they were of the first witnesses and preachers of the resurrection of Christ the Evangelists tell us and that they may as any of them is through grace sitted thereto both pray and prophecy and that in the presence of others in some assemblys of believers is clearly fignified 1 Cor. 11. 5. and in other Scriptures but the sense of the saying in both parts together is this They ought not nor is it seemly for them otherwise to speak either in praying or prophecying as the mouth of others or in propounding questions nor otherwise to act no not in the Church or any the assemblys thereof then so as therein they be under obedience and in quiet silence and subjection to the man so as in the Lord and therein to the wise and holy order and disposition of God They then are not capable of any office of rule or oversight in the Church as Elders and Deacons but to be in subjection Yea farther I suppose That in any assemblys of believers where there are men in presence fitted for speaking in prayer or prophecy or in propounding and answering questions for the edification of others it may be convenient for the women there to be silent yea a shame for them to speak unlesse in some extraordinary cases or on some particular occasione and so as desired or appointed as to the order and time of such their speaking by such brethren in presence with them or that are also over them in the word of the Lord as they may judge it needfull and convenient for the man was first formed then the woman likewise the woman was first in the transgression neverthelesse neither is the man without the woman nor the woman without the man in the Lord. But I forbear to urge my apprehensions of these things and leave what is said to correction by better judgement The women then for decency and ordersake observing such cautions as 1 Cor. 14. 33 34 35. 1 Timothy 2. 11 12. c. with 1 Cor. 11. 5 10. and so every one man or woman keeping their place and attending that place and service to which they are sitted and called The whole Church of unfeigned believers may all prophecy one by one as God hath dealt to them such a gift or exercise any other gift they have according to their severall abillity in this shift for the faith of the Gospell that all may learn and all may be comforted according as God hath dealt to every man For as there are many members in one body and all members have not the same office so we being many are one body in Christ and every one members one of another to every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ he who hath set the members in the body as it hath pleased him divides to every man severally as he will for there are diversities of gifts but the same spirit and differences of administrations but the same Lord and diverfities of operations but it 's the same God which worketh all in all but the manifestation of the spirit is given to every one to profit withall according to his measure for to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisedom to another knowledge by the same Spirit to another faith c. And so these severall gifts were set in the Church Apostles Prophets Teachers rancked under five heads Ephes 4. 11. there were also other gifts added with these to the Church to accompany the first proclamation of the Gospell to the Gentiles by the first witnesses which gifts were not so set for continuance as the former unto which they were added and therefore not mentioned among those which were given to continue in the Church till it come to its perfect state compare 1 Cor. 12. 28. with Eph. 4. 11 12 13. Now the Apostles themselves as they were appointed and chosen to peculiar service that by them the preaching might be fully known and that all the Gentiles might hear so they were not onely immediately from the Lord but also peculiarly gifted with all spirituall gifts to fit them to that service they had all the scriptures of the Prophets so opened to them and their understandings so opened and strengthened to understand them and the revelation of the mystery even of the truth of all as fulfilled come forth and manifested in Christ raised from the dead so immediately and fully given them from the Lord himselfe and were so gifted with all wisedom knowledge and utterance that they was therein perfectly accomplished and therefore sent in his name to make known the mystery as now revealed and to make it known out of the Scriptures of the Prophets according to the commandment of the everlasting God for the obedience of the faith among all Nations for his name and so as wise Master-Builders to lay the foundation for others to the end of the world to build on and so their gift as it was peculiar to them is yet left us in the fruit of it in their word and doctrine confirmed and set in the Church And so also their gift even the gift of Apostles in a secondary and inferiour sense is still found in the prime degree of the gift of Prophecy as set in the Church which therefore is mentioned as the head or chief of the best gifts now to be coveted by believers by other believers since or besides the Apostles such as believe through their word 1 Cor. 12. 31. with câ— 14 1. of which gift there are degrees or diversity of measure and so of administrations and operations accordingly Whence it is expressed in that to the Ephesians under these two heads Prophets Evangelists The prime degree hath in it such an understanding of the Scriptures of the Prophets even as the Testimony of Christ witnessed by them as now manifested by the Apostles is confirmed in the heart As also such acquaintance with the Scriptures and such skill in the word of righteousnesse vide The vision of all the great things of the Law or doctrine delivered by the Prophets and Apostles and as the foundation of and key of knowledge for opening all other things namely the testimony of Jesus as in which they are furnished and apted to a plain and cleare opening the foundation as laid by the Apostles and that out of the Scriptures of the Prophets by the revelation of the mistery given by the Apostles And so to shew the things of Christ by the Scrriptures even the things already done in his owne body which the Prophets said should come to passe and the powerfull efficacy of them with the Father for men and in the name of the Father unto then Through his powerfull mediation betweene God and men as also therein to shew the things yet to come in his glorious appearing and Kingdome and with this word of righteousnesse so distinctly and convincingly to instruct teach exhort reprove c. By the Scriptures of the Prophets as opened by
of Christ the power of godliness that creep into houses or gather into companies and societies like the Churches of Christ Then such as Timothy are advised with more diligence to follow their work and design together with them that call on him out of a pure heart 2 Timothy 2. 22. with chap. 3. 1. 6. And all of us to be followers together of the Apostles and mark them which walk so as they have them for an example considering the end of their conversation as afore-said and so knowing and owning them for our companions to strive together with Phil. 3. 17 18 19 20 21. with chap. 1. 27 28. and 2. 1. 6. c. And that in all our acts of seeking and striving for the faith of the Gospel in all our hearing speaking doing suffering yea in our prayers to God as Romans 15. 30. with Ephesians 6. 18. Acts 1. 14. and 12. 12. See the many instructions and earnest entreaties and exhortations to this seeking and striving together in the Scriptures already mentioned and in divers others Surely a good and pleasant thing is this unity of the Spirit and the generation of seekers dwelling together in it For there the Lord hath commanded the blessing even life for evermore Where ever two or three are gathered together in his name there is he in the midst of them rendring them comely as Jerusalem that is compact together and terrible as an Army with Banners Psam 103 Cant. 6. 4. Mat. 18. 20. This last branch of order in the manner of our seeking is fitly added to the latter part of the former branch For onely by Pride commeth Contention Envying and Strife And then follows confusion and every evil work Proverbs 13. 10. James 3. 13. 16. and 4. 1 6 10. Therefore our Saviour thus joyns them in his instruction and exhortation Mark 9. 50. Have Salt in your selves have peace one with another Meaning by Salt the humbling instructions of the Gospel and the reproofs of instruction and signifying that the retaining them and suffering their effecacy each of us on our Spirits is the way to have peace one with another hence also the Apostle instructs with all lowliness of mind to endeavour to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace for there can be no union or perfect joyning together without suffering the desires of vain glory to be subdued and our selves to be broken off from our own purpose and desire in which we are each minding and seeking his own things nor will there be any right submission of the younger to the elder nor of all of us one to another in the fear of the Lord without being cloathed with humility in the hearty acknowledgement of his glorious name Ephesians 4. 2 3 c. Philipians 2. 2 3 4 7 20 21. 1 Peter 5. 5 6. According to these last considerations of the due order in the manner of our seeking after which the Lord is to be sought by us They seek him not after the due order that are not gathered together to him in his name and so seeking him in the instruction encouragement and acknowledgement of it and in the unity of the Spirit in it or thus They that worship not in the spirit in the light teaching and instruction of that one spirit that is in and with the testimony of Jesus taking of his things and shewing them and so teaching all things and leading into all truth For as this is the spirit of prophesie so also of faith and of grace and supplication in which all the true worshippers worship God Rev. 19. 10. They therefore worship not aright that worship not in the spirit and so that have not their rejoycing in Christ Jesus who is the truth with a relinquishing and free giving up all Idols and rejoycings in the flesh for the excellency of the knowledge of him John 4. 23 24. Phil. 3. 3. Particularly thus 1. They that run not into that name of Christ in which is the evidence and demonstration of the spirit with power for their light and instruction what to seek for in him and from him and how to seek but adhere to their own or some private spirit for that which will instruct and lead to seek and wait for in him or from him such things as God hath not put in him for us and therefore not promised to give with him to us as some such private assurances or speakings of peace and liftings up as are more suited to the sensual mind and may a little gratifie the flesh that desires ease or liberty or like things which instructions cause to err from the words of Knowledge and therefore neither can they stay upon or rest satisfied with the incouragement and strength which that spirit in the name of the Lord Jesus giveth to seek him to hope in and wait upon him and so not with that rejoycing which is onely in Christ Jesus because that gives no incouragement or strength to seek hope or wait for such things in him or from him or to seek in such a way as by their own or some private spirit light word or spark of their own kindling they are led to They therefore run to such sparks for light and heat and for a time may walk in the light of them stollen waters are sweet and bread eaten in secret places is pleasant But from all those sparks and rejoycings in them they must lye down in sorrow Nor can these persons while wilfully walking in this way heartily acknowledge his name or give glory to it in submitting and falling down under the discoveries and reproofs of its instruction because their deeds are evil Their principal works and wayes are so contrary to it and reproved by it nor can they be heartily united with those that fear his name and worship him in truth And truly any branches or rellicks of that way of iniquity above-mentioned will have answerable like effects of confusion and disorder upon those that retain and walk in them 2. Nor are they seeking after the due order that though in some good measure right as to the first branch That is as to the things they seek and look for in him and from him seeking according to his will yet are not content with that ground of incouragement and way of approach that is onely in and through his blood and powerful mediation with it and therefore instead of attending principally to seek farther assurance of understanding in that that their hearts might be comforted and strengthned therein are even seeking peeping into corners and waiting for some other private incouragement or ground of assurance in which to seek expect and wait for his righteousness in perfecting what concerns them and so unsatisfifyed if they cannot gather up or kindle something of that nature as if they were without hope in the World as if all that ever God hath done for them in his Son and for and to them through him were nothing to assure them
