strength hath such fulnesse in him but they who interpret these words to be spoken of Christ give the best and most proper enterpretation for the purpose of the Baptist was not so much to commend and set forth the fulnesse and excellency of God whereof there was not then any question but of Christ of whose Alsufficiency the disciples of the Baptist were both ignorant doubtful therfore he setteth before them the full treasury of all goodnesse which was in Christ intimateth to them that in Christ alone was that sufficiency to be found which would make them wise holy just free happy from him they should derive and draw that which the world could not afford them for God had given him the spirit not by measure Christ and God the Father are one in regard of Divine Essence 1 Jo. 5.7 that is incommunicable and cannot be given but God the Father gave the Sonne his personal subsistance as a Sonne as a second Person whereof David speakes Psa 2.7 And also Solomon Pro 8.24 25 29.30 And God hath also given the Spirit that is the Grace of the Spirit unto Christ as man as Mediatour above measure in a most abundant and large measure as he is the Sonne of God by eternall generation so he hath infinite power Wisedome justice Holinesse Goodnesse as he is the Sonne of God by Grace of Hypostaticall Vnion so hee hath also all the former vertues but not in that measure as they are in him as he is God but yet in such measure as they doe wonderfully excell all the excellencies in men and Angels as the Sun doth the Starres in brightnesse Col. 1.19 Others received and do receive the Spirit in measure 1 Cor. 12.7 That is slenderly and this from Christ Ephes 4.7 as wee receive water from the Sisterne but to Christ as man it is given above measure that is largely abundantly farre more then to any creature In the words we have 1. a Giver God 2 The gift with the equality of it the Spirit 3. The measure or how much is givers not sparingly not nigardly but plentiously above measure 4. The receiver the party to whom it is given to Christ From the first wee may learne Doct. That God is the Authour giver of every blessing enjoyed by any person or people the royall robes where-with Christ as man was apparelled came out of Gods Wardrobe the singular Jewels where-with he was adorned came out of Gods Store-house therefore much more the blessings and endowments conferred upon people of inferiour condition as all the light in the Aire commeth from the Sun so James 1.17 As the Raine commeth from the cloud upon the earth so doth every good thing come unto us from the Lord nothing is due nothing is merited all is given Jo. 3.17 Therefore God is by the Apostle stiled the God of all grace 1 Pet. 5.10 The God in whom all goodnesse resideth as water in the fountaine from whom all goodnesse is derived all blessings Issue as waters from the fountaine as branches from the roote a God giving both spirituall and corporall temporall and eternall favours all that wee possesse is fruit from his Tree graine out of his Garner liquor out of his vessel the Lords hand maketh all Eccles 11.5 Wee cannot gather if God doe not scatter wee cannot receive if God doth not open his hand wee cannot be satisfied if God doth not fill us Psa 104.28 Reason Because God hath in himselfe all goodnesse originally independantly compleately and others have it by the communication as God will work it in them give it to them as all nourishment is in the roote and from thence sent up into the branch all waters are in the Sea and from thence sent in the chanels of the earth beneath and in the clouds above as in so many bottles for the watering of the earth so all goodnesse in God he deriveth to us as he pleaseth therefore the Psalmist ascribeth all to the Goodnesse of the Lord. Psa 68.9.10 And Psa 65.8.9.10.11.12.13 And 2. Because God hath Soveraignty and dominion over all right and interest into all he is the Lord the creature the servant he is the Work-man the world with all the fulnesse thereof his workmanship hee is the King all the creatures his subjects the servant can have nothing but what his Lord will allow him all tallents are in Gods hand hee hath both the dominion and the disposition of them he may doe with his owne what pleaseth him and hence 1 Chro. 29.11 12. Deut. 8.18 3. Because all second causes are no further helpfull comfortable and beneficiall to us then as God is pleased to put an ability and fulnesse into them as God is pleased to cause his blessing to accompany and go together with them as Jo. 15.5 So without God all that wee have can doe nothing and as Jsa 30.7 So all abilities without God will help in vaine their strength will be to set still as Jer. 10 5. So it will be in these to doe neither good nor harme men may glory of their abilities as Israel of the Arke but if God be not there the Arke will doe no good· 4. Because wee are altogether empty in and of ourselves dry trees barren fields bearing no fruit and empty Vessels without any licquor of grace wee are Rev. 3.17 desolate houses in whom dwelleth no good thing Ro. 7.18 Hos 10.1 Nineveh Nah. 3.10 And therefore well might the Apostle say what hast thou that thou hast not received 5. Because wee are able to discerne nothing wee are all gone astray Psa 14.3 Wee are like a wildernesse like the sluggards field as full of sinne as that of thornes and briars Pro. 24.30 After our conversion when wee have done our best we doe but that like Jacob in the way of Gods commandements our best apparell is very menstruous best grain hath much chaffe and our best coyne hath much drosse mingled with it Jsa 64.6 So that when wee have done all wee can doe we are unprofitable servants wee have deserved nothing and therefore whatsoever wee enjoy it must needs be Gods gift 6. Because all doe exspect and looke for every behoofull gift at the hands of God as the eye waiteth on the Sun for light the sucking child on the breasts for milke the providence of God extendeth it selfe to all creatures to all persons to all seasons occasions and conditions he doth not like the Carpenter build a house and then forsake it like a carelesse Pilote leaving his ship in the stormy tempest but God guideth preserveth feedeth and sustaineth all that hee hath made in him Acts. 17.28 From him Psa 104.27 Vse Is all we enjoy all that doth relieve us Gods gift is it he is the Authour and the giver of all then let us seeke to God for every good gift whereof we stand in need as Ja. 1.5 So if any man want grace to subdue his corruption let him aske of God for hee giveth
make us to bee in the waies of God as it was said in another case of Saul and Jonathan lovely in our lives aimiable in our conversations strong as the lion swift as the hinde full of courage swift speedy and cheerfull in the waies of God's commandements whose bow returned not back nor sword returned empty whose holy labors are not in vain who faint not in the waie of God's precepts but move as water to the ocean and eagles to the carkass And thus of the first part the love of God to Christ the sequel of the Father's love to Christ followeth and hath given all things into his hands The ability of the Physitian to heal of the Pilot to guide of the General to rule the army to conquer the enemy of the friend to supply in time of need causeth the sick the passenger the souldier the poor man to bee much the more confident so the ability fulness and alsufficiency of Christ causeth all his servants to rely upon him with so much the more firm dependance therefore the Baptist the more effectually to perswade his disciples to believ rely and rest upon Christ the more strongly to entertain his doctrine the more reverently to value him the more highly to rejoyce in him the more abundantly to devote and resign themselves into his hands the more thoroughly doth not only acquaint them with the love of the father unto Christ which is the well-spring whence all the waters of salvation flow but also acquainteth them with the authority soveraignty and kingdom wherewith hee hath endowed him hee hath given all things into his hand all things visible and invisible all things without exception are made his hee hath full and free power and possession over all and rule and administration of all this hee took not by force hee bought not with money but received from his father as the only begotten son of the father places of government and jurisdiction must bee neither bought nor injuriously usurped but given freely to the best deservers the father gave all into his hand John 17.5 not that hee ever was without them as hee is God or that hee was unequal to the Father but as in fulness of time hee was incarnate Phil. 2.8 so his assumed nature received many singular gifts and priviledges and this not of that which was anothers but that which was his own as hee was God and this hee received not as a sealed fountain to reserve all unto himself but hee received it for us to bestow it freely on us for our salvation Math. 11.27 Math. 28.23 therefore the Apostle testifieth that all is ours 1 Cor. 3.22 and thus the Father hath put all things into Christ's hands whence learn Doctrine That God hath put all creatures in subjection to Christ Jesus and hath endowed him with all fulness to save his chosen servants As Pharaoh made all his people subject to Joseph Gen. 41.44 and Joseph was endowed with wisdom how to govern them and had plenty of Provision to preserve them so hath God put all creatures in subjection unto Christ and hee hath all fulness of wisdom power goodness to rule govern and supply the wants of his people hee hath the preheminence above all as the lord over the servant as the head over the body Col. 1.18 Ephes 1.22 as the Conqueror over the captived This the Apostle doth abundantly prove Heb. 1.2 3 4 5 6 7 8. by the interest Christ hath in all by the beeing hee hath given to all by his his equality with God by his sustentation of all by the purgation of sin by the dignity and authority vouchsafed to him by his preheminence above Angels by the religious worship given to him by the Angels by the eternity of his kingdome by the measure of grace bestowed on him by the subjection of all that rise against him And this truth is moreover clearly evidenced 1. Reason By the Offices which hee was to execute 1. the office of a king and therefore hee must have preheminence above all as the king above the subjects Psal 2.6 therefore hee is called a king set upon a holy hill Psal 45.6 an everlasting king king of Jews Math. 2.2 king of righteousness Heb. 7.2 king of peace and king of kings Rev. 1.5 2. The office of a prophet Luke 4.18 and all are to wait on him as scholars on their teacher as sheep on their shepherd Isa 40.11 as the eie waiteth on the sun for light Mat. 11.29 as the offender on the Embassadour of peace Zech. 9.10 what Job said of himself Job 39.21 23 must be much more verified of Christ unto him men must give ear and wait and keep silence at his counsel they must wait for him as for the rain and open their mouth wide as for the latter rain 3. the Office of a priest Heb. 3.1 6. and on him must they wait as sick men on the physician as captived men on him that doth ransom them 1 Tim. 2.6 2 By the preheminence given to him the head the husband the prince the first fruits of his people as the head is above the members the husband above the wife the prince above the subjects the first fruits before the residue of the residue of the lump so is Christ above the rest of the people 3. By the miraculous works which hee wrought hee turned water into wine John 2. 8. walked upon the sea Mat. 14.25 healed all manner of diseases which no physician could cure Mark 5.25 opened the eyes of men born blind John 9.31 a work exceeding the abilities both of art and nature raised the dead stilled the raging tempest Mat. 8.26 cast out devils an evident argument of his dominion over all creatures 4. By the potent enemies which hee overcame Goliah the Philistine the Midianitish armies Sennacherib's forces were no more to the enemies subdued by Christ then a molehil to a mountain then a child to a gyant then the shadow to the body then rotten reeds to bands of brass and iron Col. 2.15 Ephes 4.8 5. By the blessed change which hee wrought in the hearts of men of fierce as lions hee maketh men gentle as the lamb Isaiah 11.6 of unclean as the leper hee maketh clean as Naaman coming out of Jordan 2 Kings 5. of dead in sin hee raiseth to a new life of dens of devils hee maketh them temples for the holy spirit of a barren wilderness hee maketh them as a fertile soil of a field like the sluggards field full of thorns and briars hee maketh them a very fruitfull orchard Quest How could the Father put all things into the hands of the Son since hee hath the same fulness majesty and power hee ever had and is no way emptied by any thing the sun hath received Reas As a fountain filleth the cistern and is no way thereby emptied a king sendeth forth his son to a rebellious people to reclaim reconcile subdue them giveth him authority hereunto yet his own authority is
