Selected quad for the lemma: spirit_n

Word A	Word B	Word C	Word D	Occurrence	Frequency Band	MI	MI Band	Prominent
spirit_n	lord_n	power_n	soul_n	7,217	5	4.8221	4	false

Text snippets containing the quad

ID	Title	Author	Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication)	STC	Words	Pages
A44341	Righteousness rained from heaven, or, A serious and seasonable discourse exciting all to an earnest enquiry after and continued waiting for the effusions of the spirit unto a communication and increase of righteousness, that faith, holiness, and obedience may yet abound among us, and the wilderness become a fruitful field / as it was delivered in a sermon preached at Harford Connecticut in New-England, May 10, 1677, being the day of election there by Samuel Hooker.	Hooker, Samuel, 1635?-1697.	1677 (1677)	Wing H2638; ESTC W1119	25,479	34

Army of Heaven and among the Inhabitants of the Earth He hisseth for the flies that is in the utmost parts of the Rivers of Egypt and for the Bee that is in the land of Assyria and maketh them to rest in the place where he appointeth Isai 7.18 19. it became Israel therefore when they saw the Nations gathering against them to eye God who in his anger had mustered and given them a charge so to do The Assyrian is the rod of his anger and the staffe in their hand is his indignation they move not till he sendeth they make no spoile until he giveth the word of command 2 King 24.2 3. And the Lord sent against him bands of the Caldeer and bands of the Syrians and bands of the Moabites and bands of the children of Ammon and s●nt them against Judah to destroy it Surely at the commandment of the Lord came this upon Judah The Prophet addeth When they shall hinde them in their two furrows here Interpreters are variously minded some take the words to signifie the ground and some the event of the ensuing War those that incline to the former conceive the Prophet to compare the people to untamed Bullocks impatient of the yoke and disused to plow that will not keep the furrow but turn now on the right hand and then on the left so this people instead of going right forward in the way of truth which is but one halted betwixt two balked in their obedience and perverted their way their heart was divided as in the second verse of this chapter they were crooked in their doings and fix●d in their frowardness therefore God was purposed to chastise them vide Zanch. in locum Others carry the words to d●note the issue of the War which was like to be sad on Israels part for though they did unite and binde themselves with utmost resolu●ion to abide in their trenches or furrows for their own defence yet a●l in vain Gods counsel should stand and the Heathen ●aving a charge from him would certainly tread them down So Calvin Their Enemies p●evailing against them would enfo●ce them to miserable bondage and slavery mak●ng them drudge like Oxen at plough So Mercer But why will God do thus by his people It is answered Ephraim is a Heifer that is taught and loveth to tread out the Corn In those times they were wont to tread out the Corn with the trampling of beasts and God had commanded concerning the oxe while improved in that service that he should not be muzzled this was pleasanter work then plowing and this Ephraim was for a cheap Religion pleased him They were grown sensual sluggish remiss and wanton in their Profession 1 Kin. 12 26 27 28. Jeroboam said in his heart now shall the kingdome return to the house of David if this people go no to do sacrifice in the house of the Lord at Jerusalem whereupon he took coursel and said unto them It is too much for you to go up to Jerusalem Behold thy Gods O Israel If they might pick and chuse among Gods Precepts toke and leave as they lifted well and good but to be at so much pains as a conversation commensurate to all Gods commands required they could not bear Thus Pharaoh The Lord be so with you as I will let you go Exod. 10.10 I will order the matter and let Jehovah comply and take up with what I shall see cause to appoint But God resisteth the proud It followeth therefore But I passed over upon her fair neck God had dealt bountifully with Israel made him ride on the high places of the Earth that he might eat the increase of the field and he was grown fat Deut. 32.13 14. but they abused his kindness waxed proud and unruly and would serve no further then would serve their own turn making their own pleasure not Gods the rule of their obedience wherefore God had already passed over their neck laid afflictions upon them and had made their glory then and the fatness of their flesh lean if thereby they might have been tamed and reduced unto a thorough subjection to his will but this did not do wherefore he addeth I will make Ephraim to ride inasmuch as lesser chastisements did not avail God threatn●th to deal more roughly with them with a stronger hand violently to break in upon them and fend them into Captivity