of his grace And so the fountain of that Water of Gods grace and Spirit and so the testimony of him that anointing by the pouring out and shedding abroad of which we in receiving and attending to it shall be washed inlightened healed strengthned and made meet for service Yea that one offering by which all our Sacrifices brought and offered by him shall be made acceptable and to his praise It s not any other Sanctification Separation or consecration that makes meet for this inheritance of the Holy Priesthood or of the Saints in light not the outward and tipical sanctification that was but to a tipical service in the flesh and in the letter Nor any such as may be by the works of the law Nor any such redeeming from any part of the vain conversation as may be effected by corruptable things as silver and gold or by any other Wisdom Strength or Motions onely in the Lord in whom they have righteousness strength In the Lord shall all the seed of Israel be justified and shall glory 2. As to the nature of the work or effecacy of this one Spirit through the Gospel on the subject needfull to go before to make meet for this service and inheritance of the Saints It is such as in which through the righteousness of God our Saviour they are made partakers of like precious faith with the Apostles through this sanctification of the Spirit fore-mentioned they are chosen out of the way and condition of the World that lyes in ignorance of God in Christ and enmity to him and so under the power of the Wicked one unto obedience the obedience of faith so to understand and know him that is true that therein the soul is brought into him and united with him by faith 1 Peter 1. 2. 2 Peter 1. 1. with 1 John 5. 19 20. They are begotten by the word of truth to such an unfeined belief of the truth as now come forth in Christ as in which it s believed and received not in vain but to purpose even to the same purpose to which it is discovered and given to them viz to the saving of the soul bringing it out of the World and worldly wayes of seeking rest righteousness wisdome strength c. into Christ for all such as in which they are redeemed from among men and from their vain conversation received by tradition from them and so washed in the Spirit of their minde from the errours and pollutions of the World in which men are vainly seeking rest peace wisdome righteousness c. where it is not unto God in Christ to seek all in him by an exercise of faith in him in what he hath done and is become for them in his own body and in the hope set before them in him Such it is as in which their minds or souls are purified to unseigned love of God of Men brethren in obeying the truth They are principled with those principles of truth that naturally lead so to trust in him and seek all in him and so to love that they may thenceforth walk in that newness of life They are so baptized into Christ euen into his death that as to the Spirit of their minde they are subdued and made willing to put on Christ for all and be devoted to him and to that purpose for the excellency of the knowledge of him to let go all other excellencies as loss and dung that they may win him and be found in him yea herein to hate Father Mother Brethren Sisters Wife and Children yea and their own life also for his sake and in comparison of him for they have obeyed his word and kept his covenant Answerable to that Exodus 32. 6. 29. Deut 32. 9. 1 Cor. 15. 1 2. with 2 Cor. 6. 1. Hebr. 10. 39. 1 Peter 1. 18 22. and 2 Peter 1. 4. and 2. 18. 20. Romans 6. 3. 4. Gal. 3. 26 27. James 1. 18. Luke 14. 26 27. 33. Phil. 3. 3. 10. 2 Tim. 1. 5 6. with 1 Tim. 1. 5. There may be among them many feighâ—ned or halting believers That have yet believed but in vain still halting between two opinions or have not yet so crucified the flesh with its affections and lusts as to be renewed and purified in the Spirit of their minde from double-mindedness to have the heart fixed to seek rest wisdome righteousness and strength onely in him by an exercise of faith in him yea there may be many daughters and attenders who though in some good degree of simplicity waiting yet are not so of them of his Spiritual house and holy Priesthood Yet let all that hear say come Revelations 22. 17. 3. Aâ— to the seal and confirmation of the truth of this washing effecacy of the Spirit through the Gospel making meet for this inheritance it is such as in which they are sealed with the holy Spirit of promise even the same which is the earnest of the Apostles inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession by which fealing they are marked out and approved by God as unto the day of redemption so also as a peculiar people unto this service Ephes 1. 13 14. and 4. 30. By this manifesting himselfe unto them powring out abundantly of the Spirit of his Son into their hearts making known his words and so teaching and leading into the Spiritual injoyment and usefulness of the truth making Christ unto them all that which by the power of his word they are instructed and led to seek for in him even wisdome righteousness sanctification and redemption and so filling them with peace and joy through the power of the Holy Ghost in the belief of the truth quickning them to a lively hope by the resurrection of Christ Giving them access with boldness and confidence in him strengthning them to cry Abba Father by that Spirit of his Son opening the testimony of his Son believed and so spiritually sprinkling the blood of Christ and shedding abroad his love therethrough in their hearts making it usefull and powerfull to all those ends and purposes Also inriching them with some usefull understanding and gifts for the profit of others even as the testimony of Christ is confirmed in them so anointing and fitting them for ministring to him and in his name that through them others may be saved turned from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God that in turning they also may receive forgiveness of sins and inheritance with them that are sanctified by fiath that is in Christ John 14. 21. 23. and 17. 20. 23. 1 Cor. 1. 30 31. Rom. 5. 1. 11. and 15. 13 14. 1 Peter 1. 3. Ephes 3. 12. Romans 8. 15. Galatians 4. 6. 1 Corinthians 1. 5. and 12. 4 5 6 7. Acts 26. 17 18. A man may say he hath faith in Christ and so fellowship with the light and in so saying lye and deceive himself but if indeed he have it will be manifested by these works and fruits of it If
any man love God the same is known of him 1 Cor. 8. 2. with John 14. 21. 23. And as in any measure so sealed so far forth are they approved and as it were set apart by God to peculiar service in the Gospel And to be called forth and approved by their brethren Such therefore Jude instructs and incourageth to contend earnestly for the faith of the common salvation in Christ as once delivered to the Saints to be kept held fast and held forth by them Such I say as were sanctified by God the Father Namely with this sanctification of the Spirit which is the way fore-known and approved by him from the beginning for sanctifying persons unto himself by Christ in these last Ages so sanctified unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus preserved sometime and so found stedfast in Christ and called approved fitted and so appointed to such pecnliar service in the Gospel as also to such suffering for his sake as might be occasioned by such service Jude 1. 3. with 1 Peter 1. 2 3. 2. There is a dayly sanctification of themselves in the light and strength of the Lord that sanctifies them in and unto this service necessary to render them acceptable and profitable therein answering to that dayly and continuall tipical sanctification from tipical uncleanness wherewith the Levitical order and Priesthood were to sanctifie themselves and be sanctified to their service in which they were to sanctifie themselves and be sanctified cleansed and separated from those things in themselves in their own bodyes their marriages and works which according to the law did but tipcally defile and render unclean And also to be seperate from so as not to have to do with or touch any thing or person declared unclean by the law As we read Leviticus 21. and 22. with other Scriptures So here in the sanctification of the Spirit having these great and precious promises That the Lord will dwell in them by his word and Spirit in it even to sanctifie them According to those many Scriptures I the Lord do Sanctifie you Exodus 31. 13. Leviticus 20. 7 8. and 21. 8. 15. 23. and 22. 9. 16. Ezekiel 20. 12. c. And will also walke in them to manifest the savour of his knowledge by them They are in the light and strength of the Lord in whom they are what they are as such a House and Priesthood to cleanse themselves from all filthinesse of flesh and spirit perfecting holinesse so as in the feare of the Lord. 1. To lay aside put off and flee from those filthinesses and superfluities of naughtiness that are moved and rising up dayly from the old man the Law of sin still remaining and warring in the members the flesh lusting against the spirit as they have already in some measure been renewed in the spirit of their mind so to be alwayes putting off as concerning the former conversation the old man with his deeds and puting on the new man which after God is created in righteousness and holiness of truth as the anointing even the word of truth which they have heard from the begining and received of him which abideth in them as that teacheth even so by minding the things of that spirit and walking in the light and strength of it as by the mercies of God therein put to remembrance displayed and commended they are moved and strengthened so to present and yeild up their bodies their whole man in all their Actings a living sacrifice to him that so that spirit in the testimony of Jesus which hath begun to renew the mind may dayly fashion and transforme the whole man in all his actings into likenesse to him according to that renewing of the mind Jam. 1. 21. 1 Pet. 2. 1-3 Rom. 6. and 12. 1-3 According to those many instructions and exhortations Purge out the old leaven even as yea are unleavened for Christ our passeover is sacrificed for us 1 Cor. 5. 7. Seeing yee have purified your souls in obeying the truth as in the previous sanctification forementioned see that yee love one another with a pure heart fervently 1 Peter 1. 22. If we live in the spirit let us walke in the spirit seeing we have already crucified the flesh with its affections and lusts as to the spirit of our mind we have gotten victory and escaped the errors and polutions of the world through the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour so as not withstanding all those hinderances by the flesh with its affections and lusts we have knowne believed and owned him or rather been owned by him as his peculiar people let us not therefore suffer iâ— to reigne or yeild up our minds or members to it but let us resigne our selves to God according to the renewing of the mind as those that are alive from the dead and our members as instruments of righteousnesse unto him Be not desirous of vaine glory c. Gal. 5. 16-24 25 26. with Rom. 6. So cleansing our selves dayly and in all our actings from all filthynesse of flesh grosser filthynesse as the lusts of the flesh and of the eye as Ephesians 5. 1-18 1 Tim. 6. 9-11 and 2. 22. And of the spirit the pride of life all those desires of wisedome strength and righteousnesse in our selves or of vaine glory to our selves c. Which doe all war against the soule and make us and our works uncleane they even defile our holy things 2. They are also to come out from amongst and be separate from uncleane persons and fellowships so as not to touch the uncleane thing that God may receive and own them as vessels in whom he takes pleasure to manifest himself in and through 2 Cor. 6. 14-17 18. with Isa 52. 11. Jer. 15. 19. To have no fellowship with the unfruitfull works of darkensse but rather reprove them to forsake the foolish to stand up from the dead c. Eph. 5. 11. 14. with Prov. 9. 6. And in this also they are to cleanse themselves from all filthyness of flesh and spirit from fellowship with men in their evill and uncleane principles and practises whether more gross or more refined whether more openly or privily denying the Lord that bought them and being enemies to the Cross of Christ the power of Godliness so as not to touch the unclean thing 2 Tim. 3. 1-5 2 Pet. 2. 1 2. Phil. 3. 17 18 19. Rom. 16. 17 18. Here this caution is warily to be observed vide that they are not to shut out such uncleane persons from them from listening to their word or doctrine or to forbid or hinder them from turning and coming in to them in their acknowledgement and worship but they the chosen generation are to separate and come out from them in their doctrines and fellowships principles and practises that are uncleane so as not to have any fellowship with the unfruitfull works of darknesse They are to cease to heare the instruction that causeth to err from the words of knowledge
