out of him so the Church was hid in Christ formed and drawn out of Christ cast into the deep sleep of death Ezek. 47.11 John 19.34 O rejoyce in Christs Testament glory in his Riches Triumph in his Salvation that when sin reigns over most unto death grace should reign over you thro' the Righteousness of Christ unto Eternal life 2 Cor. III. 6. Who also hath made us Able Ministers of the New Testament not of the Letter but of the Spirit For the Letter Killeth but the Spirit giveth Life IN the words 1. we have a Subject spoken of and that is the New Testament as it is distinguished from the Old Testament which was not the Covenant of Works but the Covenant of Grace wrapt up in Types and Figures more darkly Administred Galat. 3.18 2. The Apostle insists on this New Testament and commends it that it is Spirit and not Letter 1 John 17. that is the Holy Ghost doth eminently and signally manifest himself in this New Testament Dispensation It is Filled it is Enriched it is Ennacted by the Holy Ghost he doth so breath in it and worketh it that it may well be called Spirit and not Letter The Gospel is not a meer Literal Doctrine or Command but mightily animated by the Spirit if it were only Letter it would kill us frail and weak Greatures exacting Duty And requiring Obedience of us that are Impotent yea dead Creatures but it is Spirit and so it gives Life The Holy Ghost enlightens Blind Minds softens Hard Hearts and Quickens Dead Souls The effectual Workings of the Spirit are called the Law of the Spirit and this Law of the Spirit of Life is said to make free from the Law of sin and death Rom. 8.2 This is a Law that is all Power and consists wholly in Execution 3. The Apostle informs us of the Honour and Dignity of Gospel-Officers for they are Ministers of this New Testament 4. The Apostle glorifies God and instructs us how it is that Officers do become able Ministers of this New Testament It is God that made Paul and others Able Ministers of the New Testament The words afford us Three Doctrines 1st That there is a New Testament 2dly That Gospel Officers are Ministers of this New Testament 3dly That it is God that doth make Men able Ministers of the New Testament 1. Doctrine that there is a New Testament We may observe and admire the Wisdom of God that first there was a Promise then a Covenant then a Testament this last the best and most Noble Edition of the Covenant of Grace this is called the New Testament to distinguish it from the Old Testament First The Old Testament was made with one Nation in the day that the Lord took Israel by the hand to lead them out of the Land of Egypt but it is God's design by Christ and the New Testament to gather together into one all the Children of God that are scattered abroad John 6.52 Christ Preacheth now not onely to the Jews that were nigh but also to the Gentiles that were afar off Ephes 2.17 2. The First Testament had Moses for â Mediator Gal. 5.19 The Law was given by Moses but Grace and Truth comes by Jesus Christ 1 John 17. Jesus is the Madiator of the New Testament Heb. 9.15 The Old Testament was accompanied with Figures and Shadows of things to come 2 Col. 17. The Law had a shadow of good things to come and not the very Image of the Things that is Christ himself and the very Live Image of Spiritual things were not then exhibited Righteousness was not yet brought Atonement was not yet made the Fountain was not yet opened for sin and uncleanness The Law and Prophets Prophesied till John Matth. 1.13 they spake of Christ and foretold the Glorious things of the Gospel as yet to come but now the Kingdom of God is clearly discovered and is Preached as come Luke 7.16 I ourthly The Old Testament and the Ceremonial Law made nothing perfect Heb. 7.19 but did introduce the Hope of a better Priest and of a more Noble Sacrifice but Christ by one Offering hath perfected for ever them that are Sanctified On the day of Atonement there was a remembrance of all the Sins committed that year which did shew the weakness and imperfection of those Sacrifices in that there was a Remembrance again made of Sins But in this the Excellency and Perfection of Christ's Sacrifice appears in that it did purge and put away Sin and God on the account of it made that Promise Your Sins and Iniquities I will Remember no more Heb. 10.17 18. Fifthly The Old Testament was confirmed by the Blood of Beasts Moses killed Sacrifices and took the Blood of them and sprinkled it on the People saying behold the Blood of the Covenant that God hath made with you But the New Testament was confirmed with better Blood Christs Blood is the Blood of Sprinkling and the Blood of the Everlasting Covenant Heb. 12.24 Heb. 13.20 Sixthly The Old Testament was weak and faulty it did not it could not purge Conscience by the Blood of Brutish Sacrifices neither could it introduce the Law of God into the Soul and write it in the Heart but the New Testament