of Promise the earthly Canaan but the eternal reward And the like may Christians in their good works which they do they may have an eye to their 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Recompence of Reward which God hath promised to such workers And that both Temporal and Eternal reward Therefore is it that our Saviour propoundeth this as a motive unto them to put them upon the practice of good works setting their reward before them Love your Enemies saith he and do good and lend looking for nothing again and your reward shall be great Luke 6.35 And elsewhere he tells us that whosoever shall do the least office of love Disciple in the name of a Disciple but give a cup of cold water unto him he shall in no wise lose his reward Mat. 10. ult This Christians may yea and for their incouragement ought to have an eye at as in their sufferings so in their doings for Christ By patient eontinuance in well-doing seeking for Glory and Honour and Immortalitie as the Apostle describeth the true believer Rom. 2.7 Gods glory to be eyed in the first place not vain-glory But the chief and main end which they are to aym at is the Glory of God seeking that in the first place Not their own glory This was the Leaven which sowred whatever duties or services the Pharisees performed What they did they did it in an ambitious way out of vain-glory that they might be seen of men◠and have glory from them So our Saviour chargeth it upon them Mat. 6. v. 2. where also he tells his Auditors what they must expect for such services Verily saith he they have their reward v. 2 5 16. All the reward they must look for They must look for none from God Now this let us abandon Take heed that ye do not your Alms to be seen of men that is our Saviours caveat in the first v. there Not seeking our selves our own Glorie This we may hear our blessed Saviour disclaiming I seek not mine own glorie saith he Iohn 8.50 But the glory of his Father he did the glorie of him that sent him as he intimates there in the Chapter fore-going Iohn 7.18 And this let us in imitation of this our heavenly pattern seek after In whatever we do making this our Alpha and Omega our first and last the chief of all our ayms that God may be glorified in us and by us This was Pauls main design in whatever he did or suffered that God might be glorified in him whether by life or death as he telleth his Philippians c. 1. v. 20. And this let us make the main end of all our good works that God as I say may be glorified in us and by us Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorifie your Father which is in heaven saith our Saviour to his Disciples Mat. 5.16 Let your light shine Manifest your inward graces by your outward actions which are as beams from the Sun Shine before men who cannot judge of your hearts but by your deeds That they may see your good works not onely hear your words but behold your works And so glorifie your Father which is in heaven And let this be the main design of every of us in whatever works we doe that God may be glorified in us as Paul saith he was in him Gal. 1. last So doing now doubt not but our works shal be acceptable to God and profitable to our selves of which more hereafter in the last particular to which I now come 2. Partic. The inward Affection in doing good works The Modus the inward Affection or Disposition of this peculiar people in performing of this service doing of these works and that is a holy fervour Zeal Zealous of good works Obs Christs people Zelots Such the Redeemed of the Lord Christs people are or ought to be Zelots Mark it this is the last Conclusion which the Text holdeth forth unto us Christs people must be zelots So was one of his Apostles sirnamed Quod Zelo ferveret Hieron Epl. 53. ad Riparium Simon called Zelotes Luke 6.15 Acts 1.13 Simon the zealous And such ought all his Disciples to be zelots all Such were the Iewes generally under the Law they were zealous of the Law So Iames tells Paul concerning them Acts 21.20 Thou seest brother saith he how many thousand of Iewes there are which believe and they are all zealous of the Law 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 And in the Chapter following Paul speaking to the Iewes concerning himself he tells them how that being a Iew born and bred and taught according to the manner of the Fathers I was saith he zealous towards God as ye all are this day Such were they under the Law And such Christians ought to be under the Gospel though not in the same way yet zelots still Not key-cold nor yet tepid and lukewarm in their Religion but zealous That is the Charge which the Son of man giveth to lukewarm Laodicea Rev. 3.19 Be zealous 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which if she were not he threatens to spew her out of his mouth Thus Christ will own none for his people but such as are zealous Quest And wherein zealous Quest Wherein to be zealous Ans Why generally in somwhat that is good It is good saith the Apostle to be zealously affected alwaies in a good thing Ans Generally in a good matter Gal. 4.18 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Zeal in it self as it is with Affections and Passions whereof zeal is onely the Intension the heightning of them it is vox media indifferent so as it may be taken either in good or bad part according to the nature of the Object or matter whereabout it is exercised So much we may take notice of from that Apostle who as he there minds us of a good zeal so in the Chapter following he tells us of an evil one Gal. 5.20 where speaking of the works of the flesh among other he reckons this for one Emulations 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Zeals inordinate heats and contentions about matters not fit for Christians to contend about Thus then there is a double zeal Spiritus Carnis the one a fruit of the Spirit the other of the Flesh a spiritual a carnal zeal It is the former of these we have to deal with a spiritual zeal Which as it is proper so it ought to be common to those that are Christs They must be zealous in a good way in a good matter This in the General In Particular In Particular the good things whereabout they are to be zealous may be reduced to two heads either Gifts or Works that they may receive the one that they may act the other 1. For Gifts 1. For Gifts This the Apostle calleth for 1 Cor. 14.1 Desire spiritual Gifts 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 saith the Original be zealous of them earnestly coveting them So we find the same word