upon the ordainer of it Why are the waters of Jordan more effectuall than the waters of Abana and Parphar to wash away the Leaprosy of Naaman but because God hath ordained them thereunto 2 King 5.10 Why should Moses Rod divide the waters rather than another staff but because the Lord hath commanded it to be used he ordaineth it and maketh it to accomplish that whereunto he doth send it Isa 55.10.11 Reas 3 Because all the Ordinances of God do receive their vertue saving power from Gods Spirit The waters in Bethesda can do nothing unles the Angel move them John 5.4 The Philistines can never unfold Sampsons riddle unles they plough with his heifer Judg. 14.18 Let God withhold his Spirit the Word will be as a sealed book which we cannot understand you may read that the wisdome and understanding of the Word is by the Spirit Eph. 1.17 So John 16.13 Let God withhold his Spirit and the Word will be a killing letter 2 Cor. 3.6 And for the Sacrament that will be as a shell without a kernell as a dry tree without fruit as a fountaine shut up Vse This must give incouragment to the Lords Ministers though the work be difficult the burden heavy the taske great the opposition strong the hinderances many their armes weak their abilities no way answearable to the work Yet the Lords arme is strong the Lords eye is cleare he is every way sufficient he will make his Ordinances effectuall he will do great things by weak instruments Psal 8.2 Babes and sucklings our one weaknes must not so much dishearten as Gods power must give incouragment to us The consideration of Gods alsufficiency must make us pass through all difficulties with confidence chearfulnes and much courage Though we are as empty vessels yet in God is fulnes though it be a taske to hard for any humane strength a burden to heavy for the shoulders of the very Angels a labour which no created power can accomplish Yet the Lord having given us commission he may look on us and say as he did to Gideon in another case Iud. 6.14 Go you messengers of the Lord of Hosts you that are full of power by the Spirit of the Lord and of judgment and of might Mic. 3.8 Go on in this your might and ye shall save the chosen of the Lord out of the hands of their enemies have not I the Lord sent you and if any reply as Gideon did Iud. 6.15 O my Lord how shall I convert how shall I save this people behold I am weak and fraile a Lamp wherein is little Oile an arme wherein is small strength the most unworthy among the many thousands that beare thy name Yet as the Lord answered Gideon vers 16. So will he answer us surely I will be with thee I will guide assist incourage thee and thou shall smite down the sin of the people as one man thus Ier. 1.6 7 8. and Isa 49.2 Like a sword to peirce open prick and wound the consciences of men Hid me in the shadow of his hand protected me against the snares of men and hath made me as a polished arrow to peirce deeply and speedily into the hearts of the people And since it is the Lords work the faithfull messengers of God the leaders of his army may say one unto another as Ioab did to Abishai his Brother 2 Sam. 10.12 Be strong and let us be valiant for our people and for the Cities of our God and let the Lord doe that which is good in his eyes 2. Since God giveth the efficacy the ministers must take heed that they go not in their name bragging and boasting like the great Goliah of their owne abilities presuming like the Sonnes of Sheva without any commission from God to cast out the uncleane Spirit least as Goliah so they be foiled in the battel least as on the Sonnes of Sheva so the uncleane Spirit leape upon them and prevaile against them But as David went against the great Goliah not in his owne but in the name of the Lord and prevailed so must the ministers of God if they desire the conquest they must go in humility sensible of their owne weaknes as Gideon was of his Iud. 6.15 As Moses was of his Exod. 4.10 Such God will guide in judgment Psal 25.9 And shall do great things Psal 45.4 They must go in faith in the name of the Lord Jesus they shall be able to do great things Acts 3.16 Thorough this they shall cause the walls of the Spirituall Jericho to fall they shall subdue the Kingdom of Sathan stop the mouth of the Roaring Lyon quench the violence of fiery Concupiscence raise the spiritually Dead unto a new life make the weake strong the faint-hearted valiant put to flight armies of strange and strong corruptions worke righteousnes and seale up to mens Souls Gods promises as the Apostle doth in another case speake of Faith Heb. 11.30 33 34 45. They must go in Gods counsell and not in their owne wisedom David could do nothing in Sauls armour but with his sling and his stone he cast Goliah to the ground Humane inventions Philosophicall speculations like Sauls armour fit not Gods Messengers they are as a blunt weapon having no power The Word of the Lord is as a two edged sword the stones gathered out of the Scriptures slung with the sling of faith prevails mightily against sin Jer. 23.22 3. This must teach the people to take heed that they rest not in the naked receiving of Gods Ordinances from the hands of the Minister this is not enough but as the Minister so Christ must also baptize as the one baptizeth the body the other must baptize the conscience as the one preacheth to the eare so the other must preach to the heart Otherwise as the heart of Simon Magus so may ours after baptisme be full of the gall of bitternes Ismaels circumcision of the flesh availed not the heart remaining uncircumcised the washing of the sow doth not cause her to be a lamb as long as her swinish nature is not changed the ravens feathers become not white by being in the Arke with the dove Esau is not accepted of God because in the same womb with Jacob the same waters prove a swallowing gulph to the Egyptians which were dry ground a safe and sure way to Israel That Arke which causeth the house of Obededon to prosper causeth the men of Ashdod to perish It is not the possession but the fruitiō of Gods Ordinances that maketh them effectuall not the naked having but the sound application maketh them powerfull to salvation What availeth the shining of the Sun upon the blind that hath not an open eye to entertaine the light What is Physick in a Box vertuous herbes in a garden if not applied to the diseased Stomack to the wounded member What is raiment in a Wardroab or cloath under the arme if it be not put on the back What are apples above the head
night season Psal 16.7 As Hanna celebrated God for the birth of a Sonne So let every regenerate Soul praise God for his new birth and say 1 Sam. 2.1 2 8. He raiseth us from the grave of sin from the dust of iniquity He lifteth up the poor Souls from the dunghill of sin to set us among them that are Kings and Princes unto our God Vers 23. And John also was Baptizing in Aenon neer to Salim because their was much water there and they came and were Baptized FRom the practice of our Saviour descend we to the labour of the Baptist wherein we may take notice of 1. His constant practice in his calling notwithstanding Christ had now manifested himself 2. The quality of his imployment 3. The place where 4. The reason why 5. The concourse of the people to him 1. Christ began publickly to teach to shine like a glorious Sun yet the Baptist did not therefore cease from his calling but continued constant not saying that Christ is come therefore I may be silent hence marke Doctr. That we may not at our owne pleasure leave our callings but follow them while God doth give us ability to performe them Like Noah who as he went in so he would not come forth againe but by the Lords commandement Vse A sharpe taxation for such as take every occasion to neglect their calling But I passe by this and come to the second namely 2. The quality of the Baptists worke he baptized This baptisme administred by Iohn and that administred by our Saviour was the same In regard of the Author authority Iohn 2.33 2. In regard of substance and thing signified Remission of sin in Christ 3. In regard of the signe Water 4. In regard of the Ceremony Washing the body 5. Inregard of the efficacy and effect Offering forgivenes of sin to all true believers Acts 19.4 thus they agree They differ In regard of time the Baptisme of John was before Christs Baptisme The Baptisme of John sealed up remission of sinnes to beleevers in Christ to come The Baptisme of Christ is extended to all people Johns Baptisme extended onely to the Israelites The Baptisme of our Saviour hath greater measure of efficacy than the Baptisme of the Baptist because the Spirit after Christs passion and ascension was more plenteously given Bellarmine contendeth that the Baptisme of the Baptist was not the same with Christs that such as were baptized by him were againe to be baptized by Christs Baptisme But this is not so for otherwise we should not have the same baptisme with Christ for he was baptised by Iohn And as by his circumcision he sanctified the circumcision of the Fathers so by his baptisme he sanctified ours otherwise their should be two baptismes which the Scripture contradicts Eph. 4.5 One baptisme Baptisme thus administred by our Saviour by the Baptist it sheweth Doctr. That the Sacrament of Baptisme must be carefully administred to such as are capable of it This is the first Sacrament of the new Testament by the washing of water representing the powerfull washing of the blood and Spirit of Christ and so fealing our new birth and enterance into the Covenant of grace read these places Ephes 5.26 1. Cor. 6.11 Heb. 10.22 Iohn 3.5 Tit. 3.5 As the benefit represented and sealed by it to the faithfull is great So the authority of it is not humane but divine it was brought into the church by the commandement of God by the Ministry first of Iohn therefore called the Baptist after sanctified and confirmed by our Saviour himself being baptized of Iohn and giving commission to his Apostles and Ministers to continue the same in his Church unto the end In this Sacrament there are two parts The outward Element of Water Iohn 1.31 With the action of washing Eph. 5.26 In the name of the Father Sonne and Holy Ghost That which is signified by this is the blood and Spirit of Christ Heb. 9.14 1 Cor. 6.11 Washing away both the guilt and filthines of sin Acts 2.38 Ezek. 36.25 Yet this spirituall and inward doth not alwayes accompany the outward washing for how ever God by his Minister offer unto all yet the elect onely are effectually partakers of the benefit thereof and that not alwayes as soone as they be baptized but after they be once converted and ingraffed into Christ Gal. 3.27 Then Baptisme doth ever after become a fountaine for sin and for uncleanenes Zach. 13.1 And this doth wash from all sin originall actuall sinnes before sinnes after Baptisme and that perfectly in respect of the guilt Isa 1.18 Though inperfectly and by degrees in regard of the pollution and power of sin Iohn 13.10 Psal 51. Thus you see the authority and benefit of the Sacrament Let therefore every one that hath participated of it be carefull as he is thereby received into the number of Gods people brought within the Covenant of God So 1. Let him live as one of Gods Family and not as a stranger as a friend and not as an enemy 2. Let him strive to find that Union wrought between him and Christ which is represented by Baptisme Gal. 3.27 3. Let him be sure that as his body so his conscience be baptized the inward man be renewed Tit. 3.5 1 Pet. 3.21 4. Let him get the assurance of the pardon of his sinnes Acts 2.38 Cease not till by the best testimony of Gods Spirit the witnes of thy own conscience and the saving fruit hereof thou be assured of the same 5. Ever remember the obligation wherein thou art hereby bound to believe and obey Rom. 6.34 6. Ever keep thy conscience sincere and unspotted 1 Pet. 3.21 And then in the deepest affliction thou maist find much comfort for as the rising out of the water of Baptisme may assure thee of the comfortable passage thorough the waters of all afflictions of a future resurrection to glory and happines 2. Since the authority and benefit is so great we are much to blame that deny our presence at this Ordinance for 1. It is a parcell of Gods worship 2. We should pray for a member more received into the Church 3. Give thanks that God vouchsafes this grace and favour to him 4. We might be put in mind of our owne covenant A shame it is that we cannot a little while afford our presence to a duty so behoofull so comfortable 3. The place where the Baptist did Baptice was in Aenon a city neer unto Salim whereof is mention 1 Sam. 4. Two cities nigh unto Jordan The Baptist remained not still in one place he baptized our Saviour in Jordan now he Baptizeth in Aenon hence learne Doct. That we must according to the utmost of our abilities communicate the means of salvation to the people of all places The more largely the meanes of salvation are divulged 1. The more the goodnes of God is commended 2. The more the name of God is honoured 3. The more Souls are converted 4. The more Sathans