by himselfe Noe man not any of the Fathers are to cover or put vailes upon any thing which they have opened or to open any thing otherwise then as they have opened and delivered the same unto us nor to adde any mixtures which mans wisedome teacheth in the building such mixtures or additions will occasion the losse of our work by the fire that comes from that foundation the fire of the Altar or by the fiery triall Yea we our selves cannot be saved otherwise then so as by fire suffering that to burne up our mixtures and so we may be saved by it 1 Corinth 3. 10 13 15 18. Whereas Nedeb and Abibu Leviticus 10. 1 2. And those Numbers 16. 35. were consumed by the tipicall fire so exceeding in glorious grace is this dispensation of the fullnesse of times and the administration of Gods Government by Jesus Christ under it But take heed when saved and converted from such polutions of turning againe to folly Inâ—quities of this nature are like that of Korâ—b And very much to the defiling Gods Temple and so to the procuring speedy dâ—struction For if any man defile the Temple of God him shall God destroy see the sorementioned 1 Cor. 3. 16 17 18. According to these considerations they seek not the Lord after the due order 1. That are ready to be offering Sacrifices before they heare the word of truth the Gospell of our salvation or have so heard as in some measure to be reconciled by it and so brought into or made of his house or while they are entering 〈◊〉 not still more ready to heare then to offer the Sacrifices of fooles nor are they yet capable of considering the evill they do in such hastinesse of spirit Whence James exhorts even such as are beloved brethren yet to be swift to heare flow to speak slow to wrath for the wrath of of man the hastinesse of the spirit of a man to be speaking and offering sacrifices so as for or on the behalfe of others worketh not the righteousnesse of God wherefore laying apart all filthinesse and superfluity of naughtinesse receive with meekness the ingrafted word which is able to save your soules James 1. 19 20 21. 2 Nor they that having tasted that the Lord is gracious and proved the powerfull efficacy and force of that living stone drawing to him building on him delivering from the errors and polutions of the world consecrating and devoting them to him and his yet do not diligently mind or regard their charge and the end of their calling But either are slothfull cleaving to and embracing the things of this present world preferring profane and common affaires before these great affaires of the Gospell and so taken off and hindered from earnest striving together with them that call on him in truth for the faith of it loving and preferring Fathers Mothers Lands Livings or their own life before him or not haâ—ing them in comparison of him and for his sake and the Gospells They are not worthy of him nor demeane themselves worthy of or suitable to such a vocation as wherewith they are called yea this their dulnesse neglect and slothfulnesse may occasion errors of rashnesse in others as the like did in Vzzah 1 Chron. 13. 9. with chap. 15. 12 13. Or else retain some other Idol or way of iniquity in their hearts though oft discovered and reproved and seek to excuse and hide it from the light as some desire of vain glory or any other fiilthinesse of flesh or spirit and yet appear and stand before him in their uncleannesse yea hiding it under their tongue or setting it up in their hearts as if by him they had a dispensation or were delivered to it or might be conived at or allowed in it more then others because of their peculiar service or usefulnesse in the Church more then others something like that Jer. 7. 8 9 10 11. Be we admonished of these wayes of iniquity and confusion for he the Lord that sanctifies us is holy be ye therefore cleane ye that beare the vessels of the Lord. 3 Nor yet are they seeking after the due order that are not content with their place and service in the body in which they might be usefull but either they must do as others do or undertake the exercise of such a gift as they have not almost like them that intrude into things they have not seen vainly puft up with their fleshly mind or else sit down in a peevish discontentment as if they were none of the body because not such a principall member or might be no way usefull yea refuse to be usefull and seek their own good and the good of others as they might of they may not or cannot be usefull in such a gift or manner of administration as another 4 Nor they that are headily running on in the exercise of any gift or setting themselves apart or being set apart by some others to any peculiar service in the Gospell or undertaking any speciall charge in this Ministry to which they may think themselves meet and some others like them or weaker and younger ones in the faith that are therein out of their place may put them forward before they be called and thrust forth by the Lord and by such of his servants especially the Elders among them to whom they are given as a gift from the Lord to be loâ—ked too watched over and ordered by them in the Lord Or go an end in such exercises and in the management of such affaires as to which they may have had some previous fitnesse and due encouragements yet so as alone and in the hastinesse of their own spirit before and without the advice helps prayers and blessings out of the house of the Lord. Oh how needfull is that admonition of the Apostle to every one amongst us not to think of our selves more highly then we ought to think but to think soberly according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith with all lowlynesse and meâ—knesse to endeavour to keep the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace not to be desirous of vain glory nor to let any thing be done through it but in lowlynesse of mind each to esteem other better then themselves the younger submitting to the elder and all of us one to another in the feare of the Lord Romans 12. 3. Ephesians 4. 1 3. c. Phillippians 2. 1-5 with 1 Peter 5. 5 6. 5 Yea faulty and out of order are they that are over such in the word of the Lord unto whom they have been or are given as a gift from the Lord to minister to and with them according to their capacity if they take not speciall notice of such disorders to warn the unruly as well as encourage and support the weak and timerous And although if the instructions and admonitions of sound doctrine will not prevaile to rectifie or stop the mouths of such unruly and vain talkers they cannot so well
stop their mouths or prohibit them any other way which may be meet for them to walk in as happily they might in the Apostles times or first times of the Church succeeding them while the outward Court was in the hands of true and unfeignbelievers which since is left out as given into the hands of the Gentiles who tread the Holy City under-foot Revelations 11. 1 2. yet it behooves them therefore to be the more diligent and watchfull in holding fast the faithfull word as they have been taught and making full proofe of their ministery doing whatever lies before them to be done in it and with it faithfully as unto the Lord That they may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers and that the truth and power of the Gospell may continue with others as Acts 20. 28 29 30 31. 1 Timothy 5. 20. 21 22 2 Timothy 4. 1-5 Titus 1. 9. 10. Galatians 2. 4 5. Therefore saith Peter The Elders that are among you I exhort Feed the flock of God that are among you taking the oversight c. And yet not as being Lords For 6 Most of all out of order are they that seek to exercise a Master-ship or Lord-ship over their brethren that are not content to be brought so nigh as to minister to him as a holy Preisthood and to receive the Law and that their brethren with them also should receive it from his mouth but seek the Preisthood also even the high Preisthood that is peculiar to him like that sin of Korab Numbers 1 6. 9 10 11. and so would set themselves in his place and Temple as if they were the Great Apostles and high Preists of our profession to give lawes to his Church teaching for doctrines the precepts of men and setting up their Posts by his or as if they were the Lords of their brethren and had been crucified and given themselves a ransome for them would rule over the conscience determine their faith and assume to themselves an absolute seat of judgement over them not committing that to him to whom onely it belongs or would espouse them to themselves as if they could give encrease or spirit to them contâ—ary to John 3. 28 29 30. Matthew 23. 8 9 10. 7. 1. 2 Cor. 11. 2. like him 2 Thes 2. 3 4 c. Now let us here also search and try our wayes and be willing to see and acknowledge our confusion and disorder as in these instructions it may be discovered and turn unto the Lord that hath sâ—itten us with whom yet there is mercy and healing for us And for a little farther particular application of these last instructions to such as are in any measure made of his spirituall house and holy Preisthood I shall briefly add a word or two unto such and oh that we were willing every one of us seriously to examine and judge our selves and to know every man the plague of his own heart Have we considered the nature and weight of the charge committed to us and been willing or had our hearts prepared to seek it to be sanctified to that service after the sanctification of his sanctuary Have we not defiled our selves with Idols and with many polutions of flesh and spirit Yea even then when under pretence of having no fellowship with the unfruitfull works or workers of darknesse we in our rash zeale have been seeking to hinder and keep out others for their weaknesse ignorance or sinfulnesse out of the house of God and from rejoycing and seeking the Lord with his people in his ordinances and bidding them stand aloofe from us we are holier then you yet have we not Instead of awakening rising and standing up from them in their ignorant and unclean principles and practices which we should have done and not the other I say while instead of that we have bidden them stand aloofe from us I am holyer c. Have we not walked in their wayes and so had fellowship with them in their uncleannesses in their covetousnesse pride following after the vanity of the mind in the fashions and customs of this world and according to our former lusts in our ignorance and after the Iusts of men Have we not sought after and doted on the wisedom of this world the praise of men and like things nay do we not even outstrip many of the world in these things and teach the ignorant and wicked ones these our wayes while under pretence of holinesse we will not let them learne better of us and so strengthen the hands of evill doers by our example that none of them returnes by means of us from the evill of his way Yea how little dwelling together with all lowlinesse of mind in the unity of the spirit or submitting of the younger to the elder and all of us one to another in the feare of the Lord as being cloathed with humility is there not rather a spirit of pride and thence of division yea of madnesse and giddynesse possessing us that is ever rushing us into extreames As to say 1. The younger and such as are taught in the word as Gall. 6. 6. And also fellow-helpers to the truth or such as might be so more then they are were they willing to walke circumspectly and with a right foot in the Gospell But such of us Are we not either headily slighting or dispising all helps of our brethren or at least such as we might enjoy and have much mercy in and advantage by as if we could understand the mind of God in the Scriptures as well without such helps and enjoy fellowship and communion with him though neglecting them boasting that we are of Christ as well as they and are not all the Lords people holy as Numbers 16. 3. with 1 Cor. 1. 12. As immagining that we have no need of them of their instructions advice prayers blessings and hands with us for our understanding mannaging the affaires of the Gospel pertaining to us but can as well stand alone or go one of our selves even without such of our brethren as to whom we ought more especially to submit our selves in the fear of the Lord at least if they will not fulfill our humor and say as we say Or else are we not on the other hand Idolizing and preferring them or some one or other of them before or in opposition to another As if they had beene crucified for us or had the spirit to give to us calling them or some of them our masters or fathers in such respects as Christ ought only so to be esteemed by us having our eye dependance on them as those that would have our fear regulated taught by their precepts yea as the eyes of a Servant are to his Master and of a Hand-Maid to her Mistris and as our eyes should be only unto the Lord. Yea. 2. The Elders among us Though it s not meete especially for such a younger one as my selfe to rebuke such
