketh to the believing Romans who were in and did stand in the Root of Righteousness Thou standest by faith be not high minded but fear for if God spared not the natural Branches take heed also lest he spare not thee Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God on them which fell severity but towards thee goodness if thou continue in his goodness otherwise thou also
and unprofitable And to make us willing to come unto Christ and for his sake to deny our selves and take up our Cross and follow Him that we might be of the very Elect. He setteth before us in the Gospel His all things that we might forsake our all things all that we have That Christ might be the Portion of our Souls Luk. 14. 17-26-33 He doth hereby outbid all other things and renders them evil and unprofitable that we might for this treasure hid in a field when discovered to us and found by us sell all that we have and buy that field Mat. 13. 44. Hence He calleth hear for I will speak of excellent things such things as far excell those things you are apt to set your Hearts upon and the opening of My Lips shall be right things Receive mine instruction not silver and knowledge rather then choice gold for Wisdom is better then Rubies and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared unto it Riches and Honour are with Me yea durable Riches and Righteousness My fruit is better then Gold yea then fine Gold and My Revenue then choice Silver Prov. 8. 6-10-20 21. Now then for Men to prefer their sins and vanities before Christ To prefer their sinful lusts and pleasures or their Oxen Farms Merchandize Wives Righteousness or any other of their own things before Him in whom God hath prepared such an excellent and incomparable feast And in whom is such a true compleat and eternally blessed and glorious provision of eternal Life and all Spiritual and Eternal Blessings And to do thus also after they have been called unto the Sufferings of Christ in which is given such a clear discovery of the odiousness and abominableness of mens lusts and iniquities unto God And therefore also of the absolute necessity of their being washed and cleansed from them without which they must be everlastingly unhappy and miserable And in which Cross is also clearly manifested the vanity and worthlessness of all those objects and things in which naturally they are seeking rest contentment and happiness to their Souls Yea and to do so after they have been called unto Him in whom are and are discovered to them infinitely better things then any of those for the sake whereof they pollute themselves and by which they are hindred from coming to Christ that they might have Life and be the Subjects of Gods Election What can such desperate and unreasonable folly be but an highly provoking iniquity to the King who loves His Son so inconceivably dearly and hateth sin with an everlasting hatred And what else can this be in such unworthy refusers and slighters of such Grace but an inexcusable iniquity What is this iniquity less then that found with the Jews who preferred a Murderer before the Lord of Glory seeing such prefer such things as will tend to their everlasting destruction before Him yea in some respects it is much greater And yet how do many who cannot speak of their evil without the greatest dislike and detestation yet justifie their act in overpassing the deeds of those evil ones as Jerusalem is said to have justified her Sister Samaria Ezek. 16. 51 52. Be astonished O ye Heavens at this saith the Lord and be horribly afraid be ye very desolate For My People have committed two Evils they have forsaken Me the Fountain of living Waters and hewed them out Cisterns broken Cisterns that can hold no Water Jer. 2. 12 13. 17 13. Such a blessed object are men called unto by the Gospel And such is the Nature of Mens iniquity who come not unto Christ and therefore are not chosen because they prefer lies and vanity before their own mercy And thereby it appears their sin is exceeding sinful greatly displeasing and wholly inexcusable that they are not Elected If we further also take in and consider what followeth 2. That the called are not chosen appears also to be a great iniquity if we consider the plainess and revealedness of the call as compared with that which was in former times vouchsafed Christ by His Servants hath now used great plainess of speech and not as Moses which put a vail over his face to signifie the vailedness and darkness of that ministration in former times 2 Cor. 3. 12 13. The mystery that was hid from Ages and Generations is now made manifest and revealed unto His Holy Apostles and Prophets by His Holy Spirit as formerly it was not made known unto the Sons of men Col. 1. 25 26. with Eph. 3. 3-5 God having one Son His well-beloved He sent Him forth last of all and spake unto us by His Son whom He hath appointed Heir of all things and reserved this Honour for His Son that by Him in His Personal ministration and by the ministration of His Apostles the true light should shine more brightly and clearly then it did in former Ages He hath come a light into the World who is the Sun of Righteousness And by Him the Gospel hath been preached according to the Revelation of the mystery Rom. 16. 