So the word Ride sometimes importeth Job 30.21 22. With thy strong hand thou opposest thy self against me thou l●ftest me up to the wind thou causest me to ride and dissolvest my substance Judah shall plough and Jacob shall break his clods the rest who went not into captivity should see a great deal of hardship and abasement though not so much as those that rode and were scattered among t●e nations Upon this in the 12th verse He exhorteth them unto reformation and amendment of their wayes Sowe to your selves in righteousness that their reformation might be sound and such as would hold he counselleth to bottome it on repentance Break up your fallow ground whatever men may pretend at present or promise for the future unless they repent and sorrow after a godly sort for sin past their reformation proveth like seed scattered on Land that never was broken up which cometh to nothing in the issue Reap in mercy Though their Repentance and Reformation could merit nothing yet if they would sowe in righteousness and break up their fallow ground Mourn aright for sins past thorough the forbearance of God and amend their doings then they should reap a blessing and inherit prosperity through the benignity and kindness of God denoting that they must be beholding to mercy when they had done all they could Ephes 2.8 By Grace ye are saved thorough Faith and that not of your selves it is the gift of God So we are come to the Text. For it is time to seek the Lord till he come and rain righteousness upon you In which words the Prophet amplifieth on his former Exhortation partly directing in it and partly exhorting to it 1. He directeth in it Seek ye Jehovah set not about this great work of Reformation in your own strength Take God along with you ingage him in it your plowing and sowing will signifie nothing unless he rain down a blessing on your endeavours 2. He exciteth to it and encourageth in it It is true that the way of man is not in himself neither is it in him that walketh to direct his own steps You can do nothing without him but he can do all for you Although judgement riseth not out of the dust nor doth righteousness spring out of the ground yet he that rideth in his excellency on the sky can rain it down Isai 45.8 Drop down ye heavens from above and let the skies pour down righteousness let the Earth open and let them bring forth salvation and let righteousness spring up together I the Lord create it He can by the power of his spirit mightily change when

the Lord smite thy People and thy Children and thy Wives and all thy Goods and thou shalt have great sickness by disease of thy bowels until thy bowels fall out by reason of the sickness day by day 3. If God rain not righteousness on you it may be expected that he will rain something else Se●k this gentle rain that the storm of his wrath fall not on you Psal 11. Vpon the wicked be shall rain Snares Fire Brimsione and an horrible tempest this shall be the portion of their cup. 4. Weigh the advantage that cometh by righteousness that is much every way Godliness is profitable for all 1 Tim 4.8 having the promises of this life and that which is to come it will stand you instead while you live when you dye and to eternity 1. While you liv● Mat 6.33 First seek the Kingdome of God and his righteousness and all these things shall be added If God give you righteousness he will give you all Rom. 8 32. Psal 37.27 Depart from evil and do good and dwell for evermore i. e. live as long as life is good God doth not grudge but delight in the prosperity of the righteous Psal 35.27 2. When ye dye the sting of death is sia when that is out there is no danger Hence Righteousness delivereth from death the death of the righteous is scarce worthy the name of Death Psal 22.26 they shall praise the Lord that se●k him your heart shall live for ever Death though a● enemy to nature shall thorough grace in Jesus Christ do them no harm but further their good and welfare lifting them home to their Fathers house where there is fulness of joy and pleasure for evermore Rev. 14 13. Blessed are the dead which dy in the Lord that they may rest from their labours and their work● follow them 3. Righteousness is profitable to eternity Mat. 25.46 These shall go into everlasting punishmen● but the righteo●● into life eternal God will never a done shewing kindness to the godly man How many are the good wayes and the comfortable words which he hath spoken concerning such 1. He loveth them dearly and that the world shall know before all be done Ioh. 17.23 That the world may know that thou hast loved them as thou hast loved me he loveth to see their faces and hear their voice Cant. 2.14 when he speaketh of righteous Noah how doth he repeat his Name over and over as if it were sweet to him and he loved to have it in his mouth Gen. 6.8 9. Noah was a just man and perfect in his generation and Noah walked with God and Noah c. why might not once naming of Noah have served thorough that short discourse but to declare that his name is sweet Noah Noah O Noah I love Noah Noah is a godly man a good holy man God hath set apart him that is godly for himself Psal 4.3 when he mak●th up his Jewels men shall return and see a difference Mal. 3.17 18. 