BREACH upon BREACH OR AN ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF Judiciall Breaches MADE UPON US PROCURED BY SINFULL BREACHES FOUND AMONGST US With Instruction Admonition and encouragement yet to turn to him that smites us and the sum of it was delivered at the Funerall of Mr. Jeremiah Colman late Preacher of the Gospell at Hetherset in Norfolk February 18. 1658 9. By Tho. Moore Junior If they shall confesse their iniquity And that they have walked contrary to me and I also have walked contrary to them Then will I remember my covenant and I will remember the Land Levit. 26. 40 41 42. If any say I have sinned and perverted that which was right and it profitted me not he will deliver his soul from going downe to the pit and his life shall see the light for he hath found a Ransome Job 33. 24. 27. 28. For this cause vide not so discerning the Lords Body that was broken for us as to examine and judge our selves in the light thereof many are weake and sickly among you and many sleepe for if we would judge our selves we should not be judged c. 1 Cor. 11. 28 29 30 31 32. LONDON Printed by J. B. for the Author 1659. The Epistle to the Reader THis our beloved Brother deceased had his conversation in times past among a people zealous about some lighter matters of the Law as to outward order and discipline in the worship of God while yet neglecting the weighty matters as judgement and the love of God ernest in building Churches but slighting if not as there is too much cause of jealouâ—y of many of their builders refusing that stone for the foundation and head of the corner which God hath laid in Sion for that purpose too much like though it may be hoped not so much out of order as Israel of old who when forgetting his maker And counting the great things of his Law even Christ the end of the Law and the knowledge of God in Christ and his righteousnesse the things witnessed in the Law and Prophets as a strange thing were yet zealous in building Temples and multiplying Altars and sacrifices Hos 8. 11 12 14. with ch 6. 6 7. Psal 118. 22. Math. 21. 42. and 23. 23. Luk. 11. 42. Act. 4. 11. with Isa 28. 12. 16. and 29. 11. But God who is rich in mercy for the great love wherewith he loved us even when we were dead in sins and â—respasses and that he might thereby shew the exceeding riches of his grace to others inclined his heart more dilligently to enquire into the great things of his Law or doctrine summed up in the testimony God hath given of Christ and gave him to perceive the faithfulnesse of that saying that Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners By the light of which he karned to relinquish the former apprehensions he had of Christ and so of other persons and things after the flesh or as that teacheth and to account losse and dung for Christ and for the excellency of the knowledge of him such things as before were gain to him that he might farther win him and be found in him And so in receiving his word as the word of God and not of men Christ as testified in the scriptures the son of God the Saviour of the world became precious to him And having tested that the Lord is gracious to whom comming as to a living stone disalowed indeed of men but chosen of God and precious he also as a lively stone was therein built up in him and so made of the spirituall house and holy Priesthood to offer up spirituall sacrifices acceptable to God by Jesus Christ the love of Christ constrained him with much earnestnesse to perswade and beseech others to be reconciled to God and to seeke help in the name of God in Christ to warne the unruly comfort the feeble-minded support the weake to be patient towards all men in meeknesse instructing them that oppose themselves and to encourage and stir up such as had believed through grace to abide in him as they had received him and to provoke them to love and good works and so to help forward and strengthen the hearts and hands of the fellow-helpers to the truth As one that had his heart seasoned with those principles of certainty and truth that one died for all so effectually with the father that all have died in that death of one as all have sinned and death passed on them in and by the sin of one And that he therefore died for all that they which live in their severall ages by the grace of God bringing salvation to them as it doth to all men in due time should not henceforth live to themselves but to him that dyed for them and rose again knowing also in this knowledge of the greatnesse and truth of Gods grace in Christ to manward the unspeakable terror of the Lord against those that will not know him but are contentious and do not obey the truth or by an evil heart of unbelief depart from him and go on in their trespasses and backslidings till the day of grace pass and the master of the house be rissen up and have shut to the dore And in this his earnest seeking the good of all and the edifying of the Body of Christ he was much stirred up espâ—cially in his latter days to press for more fellowship in the Gospell with them that did know and acknowledge the grace of God in truth and so callon the Lord out of a pure heart And that such should joyn together as the heart of one man for the promoting that designe To which purpose he moved it as of great advantage and very necessary that brethren in the Gospell should often gather together as they might have opportunity frroâ— divers parts to consult one with another and together with the Scriptures and the testimony of God concerning Christ as contained in them how they might walk and strive together in more joint order for for the faith of the Gospell This though much upon his spirit to his latter end Yet was too little considered by us Our generall dulness and loss of our first love by wandering out of the way of understanding made us insencible both of the advantage to be sâ—â—â—net within such endeavouring to keep the unity of the spirit in the bond if peace and so seeking the Lord and his things and therein the things and good of others after the due order and also of the necessiry of it especially in these evill times It seemed to me that Gods removing this instrument in the midst of his days and while his spirit was so earnestly set for the promoting and carrying on so good a worke and yet it was so little apprehended or considered by us had in it a great reproofe of our dulnesse and a loud voice signifying necessity of timely listening to it to awaken us to righteousnesse in this particular that standing up from the dead Christ
the earth and in that respect I am made to sit in darkness 1 Sam. 22. 47. and Psal 18. 1 2 3 46. with Mich. 7 7 8 9. even so the true believer of Gods testimony exercising faith in Christ according to it hath yet encouragement in the Lord his God But evil and ungodly men take liberty and rejoyce to do evil as before boasting themselves of their hearts desire and encouraging themselves in hope of prevailing upon the ceasing of faithful men from amongst them for while they were preserved among them They were by the word of life put in their heart held forth in word and conversation unto them and amongst them as a fenced Brazen Wall against which though fighting they could never prevail But they the faithful or upright ones were mighty through God by the power of their word to turn their waters or doctrines into blood that men could not drink them or not find rest and content in them for the Lord was with them as a mighty and terrible One making their witness held forth in word and conversation together so powerfull as was affirmed of Jeremie of old Jer. 1. 7. 10 17 18 19. and 15 19 20 21. with chap. 6. 27 28 29 30. And might not be altogether unduely applyed here 2 Such providences are also as breaches in the hedge wall or sence to such as are left of Gods peculiar people even to the flock of God the Church or Congregation that he hath gathered or redeemed from among men through that excellent price the precious blood of Christ set before them and opened to them by the spirit in the Gospel 1 To the laying them open to be wasted spoiled and troden down by Bores and wild Beasts in the likeness of men who now will enter in amongst them without let or hindrance to corrupt and destroy I know sais Paul that after my departure shall grievous Wolves enter in among you not sparing the flock also of your own selves shall men arise speaking perverse things to draw away Disciples after them Acts 20. 29 30. While such powerfull and faithful instruments are continued with and amongst the flock they are mighty through God to the keeping out and driving away such hurtfull Wolves and false brethren that come to bring into bondage to whom they will not give place by subjection to them no not for an hour that the truth of the Gospel may continue with the flock of God over whom the Holy Ghost hath made them overseers and that it may therefore and so remain with them that it may be held forth by them for the good of others They being furnished with that faithful word the word of reconciliation the preaching peace by Jesus Christ he is Lord of all with which they are able through God to stop the mouths of gain-sayers and of such vain and unruly talkers and so to hinder them in their enterprize of subverting whole houses being thereby fully instructed and strengthned to every good word and work Their removal therefore is an evil breach to the letting in such to waste and destroy this Vine Psalm 80. 13. Isaiah 5. 2 Also to the letting out or administring occasion of disheartning to the weak and wavering leaving them as without watch or guard to their aptness to take offence and stumble at they know not what and so to turn away their ears from the truth and be tumbled aside to fables such as did watch over them and seek to heal help and strengthen them at all occasions being removed and failing from them Many will be easily enticed to follow the pernicious wayes of the spirit of Antichrist by reason of whom the way of truth will be evil spoken of and the enemy will more rejoyce 2 Tim. 4. 2 3 4 6. 2 Pet. 1. 13 14. with chap. 2. 1. 2. Acts 20. 30. Psal 12. Mich. 7. 2 Such providences are like a breach in the natural body as the cutting off an usefull member until the making up or healing of which there can be no profitable or cheerful progress in the work for if all the members suffer in the suffering of one their suffering and affliction must needs be greater in the loss of one by its being broken or cut off from being any more usefull or serviceable to or in the body in this time of temptation Whence Paul speaking of Epaphroditus as his brother and companion in labours and fellow-souldier and their messenger signifies that his being taken away by death as was threatned would have been not onely to the Philippians but to himself also a very great affliction adding sorrow upon sorrow Yea 3 Being breaches of such a nature they must needs occasion a present breach in and stâ—â—ppage to the good work the work of the Lord to be carryed on by the Church in the world until it be made up or healed as Vzzah's being thus cut off by a sudden stroke chiefly procures by their iniquities occasioned a breach in and put a stop to their work of bringing home the Ark of God for the present and till they had searched and sound the iniquity reproved and their hearts were prepared to seek the Lord after the due order as we see by comparing the 13. chap. With this we may fitly apply what hath been said to our present occasion of lamentation The taking away of this our Jeremy in the midst of his dayes depriving him or rather us of the residue of his years and at such a time in the midst or rather in the beginning of his zealous indeavours to the promoting of so glorious a work as the Publishing and Proclaiming the glorious name and grace of God in Christ to man-ward and earnest pressing and stirring up the people of God to joyn as one man with full purpose of heart to cleave to the Lord striving together in his name after the due order for the faith of the Gospel and in nothing terrified by their adversaries his being taken from us being also in such an evil time when so few like minded not seeking their own things but the things which be Jesus Christs This is surely a very great and grievous breach made upon us in all the forementioned considerations something near to that Lamentations 2. 13. Vse It presents us with abundant cause and matter of lamentation and bitter weeping for our selves and the miseries that are like to follow upon us if not timely prevented by turning to him that smites us with whom onely is healing 'T is a day of trouble of treading down and of perplexity by the Lord God of hosts in the valley of Vision breaking down the wall c. He hath made us to see the breaches of the City of David Isaiah 22. 5 9. 'T is a day in which the Lord calls to mourning and weeping to astonishment and humbling under his mighty hand Take heed least there be in any of us a spirit lifted up or carried away from the sense of the affliction as
the woman to whom our Saviour said It s not meet to cast the Childrens Bread to Dogs Truth Lord sayes she yet the Dogs eat the crums c. That being heartily considered will bring the into a better condition For God made him that knew no sin to be sin for us that we might be made the righteousness of God in him And he came to seek and to save that which was lost Oh! That men were willing to know that unspeakable gift of God and the infinite grace of God in it to every man that would deliver them from this disorder and confusion in which instead of building on Christ that onely true foundation which God hath laid they seek to lay a foundation of their own and would build Christ and his things upon it 3 There is an order of regularness to be observed in the manner of our seeking And so to seek the Lord after the Due Order is to walk according to that rule in all our seeking which is already delivered as that is grounded upon and opened by the word of the beginning of Christ which is the vision of all the foundation of all ordinances of divine worship and the key of knowledge for opening them the particular precepts concerning them and not to have our fear towards God taught by the precepts of men which is an evil found with all those worshippers or seekers to whom the vision of all is a sealed book who perceive not their ground in that nor receive their instructions from thence unto all their fear and worship but make the word of the Lord to them precept upon precept line upon line c. Isa 29. 11 13 with chap. 28. 12 13. To seek him after the Due Order as under this consideration is 1 To seek him fear or worship him remember and acknowledge him in his wayes Isaiah 64. 5. not to chuse our own wayes Isaiah 66. 3. or to receive our conversation in that respect from the customes or traditions of men or to be determined by their precepts That will render our worship vain unacceptable and fruitless Matthew 15. 9. 1 Peter 1. 