meeting with him saluting him in that scornful manner as we find it there v. 20. How glorious was the King of Israel to day who uncovered himself to day in the eyes of the handmaids of his servants as one of the vain fellows shamefully uncovereth himself But what saith David this That we may read in the verses following v. 21 22. It was before the Lord saith he which chose me before thy Father and before all his house c. Therefore will I play before the Lord and I will yet be more vile than this So far was this from quenching or cooling his zeal that it inflames it so far from taking him off from such demonstrations of his affection to his God that it heightens his resolution that way And of like use let the reproaches and scorns which wicked men cast upon the wayes of God and those that walk conscionably in them be unto us every one as a blast to blow up this fire 3. This fire to be kept in Which being thus kindled and blown up then let our next care be to keep it in This was the Charge which God committed to his Priests under the Law concerning the fire upon the Altar That they should look to it to keep it in by day and by night so as it should never go out but be continually burning as we have the Law for it Lev. 6.12 13. And such care let all the Lords people have of this heavenly fire this holy zeal for their God Being once kindled in their hearts let them be careful to keep it in See that it do not die and go out As knowing it that they shall have occasion every day to make use of it Upon this account was that fire upon the Altar to be looked to in that manner Reason 2. Being of daily use in regard of the dayly use which they had of it in offering of Sacrifices And upon the like account let all the Lords people have a care to keep in this sacred fire in their hearts in as much as they shall have a daily use of it Use of it in all the services which they do to God or Man All which they are to do with a holy zeal and fervour And 2ly if it be not looked to Reason 1. Subject to die it is ready to go out So the Spirit tells the Church of Sardis concerning her graces Rev. 3.2 Strengthen the things which remain which are ready to die So is it with Graces themselves and so is it much more with zeal which is as I said not so much any distinct grace as the intension and heightning of other graces Now this Christians are subject to lose Though the fire be not quite put out yet the flame may Though believers shall never fall from grace it self totally and finally yet from the degree they may So was it with languishing Ephesus against whom the Son of Man the Lord Jesus bringeth that Action Rev. 2.4 Neverthelesse I have somewhat against thee because thou hast left thy first love Though not her Love yet her first love her zeal was gone This is a fire which if not looked to will quickly go out especially having so many Quench-coals as it meeteth with in and from the world which should make Christians looking upon this as heavenly fire as that upon the Altar was fire which came down from Heaven to be the more carefull of it Quest How kept in Quest What then shall we do for the keeping of it in A needful Question in these declining Apostatizing times wherein how many may we see every where sick of Ephesus's disease having lost their first love Times too like those which our Saviour foretold of Mat. 24.12 Because iniquitie shall abound saith he the love of many shall wax cold Love to God and love to man shall grow cold not shewing it self as before in offices of Piety and Charity A truth which we see too sad an experience of everywhere So as this Question as it is useful at all times so needful at this Ans The Metaphor followed Ans In Answer hereunto I shall still follow the Metaphor which the word in the Text leadeth me to which as I have shewn you is taken from fire Now for the keeping in of fire there are three things principally useful and needful viz. the Stirring of it Blowing of it Feeding of it And every of these let us in a spiritual sense practice as to our zeal 1. Stirring up this fire Dir. 1. This fire to be stirred up That is the advice which Paul giveth to Timothy concerning his Ministerial gift 2 Tim. 1.6 I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God which is in thee 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 A Metaphor taken from fire which being ready to go out is revived by stirring it up And this do we concerning those graces which we have received stir them up And as all other so specially our love whereof as I said zeal is the flame the Intension of it Stir we up this Grace Which do we as by other means so specially by working those aforesaid considerations upon our hearts touching the love of God and Iesus Christ to us manifested in giving himself for us Which was Love in the height of it Zeal love beyond all our Comprehensions So God loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son