is strong and powerful it makes those that were barren to bear and rejoyce Isa 54.1 And by it the Law of God is writ in the Heart and put into the inward parts and the Soul is Renewed and Transformed to walk with and live to God 7thly The Old Testament waxed old and did vanish away but the New Testament remains abides and is Everlasting Heb. 13.20 the Blood of Christ is still fresh and therefore his Testament is still new He offered one Sacrifice for Sins for ever Heb. 10.12 His Sacrifice is of an Everlasting Virtue and the way made by it to the true Holy of Holies is living and still new Heb. 10.19 and the Covenant and Testament built on this Everlasting Sacrifice must need be Everlasting This is God's last speaking to the World and it shall never give place to any other Covenant Heb. 7.1 This is a better Covenant or Testament established on better Promises than the Covenant of Works was Heb. 8.6 yea the Promises of the New Testament are clearer and exhibit more grace than the Promises of the Old Testament The Old Covenant is compared to and set forth by Hagar that was a young Woman and had Natural Strength to conceive and bare a Son Gal. 4.24 25. with Isa 54.1 but the New Testament is set forth by Sarah that was barren and was made fruitful by a supernatural power Acts 1.11 The Promises of the Law do respect the strength that God first put into Man and are built on the obedience to be performed by this strength but the New Testament is built on a Spiritual and Supernatural strength put into the Soul by the Holy Ghost For the opening and Explication of this New Testament I shall insist on these several
good things for us else he could not bequeath them to us We were such Criminals such guilty Creatures that Jesus Christ could not live and give any good to us or bestow any Spiritual Blessing on us but he must die to bequeath Legacies all Spiritual Good Things must come swiming to us in the Blood of Jesus Christ 3. That Jesus Christ should empty himself to fill us impoverish himself to inrich us You know saith Paul The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ that though he was rich yet for our sakes he became poor that we through his Poverty might be Rich 2 Cor. 8 9. The Lord of Heaven and Earth the Heir of all things was in a meaner and lower condition than Birds and Foxes The Birds of the Air have Nests and Foxes have Holes but the Son of Man hath not where to lay his Head Luke 9.58 The Curse took hold of him that the Blessing might flow to us Death came to him that Life might be derived to us 4. Consider how sweet comfortable and refreshing Christ's Testament is 1. In a Covenant there are Two Parties obliging themselves to each other but in a Testament there is but one Party Bequeathing and that is Christ 2. Covenants are Vacated and Disanulled by the Death of one or both of the Confederates but a Testament is not disanulled but established by the Death of Christ We are Heires in Reversion and Heires in Possession by our own Death 3. A Testament is irrevocable because it is built on something past and that cannot be undone Jesus Christ hath died and this gives eternal force to his Testament The Benefits and Legacies of Christ's Testament come to us in a Righteous way what he Bequeathes he Purchases and there is a powerful and effectual way to execute Christ's Testament The Holy Ghost fulfills the Promises and bestowes the Legacies of this Testament Men are Taught and do know God as the true God and their God they are drawn and do choose God for their God and Portion and do sincerely become a Peculiar People to him and they are caused to walk in his Statutes and to keep his Judgments and Commands 2d Vse of Exhortation 1. Branch O seek to have Benefit by Christ's Testament to be his Legatees yea his Heires O be not contented with a short Reprieve and with meer Patience and Forbearance Do not satisfie your selves with some present Almes of Mercy and Temporary Relief but seek a Rich and lasting Portion an Eternal Inheritance Let not this quiet you that you are Stewards of Temporal Things but make sure you shall be Heires of an everlasting Salvation and Kingdom Do not onely catch at God's Riches in Earthly things Psal 10.24.3 but lay hold of the Riches of Christ for Eternity Ephes 8. O prize and secure your Interest in this Testament for 1. It mainly and principally respects the Soul and Eternity The Soul shall find rest Matth. 11.28 Isa 55.2 of it self in fatness and obtain Salvation 1 Pet. 1.9 2. This is a Comprehensive Testament here is Grace given and Glory bequeathed 1. Galat. 6. 