25 26. so as now in the Gospel of Christ as now revealed Jesus Christ is evidently set forth as one that hath been crucified for us His Sufferings the greatness and preciousness of them are brightly pourtrayed before us therein Gal. 3. 1. And we all with open face may behold in this glass in this most clear medium the glory of the Lord 2 Cor. 3. 18. And now the Grace of God which bringeth Salvation to all men hath appeared and been brightly manifested as in former times it was not It was witnessed in former times in the Law and by the Prophets But in this was manifested the Love of God because God sent His only begotten Son into the World that we might live thorow Him Tit. 2. 11. 1 Joh. 4. 9 10. and answerably sin is now rendred more odious then it was in former times especially the sin of the World upon a new account The Holy Spirit saith our Saviour shall convince the World of sin of sin because they believe not on Me Joh. 16. 8 9. As also now the holy spirit is poured forth upon all flesh to wither it and to stain the glory and goodliness of it Acts 2. 17. 1 Pet. 1. 23-25 1 Cor. 1. 17-20-29 Yea now there is a more plain declaration and discovery of the Subjects of Christs Redemption and of the love of God therein then formerly was given forth to wit that it is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation That Christ Jesus came into the World to save sinners sinners indefinitely without exception or exclusion of any 1 Tim. 1. 15. That Christ by the Grace of God tasted Death for every man And gave Himself a Ransome for all And is the Saviour of the World Heb. 2. 9. 1 Tim. 2. 6 7 Joh. 4. 42. 12. 47. 1 Joh. 4. 14. And on this ground Christ by His Servants doth beseech men and perswade
true That no Man can come to Christ except the Father who hath sent Christ draw Him Joh. 6. 44. But it is also as true That God in and by Christ in due time doth draw them that come not He draws all Men to Himself Joh. 12. 31 32. He draws them who refuse to come with cords of a Man and bands of Love And because He knows what a Yoke is upon them without the removal whereof they would be hindred therefore He takes off the Yoke on their Jaws c. Hos 11. 3 4 5. And since Christ hath finished the work which the Father gave Him to do in His own personal body on the Earth since He laid down His Life and is raised again He hath now gloriously and most immeasurably received the promise of the Spirit in the Nature of Man And hath more abundantly poured it forth on His Servants in their faithful declaring the Gospel then in former times so that the Gospel is called the Ministration of Spirit and Life yea and the Spirit also 2 Cor. 3. 6-8 Phil. 2. 16. So that it is only Mens own wilful and stubborn refusal and rejection of the power of Christ in the call which hinders their coming unto and being chosen by Christ they close their Eyes when opened and stop their Ears lest they should see with their Eyes and hear with their Ears and understand with their Heart and should be converted and He should heal them Mat. 13. 15. And this also sheweth unto us how provoking and excuseless an iniquity it is that the called are not chosen 4. And lastly This also further appears so to be if we consider the good will and gracious intention of the Caller in calliâ—g Men by His Gospel whose love and gracious heart towards sinners is most clearly manifested and perpetually commended to us in the Cross and Sufferings of Christ Rom. 5. 6-8 Joh. 3. 16 17. Heb. 2. 9. He therefore calls and stretcheth forth His hand that they might come to the Feast He hath prepared for them He doth not therefore call that He might leave Men without excuse though they will be so they will be Speechless who are disobedient to the Gospel nor is His end in calling them to aggravate their condemnation though their condemnation will be aggravated who when they are thus called unto the most High will not at all Exalt Him Hos 11. 2-4-7 But He therefore declares His Gospel to them and therewith councelleth them to come unto Himself that they might listen unto and obey Him that it might go well with them for ever Thus our Saviour graciously acquainteth the Jews who sought to kill Him with His gracious end in Speaking and Preaching the Gospel unto them These things I say that ye might be saved Joh. 5. 16-34 And by His Apostles the Gospel was Preached according to the Revelation of the Mystery and according to the Commandement of the Everlasting God made known to all Nations for the Obedience of Faith Rom. 16. 25 26. He iâ—deed that hateth dissembleth with his Lips and layeth up deceit within Him When he speaketh fair or maketh his voice gracious believe him not for there are seven abominations in his heart Prov. 26. 24-26 But far be it from us thus to think of the Almighty who is a God of Truth and without iniquity just and right is He Deut. 32. 2-4 He is not like him that faith Eat and Drink but his heart is not with thee Prov. 23. 