18. But in the instruction and direction of the Apostles main Doctrine the preaching of the Cross to observe all things whatsoever our Lord and Saviour commanded them and hath delivered to us by them to remember them in all things in their word and doctrine and so to keep the ordinances as they have delivered them to us to stand fast in the grace of the Gospel by and into which we are called and so to hold the traditions which they have in his name delivered to us Matthew 18. 20. 1 Corinthians 11. 2. 2 Thessalonians 2. 14 15. Alwayes acknowledging as the commandements of the Lord the things so delivered by them 1 Corinthians 14. 36 37 By whom the preaching was fully made known that all the Gentiles might hear 2 Timothy 4. 17. and in the instruction and incouragement of the word heard come into his house and rejoyce with his people that call on him in truth and so to acknowledge him to pray unto him to remember him and wait on him and wait on him in his house with his people where his name is truly acknowledged as opportunity is vouchsafed in his ordinances as by the Apostles in his name delivered Romans 15. 9 10 11. 1 Timothy 2 4 8. Proverbs 9. 1 5. Matthew 22. 4 10. Luke 14. 17 23. For they have delivered to us the commandements of the Lord Both what to hear Mark 2. 24. viz. That which we have already heard even from the beginning in the word of the truth of the Gospel as by them delivered Hebrews 2. 1. with ch 1. 1 3. c. 1 Joh. 2. 24 27. 1 Cor. 15. 1 3. 2 Pet. 2. 12. to the end with ch 3. 1 2. c. And also how to hear Luke 8. 18. For the trying of all things in those prophecyings which are not to be despised but respected and attended by us as well as also for the tryal of every doctrine or spirit that may come to us viz. so as retaining and holding fast that which is good Even the good word or doctrine of Christ as already come in the flesh and so as having finished the works the father gave him to do on the earth and being received up into glory in that body prepared for him in our nature in which he bore our sins on the tree as they have delivered the same unto us cleaving to and holding fast that as the Touch-stone and Rule of Tryal compare that Luke 8. 18. with 1 Thessalonians 5. 20 21. 2 Timothy 1. 13 14 c. 1 John 4. 1 6. Likewise in the same name and so by the Lord Jesus they have given us full instructions and commandements how we ought to walk in all our remembrances and acknowledgment of him and approaches to him in his ordinances 1 Thess 2. 11 12. and 4. 1 2. c. And in any thing where they have not limitted or circumscribed us to this or that thing or form we are not to fall under the judgment or become subject to the ordinances of men such as touch not taste not handle not Coll. 2. 16 20 21. Yea they have instructed us how and in what cases we are to behold Israel after the flesh for our helpfullness in the understanding and use of ordinances as well as for example and admonition to us 1 Corinthians 10. 1 18. 2 In the manner of our seeking remembring and acknowledging him in his wayes It is after the Due Order Alwayes first and chiefly to mind the greater or more weighty matters of the law of the things declared in the Apostles doctrine or instructed to thereby and so required in precepts and not to neglect the lighter matters as they are called in comparison of the greater though there is nothing in Gods law doctrine or requirings that is in it self light but to observe them according to the instruction of and in subserviency to the greater and more weighty Matthew 23. 23. Luke 11. 42. Hosea 6. 6. As 1 The end of all ordinances is the greater thing in them and more weighty then the circumstances in the manner of observance and so to be minded and preferred as the Apostle signifies both of the law as given by Moses and also of the commandement of the everlasting God in the Gospel of Christ and things instructed to therein from the end of which commandement he saith Some having swerved or not ayming at that have turned aside to vain jangling desiring to be teachers of the Law and so urging precept upon precept though without any certain ground foundation or rule of harmony not knowing what they say nor whereof they affirm The great things of his law being strange things to them Hosea 8. 12. with 1 Timothy 1. 5 6 7. Now the great end of all ordinances is to Preach or witness not our selves to our selves or to him or to others
by his chastisements Hebrews 12. 11 15 16. from gracious returns of prayers and from beholding the light of his countenance and so from victory over our iniquities and the evil of our temptations Isaiah 1 10 18. Psalm 32. 3 4. Yea the secret and wilfull retaining divers lusts disables from so coming to the knowledge of the truth that we might be saved by it 2 Tim. 3. 6 7. Therefore saith James we have not because we ask not or we ask and receive not because we ask amiss to consume it upon our lust or still secretly retain the purpose desire or idol of iniquity in the heart whence he thus admonisheth Submit resigne or yeeld up your selves to God Resist the Devil and he will flee from you draw nigh to God and he will draw nigh to you Clense your hands ye sinners purifie your hearts ye double minded c. James 4. Oh! That yet we were willing so to discern diligently to look into and consider the Lords body as to examine our selves search and try our wayes in that glass and to see what we see not and judge our selves as there discovered and reproved as we are instructed 1 Cor 11. 28 31. Yea so to remember him in all his wayes as to acknowledg him in all our wayes not leaning to our own thoughts or understanding But as those that call on the father who without respect of persons judgeth according to every mans work to pass the time of our sojourning here in fear The good Lord would yet be merciful and pardon and heal us though yet we be not sanctified after the sanctification of his sanctuary were we but willing in the light and strength of his grace and name in Christ so to prepare our hearts or suffer him to prepare and fix them to him that the iniquities and idols might be discovered and the purpose or desire to hide and hold them fast broken and we made willing to see and part with them for the excellency of the knowledge of him for he doth not onely alwayes prevent with his abundant grace in Christ to humble but will also prepare the heart of the hamble and cause his ear to hear Psalm 10. 17. Isaiah 1. 16 19. 2 Chron. 30. 18 19. James 4. 6 10. Thus have his servants the Prophets that have spoken to us in the Name of the Lord in all their earnest and diligent inquiries after God and for understanding the visions of the times and the things that in both parts of them as to the actual accomplishment bringing forth of them were then yet to come namely the sufferings of Christ and the glory that should follow Humbled themselves to the searching ouâ— and being sensible of and acknowledging their iniquities and the iniquities of their people as discovered in the instructions of his name and written upon the rod See Ezra 9. 6. to the end 10 1. Neh. 1. 6 7 and 9. tot Psalm 32. 5 and 38 and 39. Isa 64. 5 9. Dan. 9. 3. 20. And thus they have instructed us in the way not to be as the Horse or Male c Psalm 32. 8. But to search and try our wayes and turn to the Lord to examine and judge our selves in the true light to humble our selves in the sight of the Lord and under his mighty hand And surely such walking humbly and mournfully before him in the sence of our own vileness and searching out and giving up our iniquities and Idolls in the light and power of Gods name in Christ is found in the right worshipping in which the father is worshipped in spirit and truth in the light of the Spirits testimony given of Christ and so in Christ the truth Yea the way the truth and the life that rejoycing in and giving glory unto Christ Jesus in which the father is truly honoured and worshipped in the spirit hath alwayes in it and is it self found in a taâ—king shame to our selves and relinquishing all rejoycing in the flesh that no flesh may glory in his presence Philipians 3. 3. 4. I might here add in this seeking him after the due Order as to the manner of our seeking that there is in it a joyning and cleaving together in his name and so seeking and striving together for the faith of the Gospel even in the Vnity of the spirit with them that call on his Name in truth that worship him in Christ according to the Gospel The persons with whom we may and are to joyn dwell and walk in the Unity of the spirit and so together with whom we are to be followers of the Apostles they are such as walk as they have the Apostles for an example Philippians 3. 17 20 21. And we are diligently to mark know and distinguish them by considering the end of their conversation Compare this to the Philippians with Hebrews 13. 7 8 9. For there are many other walkers zealous pretenders to godliness mortification holiness that have also much of the form or outward appearance of it in many things who yet are the enemies of the Cross of Christ the very end of their conversation though privily carried on under a fair shew of mortification and holiness with good words and fair speeches to deceive the simple is to deny the Lord that bought them To destroy or cast down him from his excellency to render him undesireable and to corrupt believers from the simplicity of him And the thing thereto worshipped adhered to and magnified by them is their own Belly their own or some private Spirit experiments works mortifications sufferings and the like instead of the person of Christ and the works finished in his body and the grace treasured up and hope set before us in him for this life and that to come as evidenced by the spirit of truth in his testimony given of Christ They glory in their shame mind earthly things things suited to sence and in which they have their portion in this life But as for me sayes David I will behold thy face in righteousness even in Christ the true light and manifestation of the righteousness and glory of God and so in the great and precious promises confiâ—med in him For here we walk by faith that is the evidence of things not seen the confidence of things hoped for and not by sight When I awake sayes he namely in the morning of the resurrection of the just by Christ at his comming then I shall be satisfied with thine image Psalm 17. 15. with 2 Cor. 4. 17. 18. and 5 1 7 9. Hebrews 11. 1. Romans 8. 23 24. So here the Apostles conversation and so theirs that walk as they have them for an example is in Heaven exercised in and about the treasure they have there in the person of Christ with God and the expectation they have in him as now appearing in the glorious presence of God in the Heaven it self for them from whence also they look for the same Saviour the Lord Jesus Christ to
of the truth of his love and faithfulness for the carrying on his work in what remains in giving with his Son whatever is needful to the finishing his work unto the Day of Christ And therefore seeking at least to perfect that hope confidence rejoycing and strength to wait which was begun by the Spirit in and through the Testimony of Jesus seeking to perfect it by the flesh or according to its wisdome or desire and not waiting through the spirit for the hope of righteousness of faith 3 Nor yet are they seeking the Lord after the due Order who though in some measure comming in this incouragement and name having their boldness by the blood of Jesus to approach by that new and living way consecrated through his flesh yet are not found so drawing near with a true heart as in that full assurance of faith they are instructed and strengthned Hebrews 10. 19. 22. James 4. 8. But still secretly hideing retaining or regarding some way of iniquity or Idol discovered and reproved If any man of the house of Israel do so God will answer them according to their Idols Ezekiel 14. 4 5. If David do so God will not hear him Psalm 66. 18. Yea whosoever hides his sin shall not prosper but he that confesseth and forsaketh findeth mercy Proverbs 28. 13. Psalm 32. 3 4 5. Yea this hiding of our sin and secret holding fast any deceit unwillingness to be made sencible of it and have it discovered and purged it hinders of profitable and orderly fellowship one with another and so of the advantage and benefit of that and to be met with in that way for cleansing us from all unrighteousness See 1 John 1. 7. 9. Comparing the Verses we shall find That walking in the Light as he is in the Light hath in it a confession of our sins in the belief and acknowledgement of his Name in Christ the true light as he is in the Revelation and opening of it discovering and reproving them And that this is the way to have hearty and profitable fellowship one with another and so to injoy together those special influences of the vertues of his Blood cleansing us from all unrighteousness Yea 4. The want or wilfull neglect of this last viz. fellowship together in the Gospel is disorder enough to fill us with confusion and make all our seekings unprofitable If we should think to seek the Lord with a full Spirit in the instruction encouragement and acknowledgement of his name in truth and yet forsake the assembling of our selves together as the manner of too many is or neglect the advantages we might have in the fellowship and help of our brethren out of an imagination that we stand no need of such help or can receive no increase by or through them or are able to stand alone and manage our affairs in the Gospel that concern our selves and other as well of our selves and without such advice and help of brethren as we might enjoy and can or may as well understand the wondrous things of Gods law contained in the Scriptures by our selves as together with the the helpfulness of our brethren that are one with us in the faith and patience of Jesus If I say we should any of us entertain and listen to any such vain thoughts we deceive our selves For two is better then one because they have a good reward for their labour if they fall the one will lift up his fellow Bnt woe to him that is alone c. Again If two lye together there is heat But how can one be warm alone And if one prevail against him two shall with-stand him and a three fold Cord is not easily broken Eccles 4. 