Pharises who should have rejoyced in the coming of Christ as at the appearing of the most glorious and comfortable Sun that ever did shine to be full of indignation at it Use This must therefore cause us if we purpose to enjoy any true peace to receive any true comfort by Gods Ordinances to hold any comfortable Communion with Gods Servants to pluck up this evill weed to quench this fire to hew down this tree to suppresse this self-love and haughtines of Spirit no more seeking our selves no more serving our lusts no more living to our selves no more accompting all fish lost which cometh not into our owne net all the Oile spilt that is not put into our Lamp the honour misplaced that is not bestowed on us as they Mic. 3.5 But let us learne 1. To deny our selves our owne lusts reason ends desires living no longer to the flesh Mar. 8.34 Let us become little in our eyes lower and viler than dust truely apprehensive of and thoroughly affected with our owne sin with our owne unworthines and we shall find little occasion to contend with our fellow brethren to envy the graces of God in them but rather desire them out of their abundance to communicate to our necessities and this is their surest way to honour as our Saviour said in another case Math. 10.39 So in this case he that seeketh his owne honour shall loose it but he that forsaketh his owne praise he shall find it as Ioh. 8.50 54. Luc. 14.11 Before honour humility c. Ia 4.6 1 Pet. 5.6 2. To live wholy and altogether unto God seeking his glory bringing forth fruit to him devoring our selves wholy to his service as the wife forsaketh her fathers house becometh her Husbands and seeketh how to please him So must we leave the World and things most deare to the flesh and study how to please the Lord this is given in charge 1 Cor. 10.30 To this we are earnestly perswaded Rom. 12.1 2. 2 Cor. 5.15 and did we make Gods honour the mark whereunto we levell all our arrowes did we make this the end of our labour and desires as Phil. 1.15 16. We would be glad if God might be honoured whither by our selves or by any other instrument did we thus glorify God we should not faile to receive honour from the Lord 1 Sam. 2.30 3. To seek the good of our brethren as one member in the body doth seek the good of another to communicate what we have received as the full clouds do their raine to the barren grounds This is required 1 Cor. 10.24 practised 2 Cor. 12.14 This is the way to abound in the grace of the Spirit to shine in holines not the envying of other mens spirituall welfare but endeavouring to increase it 1 Cor. 9.6 Heb 6.10 4. To rejoyce in the welfare of our brethren as in our owne not like Cain that murdered Abel because more righteous than himselfe Not like Esau hating Iacob because he had obtained the blessing Not like Saul maligning David because he had slaine his ten thousands when Saul himselfe had slaine but his thousand but rather because with David 1 Chro. 29.17 2 Cor. 12.26 Iohn 12. Eph. 4. The second thing is their ignorance they heard what testimony the Baptist gave of our Saviour yet they understood it not for then they would not have envied but readily followed him as others did Doctr. That there are many who heare good and sound Doctrine delivered affect the person teaching it and yet do neither truely nor savingly understand it The Disciples saw the Miracles of Christ heard the Doctrine he delivered gave some Testimony of their love for they followed him but yet understood not his Doctrine Ioh. 6.60 61. This is also verified in Nicodemus Ioh. 3.5 8 9 10. In the Women of whom Paul speaketh 2 Tim. 3.7 Yea some undertake to be guides to others themselves not knowing the way 1 Tim. 1.6 7. and this so cometh to pass 1. Partly thorough the spirituall high and heavenly nature of divine things which the carnall eye cannot discerne 1 Cor. 2.14 A riddle which the naturall man cannot unfold unles he have Gods Spirit vers 11. As Sampson told the Philistines they could not have opened his riddle unles they had plowed which his heafer 2. Partly thorough some base and by ends which men propose unto themselves making their attendance on the word a hooke to take some other fish Judas followed Christ because he did beare the bag the Disciples because they had eaten of the bread 3. Partly thorough the sinister notives which stirre up some to attend upon the Word the novelty the applause accompanying carnall relations to the teachers of it to them that do embrace it horrour of conscience dismall feares which cause them to attend on it the Raven cometh into the Ark for feare of the Deluge Ahab humbleth himselfe when a judgment is threatned 4. Partly thorough the deceitfulnes of many mens hearts supposing it enough that they do heare though they do no more never searching as the Bereans did Acts 17.11 Never enclining the eare and applying the heart unto understanding as Solomon giveth charge Prov. 2.2 3 4. But as Ier. 7.10 as Prov. 7.14 therefore Ioh. 1.23 24 25. 5. Partly thorough the just judgment of God who sendeth a spirituall slumber upon some that seeing they shall not perceive and hearing they shall not understand Isa 6.10 but Isa 29.11 Whereunto agreeth that of our Saviour Mat. 13.13 14. and 2 Cor. 4.3 Vse This therefore must give every one of us occasion on to make triall of our selves whether we are not guilty of this sin whether we do not content our selves with the bare hearing of the Word or else do also savingly know and understand it a grace whereof few do participate a lamp that shineth in few mens Souls a work of a singular nature of the truest comfort of the greatest benefit a blessing peculiar to Gods faithfull a jewell not gotten without much diligence a tree loaden with the choisest fruit fountaine full of the purest water Therefore it is good wisedome to try while we are endowed with it 1. True knowledge is alwayes accompained with true humility contrition of heart meeknes of Spirit and a Holy teachablenes the whole man will readily subject it selfe to every Ordinance of God So that he who was once an indomitable beast now a child a weake man Gods Minister shall lead him Isa 11.6 True knowledge taketh downe the haughtines of the Spirit breaketh the obstinacy of the heart maketh man say as Paul did Acts 9.6 as Cornelius Acts 10.33 and maketh him with Job Job 42.6 putteth him altogether out of conceit with himselfe 1 Cor. 3.18 thus Ia. 3.17 The wisedome which is from above is gentle easily intreated as Naaman having the sight of his Leprosy hearkned to the advice of a maid to go to the Prophet and afterward to go to Jordan by the persvasion of his Servants Mat. 11.29 2.
that come like Noahs dove with an Olive branch Rom. 10.15 These are the cisternes by which God conveyeth the waters of life to the Souls of his people the Word of in God their mouth is the power of God unto salvation these are Gods Angels Rev. 1.20 Ambassadours for Christ 2 Cor. 5.20 Doctr. therefore must be received as an Angel of God yea as Christ Jesus Gal. 4.14 they must be to us the choise and most welcome men in the World as one of a thousand Job 33.23 As the light to the traveller as the counseller to the client as the Pilot to the Ship our guides and instructours in the way of life and true holines for according to the second observation Gods faithfull Ministers are after a peculiar manner acquainted with Gods Counsells as a bosome friend is acquainted with the counsels and purposes of his friend so are the faithfull messengers of God after a peculiar manner acquainted with Gods will and counsell therefore called Embassadours 2 Cor. 5.20 an Embassadour knoweth the Kings mind and counsell called the light of the World Mat. 5.14 the starres in the right hand of Christ Rev 1 16. to shew as these are filled with light for ruling the day and night Gen. 1.16 So are Gods Messengers replenished with divine and heavenly knowledge Iob 33.23 Who for this end are also I. Called interpreters for the evident and plaine unfolding of the mind of God contained in his Word Gen. 29.10 As Jacob rolled away the stone opened the Wells which were shut up that so the sheep might drinke so doe these open the sacred Fountaines of living Water and by the bucket of their wisedome do draw waters out of the Wells which are deeper than the Well of Jacob. II. By their nearness unto God they are his mouth Je. 15.19 His fellow labourers 1 Cor. 3.9 his stewards 1 Cor. 4.1 III. By the place wherein he hath set them he hath made them as eyes to the body Cant. 7.4 As watchmen to the city Jsai 62.6 as guides to the blind Rom. 2.19 as Physicians to the sicke Ier. 6.14 IV. By the charge given to the people to attend to their Doctrine to seek the knowledge of the truth from them as water from a full Fountaine Mal. 2.5 6 7. And that they should be thus acquainted with Gods counsell is very behoofull 1. In regard of the high and heavenly nature of the Scriptures which they must unfold these are like Sampsons riddle of that difficulty that they cannot be opened unles we plow with Gods heifer a store-house whole locke and doore cannot be unlocke without Gods key a light which cannot be beheld with a humane eye a treasure which cannot be digged up with the hand of humane abilities this is a wisedome no where to be learned but in the Schoole of Christ an ability which cannot be attained but by the peculiar work of Gods Spirit Sapientissimum esse oportet perspicacem in omnibus sacerdotem mille ut dicitur ex omni parte oculos babentem saith Chrystome and this another calleth ars artium scientia scientiarum and Augustine tanta est Christianarum pofunditas literarum ut in eis quotidie proficerom si eas solas ab ineunte pueritia usque ad decrepitam senectutem maximo otio summo studio meliori ingenio conarer addiscere c. Therefore the Apostles must stay at Ierusalem till the Holy Ghost were given the deepest counsels of men are but a shallow brooke to this foord as Prov. 18.4 so much more are the Words of Gods mouth and as Prov. 20.5 so he must be a man of understanding who will draw out these waters for 1 Cor. 2.14 2. In regard of the wiles of Satan his devices are deep Rev. 2.24 not a shallow but a deep water 2 Cor. 2.11 the wayes of sin and Satan are as Agur said in another case Prov. 30.18 19. they have need of more than Eagles eyes who shall trace them out he is an old Serpent full of subtilty experience hath added much to his naturall policy the Shepheard hath need of much wisedome that shall keep his flock from this Lion the guide must have his eyes open look circumspectly about him that will keep the feet of them that are conducted free from this snare he must be a wise Generall who will perserve his Spuldiers from the arrowes of this warriour none but Gods counsell can give us this wisedome 3. In regard of the craft and subtlety of Satans instruments he doth not chose the foolish but the Serpent the wisest of the beasts he taketh not babes but the Wisemen the great disputers of the earth 1 Cor. 1.18 26 27. Absolon hath Achitophel whose counsell was as the Oracles of God The adversaries of Gods truth the men whome Gods Messengers must encounter with do take crafty counsell Psal 83.3 they hide their wolvish nature under a sheep skin of faire pretences Matth. 7.15 their dark and diabolicall intendments under a white an innocent and angelicall appearance 2 Cor. 11.14 therefore likened to foxes the subtilest among beasts Luc. 13.32 Cant. 2.15 Unto merchants none of the weakest reach among men 2 Pet. 2.3 to men for their wisedome to women for their faculty in alluring to horses prepared to the battel for their courage to Lions for their cruelty to Scorpions for their poysoning the Souls of men with false Doctrine Rev. 9.7 8 9 10. To a Leopard I. For their variety of heresies superstitions traditions resembled by the Leopards spots II. For their pleasures honours riches voluptuous living easy attaining of life eternall art of drawing many to them resembled by the sweet smell of the Leopard III. For their speed and swiftnes in executing their plots in spreading their Doctrines likened by the swift motion of the Leopard IV. For their malignant disposition against Gods people as the Leopard flieth upon man pulleth out his eyes so do these keep the people in blindnes rob their bodies of their temporalls their Souls of their Spiritualls they are also likened to the feet of a beare for their fast-holding of what they get Rev. 13.2 and 2 Thes 2.9 10. To encounter with such enemies so furnished as these there is need of much wisedome need of being well acquainted with Gods counsell 4. In regard of the difficulty of discerning mens foul-diseases sinfull men dig deep to hide their sin Isai 29.15 as Achan hid his golden wedge Ios 7.22 they keep their sin close as Rahel sate fast upon her Fathers Idols Gen. 31.34 and Ier. 17.9 this is a theef which we shall never find out by a Candle of our owne kindling a disease which will never be healed by a medicine of our owne making like the evill Spirit which would not go out by the Sonnes of Sheva's conjuring but Ier. 23.22 therefore Cant. 7.4 The teachers of the people are likened to a tower for their vigilancy to a tower of Ivory for their purity to
Bridegroome so do they to hear the voyce of Christ Cant. 5.16 Reas 6 From the love which it doth breed in their hearts towards Christ This like a bellowes bloweth up the coales of their affections like the warme Sun it heateth their frozen hearts causeth them to be rooted and grounded in love Ephes 3.18 19. So to love him as to leave all for him Mat. 10.37 to despise all in comparison of him Luc. 14.26 an affection so strong that nothing can breed a separation Rom. 8.35 38 and loving Christ so fervently they cannot chuse but rejoyce abundantly in him love and joy like joynt companions go together Gal. 5.22 like the Sun and the light they will not he separated the one from the other Reas 7 From the operation of the Holy Ghost which doth attend it the Spirit of God which is the Fountaine of all joy is given with the Ministry of the word this is the key by which our hearts are opened and the Holy Ghost admitted into our Souls hence Acts 10.44 1 Thes 1.6 Acts 13.52 Reas 8 From the benefits which arise from hence by this the understanding is enlightned 2 Cor. 4.6 their faith is confirmed Ephes 1.13 victory over Satan obtained Ier. 31.11 their hearts are so softened and made tender as ground by the dewes Deu. 32.2 Isa 55.10 their affections are purified as the Corn by the fanne Mat. 2.12 Ier. 23.29 their consciences are purified Isa 57.19 their love and zeale is increased of a small drop these affections become like a flowing streame of few sparks become a burning flame of weake plants they become tall trees full of good fruit and hence as Acts 3.8 so Isa 35.5 6. Reas 9 From the protection which by this meanes they enjoy the Ministry of the Gospel is as Horsemen and Chariots to the people a sure defence Gods Ministers the best Watchmen the best Souldiers the Word of God is the surest shield the strongest shot the sounding of the Trumpet prevailed more against the walls than much Canon shot the shining of the Lamps the cry of the Sword of the Lord and Gideon put the Midianites to flight sooner than an army of men the Arke put the Philistines in greater feare than all the Israelitish army when the Ministry of life was removed from Ierusalem their house lest desolate then the Temple was cast to the ground Reas 10 From the grief which they conceive at the removing of it as Phinea's Wife would not be comforted when the Arke was taken away 1 