John 3.16 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 So so as cannot be parallell'd nor yet expressed Often call we to mind this Love this Zeal of God and Jesus Christ for us This will be of singular efficacie in stirring up the like intense affection in us towards them again The love of Christ constraineth us 2 Cor. 6.14 2. Stirring up the fire blow it Dir. 2. This fire must be blown by Prayer Which is done by Prayer Prayer is as the Bellows for the blowing of this fire which Christians upon that account are every day to make use of Pray without ceasing 1 Thes 5.17 Begging from God not only Grace to do his will but Zeal in doing it This course took Baals Priests when they would have fire to consume their sacrifice They cryed unto their God for it They called on the name of Baal from morning to evening saying O Baal hear us 1 King 18.26 What they did in an impious way to their deaf and dumb Idol do we the like in a Religious way to the true and living God as Elias there did v. 37 38. Being every day to offer up the sacrifice of some good works or other unto him beg we from him this heavenly fire that he would inflame our hearts with affections suitable to the services which we are to do Dir. 3. This fire to be fed 3. And then in the third place Feed this fire This course took the Priests for the keeping in of the fire upon the Altar they fed it with wood every morning as we find them ordered to do Lev. 6.12 And
such in your own eyes as you are in his That seeing your own filthiness you might come to abhor your selves So did Iob though a holy man yet being convinced of his impatience and other his errors after that God had so clearly revealed himself unto him Now saith he I abhor my self Job 42.6 What cause then have you to do the like having nothing but Corruption in you You whose sins and iniquities testifie against you as the Prophets Ieremy Isai speak of the Iews Isa 59.12 Ier. 14.7 Oh what cause have you to abhor to loath your selves Which till you do never look to be made partakers of this Benefit which we are now speaking of Christ never Purifieth any never freeth them from the guilt and power of sin but he bringeth them to such a loathing of themselves for it So much we may learn from that of the Prophet Ezekiel cap. 36. where the Lord making promise to his people that he would save them from all their uncleanness v. 29. free them from the guilt and slavery of their sins he subjoyns in the verse next but one v. 31. Then shall you remember your own evil waies and your doings that were not good and shall loath your selves in your own sight for your iniquities and for your abominations Never doth God exercise his grace and mercy upon a poor sinner in Iustifying and Sanctifying of him but he brings him to such an abhorrence such a loathing of himself for his sins maketh him vile in his own eyes Behold I am vile saith Iob Iob 40.4 What did you never yet see your selves to be such surely such you are and the more vile because you see it not Now the Lord who openeth the eyes of the blind open your eyes that you may see it Which when once you come to do then look up to your Purifier Then look up to their Purifier even the Lord Iesus who gave himself to Redeem such as you are that he might purifie them free them as from the Guilt so from the Contagion of sin from the one by Iustifying from the other by Sanctifying of them Who gave himself for us that he might Redeem us from all iniquitie and Purifie Loe This is the work of Iesus Christ thus to purifie his people by way of Sanctification Obs 3. Christ purifieth his Redeemed ones by way of Sanctification Hence it is that we find him called by the name of a Refiner and Purifier Mat. 3.3 He shall sit as a Refiner and Purifier of silver and he shall purifie the sons of Levi. A Refiner is one that purifieth mettals silver or gold from the dross that is in them And thus doth the Lord Christ purifie his people from the Corruption of sin Quest And how doth he this Quest How doth he this Answ Why this he doth properly and principally by his Word and Spirit Answ By his Word and Spirit Even as Refiner worketh by his fire so doth Christ by his Word and Spirit both which we find compared to fire Is not my word like as a fire saith the Lord. Jer. 23.29 He shall Baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire Mat. 3.11 That is with the Holy Ghost which is like unto fire Both so called as upon other so upon this account in as much as they have a refining purifying separating property in them Even as the Refiners fire separates the dross from the pure mettal even so doth the Word of which the Apostle to the Hebrews saith that it is quick and powerful and sharper than any two-edged sword piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit and of the joynts and marrow This doth the Word being accompanied by the Spirit Even as the Refiners fire being blown up now it melts the Mettals and separates betwixt the drosse and it even thus doth the Lord Christ melt the hearts of his people with godly contrition for sin and so purge out Corruption out of them by the work of his Spirit accompanying the Word Afflictions made use of in this work Other means there are which also he maketh use of oft times in this work among other of Afflictions and Tryals which are as his Fining pot into which he brings his people for this end This course he tooke with his people the Jewes as the Prophet Jeremie sets it forth Ier. 9.7 Therefore thus saith the Lord of Hosts Behold I will melt them and try them viz. as the finer doth his Oar in the furnace and fire of Affliction And so the Prophet Zacharie expresseth it Cap. 13. v. last I will bring the third part through the fire