2. God will bless them greatly Psal 5.12 For thou Lord wilt bless the righteous with favour wilt thou compass him as with a shield 1. He will take care of their persons Psal 121.7 8. The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil he shall preserve thy soul the Lord shall preserve thy going ou● and thy coming in from this time forth and even for evermore 2. He will bless their substance The curse of the Lord is in the house of the wicked but he blesseth the habitation of the just Prov. 3.33 A little that a righteous man hath is better then the riches of many wicked Psal 37.16 3. He will not forget their names Psal 112.6 The righteous shall be had in everlasting remembrance 4. He will show kindness to their relations also Psal 128.2 3 4. Bless●d is every one that feareth the Lord it shall be well with the● thy wife shall be as a fruitful nine thy children like olive plants the seed of the righteous shall be delivered Prov. 11.21 The mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that f●a him and his righteousness unto childrens children 5. He will shine on their endeavours Psal 1.3 All that be doth shall prosper but one sinner destroyed much good wicked Abah having a share in Ichosaphats ships spoiled the voyage 1 King 22 48 49. 6. He will make them blessings Gen. 12.2 I will bless thee and thou shalt he a blessing If you be righteous many shall be the better for you your counsel your company you example will now be all precious your tongues shall be as choice silver and your lips feed many Prov. 10.20 21. your prayers will avail very much Iam. 5.16 your fellowship will now be desirable a godly man is a companion for a Prince Psal 119.63 I am saith King David a companion of all them that fear thee and of them that keep thy precepts and good reason for their fellowship is with the Father and the Son 1 Joh. 1.3 He withdraweth not his eyes from the righteous but with Kings are they on the throne Job 36.7 moreover righteousness will advantage you for places and imployment of trust Neh 7.2 I gave my Brother Hanani charge over Ierusalem for be was a faithful man and feared God above many The integrity of Davids heart did greatly meliorate the skilfulness of his band and was the main thing in Gods eye when he took him from the sheep-folds to be King in Israel 1 Sam 16 7. In a word the only true foundation of universal blessedness is laid in righteousness Prov. 10.25 As the whirl wind passeth so is the wicked no more but the righteous is an everlasting foundation 5 Consider the sweet and inviting terms on which God standeth with us in this matter Mat. 7.7 Ask and have Jam 1.5 If any man lack w●sdom l●t him ask it of God who giveth● be●all to to all and it shall be given him Luk. 11 13. How much more shall your heavenly Father give his Holy Spirit to those that ask Quest But how may we so seek God as to find him and a supply of righteousnes● from him Answ 1. Seek him heartily and sincerely Isai 26 9. With my soul have I desired thee in the night season with my spirit within me will I seek thee Jer 29.3 And ye shall seek me and find me when you shall search for me withal your heart God will not be mocked in any case much less in this which is of such high importance It was Israels folly of old Psal 78.36.37 when he slew them thou they sought him they enquired early after God nevertheless they did flatter him with their mouth they lyed unto him with their tongues take we heed least we fail here It is time to make righteousness our design to Preach for this Pray for this Hear for this sincerely heartily least while in shew we seek ●his but with our hearts go after other things we lose this and other things too

to him for such as are infinitely better even his Kingdome and Righteousnes● Mat. 6.33 6. Seek him unanimously The stress lieth here therefore lift together We in New-England are a poor and an afflicted people It is not for us to rejoice with other Nations in our number or our strength but that mattereth not if God be with us we shall do well enough notwithstanding our poverty our littleness and mean outward estate Past experience proclaimeth it that our hazard lieth not in these things If the mun●tion of Rocks be our defence we are safe Can we desire greater serenity peace and safety then we have injoyed in years past Jeko●ab● arm is not shortened there is no shadow of turning with him If we be righteous he will love us and we shall dwell safely by his side If any thing undoe us it will be sin our unrighteousness our want of the fear of God our want of love to Jesus Christ our forsaking the fountain of living waters our undutiful and provoking