Sam. 4.21 Ioseph and Mary went up and down sorrowing when Christ was lost Luk. 2.46 so the people of God are full of heaviness at the absence of the Word La. 2.6 12. Ps 74.9 Use This discovereth the misery of such as take no joy as delight not in the fruition of the Gospel to whom it is as light to the blind not seeing it musick to the deafe not hearing it food to the sick not relishing it want of delight in that Word of God is a sufficient argument of alienation from God an apparent testimony that we are not of God that we have not tasted of Gods goodnes he that doth not with David dance before the Lords Arke hath not Davids heart wanteth Davids love is a strangers to Davids sence and feeling of the working of Gods Word and Spirit within him He that looketh on this as on a vessell without water a tree without fruite a Lamp without Oile hath a heart without grace who is it but a Stoick a man of a stupified heart a seared conscience that accompteth Pauls preaching to be but babling that saith Job 21.14 A theef hideth himselfe from light Ioh. 3.20 Who but the deaf taketh no comfort in pleasant musick Psal 58.5 Mat. 11.17 Who but they that know not the things belonging to their peace Luk. 19.42 are not delighted with the Gospel of peace how canst thou be the Child of God if thou rejoyce not to heare the voyce of thy Father How canst thou be the Bride of Christ if thou art not affected with the language of thy Husband How canst thou be a new creature if like a new borne Child thou art not delighted with the milk of these breasts How canst thou be a traveller towards the heavenly Canaan and not be glad to see this fiery Pillar shine before thee How canst thou be a man of a hungry stomack and not be glad of this honey-comb How canst thou be experienced in the assaults of Satan and not rejoyce at the having of this weapon he cannot be the faithfull servant of God that findeth no delight in the Word of God Vse 2 This discovereth the cause why the people of God do so desire Gods Word Psa 27.4 Why they thirst after it as dry ground thirsteth Ps 63.1 Why they seek it Amos 8.12 why they incourage one another Zach. 8.21 why they wait Pro. 8.34 as Ioh. 5.5 Acts 3.3 why they say Ioh. 6.34 It is musick to their eares and they like David 2 Sam 6.16 it is Isa 25.6 and as Eccles 10.19 it is the joy and rejoycing of their hearts Ier. 15.16 It is the Sun that giveth light to them in darknes the staffe that sustaineth them in their weakenes the Arke bearing them up in the deepest deluge of troubles the Fountaine affording refreshment when all their water brooks do faile therefore no wonder they attend upon it Use 3 This must cause every one of us to try whether we can find this joy in the Word of God in hearing the Gospel preached whether it be to our Souls as the voyce of a kind friend a gracious Father a loving husband whether these apples these flagons Cant. 2.4 comfort stay and glad our hearts as they with their bottles Hos 5.3 made the King glad and if we doe rejoyce at it indeed it will appeare 1. By our conscionable preparation to it as sick men prepare their stomacks and Husbandmen their vineyards before the one receiveth Physick or the other soweth his seed so do they that delight in the Word for this is Physick and seed which they who wisely husband their Souls and highly value the wored of the Lord will not suffer to be sowne among thornes and briers but as Exo. 19.10 2. By our frequent meditation upon it man often thinketh upon that wherein he rejoyceth thus Psal 11.2 delight is a loadstone that draweth the thoughts a Chariot that carrieth the mind with an irresistible force to the thing rejoyced in 3. By our constant attendance on the same if we delight in it we will wait patiently and constantly upon it we will hearken diligently what the Lord will speake unto us we will be no strangers in Gods house but we will take every opportunity to go thither desire to make it our habitation Ps 27.4 accompt it our happines to have admittance within the gates of his house Ps 84.10 4. By our high valuation of it as the Sun above the Candle pure wheat
the servant Mat. 25.23 and so Dan. 12.3 Prov. 11.30 he if any layeth up a sure foundation against the World to come Reas 11 Because this doth inable him to present himselfe with singular comfort before the Judge the good servant cometh with confidence so he that can say Isa 8.18 shall look on God with more boldnes than he that can say behold the many Benefices Ecclesiasticall Dignities that I have gotten these will be miserable comforters then but 1 Thes 2.19 Prov. 11.4 2 Cor. 1.14 Use Most prophane and impious therefore are such Ministers as are grieved to behold the zeale sincerity love faith and holy conversation of the people under them a sin even unnaturall and monstrous what more unreasonable more vile more hatefull than that the nurse should envy the growth of the Child the Generall the courage and forwardnes of the souldier the Shepheard the welfare of the flocke the Husbandmen the growth of the Corn and pasture the steward the welfare of the family that Minister must needs be full of profaneness who maligneth the spirituall prosperity of the Lords Servants it is either weakenes or sicknes in the eye that maketh the light offensive it is an evill Master to whom a good Scholler doth prove unpleasant he can never be the Bridegrooms friend that cannot brook his spouse a good Embassadour that affecteth not the embracers of true peace a good servant that liketh not the trees which grow bear blossoms in great abundance it is fearfull in any but espeally in Ministers to dislike others for their holines Ezek. 34.3 Like butchers that kill the fat with the Pharises accompt them accursed Joh. 7.48 Vse 2 This should acquaint us with the grief that we bring to the Ministers of God when we walk profanely reforme not by their Doctrine but continue like bad ground Heb. 6.6 8. Like deaf adders Psa 58.5 Like knobby timber that will not cleave like a wild asse Ier. 2.24 this maketh them weary Ier. 20.9 this putteth them out of courage Like Peter when he fished all night and could take nothing Ioh. 21.3 this doth provoke them to impatience Jer. 9.1 2. breedeth many complaints Isai 53.1 this filleth their Souls full of heavines as Anna's heart was of bitternes when her womb was barren 1 Sam. 1.16 this maketh them complaine of loosing their labours Isa 49.4 as Ier. 12.13 Hag. 1.6 maketh them grieve for the dishonour done to God as Josuah grieved when Israel fled before the men of Ai Ios 7.9 filleth their Souls with sorrow to see them still in the gall of bitterness in the bondage of Satan as it grieved David to see his Sonne rebell 2 Sam. 15.30 the parent to see his Child still abiding upon his languishing bed as Christ grieved to see the obstinacy of Jerusalem and Ier. 13.17 Isai 22.4 This is no small sin to grieve the Souls of Ministers to frustrate their labours to disanull their endevours to make them uncheerefull in their undertakings to make them say as Jer. 51.9 as 1 Sam. 15.11 14. Use 3 This sheweth us what course to take to make the faithfull Ministers of God cheerfull exceeding joyfull the growth of the Corn maketh the Husbandman merry the bearing of much fruit maketh the Gardener glad fruitfulnes in grace sound obedience to Gods precepts a lively faith in Gods promises repentance from dead works love to Gods truth zeale for Gods glory these are as a well tuned instrument making sweet musick in Gods eares a precious ointment casting a sweet smell in their nostrils as David 1 Cro 29.17 Jud. 5.1 2. So doe the Ministers of the Lord rejoyce to see the people offer themselves willingly unto God this doth more comfort them than a feast of the choisest dainties you can provide for them more delight them than if you did bestow much gold and silver upon them to win your Souls to God is more pleasant to them than to win the whole World as Psal 69.30 31. so in this case therefore let this move your hearts work upon your affections provoke you to repentance perswade you to holines that the hearts of Gods Ministers may rejoyce and in making them after this manner joyfull you shall make them more fervent in their prayers Col. 1.8 9. more frequent in their labours Isai 52.5 a good draught giveth incouragement to a second casting in of the net as 1 Sam. 17.34 35. more intire in their conversations like a vertuous loadstone it draweth them to a holy fellowship with us more free and familiar in their counsels more patient in their afflictions more bold and couragions against all oppositions more plenteous in all internall and externall comforts There are wayes by which the people may administer much comfort occasion much joy in the faithfull Minister of the Lord. I. By their holy language gracious counsels and incouragements for the strongest is many times much comforted holpen and edified by the weake the Generall is many times comforted by the common souldiers the little sticks set the greater logs on fire Prov. 27.9 Sometimes Jethro is able to advise Moses Aquila can instruct Apollos Abigail give good counsell to David and Psal 8.2 therefore Rom. 1.11 12. and the people may strengthen the faith of the Minister by praying for him by ministring inward and outward consolations to him by expressing such subjection to his Doctrine as may plainely testify that God hath sent him and given him this honour to be an instrument of much good to his Church II. By visiting the faithfull Minister of the Lord as the presence of the Children rejoyce the father the presence of the flock doth comfort the Shepheard so doth the presence of the people refresh the Minister for 1 Thes 2.17 and as Prov. 27.17 so doth the face of Gods people like a Whetstone sharpen the affections of the Minister when they began to grow dull and therefore Paul calleth it a refreshing being like dew to to the ground drink to the thirsty traveller 1 Cor. 16.17 18. 2 Tim. 1.16 17. III. By amending at the reproofs they administer censures they impose it comforteth the parent to see the Child bettered by correction it comforteth the Husbandman to see the tree bettered by pruning so 2 Cor. 7.12 13. IV. By being full of love to their fellow brethren delighting in them that excell in vertue joying together as members of one body sheep of one fold stones of one building helping comforting and edifying one another in their most holy faith this the Minister of God knoweth will much adorne the Gospel improve the graces of the people strengthen them in the truth make them rich in every good gift and therefore Phil. 20. vers 7. V. By growing in all the graces of the Spirit as the nurse rejoyceth at the growth of the Child the Husbandman at the growth of the Corn so 2 Thes 1.3 4. VI. By the joyfull entertainement of the Word of God receive it as the dry ground the
77.6 12. We must think upon his loving kindnes in the morning as David did Psal 59.16 Meditate upon him and his works in the evening as Isaac did Gen. 24.65 yea Ps 55.17 He must be alwayes in our thoughts as the person whom we must fervently affect the treasure wherein we principally delight Mat. 6 21. The fountaine whence we draw the waters of sweetest consolation thus Psal 119.97 we must thinke upon him in prosperity that we be not lifted up in adversity that we be not overmuch dejected that we run not to forbidden meanes for deliverances in peace as on the authour of our welfare in sicknes as on the Physician that can heale us in heavines as on the friend that can speake comfortably to us in trouble as on him that hath authority to appease the stormy tempest as on the eagle that hath wings to cover us as on the rock that can cast a comfortable shadow to refresh us in time of distraction and doubtfulness as on the Counsellour which alone is able to advise us in time of temptation as on the shield which alone is able to defend us from all the fiery darts of Satan under the sence of sin as on the Jordan which alone is able to wash and sanctify us in all wants as on him that can give all fulnes of contentement to us in the middest of our possessions as on him whom we must honour with all our abilities we must thinke upon him how to please him in every estate in every undertaking all our thoughts must be towards him as the streames to the Sea as Moses charged Israel touching the Word Deut. 6.6 7 8. the like charge let me give to you touching Christ it shall not be in vaine for Mal. 3.16 4. Let us give him preheminence in our speeches let him be the choisest and chiefest matter of our language let our tongues become trumpets sounding his praises and clouds plenteously dropping downe the knowledge of Christ to others as a man speaketh freely frequently fully unweariedly of the beloved of his heart so must we of Christ the beloved of our Souls thus the spouse speaketh of him when she had lost him she speaketh to the watchmen enquired for him she spake of him to the forreigne congregations maketh a large relation of his excellencies Cant. 5.10 11 12. this is the charge given 1 Pet. 4.11 Ephes 4.29 this was Davids promise Ps 119.46 this is a singular fruit of Gods grace and work of Gods Spirit in the heart of his Servants Isai 19.18 a property of their conversion as every man speaketh the language of his owne countrey he may now and then speake in another tongue but this hath the preheminence above all others This language is most seemely most holy most pleasant most profitable this like light sheweth the way of life by informing the judgement this like fire doth warme the affections this like water doth wash away spirituall filthines this like dew doth make men fruitfull in the grace of the Spirit this like the crowing of the cock to Peter doth make men go out and weep bitterly for their sin Matth. 