and will refine them as silver is refined and will try them as gold is tryed Two parts of the people being destroyed and consumed the third part the remainder which the Lord intended to make his peculiar people he brings them through the fire of affliction for the refining and purifying of them So the Prophet Isai explains the Metaphor Isai 48.10 where the Lord speaking to the same people tells them Behold I have refined thee but not with or as Silver I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction This is the Lords firing-pot into which he oft times brings those whom he intends to make choice of so for his peculiar people He brings them into the furnace of affliction Where though he do not refine them with Silver or as silver which the finer useth to keep in the fire till all the dross be wasted and wrought out of it not refining them exactly and perfectly yet he beginneth and maketh some progress in this work making their Afflictions subservient thereunto as Preparatives to and furtherances in this their purging and purifying By this therefore shall the iniquitie of Iacob be purged and this is all the fruit to take away his sin Isa 27.9 This is the end which God aymeth at in afflicting his people whom he loveth and intendeth good to that he may thereby purge sin out of them But this is but an Occasion as also the word is but an instrument which God is pleased to make use of in effecting of this work In the mean time the proper and principal efficient is the Spirit of Christ The Principal efficient herein the Spirit concurring and working together with and by these meanes Which is therefore called the Spirit of holinesse Rom. 1.4 And Sanctification is ascribed unto it as its proper and peculiar work being called the Sanctification of the Spirit 2 Thess 2.13 1 Pet. 1 2. And by this Spirit it is that Christ purifieth his people Christ having by his death impetrated the holy Spirit for his people conveyeth it unto them Having first impetrated and obtained it for them by his death he then communicateth it unto them Thereby first working Faith in them to apply the merit of his death unto themselves whereby they come to draw this purifying vertue from him their hearts being purified by faith as
Peter saith of the beleeving Gentiles Acts 15.9 faith in Christ whose Blood is by this meanes made effectual unto them for the purging of their consciences from dead works to serve the living God as the Apostle hath it Heb. 9.14 And then pouring out other Graces upon them the fruits and effects of the same Spirit which is the Clean water spoken of Ezek. 36.25 wherewith the Lord promiseth to besprinkle his people Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you and you shall be clean from all your filthinesse and from all your Idols will I cleanse you Meaning that he would communicate his Grace and Spirit unto them whereby he would purge and purifie them as from the Guilt so from the Filth of their sins And this doth the Lord Jesus doe unto all those whom he hath given himself for Redeeming them he also purifieth Obs 4. The Redeemed of the Lord all purified by him sanctifieth them Mark it this is the Bird which I have been so long beating the bush for Those whom Christ Redeemeth he also purifieth Redemption and Purification Iustification and Sanctification are inseparable companions So we find them here joyned together the one as a Consequent of the other Who gave himself for us that he might Redeem and Purify And so we find them elsewhere as 1 Cor. 1.30 Of him are ye in Christ Iesus who is made unto us of God Wisedom and Righteousnesse and Sanctification And so again Cap. 6. of that Epistle v. 11. Such were some of you viz. unrighteous persons polluted with divers kinds of lusts but ye are washed but ye are sanctified but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Iesus and by the spirit of our God Both these wayes were these beleeving Corinthians washed and purified by the Blood of Christ unto Justification and by his Spirit unto Sanctification Thus doth the Lord Jesus come unto those whom he intendeth to make his people he cometh to them by Water and Blood So St. Iohn describeth the manner of his coming 1 Iohn 5.6 This is he that cometh by water and blood even Iesus Christ not by water onely but by water and blood Both these in a literal sense we find issuing out of his side in his Passion upon the Crosse as the story hath it Iohn 19.34 And both these we find Typically in the Sacraments of the New Testament instituted by him where in one Element is water in another wine a Type of the Blood of Christ the Mystery of both which is to shew how Christ cometh unto his people by water and blood by way of Sanctification as well as Iustification as well washing away the filth of their sins by his Spirit as the Guilt of them by his Blood This he doth for all his Elect people whom he chooseth and calleth out of the world to be a peculiar people to himself So much we may take notice of from that of St. Peter 1 Pet. 1.2 where he describeth those believers to whom he writeth after that manner Elect according to the fore-knowledge of God the Father through Sanctification of the spirit unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Iesus Christ Thus the Blood and Spirit of Christ go together the one Justifying the other Sanctifying To this end it was that Christ gave himself for his Church as the Apostle hath it Eph. 5.26 27. That he might sanctifie and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word that he might present it unto himself a glorious Church not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing but that it should be holy and without blemish This was Christs design in giving