6 7. He saith not come eat of My Bread and drink of the Wine I have mingled when either He hath prepared none for thee or hath no cordial desire and intention thou shouldest partake thereof but His gracious will is that thou shouldest be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth Prov. â— 1-5 with 1 Tim. 2. 4-6 And therefore He thus expostulates Wherefore when I came was there no Man when I called was there none to answer But how appears it that they did not answer His call This is declared to us in another Scripture They did Evil before Mine Eyes and chose that in which I delighted not In which is plainly signified to us that His end in coming and calling was that they might have done what was good in His Eyes and chosen that in which He delighted that so they might have been of His chosen ones indeed Compare and consider Isa 50. 2. with chapt 66. 3 4. chapt 65. 12-15 By all which it evidently appeareth that it is their great iniquity who are called by the Servants in their preaching the Gospel of Christ that they answer not His call who accompanieth them and so are not chosen This is that iniquity which is so greatly provoking unto the great King that He thus threatneth to deal with such as are guilty of it Therefore will I number you to the Sword and ye shall all bow down to the slaughter because when I called ye did not answer when I spake ye did not hear but did evil before Mine Eyes and did chuse that wherein I delighted not Therefore behold My Servants My chosen ones who did answer My call shall eat but ye shall be hungry Behold My Servantâ— shall drink but ye shall be thirsty Behold My Servants shall rejoyce but ye shall be ashamed Behold My Servants shall sing for joy of heart but ye shall cry for sorrow of heart and ye shall howl for vexation of spirit And ye shall leave your name for a curse unto My chosen c. Isa 65. 12-15 with Prov. 1. 24-32 Mat. 22. 13 14. And it appears to be an inexcusable iniquity that those who are so called are not chosen There will be no Cloak for their sin They cannot plead that Christ never dyed for them or that saving Grace was not afforded to them for both these are false as we have said and shewn But they will be convinced in the day of the Revelation of the Righteous Judgment of God that their Destruction and Non-election was wholly of themselves And therefore they will be found speechless as the Man was who had not on the Wedding Garment Let the consideration then of all said move and prevail with us all so to receive the Electing Grace of God that we may be of the number according to the Election of Grace And let us not listen to such desperate sayings as these If I be Elected no sins can bereave me of Heaven if I be Reprobated no good deeds can help me to Heaven But be we well assured that the Scripture speaketh of none as the Subjects of Gods Election to Salvation while they continue in their natural condition and filthiness nor of any Reprobated before they were born or Christ Preached by His Spirit to their Spirits But all Men while it is the day of Gods Grace and Patience towards them may thorow His Grace which bringeth Salvation to them come to Christ the prime Elect one and root of Election and so be reckoned
after Him God hath given His Son to be the sign of His Gracious heart towards all sinners And to that End hath given Him by His Grace to tast Death for every Man and hath raised Him again from the Dead for their Justification And hath given them Eternal Life and this Life is in His Son And sent Him in the Gospel to open their Eyes and to bring forth the Prisoners out of the Prison and them that sit in darkness out of the Prison-house that in obeying Him they might be called out of Darkness into His marvellous Light and therein be of the chosen Generation Isa 42. 1-7 with 1 Pet. 2. 9. Oh let none of us reject His Grace nor receive it in vain But let us who are hearers of the word of truth so look into the perfect law of Liberty and continue therein that we may not be forgetful hearers but doers of the work that we may be blessed in our deed both now and unto the day of Eternity Oh! that we may not deceive our own Souls in making a trade of hearing and yet secretly prefer our Lusts and Idols before Him unto whom God hath given the preeminence in all things If we should thus do what shall we say when God riseth up And when He shall judge the World in Righteousness what shall we answer Him Others may say for themselves though unprofitably and wickedly we knew thou art an hard and austere Master Reaping where Thou hast not Sown and Gathering where Thou hast not Strawn They may say our Teachers perswaded us that Christ died not for all and we knew not whither He died for us nor was there any true and saving Grace vouchsafed to us if it had we should have done better But thus according to that judgment you profess to believe you cannot plead You have heard and been called by the Gospel of Christ the doctrine according to Godliness And if you be not also chosen you know it is only your own iniquity And therefore you know there remaineth nothing but a certain fearful looking for of Judgment and fiery Indignation which shall devour all them that obey not the Gospel