26.75 This like the boxe of ointment casteth a sweet savour in the nostrils of Gods people Joh. 12.3 This like a goade driveth them forward in the wayes of God Eccl. 12.11 This discovereth our love of Christ or delight in Christ for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh therefore renomce all profane and abridge all worldy language and let Christ have the preheminence in your speeches 5. Let Christ have the preheminence in your choise as he is above all so doe you chose him before all it is usuall with men to chose what is in it selfe most excellent what will prove most beneficiall what will exalt to the highest honour endow them with the greatest riches give them the sweetest pleasures now there is no creature in it selfe so excellent as Christ for he is as the apple tree among the trees of the wood Cant. 2.3 as the Prince among the creatures Rev. 1.5 as the Sun among the Planets Mal. 4.2 above all principalities and powers Ephes 1.21 he is the brightness of his Fathers glory and the expresse image of his person and hath a more excellent name than the Angels Heb. 1.3 4. He can advance us to the highest honour make us conquerours over all opposers Rom. 8.37 make us Sonnes Gal. 4.5 yea Kings and Priests to God Rev. 1.6 a chosen generation a peculiar people 1 Pet. 2.9 He can endow us with the best riches he can bestow those gifts upon us which are not to be found in the bowels of the earth nor to be bought with the wealth thereof Iob 28.12 13 14 15. riches which the World doth not know 1 Cor. 2 9. Ioh. 14.16 17. riches which the theeves cannot steale which death cannot take away Mat. 6.20 Rev. 14.13 an abiding substance Heb. 19.34 the unsearchable and glorious riches Ephes 1.5 and 3.8 the very reproach of Christ is greater riches than the treasures of Aegypt to be scandalized traduced persecuted cast out as vile for the cause of Christ is better and more gainefull in the judgement of Gods people than to win the World with the deniall of Christ he can bring us in to the Paradise of the choisest pleasures make our Soules as a watered garden satiate us with fatness Ier. 31.14 make us drinke abundantly out of the rivers of his pleasures Psal 38.6 every way replenish and content us so fill us with his presence favour goodnes that we shall have no cause to complaine of any emptines but whatsoever we want wee shall see it all in him Therefore let us choose him above all others as Moses did Heb. 11.25 26. as Paul did Mat. 4.20 Psal 119.30 Phil. 3.8 9. Let him be in our eye the fairest of all persons Cant. 5.10 let us joyne our selves in wedlocke to him before all others for as Prov. 16.16 so it is much more true of Christ the giver of wisedome the authour of every good blessing and Psal 33.12 for as Jud. 8.2 6. Let us give him the preheminence in our faith as he is above all so let us trust him and rely upon him above all He is not sand but a sure foundation Matth. 7.24 25. It is our best wisedome to build upon him Let us not trust upon any arme of flesh any created abilities for these can do nothing without him if he put not a fulness into them they are an empty vessel a dry breast a fruit tree like that in the Gospel Mat. 21.19 a rotten ship that breaketh asunder in the sterne a Ionahs gourd that is soone withered Io. 4.8 there is no trust to be put in it Ps 62.9 10. Iob 8.14 Iud. 9.15 Ps 78.22 Let us trust in the Lord Iesus draw nigh unto him with our hearts cast our selves and our burthens upon him put our selfe into his hand trust him with our Soules with our bodies with our
with it if it go into captivity into prison into noysom diseases into poverty reproach nay though they are surerely and infallibly shewed that it goeth to Hell yet they will go with it 5. By their dislike of holinesse and all the means teaching man to lead a holy life this is like fetters to the man possessed with an unclean spirit they break these cords as he brake them like the Sun to diseased eyes Job 24.13 like a Candle to him that hath stolne goods Ioh. 3.19.20 like the hand-writing to Baltazzar Dan. 5.5 no weed so unsavory to their Nostrils no Gall so distastefull to their Palates no noise so terrible to their Ears this is a stranger they will give it no entertainment an enemy they will make war against it Rom. 8.7 they watch an opportunity as Iudas to betray Christ as Esau to murder Iacob so they to betray to destroy this if possible they might it is as offensive to them as Mordecai to Haman nothing can give them contentment as long as this prospereth by which it is apparent that the natural mans disposition is altogether carnal Vse This may teach us not to wonder be astonish'd or dismayed to see the whole world lie in wickedness the greatest number of men carnally disposed their affections tending downward to things here below as the streams go down the Channel or the earth moveth down towards the Center not think it strange that the carnal world wonders after her own lusts as the Popish idolatrous world after their beast that they pursue the earth and the vanities of the same as Micah pursued his Idol that they lye overwhelmed in sin as once the world was overwhelmed with the deluge that Hill and vale high and low rich and poor learned and ignorant even all a few poor despised yet sanctified Souls excepted given unto covetousnesse and carnal lusts as the Prophet long since complained Ier. 6.14 that the broad way is full the narrow way hath few travellers that Baals house is full the seats in Gods house like the seats in Sauls house in the new Moon were empty yesterday and to day Sabbath after Sabbath that the world the earth riches honours pleasures are in great request heaven religion holinesse duties of sanctification in little or none at all Marvel not I say at this shrink not back from God leave not the Lord Iesus for this the three hundred Souldiers left not Gideon though many thousands went back from him Ioshua and Caleb turned not back from following the Lord though Israel besides did and perished let Peters resolution be your practise though all men forsake him yet go not you back from him be not moved be not shaken at the sight of the multitude of prophane persons for all men are earth and earthly and 1. They are ignorant and see no beauty no benefit no pleasure in the way of Godlinesse it is to them as a light under a bushel a fountain shut up Luke 19.42 these are like the Gods of whom Daniel spake Dan. 5.23 these are as Ier. 5.4 Psal 82.5.2 they are sick and cannot rellish the good things of God their Palate hath lost its taste bread is as gravell Wine as Gall a feast of the choisest heavenly delicates as the white of an Egg which hath no taste or unsavoury meat which cannot be eaten without salt Iob 6.6 what our Saviour said to Peter in one particular may be universally verified of every carnall man thou savourest not the things of God but of men and what Barzillai said to David in another case every carnall man may say of himself unto God I am old in sin and cannot taste the Word of the Lord and let not me be pressed to this and that duty of holines to follow the Lord with such preciseness but let me return to mine own way fashion delights c. 3. They are dead in sins and trespasses no more feeling of sin than a dead man of the disease no more sence of the working of Gods Word then feared flesh of the prickings of a needle as Psal 6.5 so there is no thought no remembrance of God among carnall men they have no thought of Heaven life eternall the way and means tending thereunto 4. They know not things of any better nature than the earth the Cattle know not any better thing than pasture in the field water in the brook and therefore never look after wine and other delicates so the naturall man knoweth nothing but this World not knowing the comforts of the Gospel the sweetness of Gods love the pleasantness of the peace of a good conscience think there is no clearer nor warmer sun no more pure nor pleasant streame no sweeter musick than peace and prosperity in this World the Woman of Samaria knowing no other water than such as was in Jacobs Well asked not water of life from Christ knew not what he meant when he spake of it the unsound Disciples knowing no other bread than that which nourisheth the body thought not upon the bread which nourisheth the soul unto life eternall 5. They are inconsiderate hasty and violent in the pursuite of their own projects in accomplishing their own purposes in running their own way in following their own counsell in fulfilling their own lusts therefore likened to the Adder Psal 58.5 the wild asse Ier. 2.24 mad men Jerem. 17.9 they have in heart to consider what the issue will be of all their evill doings though they set thornes yet they think they shall gather grapes though they serve sin yet they think the wages shall be eternall life though they sow to the flesh yet they hope to reap life everlasting thus Psal 36.1 and though they be like them Isa 65.4 like him Mar. 5.4 5. Though they have fellowship with the workers of the works of darkness though they be men of swinish condition and conversation though there souls be full of the breath of abominable things though they break the strongest bonds of Gods precepts wound themselves with many lusts as with swords and speares yet like them Isai 65.5 they spare not to think to say they are better than the dearest of Gods Children so highly are they opinionated of their own goodness so strongly are they wedded to their own afflections that all admonition is but as water upon a black Moor dew upon a rock it maketh no impression but as Solomon saith Prov. 27.22 Now this being the qualification order disposition bent and course of every naturall mans heart and life it is no marvell that the World is generally profane nor let any go back because there are so few that set and keep their feet constant in the way to life 2. Is this the condition of corrupt man since the fall of our first parents are they all earthly carnall full of sin then this may assure us that in this estate there is no salvation the naturall mans way will never lead him
as the purest manchet to distast as gall what now is pleasant as honey to their palate 2. Consider the strength of sinne and Satans hold it is a stronge Castle uneasily beaten downe the Devill is no weakling but a Prince a Potent adversary it is not every one can conquer him a bow without arrows a minister without abilities can doe nothing to this adversary powder of humane eloquence though it make a great noise cannot shake the powers of his Kingdome an Axe without edge a Sermon without Zeale and courage cannot cut the roots of this tree the Divell doth no more regard such mens preaching as preach not with power and in the evidence and demonstration of the spirit then hee did for the sonnes of Sceva conjuring Acts. 19.15 Instead of casting him out of others he will enter further into them themselves therefore like good souldiers they must be well furnished with spirituall armour and 2 Cor. 10.5 Psa 45.5 their arrowes must be sharp 3. Consider the depth of Gods councels how uneasily unfolded opened applied how these are a riddle which like Sampsons riddle cannot be enterpreted unlesse wee plough with Gods Heifer deep things of God which cannot be found out but by Gods Spirit 1 Cor. 2.11 A way that cannot be knowne without a guide Acts. 8.31 A sealed booke which we cannot read unlesse wee have some one to open it Isa 29.11 Neither are the Lamps which reserve the greatest portion of this oyle so full of light nor the fountaines which hold the largest measure of knowledge so ful of waters but that with Paul they may say who is sufficient for these things 2 Cor. 2.16 4. Consider the number the subtlety and the power of them that seduce to sin that lead to errour and that provoke to evill that spread snares and cast stumbling blocks in the waies of Gods people The envious man hath many servants that sow tares among this Wheate Mat. 13.25 Many Factors that sell deceiptfull wares that make merchandise of the soules of the people 2 Pet. 2.3 Many mountebanks that apply healing salves before ever they search and open the wound Jer. 6.14 Many unskilful builders that daub with untemperate Morter upon a rotten wall before ever they pull downe the ruinous places Ezek. 13.10 Many clouds without raine many breasts without milke 2 Pet. 2.17 Many lazy Husbandmen that sow before ever they breake up the fallow ground of the hearts of Gods people Contrary to that Jer. 1.10 Many deceivers transformed into Angels of light 2. Cor. 11.11 Many Lions in sheepes Skins Mat. 7.15 Many that with Ahabs Prophets bad us goe on and proper 1 Kings 22.12 Therefore behoofull wee should make choice of able ministers that may teach sound Doctrine convince opposers lead us forward and build us up in the saving knowledge of Christ Iesus in despite of all oppositions 5. Consider our dulnesse deadnesse security backwardnesse Israel cannot travell longer then the fiery Pillar doth shine before them Peter will continue in the denial of his Master if the Cock do not crow to awaken him Israel will erect a golden calfe if Moses do but a little absent himselfe from them if Jehojada once dye the Princes of Juda will leave the house of the God of their Fathers and serve groves and Idols 2 Chro. 24.18 The best men with the men of Ephesus will forget their first love if they live not under faithful Ministers as the best garden will grow barren if it be not weeded the best tree will grow wild if it be not pruned the soile will become unfruitfull if the dewes fall not upon it the strongest body will grow weake if good food bee with holden from it the best ship will miscarry if it want a good Pilote therefore 2 Pet. 1.12 This is the Pillar which supporteth us the word of life which keepeth life in us Phil. 2.14 The breast which giveth food to us 1 Pet. 2.2 The cloud whose dewes water us and makes us fruitfull in the grace of the Spirit Deut. 32.2 6. Consider how hardly a true lively faith is wrought without labour men are perswaded and assured of