himself that he might procure this double benefit for his Church of Justification and Sanctification washing them as from the Guilt so from the Filth of sin the one by his Blood the other by his Spirit both like unto water for the cleansing property of them Which in effect speaketh the very same thing with this in the Text. Who gave himself that he might Redeem and Purifie Quest Quest Why Christ purifieth his people And why is Jesus Christ so intent about this work the Purifying and Sanctifying of his people Ans For this divers Reasons may be assigned 1. One of which the Text holdeth forth This he doth that they may be a Peculiar people to himself Reas 1. That they may be a peculiar people to himself a people whom he may make his choise Treasure Now men will not take base Metal Silver or Gold to make their Cimelium their choise Treasure of but they will have it refined purified But of this God willing more hereafter 2. This Christ doth that he may conform his people to himself 2. That they may be conformable to himself This was the design of God the Father in giving his Elect people unto his Son Christ Whom he did foreknow saith the Apostle he did also predestinate to be conformed to the Image of his Son Rom. 8.29 made like unto him in their Sanctification as well as Glorification And to this design Christ himself was and is subsernient giving himself that he might execute and bring about what his Father had decreed and determined procure not only the Redemption but the Sanctification of his people that so they might be therein like unto himself resembling him in that his Perfection of holiness A perfection eminent in him Whncee he is called by the Angel that holy thing 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Luk. 1.35 Such he was here upon earth perfectly pure and holy free from all sin Original Actual The Lamb without blemish and without spot 1 Pet. 1.19 Who did no sin neither was there guile found in his mouth Cap. 2. v. 22. Such was Christ in his own Person And such as himself is such he will have those whom he taketh to be his people his peculiar people to be in measure like unto himself that so it may be known to whom they belong Upon this ground it is that the Lord requireth that his people should be a holy people Be ye holy for I am holy Lev. 11.44 c. And upon this ground the Lord Christ maketh his people such maketh them holy because he himself is holy 3. 3 That he may bring them to glorie This he doth that so he may bring them to Happiness to which Holiness is the way Without which as the Apostle tells us no man shall see the Lord Heb. 12.14 be made partaker of that beatifical vision see the Lord Christ where he is so as to be with him in his Kingdom of glory This is that which Christ saith he willeth Father I will that they also whom thou hast given me be with me where I am that they may behold my glorie Joh. 17.24 Now we know what is said of the new Jerusalem Rev. 21. last There shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth neither whatsoever worketh abomination So it shall be in a great measure upon earth In
worketh in him sutable indeavours setting him on work for the purging and purifying of himself And this let all of us in the fear of God seriously set about The washing of our hands This David resolves upon I will wash mine hands in innocencie Ps 26.6 And this the Lord calleth for from his people Wash ye make ye clean put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes ceas to do evil Isai 1.16 And washing our hands wash our hearts also wash thine heart from wickedness that thou mayest be saved Jer. 4.14 wash hands and hearts cleanse your hands ye sinners and purifie your hearts ye double minded Jam. 4.3 Thus put away not only sinfull words and Actions out of the life but sinfull lusts out of the heart Let us cleanse our selves from all filthiness of the flesh and Spirit 2 Cor. 7.1 if a man purge himself from these things he shall be a vessel unto honour sanctified and meet for the Masters use 2 Tim. 2.21 2. The positive part of it 2. But rest not in the Negative that we are not so and so as some others are but seek after a positive Purification He that hath this hope in him or on him 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that is on Christ purifyeth himself as he is pure saith John 1 Ioh. 3.3 All those who look for salvation by Christ besides his righteousness imputed they must be made partakers of his holiness Heb. 12.10 And this do we all of us seek after Cleanse our selves from all filthiness in of the flesh and Spirit perfecting holiness in the fear of God as it there followeth 2 Cor. 7.1 that we may be adorned with all those graces which may render us such as becometh the Redeemed of the Lord to be a holy people Those Virgins which I speak of which were to be brought into the King they were not only to be washen from Bodily defilements but they were to be purifyed by Myrrh and other fragrant spices Thus think we it not enough to free our selves from sinfull lusts which are the pollutions of the soul but seek after such a Positive purification that our souls may be indued with all such graces as may render us acceptable to our heavenly Husband the Lord Iesus and fit us for Communion with him In such a way Saint Peter speaking of beleevers to whom he writeth saith that they had purified themselves 1 Pet. 1.21 Seeing ye have purified your selves in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren Thus it is not enough to free the heart from rancour and malice but it must be purified to unfeigned love love to God and Jesus Christ and love to his Saints for his sake And so for other graces of the Spirit see we that our souls be adorned with every