2 Thes 2.14 3. Here are the greatest most precious and Invaluable Legacies bestowed God gives himself as our God Father and Portion Jer. 31.33 and Jesus Christ bestowes himself as a Head Husband and Saviour 2 Cor. 12. Ephes 5.23 That you may have benefit by this New Testament I would Counsel and Advise these Two things 1. O be Married to Jesus Christ the Testator Rom. 7.4 as Adam awaked out of his deep sleep to Marry Eve so Christ is awaked and Risen from the Dead to Marry poor Soules and to settle his Riches and Inheritance on them 2. Cry and seek for the Spirit Luke 12.2.13 he is the Faithful and Powerful Executor of Christ's Testament he can open blind Eyes break hard Hearts quicken dead Soules 2d Branch of the Vse of Exhortation O be Grateful be Thankful to the Testator that hath established this New Testament give your selves to Christ 2 Cor. 5.5 and serve him Psal 22.30 Yield your selves to God as those that are alive from the dead Rom. 13. Offer your selves to God as living Sacrifices Rom. 12. Turn to Christ Acts 11.21 Run to Christ Isa 55.15 Live to him 2 Cor. 5.15.54 Be his Portion and Possession Isa 53.12 Psal 2.8 Be First-Fruits to God and the Lamb as those that are obliged to it by Redemption and as those that are enabled thereunto by Regeneration We are Redeemed to be First-Fruits we are Begotten to be First-Fruits Rev. 14.4 James 1.18 2d Doctrine Gospel Officers are Ministers of the New Testament this is their Honour and Glory that they are sent forth into the World with the Word and glad Tidings of Reconciliation in their Mouths and the Testament of the Son of God in their Hands 1. They are to reveal to the World this Great Secret this deep and wonderful Mystery that the Son of God hath set his House in Order and made his last Will and Testament The World is an utter stranger to this Supernatural Truth the Church only knows it and is acquainted with it Psal 25.14 This is spoken of as a great Mercy that God will Reveal this Secret and shew his Covenant unto any 2. Christ's Officers are to open explain and expound this Testament it is so Rich Full and Comprehensive that Ministers may Study Meditate Contemplate on it all their days and Preach it throughout their whole Life This is the Eminent and Noble Employment of Ministers to Preach to the World the unsearchable Riches of Christ 2 Cant. 3. 2 Cor. 2.14 They are to give forth the Savour of Christ's Ointments to pour out his Name as Ointment to shed abroad the sweet savour of the Knowledge of God and Christ in every place to bear Christ's Name before the World Acts 9.15 The Church is compared to a Company of Horses in Pharaohs Chariot as by her Officers she draws Christ's Spiritual Chariot and him sitting in it through the World 1 Cant. 9. with 3 Cant. 9 10. 3. They are to urge and press on Men to lay hold of this Covenant of this Testament of the Son of Cod As it is eminent Grace in God to shew us this Covenant Psal 25.14 so it is our main and most important duty to lay hold on this Covenant on this Testament Isa 56.4.6 We have nothing to relieve our Fainting and Famishing Soules we have nothing to bear up our sinking Spirits but the Testament of Christ 1. Here is a most clear Revelation of Spiritual and Eternal things Life and Immortality is brought to light by the Gospel 2 Tim. 1.10 The way to the Holiest of all was not yet made manifest while as the first Tabernacle was yet standing the Vaile stood and continued before the most Holy Place notwithstanding all the Sacrifices of the Law but when Christ died the Vaile of the Temple was rent from the top to the bottom and we have boldness to enter into the Holiest even
A DISCOURSE On 2 Cor. III. 6. Who also hath made us Able Ministers of the New Testament not of the Letter but of the Spirit For the Letter killeth but the Spirit giveth Life BY Samuel Comlyns M. A. Minister of the Gospel in Marleborough LONDON Printed for Tho. Parkhurst at the Bible and Three Crowns at the Lower End of Cheapside near Mercers-Chappel 1699. THE DEDICATION To my Well-beloved Friends in Christ Mr. Stephen Lock Mr. William Smith Mr. John Isgar and other Christian Friends living in Gospert Grace Mercy and Peace be multiply'd IT is near Thirty years ago that I was first Acquainted with some of you and Conversant among you Preaching the Gospel of the Kingdom of God I am now drawing towards the Confines of Time and the Borders of Eternity I was therefore willing to Dedicate this Discourse of Christ's Testament to you as a Grateful Acknowledgment of your Kindness to me and as a Token and Pledge of that Real Love that I bare towards you The Testament of Christ is the most Noble and Sweet Subject that your Minds can be Conversant about and your Affections feed on that which was contrived from Eternity may well be Matter of Contemplation in time and of Admiration to Eternity This Testament was drawn in the Mind and Counsel of God before the Foundations of the World and hath been since Written in the Blood and established by the Death of the Son of God In it there are the most precious and inestimable Legacies Bequeathed God gives himself as a Father and Portion Jesus Christ gives himself as a Husband and the Spirit is given as a Sanctifier and Comforter and Christians are