their salvation what industry constancy fervency and shill is required and must be used before the judgement can bee informed rightly to descerne the things which differ before the will can bee inclined to chose the things which are most excellent before the affections can be cleansed the heart purified the holds of sinne cast downe the soule made free from the service of evill and free to the love of God and of what is truely good as in 2 Kings 4.32 34.35 So the Minister must againe and againe exhort instruct and pray before the life of grace be restored the conscience pacified the fruits of a new life infallably apparant and the heart throughly perswaded of Gods goodnesse towards it in the free remission of all sin all temptations quelled all objections answered the pardon of fine sealed Naaman went seven times into Jordan before he was washed the Cock crowed thrice before Peter awakened our Saviour stood long at the doore before the Spouse stirred up her selfe to open to come forth to him she sought long ere she could and him Cant. 2.5 she speaketh to the Ministers to comfort or sustaine her by the Ministry of the word Rom. 1 11. Acts. 14.2.22 7. Consider the sweet and singular comforts which the powerfull Ministry of the word breedeth in the soules of the people of God how it is unto the eies of their understanding as the light of the Sun to the eye of the bodie whereof Eccles 11.7 So it is to them a pleasant thing to behold the things of God as Mat. 2.10 So doth the light of the word rejoyce joyce the people of God Isa 9.2 3. Lu. 10.23 How it is unto their eares as the harp in Davids hand chasing away the evil spirit How a very joyfull sound Psa 89.15 How it is unto their palate as the sweetest honey Psa 19.10 As the daintiest feast Isa 25.6 How it is to their feet a burning light guiding them into the waies of peace Lu. 1.79 How it is to their thirsty soules as a wel-spring of living waters to the thirsty and their troubled consciences as the Olive-branch to Noah as the still voice to Eliah to their weary spirits as Horsemen and Chariots to drive and carry them forward in their journey to the high and Heavenly habitation which God hath prepared for his people and out of all this wee may abundantly behold the necessity of an able constant and powerfull Ministry and the folly of them that content themselves with Lamps that have no Oile with Messengers that have no tidings with such at least as like the evil servants hide and imploy not their talent 3. This must occasion the people to try whether the Ministers who are set over them be sent of God or whether they be come of their owne
glory 2 Cor. 5.14 This will make them esteem nothing to dear for God Rev. 12.11 4. Be hereby drawn to rest and depend upon God as upon an Alsufficient Arme an iron pillar a sure foundation as a sick man upon a Physitian full of art and skill to cure him as a poor man upon a rich friend aboundantly able to supply him as a child upon a loving father able to releeve him to this the people exhort one another upon the sight of the great things which God should doe for them in giving Christ to them in working their spiritual feedom Isa 26.12.3 4. Psal 61.3 4 5. Confidence in God wil surely animate us to do good a man cannot beleeve in God but he must also live to God Psal 37 3. 5. Bee hereby put in minde of God let every gift you receive every blessing you enjoy be a monitor to bring God to your remembrance to make you think upon the Alsufficiency which is in him from whom all these things flow as water from the fountaine to make you consider how respectfull God is unto you how mindfull hee is of you how abundant his mercy and loving kindnesse is towards you every favour must be as an Embassadour testifying Gods goodness as the voice of Watch-men to bring the Lord to your remembrance Deut. 8.13.18 Psa 63.5.6 6. Bee hereby occasioned to rejoyce and delight thy selfe in God as rich gifts and liberall testimonies of love from a friend cause the receiver to rejoyce in his love so must the many gifts which he bestoweth on us cause us abundantly to rejoice and delight our selves in God who is so mindfull of us so open-handed and plenteous in his mercies towards us this must be as sweet sounding Musick in our eares cheering up our dull and drooping spirits as Wine filling our heavy hearts with gladnesse Psa 28.6.7.8 1 Sam. 2.1 Deut. 12 7. Deut. 16.11 7. Endeavour to imploy all thy abilities to the best uses in the way wherein they may bring most honour to God like a good Steward seeke not your owne but your great Masters advantage bestow upon the maintenance of Gods worship every man in his calling place and according to the measure of the gift God hath given to him Exod. 35. from the 20. to the 30. and 1 Chro. 29.3.6.9.10 If thou hast knowledge instruct Gods people if thou hast courage oppose Gods enemies if thou hast joy magnifie God with praises if thou hast sanctity faith patience meeknesse shew it by thy contempt of the world patient bearing of afflictions holy grave and religious carriage glorifie God by giving a good example to others if thou hast earthly abundance say with the Psalmist Psa 16.3 As 1 Tim. 4.14 1 Chro. 12.7 Thus of the giver next of the gift not the world not externall and transitory riches not earthly and vanishing honours but the Spirit none dearer to God then Christ none more regardfull of Gods Glory none ordained to a more honorable service and therefore without controversie God bestowed on him the chiefest gifts the rarest pledges of his Love and what are these but the gifts of the Spirit from whence learn Doct. That the holy and saving graces of the Spirit are of all other gifts the most excellent as the Sun excelleth the Gloe-worm the Vine is to be preferred before the bramble the purest and most perfect wine befor-the smallest water so are the gifts of the spirit to be preferred before all the endowments of the world these like Beniamins portion are five-times as good as any of his brethrens like Isaacs Inheritance far better then Ishmaels moveables this is evident by the titles and attributes given to these graces as precious 2 Pet. 1.1 Exceeding great and precious Verse 4. unspeakeable and glorious 1 Pet. 1.8 Unsearchable riches Ephes 3.8 deep things of God 1 Cor. 2.10 Excellency of knowledge Phil. 3.8 Things more Excellent Ro. 2.18 2. By the similitudes used to expresse the nature excellency worth use and comfort of them the Sun and Moone the most glorious among the starres Cant. 6.10 Doves the most harmlesse among the birds of the Aire Cant. 2.14 Trees of Frankinsense the choisest of all spices a Garden inclosed wherein are trees of the choisest nature a fountaine sealed a fountaine of living and streaming Waters of all waters the most pure and pleasant Cant. 4.14.15 wine and ointments the chiefest liquor of the grape Cant. 1.3 Gold and Silver the purest mettals in the earth Cant. 1.11 An Inheritance choisest among possessions Col. 1.10.11 3. By the comparisons which the Holy Ghost doth make between these and the choisest gifts of the earth Pro. 3.14.15 Pro. 8.11 Cant. 4.10 Eccles 9.16.18 4. By the price which Gods people have put upon them Phil. 3.8 5 By the charge given to seek imbrace them before and above all other things Mat. 6.33 Pro. 8.10 And these are of blessings the most Excellâ—nt 1. Because these have the most excellent authour all things are the common worke of Gods hand but grace holinesse and true righteousnesse are the Crowne of his Labours the Glory of his workeman-ship as the Sun to the Candle as the Flower to the common Grasse a fruit of â—he Sanctifying finger of Gods Spirit Gal. 5.22 2. Because they are of the most pure excellent nature these are Gold without drosse trees not having one fading leafe nor one rotten branch these are of a Holy and Heavenly originall as it was fore-told of men in regard of the paucity of them Isa 13.12 So it is true in regard of the saving grace of Gods Spirit it is more precious then fine Gold even then the Golden Wedge of Ophix Job 16.28.17.18 3. Because these are the best the choisest and most lively expressions of Gods Image it is not gold and silver gorgeous apparell that maketh a man like God but true holinesse Col. 3.10 Ephes 4 22 Therefore God doth not say bee yee rich for I am rich bee yee strong for I am strong ascend you the steps of earthly dignity for I am glorious though this be true but bee yee holy for I am Holy Lev. 11.44 other things are rich as the earth hath store of treasure in her bowels other things are strong for so the Rocks are other things are glorious as the Sun Moone Starres Flowers but holinesse is that which doth peculiarly expresse Gods Image 4. Because this is the gift which God bestoweth on them that are deare to him the Sun shineth on the bad as well as on the good the worst men have often the largest portion of earthly good things their tree is most fully loaden their cup most plenteously filled the wicked mans Barnes must be enlarged to hold the fruits which God hath given him Lu. 12.18.19 Psa 17.14 But the saving graces of the Spirit these are the jewels which God bestoweth on his owne children these are the riches with which hee doth endowe them all things are Gods gift but in comparison of
3.1 Isa 26.8.9 2. To use all diligence to get them all businesse set apart all other gaine neglected let us seek to be partakers of Grace of the Spirit as the Wise men left their owne countrey to come to Christ the disciples left all to follow him so let us take off our hearts from the world from carnall friends and from whatsoever is deare unto us and seeke to bee endowed with heavenly riches let us Pro. 2.2 3. Let us with David Psal 27.4 desire to dwell in the house of the Lord all our life that we may behold the beauty of the Lord to enquire in his temple Jer. 50.4 Dan. 9.3 Let us by hearing premeditation fasting and by all holy meanes seeke this grace 3. Let us value it more highly then all the treasures of the earth for Job 28.19 Psa 84.10 Psa 119.72 4. Let us love it more entirely then any other endowment give them the preheminence in our affections the chiefest roome in our hearts let us enlarge desires of our hearts towards them let us bestowe the strength and quintessence of our love upon them let us so affect them that with the Spouse we be sick of love Cant. 5.2 So love them that it make us long for them Psal 119.20 so love them that with Jacob we serve an apprentiship for them 5. Let us rejoyce and delight in it more then in all earthly treasure as Matth. 2.10 So wee to see any starre of Grace appeare in the heart as Anna 1. Sam. 2.1 So wee for our new birth thus Psa 4.6 6. Let us receive it more thankfully as Eccles 16.1 Gal. 6.14 7. Let us treasure it up more carefully when Achan had gotten a golden Wedge hee hid it 8. Let us receive the saving graces of the Spirit more thankfully then any common endowments and render more praise to God for this then for any other favour let us be more thankeful for our new birth then for noble birth so for victory ouer sin then for conquest our all bodily enemies for the riches of grace then for all worldly treasures for knowledg faith love meekness patience the joy of the spirit then for all the choisest jewels and most precious praises in the world As wee receiv a cup of pure and pleasant wine more thankfully then a cup of small water a piece of gold more thankfully then a handful of ordinary and common earth as Theodosius gave more thanks that hee was a member of the Church than head of the Empire so should wee give more thanks that wee are the members of Christ Jesus than for the greatest earthly present whereunto the hand of the world can advance us as Naman was thankful for the purging of his leprosie so let us for the washing away of the filth of sin as Moses sang praises to God for their deliverance from the hand of Pharaoh so let us for our deliverance out of the hands of Satan for the donation of the spirit and the grace wherewith wee are enriched Ephes 1.3 This was the Saint's practice Col. 1.12 13. Wee should say for this as David did 2 Sam. 7.18 19 20 22. so should wee com and stand before our God and say Who are wee O Lord God that thou shouldest bring us hitherto that of slaves thou shouldest make us thy free men that of men dead in sin putrified in the grave of corruption thou shouldest raise us to a new life of thorns briars thou shouldest make us fruitfull and bearing vines of strangers thou shouldest make us thine own adopted Children of poor and blinde naked thou shouldest make us rich with the saving grace of thy spirit and this was yet a small thing but thou hast also prepared everlasting mansions for us to dwell in immortal crowns for us to wear upon our heads a glorious ever shining sun to give us light even fulness of joy at thy right hand for ever And what can wee say unto thee our God for all these things how can we sufficiently laud thee for thy goodness for in this are all the motives and inducements of thankfulness If you will sing for refreshment received in the day of drought as Israël did for the spring of water Num. 21.17 here is our welspring of everliving water Joh. 4.14 If yee will bless God for victorie as Debora and Baruc did Jud. 5.1 Here is that which inableth you to tread Satan under foot Rom. 16 20. and maketh you more then conquerers in all assaults Rom. 8.36 If you will offer sacrifice and make vows as the heathen marriners for the appeasing of the tempestuous and raging Sea Jona 1.16 here is that which appeaseth a greater storm which breedeth a sweeter peace Phil. 4.7 If yee will give thanks for the opening of your eies which were blinde as the blinde man did Joh. 9.38 here is that which openeth the eie of the understanding inableth you to see the deep things of God 1 Cor. 2 9.10 This is the sword which conquereth the Physick which healeth the musick which delighteth the milk which nourisheth the wine which cheereth the friend which comforteth the hand which enricheth therefore wee should bee thankfull for this above all other blessings 7. Let us treasure up these gifts most carefully as the husbandmen hide the good seed in the ground that it may bee preserved from the fowls of the aër take root and bring forth increas as rich men lock up their jewels in strong chests place them in close and sure rooms that the hand of the thief may not reach them so must wee with all diligence hide and with all carefulness keep the saving grace of the spirit it is our choicest endowment it will yield us most comfort do us most good stand us in most stead as the people said of David 2 Sam. 18.3 Thou art worth ten thousand of us so the grace of the spirit is worth ten thousand of your sheep oxen gold and silver therefore bee as careful to keep it as the people were to keep David as a man would be to keep the apple of his eie or his right hand It was Solomon's charge to his Son a charge often repeated to make him heedful of it Proverb 3.21 4.23 urged by our Saviour Rev. 2.21 3.12 The like may bee seen in Paul Tit. 1.9 1 Tim. 6.12.13.14 Satan the the World the Flesh will all strive to wrest from us the grace of the spirit by force by flattery by promises and provocations as Dalila labored to cut away Samson's locks so will these strive to rob us of God's saving grace therefore wee must give all diligence to keep it 8. Let all God's people bee contented how slender soëver their outward estate bee though you wash not your feet in butter neither doth the rock yield any oil though your root spread not out by the waters nor the dew lay not all night upon your branch though your outward glorie be not fresh