of them so as what the Apostle saith of his Corinthians 1 Cor. 1.7 it may be made good in us That we come behind in no gift no grace Christians to express purity in their lives in word and deed And being thus laid in with this inward purity of soul being as it is said of the Kings daughter the Church Psal 45.13 glorious within now let us expresse it outwardly in the course of our lives and conversations endeavouring to approve our selves as to God so to the world true 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 pure and holy in word and deed In word having a pure language which the Lord promiseth to his people Zeph. 3.9 In deed This Paul presseth upon Timothy as a Minister 1 Tim. 4.12 Be thou an example of the Believers in word in conversation in charity in spirit in faith in purity And so again in the Chapter following Cap. 5. v. 2. he bids him that having to deal in the instructing of young women he should do it with all puritie so as his carriage might not give ground for the least suspition of levity And thus let all as Publick persons in special who are herein to be exemplary to others so all private Christians carry themselves towards others in all their dealings with them with all purity thereby shewing themselves to be in the number of those for whom Christ hath given himself which he did to this end that having Redeemed them he might purifie them Thus let all of us seek after Purity and Holinesse Negative and Positive Inward and Outward purity of hâ—art and purity of life learning and practising this lesson which our Apostle here teacheth us v. 12. to deny ungodlinesse and worldly lusts and to live soberly and righteously and godly in this present world Which if we shall not do what do we but therein cross the design of Jesus Christ in giving himself which was that Redeeming his people from all Iniquity he might Purifie them And Wherefore purifie them That is the last Particular in the Text which holdeth forth to us the End or the Design wherefore it was that Christ was and is at this Cost and Paines as in Redeeming so in Purifying of this people Branch 3. Christs design in Redeeming and purifying his people This he hath done and doth as with an eye to them so to himself So it followeth Purfie to himself 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 sibiipsi This was the design of Jesus Christ in what he hath done and doth for the sons of men in Redeeming Purifying Iustifying Sanctifying of them that so he might acquire unto himself a people Obs That he might acquire unto himself a people a people who being serviceable to him here might reign with him hereafter So our Apostle elswhere setteth forth the End of his giving himself for the Church sanctifying and cleansing it which speaketh the very same thing with this in the Text. This he did saith he That he might present it to himself a glorious Church not having spot or wrinkle c. Eph. 5.27 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Present it to himself Which he doth first in his Kingdom of Grace then of Glory In his Kingdom of Grace as serviceable tâ— him in his Kingdom of Glory to have an everlasting Communion with him Even as King Ahashuerus in causing those Virgins to be separated and Purified as they were he did it that so they might in due time be presented unto himself and so Purified them unto himself Hest 2.12 Even thus doth the Lord Christ purifie those whom he hath Redeemed purifie them unto himself that they may be presented to him in his Kingdom of Grace and Glory It is the former of these which our Apostle here speaketh of in the Text And Purifie unto himself a peculiar people zealous of good works Obs Christ purifieth his Redeemed ones that they may be set to be his people Therefore it is that Christ purifieth those whom he hath Redeemed Sanctifieth those whom he Iustifieth that so they may be a people fit for himself fit for him to own and fit for him to use To own as his People to make use of in his service
their design so to be Lukewarm in their Religion Lukewarmness in some a politick design As for zeal it is a temper which their policy approves not of No a middle temper is the best neither hot nor cold But herein how are they mistaken Of all tempers Christ liketh it worst So he tells the Laodicean Church there Rev. 3.15 16. I would thou wert either cold or hot So then because thou art lukewarm c. I will spew thee out of my mouth Meats and drinks which are luke-warm are most offensive and displeasing to the stomach apt to provoke vomit And such are all Newters and Politick Time-servers unto Jesus Christ loathsome and detestable such as sooner or later he will cast out with loathing and detestation Here is a second sort Lukewarm Christians Besides these a third sort there are who are zealous I but of what Not of good works 3. Some zealous but not of good works What then Why either 1. Of things Indifferent which they superstitiously doting upon make necessary 1. Of things indifferent shewing more zeal for humane inventions than for any part of the instituted worship and service of God Such was the zeal of the Pharisees who found fault with the Disciples of Christ and quarrel with him their Master about it because they did not observe their Traditions Why do thy Disciples transgresse the Tradition of the Elders say they For they wash not their hands when they eat bread Matth. 