caused to inherit the Church and Heaven that once were desolate Heritages as to them though the Testator be alive again yet this doth not lessen our Portion or worst our Estate Isa 4.8 as the Death of Christ doth Purchase so the Life of Christ is powerful to conveigh and bestow his Legacies Christ hath passed through the most hard and difficult part of his Work Rom. 5.10 he died to reconcile us that he may live and save us and may sit in Heaven and Enrich us and perfect whatever concerns our Happiness Consider these following particulars in Relation to the Testament of Christ 1. The Wisdom of God shines in this that such a way should be found out to set God's House in Order and to dispose of the most Rich and Great Estate all ways of Communicating Good to the Creature seemed to be shut up and obstructed by the Guilt of Sin God's Treasury was Locked his Fountain Sealed his giving Hand bound but Christ died for the Redemption of Transgressions Heb. 9.15 to buy off those sins that would separate between God and us that would hinder good things from us and sink us down into the Bottomless Pit and shut us up in the Eternal Prison The Conveyance therefore of a Rich Estate to Guilty Beggerly Bankrupt Creatures through the Death and Testament of Christ is the bare contrivance of Infinite Wisdom In the Lord's Supper the Seal of Christ's Testament his Blood is set forth as Purchasing us to be a peculiar People Acts 20.10.41.15 and his Flesh is set forth as Bread to strengthen and enable us to perform our Duty towards our Saviour By Redemption we are obliged to be First-Fruits to God and the Lamb Rev. 14.4 and by Regeneration we are fitted to be First-Fruits James 1.18 that is to consecrate and devote our selves to God and Christ and to live to them 2. Consider the Admirable Righteousness of God that appears in this Testament that Jesus Christ purchased what he Bequeathed he is a Priest of good things Heb. 9.1 that is he Merited he procured them by his Death Good things do not come to us as a Gift from Christ Living but as a Legacy from Christ Dying It is now just with God to forgive the sins of Believers John 1.9 It might have been just with God to punish and destroy but now through the Death of Christ it is just for God to Forgive Grace may now Reign through Righteousness to Eternal Life Rom. 5. last And they that receive an Abundance of Grace and of the Gift of Righteousness shall Reign in Life Rom. 5.17 Jesus Christ doth not as other Testators by Death leave the Inheritance empty but Purchases a Right for us to enter upon the Inheritance and to possess and enjoy it 3. Consider the wonderful Grace of God and Christ that is manifested in this Testament 1. That Christ should Constitute us as his Heires then he might have Executed us as Malefactors 2. That when the Threatnings were in force for our Death that Jesus should die to put the Promises in force for our Life that he should cease to live for a time that we might live eternally 3. That he should make a Testament to enrich us with Spiritual and Eternal Blessings when we had by sin forfeited our Lives and deserved to be stript of all Temporal Comforts and Enjoyments 4. That Jesus Christ should become poor to enrich us 2 Cor. 8.9 He became poor that we by his Poverty might be made Rich. Jesus Christ had no House to put his Head in he lived on what others Ministred to him Matth. 8.20 Luke 8.3 He was robbed of his good Name and censured as a Blasphemer of God and Condemned as an Vsurper and Enemy to Caesar they stript him of his Garments and did not cease afflicting him till every drop of Strength was gone out of his Body and every spark of Life was quenched and he became a weak cold Carcase Christ was thus emptied to fill us and stooped so low to lift us up to Glory 5. What the Law of God requires as a Duty by Christ it is Bequeathed as a Legacy and bestowed as a pure Gift What is required of the Heirs of Promise is purchased for them by the Blood of the Testator and wrought in them by the Spirit of Promise They are changed from Glory to Glory as by the Spirit of the Lord 2 Cor. 3. last The Holy Ghost doth excite actuate and draw forth Grace This North and South Wind blowing on Christ's Garden doth cause the Spices of it flow forth Cant. 4. last If Duties were required to be performed by our Free-will and Natural Strength the New Covenant would not differ from the Covenant of Works The First Promise was a most Free and preventing Promise and in it undertakes to break the League and Amity that was between the Woman and the Serpent and to kindle Enmity between them and their Seed Gen. 3.15 And this Free Promise was to be apprehended by Faith only God doth not say Do and your Soules shall live but hear that is Believe and your Soules shall live Isa 55.3 The Promise doth not run thus I will be your God if you will be my People but I will be their God and they shall be my People Joel 31.33 Christ takes it upon himself