nor the bow of your wordly strength renewed in your hand as Job's was yet if your souls bee washed in Christ's blood if the oile of grace bee powred upon them if the dew of God's grace rest upon them if they grow in holiness as trees planted by the waters side if the inward glorie of the soul bee fresh if the strength of grace bee renewed if God's external ordinance your internal grace bee like the bow of Jonathan that turned not back the sword of Saul which returned not empty from the blood of the slain and from the fat of the mightie if this conquer your corruptions prevaile against Satan and the world though your earthly estate be like a small river a lamp with little oil a tree with few branches yet having the saving grace of the Spirit you have the best having this they have enough As God answered Paul 2 Cor. 12.9 Complaining vers 8. so may all men endued with the saving grace of the Spirit if they complain of anie want of absence of anie outward good or presence of anie outward evil bee answered The grace of God is sufficient this is a feast to the hungry Prov. 15.16 an inheritance to the poor Psal 119.111 armor to the assaulted Ephes 6.13 this is instead of all other blessings as the sun is instead of all other lights therefore all God's people should say as David did Psal 16.5.6 for 1. Tim. 6.8 and wee should all resolv with Jacob. Gen. 28.20.21 grace is the best portion the most abiding substance the tree whose leaf doth never fade the fountain whose waters are never dried up the store-hous which yieldeth the best riches a garment like them once worn by Israel it weareth not out with using like the widow's barrel of meal and cruis of oil it will feed not consume nor grow dry with drawing forth a catalogue of blessings do ever attend it the light of God's face which ministreth more joy than the brightest Sun of worldly prosperitie doth alwaies accompany it a singular and satisfactorie fulness is ever to bee found in it and therefore rest your selvs contented with it Prov. 19.23 Motives quickning stirring moving induceing and leading us to the practice of all these duties may bee drawn 1. From the dignitie Honor Eminence and Excellency of their estate above all other estates and conditions of men and estate exceeding other estates as far as life exceedeth death as far as liberty excelleth bondage light darkness for others are dead in sin Col. 1.22 bondmen to Satan 2 Tim. 2.26 sitting in darkness and the shadow of death Mat. 4.16 but these are alive to God free from sin Rom. 6.11.18 have seen a glorious light Isa 93. These have the most worthy and honorable original they are the regenerate ofspring of the everliving and most glorious God Isa 1.18 Ioh. 1.13 These have most honorable kindred Heb. 2.11 Luk. 8.21 calling 1 Tim. 1.9 1 Pet. 2.9 These are not strangers but Sons Ioh. 1.12 not rubbish but living stones in God's building 1 Pet 2.5 not thorns and briars in the forrest but fruitful and bearing trees in Gods Orchard Cant. 4.14 even trees of God's planting Isa 16.3 Holiness is the surest way to the best preferment the onely step to bee unchangeably and gloriously advanced this shall bring men like Ioseph out of the prison to bee advanced into the second place not of an earthly but a heavenly kingdom this shall make them shine as the Sun Mat. 13.43 set a glorious crown upon their head Rev. 2·10 for Mat. 19.28 As Saul was the head of the people so shall these bee the head of all their brethren Isa 58.13.14 men do much for honor bee good you shall bee great 2. From the joy which doth accompany the true and saving grace of the spirit the opening of the womb to the barren of the prison to the captived of the hand to the needy the filling of poor with riches of the diseased with health of the heavie-hearted glad tidings of the hungry with the choicest delicates cannot so warm the soul so rejoice the heart so solace the inward man as a gracious measure of true holiness The joy of Anna for the birth of a childe 1. Sam. 2.1 the joy of Saul and the men of Israel and the day of their enemies overthrow and Saul's Coronation 1 Sam· 11.15 the joy of the Citizens of Susan in the time of Haman Est 8.15 the joy of the rich man in filling his barns Luk. 12.19 the joy of the Souldier in dividing the spoil Isa 9.3 is not so great as the joy of the new birth spiritual coronation of God's people the overthrow of the holds of Satan the filling of the soul with the saving graces of the spirit this joy to other joyes is as a full stream to a few drops as a flaming fire to a few sparks as a bright and shining Sun to the light of a candle readie to extinguish this is a full joy Ioh. 16.24 great joy Acts. 8.8 glorious and unspeakale joy 1. Pet. 1.8 constant and abiding joy Ioh. 15.11 a Sun which shineth when all other vanishing meteors of comfort are extinct Prov. 13.9 all the causes of true joy do accompany a godly life God's favor God's presence God's blessing sense of God's goodness assurance of a gracious issue out of all dangers 3. From the stabilitie and stedfastness which doth attend it men that are endued with true grace are like a hous upon a sure foundation like a tree of deep roots uneasily moved therefore likened to a tree by the waters side Psal 1.3 Psal 52.8 and Pro. 14.11 they are held in a strong hand Ioh. 10.28 they are built upon a sure rock Mat. 16.18 they are compast about with a strong defence Zech. 2.5 hence Psa 31.20.21 1. Sam. 2.9 Prov. otherwise Psal 73.18 Hos 13.3 4. From the presence of God vouchsafed to it God's gracious presence is yielded onely to such as are indued with true holiness amongst them will hee be as a General among his army a shepherd among his flock a teacher among his scholars a father among his family defending against adversaries power instructing them in holy duties encouraging them in all their undertakings feeding them with his ordinances watering them with the dews of his spirit hee will frustrate all assaults of the enemie Zeph. 3.15 he will fill the souls of his people with gladness v. 17. make them a prais glory among the people as flowers among the grass as the lilly among the thorns Zech. 2.5 they shall enjoy all abundance Ioël 2.26.27 if they fall into affliction it shall not consume them Exod. 3.4 5. From the happy gracious and comfortable issue whereunto it leadeth how full of storms soëver the sea bee yet it alway bringeth to a peaceable haven though the seed twice bee full of tares yet the harvest is ever replenished with joy though the godly man meet at first like Samson with
holiness hee hath healing in his wings Mal. 4.2 hee is like Mal. 3.2 3 4. Isa 35.6 7 8. he can Mat. 1.21 Tit. 2.14 1 Joh. 3 8. as Joh. 11.44 hee can bring you out of the grave of your corruption though no nitre can purge you yet Jerem. 2.22 yet hee Ephes 5.25 26. 5. If they want temporal endowments our outward estate bee slender our wealth small our love friends honor respect and place in the world nothing at all if our outward abilities bee like waters in a dry summer at a low ebb like the heat of fire arising from a little wood like the light of a lamp wherein is but little oil though our backs bee cloathed with camel's hair a leathern girdle sheep-skins goat-skin or vile raiment though we feed with puls barly bread or a few fish have nothing but a little oil in the cense a little mâ—aâ— in our barrel though with David wee bee set behinde the ews with Amos bee gatherers of Sycamore fruit with Gideon our family bee poor among the families of the earth and wee the least in our Father's hous though with Jacob wee have but a stone whereon to lay our heads with our Saviour have no room in the inn of this world where none but they that have store of money in their purs are welcom though wee have nothing but a manger to rest in yet remember that in Christ the head of the body whereof yee are members the Master of the family whereof yee are sons daughters the husband of the souls in him is all fulness hee is the heir of all things Heb. 1.3 hee is the maker the preserver of all the great Lord treasurer of the world in him saith the Apostle all things consist Col. 1.16 in respect of conservation hee continueth them in their beeing in respect of precept hee prescribeth the laws by which nature policy and religion are governed in respect of operation in that all things move by the influence of his hand in respect of ordination hee appointeth all things to their end in respect of disposition hee disposeth the means to the end intended and therefore since all things are in him thus dispensed by him let us say in our needs as the prodigal in his wants Luke 15.17 10. there is enough in Christ and therefore let this sustain us 2. As this comforteth against all wants so it is full of consolation against all evils if wee bee full of sin the blood of Christ is full of virtue to purge it out 1 Joh. 1.7 Heb. 9.14 Zach. 13.1 2. If the law bee full of exactness and rigor all the letters thereof written in blood every sentence a sentence of death though it stand like the Cherubin and flaming sword to keep us from entring into eternal life as that kept the way to the tree of life Gen. 3.24 yet in Christ is righteousness exactly to answer every title of it hee hath fulness to satisfie it so that it becometh as a serpent without sting as a sword without edg it cannot condemn the people of God though God bee a consuming fire yet in the merits of Christ is fulness enough to appeas his anger to procure his favor to turn his angrie into a pleasant voice his frowning into a shining face of an enemy to make him a friend of one dreadfull as a lion to make him gentle as a lamb of a stranger to make him the loving husband of our souls though Satan assault with violence though his holds bee strong his weapons venemous his attempts incessant his devices deep his instruments subtile his stratagems treacherous yet in Christ there is all fulness to prevail against him to put him to flight to drive him to his den to roul a stone upon his cave and tread upon his neck as Joshua did upon the five Kings of Canaan Jos 10.18 24. cast him down in his own pursuit as hee did the Egyptians Pharaoh Exod. 14.24 disarm him as David did Goliah 1 Sam. 17.51 Col. 2.15 Eph. 4.8 if our enemies be strong many violent merciless and wee have no power no helper no way to fly but begin to despair to hang down the head and lose all our comfort then look upon Christ's fulness and as Elisha said to his fearing disquieted and perplexed servant 2 King 6.16 17. so may you say to your own souls for Christ will bee with you stand by you work for you and overthrow all such as rise against you Isa 54.17 Psal 2.9 the stoutest opposers the greatest disputers the most bloody persecutors iron-handed oppressors and iron-hearted and brasen-faced dispisers shall by the Lord Jesus be scattered as the chaff trodden down as the dung rooted up as thorns and briars thrown out as the salt which hath lost his savour and is good for nothing but the dunghill therefore Mat. 18.6 Isa 35.3 these and the like are the streams of consolation which flow from that full fountain of all goodness which is in Christ Jesus this is the pleasant and soul refreshing fruits which grow upon this tree of life the delightfull and heart-rejoicing beams which discend to the souls of God's people from this sun therefore let us all strive for interest in him communion with him let us in all estates depend upon him in every condition rest our selvs contented with him hee hath fulness of riches for all his faithfull that are now poor fulness of honor for all that are now in ignominy fulness of peace for all his that are now in trouble fulness of joy for all that are now in heaviness fulness of liberty for all that are now in bonds fulness of power to deliver all his which are in any distress for Vers 35. The father loveth the son and hath given all things into his hands THe Baptist having set before his disciples the authority of Christ the commission which the father gave him to undertake the great and mighty work of our salvation having also declared the sufficiency of Christ the abundant effusion of the saving grace of the Spirit upon him descendeth now to discover and lay open the ground hereof even the love of God as if hee had said The Father hath wonderfully enriched the Son with many choice and singular endowments bestowed upon him a rich store-hous of all graces and why hath hee done so becaus hee loved the Son so that from the coherence of this with the former vers wee may learn Doctr. That the bestowing of the saving gifts and graces of the Spirit is the choicest testimony of the love of God a greater testimony of the love of God to fill the vessels of the soul with sanctification then to fill the barn with corn the fold with sheep the stall with oxen the chest with gold the life with pleasure or to set upon the head a crown of worldly honor therefore when God entred into Covenant with his people promised to bee their God and took them above all the people of the