1.2 Thus were they very zealous for those ceremonious observances which being in themselves indifferent they putting a Religion in them made necessary preferring them before divine Institutions and Commands So our Saviour there chargeth it upon the v. 6. Thus have ye made the Commandements of God of none effect by your Traditions And such was Pauls zeal before his Conversion as himself acknowledgeth it Gal. 1.14 I was then saith he 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 more exceedingly zealous of the Traditions of my Fathers And such a zeal may we see at this day among those great Zelots of the Roman Church who are transcendently more exceedingly zealous than others But whereof is it Why of the Traditions of their Fathers humane Inventions Rites Ceremonies such as have no warrant from the Word And would to God there were not too much of this zeal to be found amongst some Protestants at this day even amongst our selves who are still so much addicted to old Customes and Rites and Ceremonies as that their zeal to them maketh them overlook the substance of Religion and to neglect as I said some of the Ordinances of God Being zealous for Humane they neglect Divine Institutions 2. Of evil works 2. Others there are worse than these who are zealous about things in themselves evil Such are persons openly wicked who are zealous Actors of sin committing it with greediness Such were some of the Gentiles whom the Apostle describeth Eph. 4.19 Being past feeling they have given themselves over unto lasciviousnesse to work all uncleannesse with greedinesse Would to God there were not some such to be found among Christians amongst us Riotous Intemperate Luxurious persons such as Run to all excess of Riot as St. Peter hath it 1. Pet. 4.4 And such zeal shall we find amongst Idolaters Those of old whom we read of among whom some thought nothing too dear for their Idols not sparing some of them to sacrifice their Children unto them So did the worshippers of Molech or Baal of whom the Prophet Jeremie speaketh Jer. 19.5 They have built also the high-places of Baal to burn their sons with fire for burnt offerings unto Baal And such are the prime Zelots of the Church of Rome at this day such as are zealous for their Idolatry and Superstition as Invocating of Saints Worshipping of Images Adoring the Sacrament c. 3. Another sort there are who are zealous against good works 3. Against good works speaking evill of them and persecuting those that do them Such was Pauls zeal before his Conversion as himself acknowledgeth it Phil. 3.6 Concerning zeal persecuting the Church Such zeal our Saviour tels his Disciples they should make account to meet with from those who liked not their way John 16.2 They shall put you out of the Synagogues Yea the time cometh that whosoever killeth you will think that he doth God service And such zeal may we find among Papists at this day who care not what cruelties they exercise upon the true Professors of Gods Religion And would to God there were not some of this zeal to be found among our selves in such as are zealous against the wayes of God and those that walk in them not sparing to revile the Ministers of God for doing their duty and to rail upon his servants for being so forward so zealous as they are of good works Thus their zeal is against zeal which they look upon as no better than folly and madness in those who express it in the course of their lives and conversations by being more forward and zealous than others Now to close up this Branch of the Application as for all these let them here take notice that being such we cannot reckon them in the number of this peculiar people whom Christ hath Redeemed and Purified to this end that they should be zealous and zealous of good works Vse 2. Exh. Be zealous Which let all of us in the second place be exhorted and excited to That we may approve and evidence our selves to be of this blessed number such as belong unto Jesus Christ be we zealous zealous for God in doing his will Be zealous saith the Spirit to the Laodicean Church And such let us be 1. Motives and means for the kindling of this fire For the kindling of which fire in our hearts do but consider in the first place how zealous God hath been and is for us for his people Thus saith the Lord of hosts I am jealous for Jerusalem and for Zion with a great jealousie Zach. 1.14 1. Consider Gods zeal for us 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Kinnethi saith the Original zelatus sum I have been zealous for them with a great zeal Such is Gods affection towards his Church and people like that of a most affectionate husband towards his beloved wife whom he cannot endure to see wronged Such is Gods zeal for his people Which as it induceth him to make so to perform and make good his promises unto them This it was that moved him to give his Son Christ for them to send him into the world to do what he hath done and shall do for them To us a child is born to us a son is given saith the Prophet Esay speaking of Christ Isa 9.6 And what moved God to do this Why The zeal of the Lord of hosts shall perform this so the Reason is rendred in the verse following Thus hath God been zealous for us great reason then that we should be zealous for him