into Heaven it self by the Blood of Christ The invisible World is more discovered 2. This Covenant and Testament is ordered in all things 2 Sam. 23.5 it is so wisely ordered as that it meets with all our Objections and may silence them It meets with our doubts and fears and may banish them It meets with all our wants and supplies them It is so ordered that there is a Legacy suited to all the Noble and Principal faculties of our Souls 1. God Promises concerning his Elect People that they shall all know him from the greatest to the least Isa 31.34 Here is a Legacy of Light and Knowledg to the understanding 2. God promises Pardon that he will be merciful to Unrighteousness and will remember Sins and Iniquities no more in the same Text. Here is a Legacy to the Conscience It is Pardon that doth quite Conscience and establish its peace 3. There is a further Legacy that God will write his Law in the Heart and put it into the inward parts this is a pretious and noble Legacy to the Will to renew byass and rectify it 3. This Testament hath the strongest confirmation Of old God gave his Oath to shew the immutability of his Counsel Heb. 6.17 19. That the Heirs of Promise might have strong Consolations but now the Son of God hath bled and his Testament is established by his own death Heb. â— 15 4. What can we look for if we are not interested in this Testament A day of Wrath Vengeance and Destruction will be our portion We shall be stript and deprived of all Good and be loaded and burthened with all Evil We shall be felled down as barren Trees for the Fire be vinnowed as chaff out of the Floor into the Furnace and be silled up as Vessels of Wrath. 1. Vse Of Information This shews us how Excellent and Honourable the Office of Christs Ministers is that they are imployed and conversant about the Testament of the Son of God that they are to open its Fulness Explain and discover its Riches and to urge and press Men to lay hold of it They are to warn Men of their danger out of Christ and to press Men to fly into the City of Refuge and sit down under the shadow of Christ and so to flee from the wrath to come They are to beseech Men through the Mediator to be Reconciled to God and to woo Men to be Espoused to Christ 2 Col. 13. They are to set forth the free Grace of God in forgiving giving all Trespasses and in giving liberally and largely according to his Divine Power he gives all things that appertain to Life and Godliness 2 Pet. 13. Rom. 8.32 And freely with Christ gives all things also 2. Vse If Gospel-officers are Ministers of the New Testament this may Reprove such as call themselves and would be accounted Ministers of the New Testament yet only Preach and press Moral Duties and build up a Natural Religion but seldom or very little touch on the great Principles and Truths of the Gospel as if there were no Testator or New Testament They urge Duty but they little themselves understand and therefore are very unable to Reveal to others How Men shall recover Life and Righteousness attain Power and Strength and to partake of the Eternal Inheritance They Treat of the New Covenant as if it were only a Mistress to command Work and not as a Mother to give Life and Strength As if Christ was little more than a Political Head to make Laws and exact Obedience to them and not a Natural Head to give Life and influences to his Members to enablthem to obey 3. Vse Are Christs Officers Ministers of the New Testament Then 1. This should encourage Ministers to Preach and People also to Hear 1. This should encourage Ministers to Preach the Gospel cannot be wholly Preached in vain Jesus Christ must have Sons to bear up his Name Psal 72.17 and Heirs to possess his Goods and Inheritance He that sowed in Tears must reap in Joy he must see his seed and the Travel of his Soul and be satisfied God's Promises to Christ must be fulfilled and executed that he shall have the Heathen for his Inheritance the utmost parts of the Earth for his Possession God's great Servant must receive a great and glorious Reward for his Work All King's must fall down before him as Worshippers all Nations must serve him Psal 72.10 11. When Ministers Preach the Gospel the Hand of the Lord is with them Acts 11.21 to open hearts to break the Rock in pieces to draw Men to Christ to subdue them to his Kingdom and Government As Christ speaks in so he works with his Ministers when they Preach Christ ingrafts the Word 2 Cor. 13.3 with Mark 16. last Jam. 1.21 And when they Teach the Spirit writes an Epistle and powerfully impresses the Doctrine of the Gospel on Mens Souls the Wilderness must be manured and Sowed The Meal of Men must be Levened Christ will come forth as a deliverer and turn Men from Ungodliness Rom. 11.26 He will Circumcise the Heart to love him and Baptize with the Spirit make Men free from the Law of Sin and Death 2 Col. 11. Matth. 