carringe to the Angel that leadeth us by the way but if righteousness be rained on us all will be well It is enough O therefore let every one put in for that with all the strength he can make 1. Fathers Ancient Christians yee have been at the beginning of the work of God in this Country and you are greatly concerned in the progress of it lose not the things ye have wrought for which ye have prayed and wept and travel'ed and ventured so much you have in some measure experienced the worth of Righteousness labour as for life that it may live when you are dead your Glass is even out you are almost at home strengthen the feeble knees brighten your example shine in the fear of God let not your sun go down in a cloud your prayers avail very much O sp●ak yet again unto God for this poor land in which you so journe least he bring evil upon it by slaying your Sons 2. Young men ye are strong let not sin overcome you consider the price that is in your hands Religion priviledged as sometimes it hath been and thorough grace still is in this Land is a costly Legacy take heed you do not forfeit it let not the fear of God dye as long as you live shall it be said in time to come that godliness dwelt in the land until you arose but then failed shall this ruine be under your hand O seek the Lord till be come and rain righteousness on you 3. Ye Masters of Families will not you and your houses serve the Lord surely it is time for you to seek him also The fcundation of all societies is laid in families you therefore who are Leaders in them and have the first seasoning of young ones had need look to your selves If the Foundations be destroyed what can the righteous do If the Springs be corrupt what will the Streams be consider the grea● t●ust which God hath committed to you and command your children and Houshold after you to keep the way of the Lord to do justice and judgement that the Lord may bring upon them that which he hath spoken of the righteous see that your example be good that those who come after you and tread in your steps may walk safely Let not your vain conversation be a stumbling-block in the way to Heaven least your children rise up and call you cursed at the last for the irreligion and prophaness which you have taught them 4. Ye house of Aaron this matter belongeth in a special manner unto you Ye are the Lords Ministers O weep betwixt the Porch and the Altar and say Rain down Righteousness on thy People Lord and give not thine Heritage to reproach wherefore should the Heathen say where is their God It is your Office to teach Jacob Gods Judgements and Israel his Law Take beed therefore to the Ministry which ye have received in the Lord that ye fulfil it Preach Righteousness ●o your Congregations plainly declare and powerfully p●ess that Grace of God which bringeth Salvation Make it your work to watch for Souls as those that must give an account Be instant in season and out of season reprove rebuke exhort with all long-suffering and doctrine Soke your Sermons in prayer print them in your practise and conversation Follow the example of the Baptist who was the voice of one crying in the wilderness Joh. 1.23 all voice his word and his works his language and his life spake this make strait the way of the Lord go ye and do likewise 5. Ye also who are Judges in the Land the Lord make you higher then the rest of the people from the shoulders and upward in wisdome and holiness the Lord give you an open mouth for righteousness Prov. 31.8 9. Let your eyes be upon the righteous in the Land to encourage them promote Religion bear up against sin suppress iniquity put life into your wholsome Laws by vigorour execution thus do in the fear of the Lord faithfully and with a perfect heart Be it that the Battel is against you before and behind yet be of good courage and play the men for your people and for the Cities of our God and the Lord do what seemeth him good 7. Seek him perseveringly minde the language of the Text Seek the Lord until be come then shall we know if ye follow on to know the Lord Hos 6.2 pray alwayes with this prayer and do not faint Luk. 18.1 ye therefore which make mention of the name of the Lord give him no rest till he ●a●● down righteousness on the land To Conclude Seek God by all means in all his own wayes 1. Maintain a high esteem of the Word and ●rdinances of God wo be to you if your souls loathe the Manna or call it a light food 2 Take heed you be not overcharged with the love of the world and the cares of this life these ●ho●k the Word Be cloathed with the Sun and let the Moon be under your feet 3. Study the method of conversion held forth in the Word and fall in with the good spirit of God breathing in the same to the wonderment of men and Angels life and immortality are come to light thorough the Gospel There is a sure way to save sinners opened thorough Jesus Christ admire it study it labour to know it set your hearts to it and follow it let