9. 12. For where two or three are gathered together in his Name there is he in the midst of them Matthew 18. 20. And God hath so set the members in the Body that the chief strongest or most eminent cannot say to the more feeble or inferiour oves I have no need of you that there should be no Scisme in the Body but that the members should have the same care one for another and that the whole body being fitly joyned and compact together from him who is the head even Christ might by that which every joynt supplyeth according to the effectual working in the measure of every part make increase unto the edifying of it self in love 1 Cor. 12. 12. 25. Ephes 4. 7. 15 16. We shall here add a word or two by way of particular application to our selves of what hath been hitherto spoken to this point That the Lord hath made a sad and very grievous breach upon us we have seen before and now have taken a view of some of those ways of iniquity that are the procuring causes of such judgements as they are expressed in this acknowledgement For that we sought him not after the due order Let us then search and try our wayes desiring God to teach us what we see not and make us willing to be sensible wherein we our selves have been and are polluted with any of these wayes of iniquity which indeed are such crooked pathes as in which who so walketh shall know no peace What I shall say in this application I shall rank under these three heads I Hath not such folly and iniquity been found too generally with us As when a price hath been put in our hands to get wisdome we have had no heart to prefer and prize it according to the nature and worth of it to accept and improve it with earnestness and diligence to the end for which it was put in our hands even to the provoking the Lord to take away what we had because in having we had it not And who can say his heart is clean How have we foolishly preferred things of least concernment Yea even for lying vanities the appearing beauty of which we have observed and let our eyes fly upon have we not even for them by such observing them neglected despised and forsaken our own mercies Yea even such as to whom the speaking of God by his Son through the ministration of this and other his servants hath been as a pleasant Song Yet have not they even while with their mouth they have shewed much love let their heart run after their covetousness pleasures and other lusts And even loved and preferred the praise of men before the praise of God Yea though Gospel convictions have been many times on our spirits yet how have we shunned the light Because our deeds were reproved by it smothering the truth of God in unrighteousness choaking the saving effecacy of it in our hearts with the deceitfulness of riches the cares of this life and the lusts of other things till we have it is to be feared many of us hardned our hearts to a hating instruction despising reproof not obeying the voice of our teachers nor inclining our ear to them that instructed us Yea even to a secret murmuring and indignation against
11. 14 15. As also for a witness of peace and reconciliation Gen. 31. 45. 51 52. And for a manifestation of Gods presence with a people and for a guide to them Exodus 13. 21 22. And as the law was appointed to be written on several pillars as on the Posts of their house and on their Gates Deut. 6. 9. and 11. 20. So this House of God which is the Church of the living God is the pillar appointed of God to bear up and keep in remembrance even to the view of others the glorious grace of the first appearance of Christ even till his comming again and to keep and bear upon them the witness or manifestation of that peace or reconciliation with God for men which he hath made and is become through his blood while so continued preserved among a people they are a witness of his merciful presence with them his nighness and waiting that he may be gracious to them 2 Cor. 5. 18. 20. with chap. 6. 1 2. Isaiah 55. 5 6. and 50. 1 2. and 30. 18. 20 21. And set and preserved for a light and guide to be observed and followed Matthew 5. 13 14. Hebrews 1. 3. 7 8. Phil. 2. 15 16. And to that purpose to bear upon them and lift up to the sight and view of others and so to hold forth to them that all men may see The manifestation of the truth of God in all his former Oracles and witnesses in the tipes and shadowes of the law as now come forth in the personal body of Christ raised from the dead whose name they are so to bear as they may therein shew the end of the law in him and so the body of all the former shadowes and truth signified in them and so him the fountain of all grace and truth the treasury of all Wisdome and Knowledge c. as before is shewed And this House of God the Holy Nation are also in many societies as they are in several places and so many pillars And so may be included in the sense of those seven pillars Wisdome hath hewen out Proverbs 9. 1. Those Gates and Postes of his Doors Answering to Deut. 6. 9. and 11. 20. At which whoso watcheth dayly and waiteth hearing him there is blessed Proverbs 8. 34. See what is said of the manifold use of pillars and the allusion to them in this business in the explicit declaration of the testimony of Christ by Thomas Moor senior Pages 287. 290. And so they are the ground or Tables on which its written in some sense answering to that Habbacuk 2. 2. That others may read it as the Corinths were the Apostles Epistle for as much as they were manifestly declared to be the Epistle of Christ the ground on which the minde and things of Christ are so written by the spirit of the living God evidencing and writing them in and through the Apostles Doctrine on the Tables of their hearts and fellowships that receive and abide in it that it may be seen and read of all men in their word and conversation in both which they are set to shine as lights in the World by retaining in them and bearing upon them that others may see and so holding forth the word of life even of Christ raised from the dead in a fair writing and faithful discovery of the tidings and patterns of it That others may behold all goodness and truth in it and so also in a subordinate sense instrumentally keeping maintaining and defending it and the goodness and truth of it amongst themselves and to the World against all adversaries striving together for the faith of the Gospel Philipians 1. 27. And so their work is with that word of righteousness The great things of his law as now come forth by Christ which are the main things to be kept looked to striven for and held forth by them in their whole Ministry for and unto all things I say with that to instruct reprove exhort comfort c. 2 Tim. 4. 2. Tit. 3. 11. 15. And as in all this they are instruments or vessels through whom he carryes the seed of his word and so conveyes his heavenly treasure to the hearts of others so their work instrumentally and through him is said to be to speak to the heart to be Ministers of Spirit to open the blinde eyes and turn men from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God that they may receive the forgiveness of sins and inheritance with them that are sanctified by faith that is in Christ yea they are a sweet savour unto God in them that are saved and in them that perish to the one they are the savour of death unto death and to the other the savour of life unto life Isa 35. 3 4. and 40. 1 2. 2 Cor. 2. 14. 17. and 3. tot and 4. 1 2. Acts 26. 18. And to this purpose 2. To them is committed the keeping and charge of holy and devoted things 1. Of Gods Ordinances of Divine Worship that are appointed for bearing and shewing forth the Lords Body that was broken for us and through sufferings is entered into his glory and so for witnessing repentance and râ—mission of sins in his name unto and among the Nations as the Preaching of the Cross and therein the shewing the things of Christ out of the Scriptures in the exercise of those gifts of prophesie or teaching as every man hath received the gift this work is committed to them even to the whole body of the Saints each to serve in it according to his several ability and therefore the gifts tâ— fit for it onely given unto them and ditributed among them according to his pleasure Ephesians 4. 7. 11 12. And so the other Ordinances in which the same things are to be shewed and holden forth in the Church and to the World The management of those affaires the teaching the Nations to observe and how to observe with them what was given to the Apostles in commandement that so they the Gentiles may rejoyce with his people these things are committed and given in charge unto them But to the wicked or unreconciled persons that are not reconciled to God by Jesus Christ and so have not that word of reconciliation viz. That God was in Christ reconciling the World to himself c. And the love of Christ thence constraining to perswade men with it To them God saith What hast thou to do to take my covenant in thy mouth that hatest to be reformed by my law His Saints are to be gathered together to him to keep and look to this charge even those that have made or entered into covenant with him by the Sacrifice of his Son Psalm 50. 1 2. 5 6. 14 15. 2 Cor. 5. 14. 20. 2. Of persons that are given unto the Church in his name or also called to be holy and devoted first to the Lord and then to them according to the will of God It is contained in their
Prov. 19. 27. To go from the presence of such yea to withdraw our selves from them in their preachings acknowledgements fellowships as in whom we perceive by the light of Gods Testimony that lip of knowledge is not but some other lip or word privily undermining or slighting the preaching of the Crosse and lifting up some other thing in its name and place Prov. 14. 7. 2 Tim. 3. 1-5 1 Tim. 6. 1. 3. Rom. 16 17 18. Gal. 1. 8 9. with 2 John 10. From such they are to with-draw themselves but not to bid such stand aloofe from them or with-draw from them in their acknowledgments and worship see that instruction to Jeremiah Directing him how to take forth the precious from the vile not by separating or putting out the vile from the precious in their precious Doctrine Society and Worship But thus let them return unto thee but return thou not to them The believer can have no true or profitable fellowship with an infidell or unbeliever in his principles or practises nor in spirituall things partake of his Table or worship as by them and according to their principles presented commended and invited too But the unbeliever may come in to and joyne himselfe with and have profitable fellowship with the believer in his right acknowledgments and worship and so in the Table of the Lord with them and that is not nor can be accounted the believers having fellowship with them or being yoaked to or with them but rather the strangers joyning himselfe to the Lord to rejoyce and praise him with his people see Jer. 15. 19. with 2 Cor. 6. 14-17-18 Rom. 15. 9-11 They the chosen generation and holy Priesthood are not to forbid or keepe out any of the world But to instruct them as they have opportunity by their listening to their word or maine doctrine I say so to instruct and teach them how on what ground and in what manner they even now may and ought to joyne with his people in their worship and observance of ordinances rejoyce yee Gentiles with his people Yet if any after joyning to them and with them professedly in their acknowledgement and worship of the Lord if any that is called a Brother Walke disorderly and will not be admonished they are to withhold or withdraw from such by putting away from among them in their fellowships in breaking of bread if not also in some other ordinances such stubbornely wicked persons in such wise as themselves may beare shame and others may see they are disowned in such evill wayes and this till they be ashamed or judge and take shame to themselves But till any come in to the house or Church of believers so to joyne with them in professed acknowledgement and worship of the Lord they have not to doe with them soe to judge them see 1 Cor. 5. tot with 2 Thess 3. 14 15. They the holy preisthood are not to be yoaked together with unbelievers in fellowship with them in their unfruitfull works of darknesse or in marriages with them or in society and fellowship with them in their acknowlegments and worships as by them propounded and called too and taught by their precepts and according to their principles yea in these things they are to separate from them not to mind or to let their eyes fly upon their pretended excellencyes or dive into their depths but to depart and come out from among them But not to keep them or any of them out from the house or Church of God where they may be redeemed as they have been from their vaine conversation through the precious blood of Christ and the love of God commended through it there shewed forth yea they are as they have opportunity as aforesaid in their holding forth the word of life to and among them to instruct and invite them to come into his house and rejoyce with his people To examine themselves in the glasse of the Gospell as there held forth and so to eate of his Bread and drink of the Wine of his mingling yea so to to remember him in his wayes and ordinances with his people 3. There is an accidentall sanctification or a renewing of sanctification on occasion of polutions happening and prevailing to defile through forgetfulnesse and neglect of the first love also necessary to fit for this service and render persons acceptable and profitable therein Answerable to such renewed tipicall sanctifications wherewith they were exhorted to sanctifie themselves after long forgetfulnesse neglect and confusion had been found with them such as we reade off in this text 1 Chron. 