3.9 Rom. 8.2 Psal 110.3 and render them a willing People in the day of his Power Isa 9.6 He will beget a Holy seed as an Everlasting Father and quicken Souls dead in Sins and Trespasses as he is the Resurrection and the Life 2. This should perswade and incourage Men to hear and listen to the Ministers of the New Testament It is very necessary that Men should bâ— rescned and delivered from the Covenant oâ— Works from a killing Letter and a Ministry oâ— Condemnation O listen to the Ministers of thâ— New Testament lay hold of it do not makâ— light of all that Christ hath purchased and bequeathed Do not continue Spiritually poor oâ— be shut out of the Kingdom and come short of thâ— Glory of God Do not satisfy your selves witâ— momentary Enjoyments till you are driven out 〈◊〉 this Earth and turned into Hell Attend on thâ— dispensation of the Gospel it is clothed and anâ—mated with the Spirit this is a Seed so powerful that is changes the Soul It is a writing thaâ— alters the Table and turns a Heart of Stone inâ—â— a Heart of Flesh 2 Cor. 3.3 The Gospel is 〈◊〉 Glass that changes the Spectators and transformâ— them into the glorious Image of God 2 Cor. 〈◊〉 last The Holy Ghost is as a Tongue of fire oâ— them so that they do not speak cold words bâ—â— they throw Coals into the bosomes of Sinners anâ— cast chaines of light and love about Souls Cant. 6 7. Isa 45.14 They sow but God makes tâ—â— Seed to take root and grow 2 Cor. 3.6 7. Minâ—sters do call Sinners to come out of their Prisoâ— but Christ opens the door Acts 16.14 They bâ— Sinners to rise and come out of their Graves Epâ— 5.1 but it is Christ that breathes Life into theâ—
Though Christs Ministers are many times pooâ— yet they make many Rich 2 Cor. 6.10 Thâ—â— are Deacons of Christs Testament They aâ—â— hands by which Jesus Christ gives forth his Almes and distributes Spiritual Gifts O come and hear the Gospel this may be the day of your Visitation A new Leaven may be laid in your Meal and a new Byass may be put on your Wills for over to incline your Hearts towards God That word may be ingrafted that may better and ennoble your stock and enable it to bring forth â—ruit to God The Lord Jesus may speak that with a strong hand to thy Soul that Man speaks 〈◊〉 with a weak hand to thy Ear. God saith to Hoses that he would stand on the Rock and he â—â—ould smite it and it should give forth Water â—â—od 17.6 If God had not been there Moses â—ould rather have struck Fire out of the Rock â—â—an have drawn out Water from it But because God stood on the Rock it did cleave and â—â—eld Water abundantly when Moses smote it 〈◊〉 this my incourage Ministers to smite the Rocky â—â—arts of men with the Rod of the Word that God that Christ will be there to cleave the Rock â—â—d to turn the Flint into a Fountain of Water 〈◊〉 114. last God's hand goes along with his â—â—sign Isa 49.22 When Christ Curcified is reached then God lifts up a standard and disslays an Ensign and this cannot be in vain for â—hen God so lifts up his hand to the Gentiles â—hat they presently bring Zions Sons in their arms â—nd carry her daughters on their shoulders that â—hey may be joined with and to the Church Christ by the Gospel opens blind Eyes Isa 42.7 â—sal 110.3 Psal 47.3 And by this Rod of â—is strength he subdues disobedient and Rebellious souls While Ministers do open the Riches of Christs Testament he opens the understanding of Men to perceive and discern the Fulness and Glory of this Testament Luke 24.45 Christ takes away the vail from the Heart unstops the deaf Ear and takes away the Heart of stone Though Ministers may seem but poor contemptable men yet they bring Treasure in Earthen Vessels 2 Cor. 4.7 There is a hidden Treasure and a Pearl of price to be found in the dispensation of the Gospel Christ executes his Testament and dispenses the Treasures of his Grace by the Preaching of the word of Life and of the Gospel of Salvation The Gospel is the Arm of the Lord and the Ministration of the Spirit and of Power so that the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God and the deaf shall hearken to the word of Life Isa 53.1 John 5.25 Isa 29.18 3d. Doctrine It is God that makes Men able Ministers of the New Testament 1st God the Father fits Men to be Laborers and thrusts them forth notwithstanding all difficulties and discouragements into his Harvest It is not every one that is fit to pluck secure Sinners out of the fire and compel them to come unto the Feast Judes Epistle 23. Luke 14.23 It is God the Father that must qualify for this noble and hard work 2dly The Son of God makes able Ministers of the New Testament Eph. 4.11 12. He gave Gifts to Men Apostles Prophets Evangelists Pastors and Teachers Christ gave them from Heaven when he ascended up on high and poured down the Spirit from on high Psal 68.18 with Isa 32.15 By the Holy Ghost he furnished them with Light Life Zeal for the discharge of their Office 3dly The Holy Ghost gives the inward call and fits Men with Gifts and Graces for the fulfilling of their Ministry The Holy Ghost is said to make overseers of the Church Acts 20 28. 