2. And again consider how zealous Iesus Christ hath been for us 2. The zeal of Jesus Christ in giving himself What affection he hath shewn to us in doing what the Text mindeth us of giving himself for us and that to the Death even that accursed death treading the winepresse of his Fathers wrath for our sakes What zeal did he herein shew for us How earnest was his desire of effecting the work of our Redemption This is that which he telleth his Disciples Luke 12.50 I have a Baptism to be Baptized with saith he and how am I straitned till it be accomplished A Baptism meaning his Death and Passion whereby he was consecrated to be the Saviour of the world And concerning this he saith he was straitned 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 earnestly desiring the accomplishment thereof that so the work of mans Redemption which he made his grand design might be effected A work which he was very zealous of And hereupon it was that he was so far from declining of that bitter Cup as Peter would have had him to do that he even maketh haste as it were to drink it going into the Garden where he knew the High Priests officers would come to apprehend him and there going forth to meet them offering himself unto them not accepting of any attempt for his rescue as I shewed you in opening the first Branch of the Text how Christ gave himself for us Such was his zeal for us that he thought not his dearest blood too dear for us And oh how zealous then should we be for him Was he so zealous in suffering for us how zealous should we be in doing for him Let these Considerations serve as well they may for the kindling of this fire 2. Considerations useful for the blowing up of this fire Which being in this way kindled let our next work be to inflame and blow it up In which way among other make use of these Considerations 1. The zeal of Angels in serving their God 1. Look upon the blessed Angels considering how zealous they are in serving their God and us So much we are put in mind of by that name which is given to some of them who are called Seraphim So we find them Isa 6.2 where the Prophet describing the Majesty of God represented to him in a Vision as sitting upon his Throne with a guard of Angels about him he saith About it stood the Seraphims or rather Seraphim as the plural termination in the Hebrew requires it should be Seraphim a word coming from Saraph which signifieth to burn 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ussit form whence they were so called as to import their singular splendor so also their fervency of love to God and zeal in his service Who maketh his Angels Spirits his Ministers a flaming fire Psa 146. Such are those glorious Spirits Whence it is that in the verse there following they are said to have each of them six wings two whereof were to fly withall as also the Cherubins in the Temple had 1 King 6.27 intimating their promptness to and swiftness in executing the will of their God doing whatsoever he putteth them upon Doing his commandements hearkning to the voice of his word as the Psalmist describeth those heavenly Spirits Psalm 103.20 And as they are zealous in doing service to their God so to his people In serving his people Being Ministring Spirits unto them sent forth to Minister unto them who shall be heirs of Salvation as the Apostle sets forth their office Heb. 1. last how intent are they about this work Take heed saith our Saviour that ye despise not one of these little ones the meanest of Gods servants For I say unto you that in Heaven their Angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven Mat. 18.10 waiting for Gods command to be imployed for the meanest of his servants And are they so zealous in his service Why then should not they who hope to be like unto them another day which our Saviour tells us all true believers in the Resurrection shall be Matth. 22.30 strive to be herein like unto them 2. And as Angels so the Saints of God 2. The zeal of Gods Saints upon earth how zealous do we find many of them to have been How zealous for their God So was Moses and Phineas and Elias and David of whom I spake before And such was Iohn the Baptist A burning and a shining light John 5.35 burning in his zeal for God and shining in his doctrine and life before men And of the like spirit was Paul who when the Disciples understanding what troubles he was like to meet with at Ierusalem disswaded him from going up thither tells them I am ready not to be bound only but to die at Ierusalem for the name of the Lord Iesus Acts 21.13 And how zealous for their Brethren So was Moses who rather than Israels sin should not be forgiven them wisheth that God would blot his name out of his book of life Exod. 32.32 In like manner St. Paul being transported with the like affectionate zeal for his Countreymen the Iewes I could wish saith he that my self were accursed from Christ for my brethrens sake my kinsmen according to the flesh Rom. 9.3 And like zeal we find in other of the servants of God As in Mart. Luther who being disswaded by his friends from adventuring his person at the Council at Wormes took up that Heroick resolution that though there were as many Devils there as tiles to cover the houses yet would he in the name of the Lord Iesus present himself there And the like we read of Mr. Calvin how that bewailing the sad differences amongst the Churches in his time he professed Ne decem quidem maria that it was not the sailing over of ten Seas that would grieve him so he might but obtain an uniform draught of Religion Now setting these and the like Presidents and Examples before us let them be as so many provocatives unto us Such effect had the forwardness and liberality of the Corinthians in their charitable Contributions this their zeal provoked very many as the Apostle tells them 2 Cor. 9.2 And of such use let the zeal of Gods servants be unto us serving to blow up this heavenly zeal in our hearts 3. And such use make we of that zeal which we see betwixt Men upon Civil interests 3. Zeal betwixt men upon civil interests Thus when railing Shimei reviled and cursed the Lords Anointed King David in that base and unworthy manner that he did Abishai hearing it he could not endure it but presently he tenders his service to his Master for the revenging of his quarrel by taking off the head of the dead dog as he calls him as we have the story 2 Sam. 16.9 And like instances we meet with many of such as having espoused the interest of some other have been so zealous in the