wisdome enter and understanding be pleasant love the light but on a humble teachable frame of spirit entertain conviction kindly Be content to know the worst of sin look upon it in that peculiar direct opposition in which it standeth to the wisdome and goodness authority and holiness of God in the command see it in its sad effects the end of these things is death Behold it thorough the bloody glass of Christs sufferings look on it from a death-bed and as it will look on you at the last Give that honour to God to believe that he hath good reason for all that he hath said against sin in his word concluding that at length sin will prove to be as he hath spoken and if God and you can be of one mind about sin the great difficulty is over Fall in love with Jesus Christ let him have a name in your hearts above every name that is named in this world or that which is to come Cant. 5.10 16. Hate all the pleasures of sin let all external priviledges personal performances and worldly imployments be dung and dross in comparison of winning him and being found of God in him Do duty with conscien●ious care and diligence but say not to the works of your own hands Ye are our Gods Go not about to establish a righteousness of your own but submit your selves to the righteousness of God Abraham found by experience that the Hand-maid taken into Sarahs place brought with her great v●xation insomuch that at length he was put upon it to cast her and her Son quite out of doors But least I be tedious let me shut up all with this word Be not discouraged To the Lord belongeth righteousness and salvation although to us confusion of face The residue of the spirit is with him who knoweth but he may return and make his work appear to his servants and his glory to their children Jerusalem was greatly fallen Isai 1.21 when of a faithful City she was become a Harlot and from being full of righteousness and judgement to be full of Murtherers But God lifted her up again Jer. 31.23 Thus saith the Lord of Hosts the God of Israel as yet they shall use this speech in the land of Judah and in the Cities thereof The Lord bless thee O habitation of justice and mountain of holiness He can strengthen the things that remain which are ready to dye There was a time mentioned Mark 9.14 15. in which Christ being withdrawn to the mount his Disciples were hard put to it below The poor man brought to them his Son which had a dumb Spirit but they could not cast him out at length Jesus came down took to himself his mighty power rebuked the fool Spirit healed the Child● comforted the Father and sent the multitude away am●z●● and wond●ing at all the things which he did Truly we have 〈◊〉 time wherein to experience the naughtiness of our own hea●●● how bent we are to backslide and go off from God as also 〈◊〉 ●akeness and utter insufficiency of all means in themselves ●●●dered to keep vs with God or reduce us to him when tur●●●●●●y●● But it may be Christ will shortly come down and then 〈◊〉 ●●ll ●●mended Jer. 17 14. Save as O Lord and we shall be 〈◊〉 heal us and we shall be healed for thou art our praise ●●●er us seek him therefore till he come for he loveth Righteousness and hath not forsaken them that seek him FINIS

that is poured out from on high Judgement shall dwell in the wilderness and righteousness remain in the fruitful field Isai 32.15 16. Therefore in the sense of our own nothingness and believing Gods power and grace it becometh us suitably to apply our selves unto him So much for the scope of the words More particularly for their meaning For it is time The season calleth hard If the Husband-man loseth his season he loseth all now is your opportunity you are chastened but not destroyed you have a breathing time yet left two things seem to be implyed in it 1. Matter of encouragement there was yet hope in Israel concerning this thing in as much as God was willing to be intreated for their help therefore let them be encouraged it was not altogether too late 2. Matter of awakening It was high time to look about them no allowance left for sloth or security now is the acceptable time now is the day of salvation to day if ye will hear his voice harden not your hearts To seek Jehovah Seeking is the use of meet endeavours to finde Mat. 7.7 Ask and it shall be given you seek and ye shall find Prov 8 34 35. Blessed is the man that heareth me waiting at the posts of my doors for whoso findeth me findeth life So that when the Text saith it is time to seek the Lord the meaning is that it is time to wait on God in the use of all suitable means until he come He is the most glorious agent none can do like God He Performeth all things for me Psal 57.2 you may speak fair resolve and promise much when under the dint of some signal providence Ier 2.20 Thou saidst I will not transgress when upon every high hill and under every green Tree thou wanderest playing the Harlot Others may wish you well strive and labour