1. Question Wherein doth this ability to be Ministers of the New Testament consist What is requisite furniture to make Men able Ministers Answer 1. They must have the word of Knowledge and of Wisdom 2 Cor. 12.8 The word of Knowledge is a skill to open explain and vindicate the great Principles of the Gospel the very Foundations of our Holy Religion And the word of Wisdom seems to signify an ability and dexterity to apply the word sutable to the various Conditions and Exigences of Souls to divide and apply it aright that every Hearer may have his proper portion 2. This ability consists much in Spiritual Experience of the Power of the Word on their own Souls and Consciences When Ministers themselves taste that the Lord is gracious to them 1 Pet. 2.3 that he hath Reconciled them to himself 2 Cor. 5.18 when they have been cast down and raised up When they have been wounded and healed When they have tasted the bitterness of Sin and the sweetness of the Grace of Christ Paul when Christ called him from Heaven was three days blind and did neither Eat or Drink during this time Paul seems to be under great anguish and anxiety of mind for his former Enmity to Christ and Persecuting of his Church at this time Saul did know the Terror of the Lord how Terrible God would be to him if he did not faithfully Preach the Gospel and how Terrible the Lord would be to others if they did not listen to it Embrace and Receive it 3. This ability consists in love to Christ the Love of Christ constrains us because we thus judge that if one dyed for all then were all dead The Apostle had a Spiritual mind and did rightly judge of things that if Christ died for us all then we were all Spiritually dead else we needed not that Christ should die for us yea if Christ died for us all then this was as effectual for our Redemption and deliverance as if we had all died yea we all died in him and with him O how should this heighten affection to and inflame Love towards Christ How should Ministers bestir themselves to gain Souls to Christ that hath so much obliged them 4. This ability consists much in tender compassions and pitty to perishing Souls Christ awakens the pitty of his Disciples when he bids them to go to the lost Sheep of the House of Israel Matth. 10.6 Jeremiah saith if the Jews would not hear him his Soul should weep in secret places his Eyes should run down with Tears Jer. 13.17 Paul served God with many Tears and ceased not night and day to warn the Ephesians with Tears Acts 20.19 31. He tells the Philippians with with Tears that there were some among them that were Enemies to the Cross of Christ Phil. 3.18 And he wrote a Letter to the Corinthians with many Tears 2 Cor. 2.9 5. This ability consists in great Self-denial 2 Cor. 12.15 I will very gladly spend and be spent for you though the more abundantly I love you the less I be loved I if I am offered on the service and Sacrifice of your Faith I therein rejoyce 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 If my blood be poured out as a Drink-offering to promote the Service and Sacrifice of your Faith do therein
Rejoyce There is a great deal of difference between Lamps and Stars Lamps must have Oil to feed them else they will go out but faithful Ministers are compared to Stars Rev. 2.1 These will shine though they have no supplies or contributions from below The World is very ungrateful to Christs laborious Servants and afford them but a slender and starving Maintenance yet they do not cease to Preach and shine to the World 6. This ability consists in their being certain and fully assured of the Doctrine they Preach They have known surely that I came out from thee and they have believed that thou didst send me We believe and are sure that thou art that Christ the Son of the Living God John 6.68 69. Our Gospel saith Paul came to you in much assurance as ye know what manner of Men we were among you for your sake Paul did evidence by his fervent Preaching and his importunate pleading with them that he was fully assured of the Truth Excellency and Importance of the Gospel 7. The ability of Ministers consists in their boldness and courage to suffer and Patience in sufferings 1 Thes 2.2 Paul saith after we had suffered before and were shamefully entreated at Philippi we were bold in our God to speak unto you the Gospel of God with much contention The Rulers and Elders of the Jews saw the boldness of Peter and John was not this high courage and strong boldness that the Apostles should divide the World and take every own his share of it to manure for God to conquer for Christ to build a House and Temple of God upon 2 Cor. 10.13 4.15 The Apostle speaks of this measure and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the