15. 12 14 15. and in 2 Chron. 29. and 30. In which they were to search in the Law and see wherein they had transgressed to confesse their sins and repent and doe againe the first works to cleanse themselves from all their uncleanesses as in Ezrah Nehemiah and other places So the renewed sanctifications in the spirit and truth necessary to the Holy Preist-hood now on occasion of defilements or polutions in principles or practices contracted to themselves by such neglects and forgetfulnesse of the great salvation in the Crosse of Christ and wandering out of the way of understanding is such as in which they call to mind the day in which they were illuminated remember how they have heard in that preaching of the Crosse and how precious Jesus Christ was then to them and what blessednesse they met with in him And so here and in this case the remembring and considering the sweetness tasted in the graciousnesse of the Lord and the operations that it hath had upon our spirits as commended and displayed in and through the preaching of the Crosse is very good and usefull though as we have shewed before the efficacyes of the grace of God on our own spirits or the operations of it in us or by us are not to be looked to as things that commend us to God or as the ground of our rejoycing and hope in him or that give us title to the things of Christ or are the way or ground of our encouragement to approach to or stand before him yet they are to be remembred and called to mind as things that discover the preciousnesse of the Crosse of Christ and his gracious and spirituall presence with that Gospell his speaking in and through it and so in and through his servants faithfully ministering it 2 Cor. 13. 3 4 5. and present us with cause of shame of our comming 〈◊〉 a◠best of answerablenesse and conformity to him according to those efficacies and more abundantly for our departings from such a fountain having never found any want in it as by such calling to mind we shall be convinced and so no iniquity with him and yet that we should depart and go away from him by an evill heart of unbelief and dig to our selves broken Cesterns that can hold no water yea those things remembered or called to mind do so present his preciousnesse comelynesse and excellency for our
help and escape as that they lead to him yea allure back again from all our wanderings and give instruction and encouragement yet again to turn to him though we have deeply revolted to confesse our sins and do again the first works or seek the same things even rest to our souls righteousnesse and strength in the Lord and that in the same way And therefore also admonish and engage to what follows namely in this calling to mind the day in which we were illuminated and remembering how we have heard from the beginning as Hebr. 10. 32. 1 Joh. 2. 24. 27. Revel 3. 2 3. Therein to search and try our wayes in that true Glasse or Light of the Lord with willingnesse and desire to see what we see not and hearts fixed to take shame to our selves and not to hide excuse or seek to hold what we may see reprooved but acknowledge and give it up to him with whom is pardon and healing and so to repent change our minds and way cleanse our hands from our sins and our hearts from our divers lusts guile or doublemindednesse in and according to the reproofes of instruction in the true anoynting unto which we turn for light and healing and so do again the first works for there is no other way to renew our sanctification but the first good and old way in drawing nigh to God in Christ to cleanse our hands and hearts that so he may draw nigh to us again in a peculiar sense to dwell in us and walk in us James 4. 8. Isa 1. 15. 19. 2 Cor. 6. 16. 17. c. ch 7. 1. We find it many times very hard and difficult to recover our selves out of the snares of Satan when we have willingly suffered our selves to be entangled in them after knowledge of the truth received and so to recover out of relapses when we have back-sliden from him that called us into the grace of Christ to seek to perfect our peace hope joy confidence or sanctification according to the wisedom or desire of the flesh and so procured a losse of our first love and decay of his work or the powerfull efficacy and usefullnesse of his grace in us And surely its more hard than to keep our selves in it when we are in it yet the preaching of the Crosse is the power of God to save in both senses to preserve and to deliver even to seek and to save them that are lost and have wandered and gone astray lâ—ke lost sheep And that which makes it so hard to recover our selves out of such relapses and to at â—in his righteousnesse in the reviving his work it our unwillingnesse to take shame and judge our selves as discovered and reproved in the true light for so infinitely gracious is our God and such the plentious redemption even the forgive-of sins of that nature with him that he is not wanting to follow us in our wandrings all the day long while yet it is called to day and especially to meet us in our looking back to him and calling to mind the day in which we were illuminâ—â—ed remembering how we have heard and received with such discoveries of the Crosse of Christ and bringing to remmbrance his Graciousnesse tasted therein as might make â—is ashamed and then were we but willing to take shame to our selves to be sensible of and acknowledge our own wayes and doings that have not been good and so to lay apart and cast from us our iniquities and Idols that we have loved and after which we have wandered he would then farther and more abundantly poure out of his spirit upon us making known his words and leading us into the understanding and usefulnesse of his truth and grace in Christ as in the former dayes and much more abundantly According to that instruction tipically held forth Ezek. 43. 10 11. to which also agrees Prov. 1. 23. Psal 32. 3 4 5 6-9 Prov. 28 13. 1 Joh. 1. 9. with Jer. 3. 12 13. 21-25 Such is the sanctification of the sanctuary in the spirit and truth needfull to fit persons for and render them acceptable and profitable in this service and charge committed to the holy Preisthood and chosen generation 4 We are in the last place to consider What farther order is to be observed in the mannagement of the affaires of the Gospell by the holy Preisthood and chosen generation now answerable to the order appoynted to the Preists and Levites under the Law And to this we shall first briefly propound some considerations of their order 1. The whole Tribe of Levy were separated to beare the Arke of the Convenant of the Lord and the vessels of the Ministry and to keep the whole charge of the Tabernacle of the congregation to Minister unto the Lord to sing praise on outward instruments and to blesse in his name as was shewed before Num. 1. and 3. and 8. 9-22 Deut. 10 8. But these both Priests and Levites were to waite on their office in their courses according to their severall charge and set office according to to the commandement of the Lord by the hand of Moses So while the Ark of the Lord Alter and vessels of the Ministry were under curtains in a Tabernacle moving from place to place as the children of Israel also moved The Priests and Levites had their severall charges and set offices as to the keeping and bearing the vessels of the Lord and Ministring about holy things as to give some instances The Levites the Sons of Kohath were to take the charge of and beare the Ark the Table of shew bread the Candle-stick and Golden Altar with the vessels pertaining to them as taken downe put together and covered by the Priests and committed to them Num. 4. 4-15 But to the office of Eleazar the Priest partained the oyle for the light the sweet incense the dayly meate offering and the anoynting oyle and oversight of all the Tabernacle c. The Sons of Gershim were appointed to beare the severall hangings and coverings of Badgers skins c. As the Priests should appoint them their charge in all their burthens To the Sons of Merary in like manner pertained the Boards Bars Pillars Sockets Pins c. And in stead of these services when Israel and the Arke and Tabernacle of the Lord had rest They had also their divers severall set offices ordayned by Samuell David and Solomon according to the word of the Lord by Moses Severall chosen to be Porters in the Gates who were reckoned by their genealogy and had the over-sight of the Gates of the House of the Lord by wards and certain of them had the charge of the Ministering Vessels that they should bring them in and out by tale some of them also to oversee the Vessels and the fine Flower the Wine the Oyle the Spices c. but to the Sons of the Preists still it pertained to make the oyntment of the Spices Againe some had their set office over the things made in the
yet let me entreat them as Fathers to consider Is there not also too much of such a spirit as is rushing even such into extreames 1. Either sometimes to neglect that great care and oversight of their brethren as a thing not partaining to them or as if the unworthynesse stubbornesse and giddinesse found with us or any over whom the holy Ghost hath made them overseers might excuse the neglect of their care and oversight of them or give them just cause to be so angry as to cast it off Like Jeremy of old that sometimes said he would speake no more in his name because it was made a reproach and dirision to him daily But the Lord was stronger than he and prevailed to beget in him and carry him forth in a better resolution May not likewise such follyes or giddinesse in us as forementioned either on the one hand slighting or on the other hand idolizing such as are over us in the word of the Lord or being partially pustup for one against another And not rightly obeying or submiting to any of them in the Lord but willfully walking every one in the wayes of his owne heart and in the fight of his eyes and happily after our owne lusts heaping up to our selves teachers too having itching eares I say may not such follyes and giddinesse found with us sometimes move and provoke the spirits even of such as Moses to be ready to take up such rash resolutions to neglect or cast off their care and watchfullnesse over their brethren as if disengaged to let them goe on and walke in their owne way without plaine and faithfull reproving and warning of the evill of it as they see it or might see it and have opportunity soe to warne them and seeke their healing Yet to such let me say be yee entreated to consider the nature of your engagement The grace bestowed rendring you Deptors and obliging and from whom you expect your reward yea consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himselfe and such unteachablenesse and untowardnesse in his chosen Disciples least ye be weary and faint in your minds and withall bethink your selves what advantage Satan may get over others even of some more simple and upright ones though weak to rush them into errors of rashnesse like Vzzab's by occasion of your negligence or listening to such a peevish spirit provoked by others evills and happily partly also by too much looking or too single poorinâ—s on your owne weaknesse and unfitnesse to deale with or for such a people as by such occasions you are made sensible of it as Isaiah 6. 5. with Exodus 3. 11. and 4. 10. 2. Or on the other hand will not the same spirit that moves and provokes from such considerations as before to sit downe in a peevish discontent or to neglect or cast of their care or charge committed to them happily working thereto also upon their owne naturall desire of case or the like I say will not or may not the same spirit from the like considerations rush them otherwhile into another extreame happily working to this also upon some naturall inclination that may yet be found with such to honour or praise or to be some bodyes or the like that is to say when they are stirred up even by Gods spirit to take some care of their brethren and seeke some way to be helpfull or profitable to them in those things in which they are out of order even then and in those endeavours to be Lording it over Gods heritage rashly judging and upbraiding them for their follyes as if they had opened their cares nay more then he that did soe yea seeking to bring them under them or to submit to their order or if it be Gods yet as from them rather then as servants and with the meekenesse and gentlenesse of Christ seeking their being first devoted and given up to God that so they may be to him and for his use and by him be given to them according to his will To such therefore let me here farther adde Oh see I beseech you what the following such a spirit a little cost Moses or rather the people in his losse Numbers 20. 10 12. Deut. 3. 26 27. with Psal 106. 