for your betterment and yet righteousness not be wrought Hos 11.7 They called them to the most high but none at all would exalt him but if Jehovah come he will make work with you he will do the thing Raine This implieth that in Jehovah our righteousness there dwelleth all fulness He hath abundance of righteousness with him and he can shed it forth upon us abundantly Tit. 3.5 6. according to his mercy he saved us by the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Ghost which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Lord. Righteousness This in Scripture Phrase signifieth variously sometimes it is put for commutative justice or strict honest dealing as opposed to goodness Rom. 5.7 scarcely for a righteous man will one die peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die Sometimes it importeth conformity to the second Table especially when joyned with and yet distinguished from holiness Luk. 1.75 That we might serve him without fear in holiness and righteousness before him all the dayes of our life Sometimes it is put more largely and signifieth the same with Godliness implying a heart and life evangellically conformable to Gods holy Law Luk. 1.6 and they were both righteous before Gods walking in all the Commandments and Ordinances of the Lord blameless Thus it familiarly passeth when put in opposition to wickedness and iniquity Psal 45.7 Thou lovest righteousness and hatest wickedness Psal 11 5. The Lord trieth the righteous but the wicked his soul hateth This sence seemeth to suit here as opposed to wickedness and iniquity in the words immediately following ye have ploughed wickedness ye have reaped iniquity ver 13. On you The posterity of righteous Abraham Isaac and Iacoh the Lords portion the lot of his inheritance least you degenerate into the plant of a strange vine and be laid wast at last The series therefore of the words runneth thus you have sinned and God hath afflicted you He hath passed over your neck moreover you are still threatned it is in his desire to chastise you But you are not destroyed he hath not stirred up all his anger you have yet a space to consider your selves and recover your strength now therefore it is time to seek Jehovah O that the Heavens would now drop down from above and that the skies would pourdown righteousness that which you need and without which the land is desolate is the rain of Gods power The effusion of his holy spirit to accompany and influence word and ordinances providences mercies and afflictions unto righteousness That you may be a repenting reformed religious holy people That is 1. That you may cast out the love of all known sin renounce confidence in your own righteousness and strength and be righteous by faith having the merits of Christs active and passive obedience imputed to you by the efficacy of the infinite grace of God in the new covenant Rom. 4.6 Phil. 3.9 2. That you may be inherently righteous putting off the old man which is corrupt and put on the new which is created after God in righteousness and true holiness Eph. 4.24 that the very God of peace may sanctifie you wholly 1 Thess 5 23. 3. That you may be practically righteous denying all ungoliness and worldly lusts living soberly godly and righteously in this present world purging your selves from all filthiness of flesh and spirit perfecting holiness in the fear of God These three go together and in them consisteth the righteousness commended to us in the Text. The words thus opened afford us this Doctrinal Conclusion Doct. When a sinful People have been chastened and are still threatned but not destroyed it is time for them to seek Iehovah till he come and rain righteousness upon them that is Till he by the efficacy of his almighty spirit make them a believing sanctified obedient People Zeph. 2.2 3. Before the decree bring forth before the day pass as the chaffe before the fierce anger of the Lord come upon you before the day of the Lords anger came upon you Seek ye the Lord seek righteousness seek meekness it may be you shall be hid in the day of the Lords anger Ephraim at length found this to be good counsel Ier. 31.18 Thou hast chastised me and I was chastised turn thou me and I shall be turned Lord thou hast made me to know sorrow to see and taste the bitterness of affliction thou hast taken away my health my peace my pleasant things O take away my sin too make me to see and know that it is an evil and bitter thing that I have forsaken thee Thus the Psalmist in behalf of the Church when her shadow was departed her hedges broken down and the Boar out of the Forrest laid her waste Psal 80. for this he beseeched the Lord thrice with growing importunity and earnestness like one in an agony Turn us again O God ver 4. Turn us again O God of Hosts ver 7. Turn us again O Lord God of Hosts ver 19. Daniel mentioneth it as matter of bitterness in the days of his solemn mourning that they had failed in this Dan.