Psalmist alluding to the sacrifices and feasts among the Jews sheweth as they fed delicately filled themselvs plenteously so the people of God fed with the preaching of the Gospel and administration of the Sacraments should be abundantly filled with all heavenly comforts with all saving gifts and graces so filled that they should bee therewith satisfied the like expression to this is used Psal 23.5 6. the Psalmist thereby setting forth the large measure of grace which God conferred on him the abundant holy joy and rejoycing wherewith the Lord did replenish him 6. Because these gifts are of all other gifts the most profitable these like the Ark to Obed Edom like Joseph to Potiphar do cause all wee have all wee do to prosper The Apostle doth excellently express it where hee saith godliness is profitable to all things having the promise of this life and of that which is to come 1 Tim. 4.8 godliness profitable helpfull to every duty to every estate and condition of life it is profitable to us when wee hear it causeth our hearts to bee to the word as good ground to the seed as a healthy stomach to the food it maketh the Word to us as the light to the eye very pleasant and delightfull as musick to the ear very comfortable as a joyfull tidings to the sorrowfull for Mica 2.7 2. It is profitable to us when wee pray it maketh us to com before the Lord with confidence 1 John 3.20 21. it inlargeth the desires of our souls strengtheneth our affections and maketh them more fervent carrying them towards God like a strong flood which cannot bee stopped maketh the cry of our souls vehement maketh them as incense the smoak of sweet wood in God's nostrils Jam. 5.16 this is like Aaron and Hur to Moses Exod. 17.12 14. 3. It is profitable to us when wee are assaulted it inableth us to draw nigh to God with fulness of assurance Heb. 10.22 it maketh us confident bold and couragious Prov. 28.1 It defendeth us like a breast plate Ephes 6.14 it is an Ark in the Deluge 4. It is profitable when wee are in any affliction It maketh all troubles to bee as fire to the gold fanne to the corn the fiery fornace to the three children an occasion of nearer communion with God holiness to God's people in the time of trouble is as Moses rod making a way thorough the red sea opening the stony rock as the tree making the bitter waters sweet as the meal making the pot which was full of death to become full of health as a wise Phisitian maketh a healthfull and healing medicine of that which in it self is very poison 5. It is profitable when wee are to perform any sacred duty it is to us as wings to the bird as horsmen an chariots to travellers as wind tide sails to the marriner as art skill and strength to him that undergoeth the labor of handicraft it strengtheneth enliveneth and inableth the soul with a singular readiness marvellous joy great content and unspeakable delight to run that race fulfill that task with God hath set him 1 John 5.3 Psa 40.8 Psal 108.3 and Jud. 5.2 6. It is profitable in the collection gathering receiving affective fruition and using of all outward blessings it teacheth us to gain them lawfully to affect them moderately to rejoice in them sparingly to use them holily to order our selvs in all our businesses religiously wisely graciously as becometh the Gospel of God making all outward blessings occurrents and occasions to bee as feet to help us forward and not as stumbling blocks to occasion our fall to bee as a garment not a burden as a cup whereof to drink to refreshment not a sea wherein to drown our selvs 7. It is profitable in sickness in death holiness inableth us to dy with comfort to imbrace it as the most welcom of all guests to look upon it as a friend of a most lovely countenance as a messenger bringing most joifull tidings as a Physitian curing all diseases as a key opening the gates giving liberty from all troubles entrance into all happiness as the marriage day of our souls this will make us with Faninus the Italian to kiss death as hee kissed the traitor which brought him tidings of his execution these are the fruits which grow on this and the like branches this is the gain which is gathered out of this treasury no gift so profitable therefore no gift so sure a pledg of God's love to his people 7. Because these gifts are of all other gifts the most lasting these are gifts without repentance that know no change Rom. 11.29 a living spring that never faileth Joh. 4.14 a seed that never dieth 1 Joh. 3.9 a jewel which never consumeth Prov. 4.18 a sun that never setteth all other gifts of whatsoëver kinde worth or excellency are but like a cloud soon dispelled a vessel of clay soon broken a sandy foundation soon sunk but they who are endued with the saving graces of the Spirit like trees of deep roots shall surely stand like trees planted by the water side they shall not wither but shall bee as the green olive Psal 52.8 as rich treasure in a strong hand Job 10.28 God's covenant shall have no end his grace shall never dy Jer. 32.39 40. so that in all these respects the holy and saving graces of God's Spirit are the chiefest testimony of God's love Vse This will therefore discover unto us plainly assure us undoubtedly make us see infallibly who they are that are best beloved of God who are the joy of his heart the dearly beloved of his soul not the men who have the largest earthly possessions but they whose souls are replenished with most holiness not they who are endowed with most lordship and autority over their brethren but they who have most sway and dominion over their corrupt affections the most holy the most religious the most sincere in heart the most sanctified in their conversation these are God's dear ones God regardeth not the rich man for his abundance the noble man for his birth the great man for his high place the wise man for his policy these are in the eies of God stars of no brightness flowers of no beauty pearls of no price load stones of no virtue to draw the love of God towards the souls of men hee is moved with none of these things Deut. 10.17 the best common abilities without saving grace are but like glorious apparrel about a dead carcase unable to move any affection or to beget desire of communion the greatest living man will rather enter fellowship and hold communion with the poorest living beggar then with the dead carkass of the greatest princes of the world though cloathed in most rich and roial raiment so will God have fellowship with and set his eies upon the poorest soul that hath the life of grace in him then with the most renowned commander on earth being a stranger to the life of God
throne of grace in his name wee shall finde acceptance for his sake Hebr. 10.22 Rom. 5.1 2. though Jonathan could not appeas the anger of his father Saul against David yet our Jonathan will surely prevail with our God for us though wee are unworthy yet as the man of God looked on Jeboram for Jehoshaphat's sake 2 King 3.14 so will our God look favorably on us for Christ's sake 3 This must quicken and stirr up us to love the Lord Jesus the children use to love where the father doth the servants use to affect where their Lord God the Father loveth the Son therefore let us also get our hearts inflamed with love to him to them that love him all felicity is wished Eph. 6 24. to them that love him not all evils are denounced 1 Cor. 16.22 and many inducements there are to move us to set our affection upon 1. the dignity beauty majesty glory and excellency of his person Isa 45.3 Cant. 5.10 2. The love that hee hath shewed to us Joh. 15.13 Rom. 5.8 Jonathan's love to David caused David again to love him fire begetteth fire 3. The great afflictions hee hath suffered for us 4. The great endowments hee hath bestowed upon us 5. The many enemies hee hath conquered for us 6. The great things hee hath purchased for us in the heavens these are as so many load-stones to draw our hearts unto Christ Jesus as so many bellows to blow up the fire of our affections to inflame or hearts with fervent sacred and constant love unto the Lord Jesus and that so much the more because wee have hence seen Doctr. That the love of God to Christ Jesus is the fountain of all the happiness which cometh to God's servants as the waters come to us from the fountain by and thorow the cistern the light cometh from the sun to the eie by and thorow the aër so is Christ the medium whereby all the goodness of God cometh unto us and God's love to Christ is the original and prime cause hereof as Gen. 45.17 18. the love of King Pharaoh to Joseph was the moving caus of all the favor and kindness hee shewed to his father and brethren when they were in great distress by reason of the famine so the love of God the King of kings viz. Christ Jesus is the fountain of all the happiness peace comfort which is derived and communicated to the brethren of Christ Jesus as the Ark was the caus of the wellfare of Obed-Edom's house so is God's love to Christ the caus of all our welfare this was shadowed out by the ladder in Jacob's vision Genes 28.11 12. reaching from heaven to earth the Angels ascending and descending to shew how all the goodness of God descendeth unto us by and thorow Christ this was also prophecied as the Lord hath put the grace of his spirit upon the son of righteousness to enlighten them that sit in darkness and why hath hee done so but because hee delighted in him and the Apostle speaketh plainly that wee are accepted in the beloved Ephes 1.6 Acts 2.33 Reas 1. Because wee are from all eternity elected in Christ as the Apostle witnesseth Eph. 1.4 saying wee are chosen in him before the foundation of the world in him noting the order in which wee are elected not the cause of election the grace of election beginneth first with Christ our head and descendeth to us in him wee are not first elected and then Christ is chosen by reason of our fall but God out of his love did first chuse him to bee the head of the body mystical and then are wee chosen to bee his members as the head corner stone in the building is first chosen Psa 116.22 and then the other stones which are to bee put into the building hence hee is said to bee the first begotten amongst his brethren Col. 1.18 to have the preheminence to bee sealed John 6.27 set apart to be the prince of our salvation to be fore-ordained before the foundations of the world 1 Pet. 1.20 by how much more excellent things are by so much more timely and principally they bee in God's decree hee doth not think of electing and predestinating us first as a body and then come afterward by occasion to think of a him who is the head hee is the first pattern and wee are predestinated to bee like him Rom. 8.29 and as the master-picture and pattern is first and then the thing which is to bee drawn by it as in a naturall birth the head cometh first and then the feet after it so first was Christ chosen then as the head or the elect and fountain of grace and then are wee chosen in him things in their material existing have one order in their intentional another as for example a man that maketh a house intendeth to dwell under some covering 2 hee intendeth to build a house 3. to hire workmen 4. to prepare matter but in the execution hee 1. setteth stone and wood in place 2 hee hireth workmen then raiseth the frame and lastly entreth in and dwelleth there In order of materiall existing Christ is revealed promised exhibited after sin but intended before sin 1 Cor. 3.22 23. The Apostle reckoning the order in which things exist mentions 1. the world 2 the elect 3 Christ then God but giveth us to understand in order of intention that God intendeth first his own glory then Christ then the Church then the world out of which hee intended to gather such as should bee saved by Christ and thus Christ is the head of the elect and the fountain of grace 2. Because all the promises of God are to us in Christ 2 Cor. 1.20 hee is the cistern by which God hath promised to convey the waters of life to our souls It is hee who of God is made unto us all things behooffull to our salvation 1 Cor. 1.30 it is in him that God hath promised audience and acceptance to our persons Gen. 3.15 it is in him that the blessing was promised to all nations Gen. 12.34 it is in his dayes that all peace and felicity was promised to the Church Jer. 23.5 6. it is hee that brought good and joyfull tidings Micah 4.4 5. 3 Because God hath put all fulness in him for the good of his Church as hee hath put all fulness of light into the sun for the giving of light to the world all fulness of water into the sea for the watering of the earth so hath God put all fulness into him for our behoof that are in him that wee might receive grace needfull to salvation Col. 1.19 John 1.16 Isa 61.1 2. as all Aegypt fetched out of Joseph's store as the ointment on Aaron's head ran down to the beard even the skirts of his garment Psalm 133.1 2. 4. Because our life the life of grace is hidden in Christ even when wee were dead in sin Col. 3.3 as the life of the tree in the winter is in the root the