Your Mouths have been already and often stopt by the Gospel so as you cannot but confess that God is not willing with your Perdition And if you Perish your Destruction will be altogether of your selves Oh then laying apart all Filthiness and superfluity of Naughtiness receive with Meekness the ingraffed word which is able to save your Souls Oh that when it is too late you may not take up that complaint How have we hated Instruction and our heart despised Reproof And we have not obeyed the voice of our Teachers nor inclined our Ears to them that instructed us If it should be so with any of us this will gnaw upon us to all Eternity that when we were assured from Gods Testimony of Gods good will towards us and that Christ wrought Redemption for us and thorow the discovery thereof was powerfully Redeeming and Choosing us from the Earth and from amongst Men yet willingly and wilfully we by observing lying vanities did forsake our own mercy Jonah 2. 8. That we for love to our sins and vanities the sinfulness and vanity whereof we saw in the Cross of Christ and when infinitely better things were proposed to us should yet in our hearts love Darkness and the Devil rather then Light and Christ How can our heart endure the remembrance hereof Or how can our hands be strong when He shall plead with us Oh consider this ye that forget God and spend your money for that which is not Bread And so consider the terrour of the Lord as evidenced in the Cross of Christ that the time past of your life may suffice you to have wrought the will of the Gentiles And that now you incline your ear and come unto Him who calleth you by His Servants that you may hear that your Souls may live and He may make an everlasting covenant with you even the sure mercies of David Oh! be not like to them unto and concerning whom the Lord saith stand ye in the ways and see and ask for the old Paths where is the good way and walk therein and ye shall find rest for your Souls but they said we will not walk therein Also I set Watchmen over you saying hearken to the sound of the Trumpet but they said we will not hearken For be we well assured if such iniquity be found with us and persisted in by us that we will not come to Christ who is the rest nor hearken unto and obey the Trumpet of His Gospel if we will not be chosen after all means used and patience exercised He will at last say of us as He did of them The Bellows are burnt the Lead is consumed of the fire the Founder melteth in vain for the wicked are not plucked away Reprobate silver shall men call them because the Lord hath rejected them Jer. 6. 16 17-29 30. Consider what is said and the Lord give us understanding in all things The END Books Printed for and Sold by Benjamin Southwood at the Star next to Serjants-Inn in Chancery-lane THE Brazen Serpent or Gods grand design for Mans Salvation a practical discourse according to the Primitive Doctrine in 4o. by John Horn of Linn Regis Needful Councel for Lukewarm Christians being a consideration of some part of the Message sent to the Angel of the Church of Laodicea a seasonable discourse according to the Primitive Doctrine in 4o. by Charles Phelpes of Lynn Regis The wonderful Councellor his Councel and Charge to his Disciples to have Salt in themselves that by the powerful and seasoning Efficacy thereof they might have Love Peace and Unity one with another a blessed searching Discourse according to the Primitive Doctrine whereunto is annexed some considerations on Rev. 22. 14. To do His Commandments in 8o. by Thomas Moor Sen. Englands Improvement Reviv'd a Treatise of Husbandry by Land and Sea The Planting of Trees Orchards and Gardens with the several ways of improving all sorts of barren and wast Grounds and enriching all Earths with two Chains to plant Seeds or Setts by and Hops The nature and virtue of Trees Plants and Herbs and their phisical directions Also the ordering of Cattel and observations about Sheep with many remarks never before extant in 4o. experienced in thirty years practise by John Smith Gent. The reward of the Wise and the fruitful Christians future Blessedness being a Funeral discourse at the burial of Mr. Thomas Moor Sen. in 8o. by John Horn of Lynn Regis The object of Love wherein it is manifested and wherein it is to be perceived by us at all times to the end we may love one another in 8o. by Charles Phelpes of Lynn Regis Instructions for Children into the chief Grounds of Christian Religion with the great mysteries of Redemption Faith Works Law Gospel yea and of Predestination Election Reprobation being opened therein agreeable to Scripture and most conducing to the promoting of Godliness by John Horn of Lynn Regis the second Edition somewhat abbreviated A comfortable Corroborative Cordial against the fears and harms of Death affording directions how to live and dye Run from Rome and beware of Babylon or brief notes upon the Beast his Image Worship and Mark in 8o. by John Horn of Lynn Regis FINIS ERRATA PAge 3 l. 7 r. outer p. 5. l. 13. r. made under p. 11 l. 21. r. their P. 19. 16. r. all p. 24. l. 13. r. 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