measure of the Rule that God had divided unto us and that he did not stretch himself beyond his measure 2 Cor. 10.14 and that he did not boast of things without or beyond his measure This was strange boldness to divide the World and to seize and take every one his Lot and share to subdue the Nations to God And the Patience of the Apostles was invincible in all their Tribulations they rejoyced that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name sake Acts 5.41 Paul rejoyced if he was offered on the Service and Sacrifice of the Philippians Faith Phil. 2.17 Bonds and Afflictions did not move Paul neither did he account his life dear unto himself that he might finish his course with Joy and the Ministry that he had received of the Lord Jesus to testify the Gospel of the Grace of God Acts 20.24 I am ready not only to be bound but also to die at Jerusalem for the Name of the Lord Jesus Acts 21.13 Paul and others did glory in Tribulations 8. Ministers are able when they take care of themselves and of their own Souls Paul saith to the Elders of Ephesus take heed to your selves and to the Flock of God over which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers Acts 20.28 Gospel-officers are said not only to have eyes before that is to look to God and behind to look after the Flock committed to them Rev. 4.6 but they are also said to have eyes within Rev. 5.8 to look to themselves and to watch over their own Souls The Apostle Paul was so circumspect and exact that he could call God to Witness as to his private actions and the principles of them and he could call men to Witness as to his publick Actions and Conversation God is witness and ye also how Holily justly and unblameably we behaved our selves among you that believe 1 Thes 2.10 9. Ministers should be diligent and laborious Being affectionately desirous of you we were willing to have imparted to you not the Gospel of God onely but also our own Souls because ye were dear to us as you know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you as a Father doth his Children 1 Thes 2.8 I kept back nothing that was profitable to you but have shewed you and have taught you publickly from house to house by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with Tears Acts 20.20.31 2 Tim. 4.2 Luk. 14.23 They should be instant and pressing on Souls in Season and out of Season and compel guests to come into Christ feast They should labour to bring Sacrifices to the Spiritual Temple Isa 66.20 And to present a beautiful Bride to the Son of God 2 Cor. 11.2 1 Col. last 10. A door of Utterance is requisite to make an Able Minister of the New Testament Paul desires the Prayers of the Ephesians that Utterance might be given to him that he might open his Mouth boldly to make known the Mystery of the Gospel Again he begs Prayers of the Colossians that God would open to him a door of Utterance To speak the Mystery of Christ Ministers must not only be large Cisterns to hold a great deal of the Spiritual Waters of the Sanctuary but also be fit Pipes to conveigh the Spiritual Waters unto others Vse of Exhortation If God makes men able Ministers of the New Testament we should lift up our Eyes and Soules to God and earnestly beg him to fulfil his Promise to us that he will give Pastors according to his own heart to feed his Flock with knowledge and understanding Jer. 3.15 Sue to Christ to give Gifts from Heaven such as become a Glorified Saviour to bestow even Officers filled with the Gifts and Graces of the Holy Ghost Seek for such Ministers as Apollos was 1. He was Instructed in the way of the Lord Acts 18.25 He was not Rude Ignorant or Unskilfull in the VVord of Righteousness but was well Taught the way in which God comes to us and the way by which we are to come to God and enjoy Communion with him 2. He was Fervent in Spirit It is this Holy fire that must burn and shed abroad the sweet savour of the Knowledge of God And this is wonderful that Christ's Ministers should overcome and Triumph by spreading abroad the Sweet Savour of the Knowledge of God that they should conquer by a Perfume 3. Apollos Taught diligently the Doctrine of Christ he pleaded for God and wooed for Christ he was not slothful and negligent How earnest is the Sun in running of its Race How swift are the Stars in their daily motions to give Light to the VVorld even so should Ministers be The promoting of the Kingdom of God is much carried on by a skilful able and powerful Ministry that is not only Light but also Fire such as will be not only Shining but Burning Lights 2 Cor. 4.6 God must shine into their hearts to enable them to give forth the Light of the Knowledge of the Glory of God to others Matth. 3.11 this will make Ministers shining Lights And it is also Requisite and Necessary that Christ should Baptize his Officers with the Holy Ghost and with Fire and this will render them Burning Lights They are the best