32 33. And consider how much unlike it is to the mind and way of Christ found in himselfe Isaiah 42. 18 19 20. And in his servants guided by his spirit Psal 38. 13 14 15. And give earnest heed to that vehement charge of the Apostle Paul to Timothy 2 Timothy 4. 1 5. with Chapter 2. 24 25 26. and of Peter to the Elders 1 Peter 5. 1 5. And let us all be admonished so to think on our wayes as to turn our feete unto his testimonyes and in the light and strength of them to make hast and not to delay to keepe his Commandements Psa 119 59 60. Even to doe what we should have done of this nature at the first and have prevented this harme and losse to our selves least yet a worse thing come unto us And to encourage us to listen to and receive this admonition Consider in the last place 4. That yet the Lord is our God though he hath made this Breach upon us while he is so highly provoked to punish us in such manner for our iniquityes yet there is forgivenesse wiâ—h him and help in him even for rebellious sinners that yet he may be feared and hoped in by them while yet it is called to day Yâ—a such punishments and corrections on his peculiar people may yet stand with his gracious owning them in Christ receiving and taking pleasure in them as found in Christ however punishing them for their iniquityes for he chasteneth every Son whom he receiveth Though indeed such judgements as these doe signifie him to be as one rising up out of his wonted place of mercy and are something neere to a withdrawing from a people and to a resisting and giving up And may also have some Act of resisting in them and yet stand with his readinesse to receive returne and be gracious to us For he that is so unwillingly and hardly provoked to deny disowne and put away any from that relation or neerenesse in which he hath made them nigh to himselfe as his spouse or children by faith in Christ and will not doe it till it come to that he must either deny himselfe oâ— them but still graciously receives and accepts as beleivers on Christ and so as children and heirs to be favoured with the peculiar favour of his people when as yet many unkind and unchildlike requitalls of his grace have beene found with them yea when not onely many iniquityes and polutions in their holy things are found with them but also many backslidings and departings from him by an evill heart of unbeliefe such as doe bring much losse and deadnesse upon them and procure fore corrections to them and might justly procure his utter denying and disowning them he is also so infinite
to perish and nigh to cutting off and burning For by means of his death he hath obtained power to forgive those sins that deserve a second death while it is yet to day that is before they be so finished in any as to procure the utter bloting out of their names out of the book of the living and so to save us from the wrath to come and hath received gifts for the rebellious that the Lord God might dwell among them Hebr. 7. 27. 9. 15. 1 John 2. 1 2. 1 Thess 1 10. Psal 68 18 19. 20. And is therein able to save to the utmost them that come to God by him as well as to hold open the dore for rebellious sinners approach and that he might bring them back from all their wanderings to God And all this because this man continueth for ever in the name and majesty of God his Father to improve for us that one offering of his owne body by which he hath obtained plenteous redemption even the forgivenesse of sins and in which he liveeth to appeare in the presence of God for us Though good men are perished from us and being taken away by death can be of no more personall usefulnesse to us for the dead know not any thing nor have any more a portion in any thing that is done under the Sun and so no simpathy with us in our present joyes or griefes nor is there any more that they can doe for us by speaking to us or praying for us for there is no worke or devise nor knowledge or wisedome in the grave nor have the dead any capacity or opportunity to perfect any thing left undone under the Sun They cannot praise him or celebrate his truth to the living nor hope or seeke for it for them Eccles 9. 5 10. Psal 6. 5. Isa 38. 18 19. Yet the Lord liveth and blessed be the God of the Rock of our Salvation 2 Sam. 22. 47. Psal 18. 46. For because he liveth for ever in that body in which he once dyed for us therefore also they that sleepe in Jesus and we that waite for him shall live together with him in a like consideration even in these bodyes that are now vile which then shall be fashioned into the likenesse of his glorious body yea therefore all shall be raised and stand before his judgement-seate to receive in their bodies according to the things done in them whether good or bad And therefore also they that waite on him shall not be ashamed but though they heere passe through the vally of the shaddow of death and may sit in darknesse as the fruit of their owne wayes yet looking to him he will be a light to them and his rod and staffe shall comfort and uphold them For he is able to uphold support preserve and deliver them when all other helpers and Saviours fail from them even yet to preserve his Church in the world as a people to his praise when their power is gone though those pillars be removed which were a strength to them and their enemies thought were their only foundations whence they encourage themselves saying if the foundations be destroyed what can the righteous do But our God our Rock of salvation foundation and high Tower is in heaven he dyed once and â—an dye no more but is alive for evermore and hath the keyes of Hell and Death yea the Lord is in his holy Temple God hath set his King upon his holy Hill of Sion Therefore saith Micha I will looke unto the Lord I will waite for the God of thy salvation For 3 My God saith he will heare me He is ready to save to forgive and heale he delights in mercy that pleaseth him he hath no pleasure in the death of any or that any should perish but that they should come to repentance and be saved And therefore will not be wanting in seasonable admonitions to rebellious ones while it is to day yea will make his rods and reproofes powerfull to the awaking unto his righteousnesse to the giving wisdome and opening the eare to discipline and turning at his reproofe will farther power out his spirit and make knowne his words as is shewed before yea he the Lord of the harvest will yet raise up and thrust forth many more faithfull labourers into his vinyard if yet we be willing to be humbled under his mighty hand and seeke it of him after the due order for because of his infinite compassions kindnesse and pitty to man-ward that they may heare of the things that concerne their peace and learne to know and seare his name therefore he will not make his peculiar people an utter desolation in the carth bâ—t will preserve a Seed to serve him in their generation for the good of others Psalm 22 30 31. and 103. 1 7. 8. c. and 145. John 17. 15 20. Yea therefore the Lord will not forsake his people for his great names sake because it hath pleased the Lord to make them his people onely feare the Lord and serve him in truth with a perfect heart for consider how great things the Lord hath done for you 1 Sam. 12. 22. 24 For 4. These things considered will instruct incourage strengthen and admonish not to forsake him though all this evill be come upon us nor fly to any other mountaine or refuge for help but to fly to him trust in him and resigne our selves to his government for truly in vain is salvation hoped for from the hills and from the multitude of Mountaines truly in the Lord our God is the salvation of Israell yea he that is our God is the God of salvation and to God the Lord belong the issues from death Jeremiah 3. 23. Psalm 68. 20. And they that know thy name will trust in thee for thou Lord never forsakest them that seek thee Psalm 9. 10. But as for such as will still go on in their trespasses not regarding the work of the Lord nor the operation of his hands but still persist in their falling away and turning aside unto their crooked paths the Lord shall lead them forth with the workers of iniquity he shall destroy and not build them up But peace upon Israel Psal 28. 5. and 125. 5. and 68. 20. 1 Sam. 12. 25. Heb. 10. 38 Seek we therefore the Lord and his strength seek his face evermore remember his marvelous works that he hath done his wonders and the judgements of his mouth he is the Lord our God his judgements are in all the earth Psal 105. 4 5 7. FINIS Post-Script WHereas in page 20. speaking of the examining a mans selfe and so eating the Supper of the Lord to which we are instructed 1 Cor. 11. 28. I have written That it is not to search for know or take notice of the goodnesse of our owne frames or qualifications as things rendâ—ring us worthy or by which we may come nâ—r in this case or to such an end are we so to examine or
looke upon the opperations of grace in us or by us as in other cases and to other purposes may be good and usefull as 2 Cor. 13. 3 4 5. Heb. 10. 32. Galat. 3. 2. and 4. 15. I would not be so understood as to exclude from that selfe-examination the remembrance and consideration of such efficacies or operations of the Grace of God through the preaching of the Cross in us or by us or in or by others upon us But as in such cases or to such an end as 2 Cor. 13. and Gal. 3 and 4. viz for the proâ—ving and confirming to us the truth of Christ speaking in and through that preaching of the Crosse of Christ and so in or by his servants faithfully ministering it to us and so for the making us ashamed of our dulnesse and unprofitablenesse under it or wanderings from it and to stirr us up to give more earneâ—t heed to the things that we have heard as in that to the Galatians and Hâ—brews we are so inâ—tructed to caâ— to remembrance and consider them So in this case and to such an end as to render the Crosse of Chriâ—t more precious to us and worthy to be remembred by us and the more to present us with what cause there is for us to judge and take shame to our selves and yet to hope in his mercy and looke to him for help and healing remembering him in his wayes The consideration and calling to remembrance such efficacies and opperations of the Grace of God as forementioned is good and usefull and may be uderstood as included in that examining a mans selfe â—s also is signified under that second branch of explication page 21. I desire that what is spoken to this point of remembering and considering how we have heard and received in pages 76 77 78. may be compared with what is said of a mans examining himselfe pages 20 21. and taken in for farther explanation of my sense of what may be contained in it According to what I have here addâ—d consider and search the Scriptures and the Lord give us understanding in all things ERRATA PAge 2. line 22. for glorified in reade gloryed in l. 24. for heavinesse 〈◊〉 readinesse p. 3. l. 8. ad to stroke This l. 28. r. hastinesse of spirit l. 35. 〈◊〉 owne l. 38. for any r. a l. last r. are Breaches p. 5. l. 6. for yours r. them 〈◊〉 20. for for r. or p. 6. l. 6. for faint r fayne l. 31. for teaches r. reaches l. 41. 〈◊〉 for himselfe r. it selfe p. 8. l. 5. r depriveing them l. 22. for moved r. removeâ— l. 32. for Chron. r. Corinths p. 9. l. 20. for away r. a way p. 10. l. 16. r. fouâ—dations l. 33. for which r. while p. 11. l. 17. for depriveing r. driveing l. 35â— for tumbled r. turned p. 12. l. 19. make the period at this p. 13. l. 10. for â—â—â— r. or p. 14. l. 6. r. right is he l. 29. put out and page 16. line 5. r. and death threatned l. 26. r. he it is l 40. r. murmur p. 17. l. 3. r. the next line with it as part of the sentence l. 25. r. in all these things l. 30. r. revive l. 32. fâ—â— the r. this p. 20. l. 31. for to himselfe r. of himselfe p. 21. l. 11. and 12. 〈◊〉 unto r. into l. 40. for them r. him p. 22. l. 5. for censured r. centured p. 23. â— 5. r. him l. 21. r. of l. 30 r. plausible p. 24. l. 4. and 5. r. comparison l. 6. prefix 2. l. 10. for with r. which l. 14. for goodnesse r. godlinesse l. 33. 〈◊〉 out the last and p. 25. l. 12. for other r. our p. 26. l. 24. r. beget l. 42. for iâ— r. it p. 27. l. 4. put a colon at private spirit p. 28. l. 39. blot out waite on him p. 35. l. 36. for sacrifice r. sacrificer p. 36. l. 5. r. make us l. 7. put out they p. 38. l. 29. r. 10. 1. l. 41. add the first clause in the next line and there make the period p. 39. l. 2. r. taking to l. 24. add the reading of what immediatly followes without a period and do the like in p. 40. l. 31. p. 50. l. 35. p. 51. l. 38. Page 43. l. 6. for 1. r. 5. l. 13. r. embraced l. 20. r. writing p. 44. l. 10. r. discourses p. 46. l. 27. r. the p. 47. l. 35. r. by faith p. 5â— l. 10. for what r. that p. 53. l. 7. r. complaint p. 55. l. 6. for not so much r nor to such p. 56. l. 27. for in the r. of the l. 29. r. resemblances p. 59. l. 36. l. last r. acceptation p. 60. l. 10. r. acceptations p. 62. l. 15. r. possesseth p. 64. l. 12. for of worshipers r. worshipers of l. 14. for the r. them p. 65. l. 25 at shadowes put a comma p. 66. l. 31. r. things l. 34. 35. r. remission 〈◊〉 40. r. to p. 68. l. 12. for precious r. previous p. 70. l. 7. r. motives l. 9. for owne r. one l. 30. at not put a stop p. 71 l. 7. r. feighned l. 15. put out thâ—â— whole clause and he that heareth speaketh constantly Proverbs 21. 28. and ad 〈◊〉 to l. 17. Line 26. for this r. his p. 80. l. â— for 34. r. 24. l. 6. r. preists 〈◊〉 85. l. 9. at others put a comma p. 89. l. 9. at name do the like l 19. r. 〈◊〉 q. 92. l. 29. r. spirit to them p. 94. l. 29. r puft