and the heart of Cyrus to make Proclamation of Liberty for the Jews return to Jerusalem and hence this is an Expression to set forth the Power of God Isa 44.24 Thus saith the Lord that stretcheth out the Heavens v. 27.28 that saith to the Deep be dry that saith to Cyrus he is my Shepherd he shall perform all my Pleasure What comfort is this when Saints see what bad hearts they have they know that Christ hath power to make them better and what malicious hearts wicked men have Christ can either destroy or incline them to shew kindness as he did the heart of Esau to Jacob. Gen. 23. 6. Christ hath power over all Creatures to do with them as he pleases and to do what he will by them they go and come move or not move live or dye they are or are not at his will He sends forth his Spirits they are created he takes away thâ—ir breath thâ—y dy He hath power of nothing to make something of darkness to make light of evill to turn it to good of death to bring out life from it it 's the Prerogative of God he calls the things that are not as though they were 1. Cor. 1.28 and commands them to be and much more can he confound that which is of Babylon he can say of it Babylon the great is fallen is fallen This is matter of abundant consolation to the Sainis thy Redeemer is strong the Lord of Host is his Name 2. Tim. 2.12 I know whom I have believed and I am perswaded that he is able to keep me c. Believers know whom they have chosen believed in whom they love and serve how full of might he is and when the power of Hell and of the World lying in wickedness is against them they may comfort themselves in this the power of the Lord is for them God made Nebuchadnezzar to know that the Heavens do Rule Dan. 4.25 26. that is the three that bear Record in Heaven the Father the Word and the Spirit which Spirit is in the hearts of Saints also of which the Apostle says Greater is he that is in you than he that is in the World 1. John 4.4 the holy Spirit is the Spirit of the Church Satan is the Spirit of the World the Saints comfort is they have the greater Spirit and if their Spirit be greater than the Spirit of the World much more is it greater than the Flesh of the World Particularly 1. Christ's Riches of Power are to be excercised for the good of the Heirs of Salvation Psa 89.19 I have laid help on one that is mighty the Father hath laid it on Christ with his power to help Unbelief to help Infirmities to help the Spirit against the Flesh the law of the Mind against the law of the Members None will stand by me in these things but Michael your Prince Dan. 10.21 .12.1 Let the weak then say I am strong Joel 3.10 In the Lord have I Righteousness and Strength Isa 45.24 In the Lord it is and in the Lord I have it 2. Christ's Riches of Power is a Fountain of Power to the Saints 1. In Regeneration he propagates his Power he begets and maintains a Power of Godliness in the new nature 2 Tim. 1.7 A Power to serve God a Power to confess his Name to take up a Cross and follow him Joseph's bow abode in strength when the Archers shot at him being made strong by the mighty God of Jacob Gen. 49.24 So are Saints strenghtened by the mighty Power of Christ resting on them Sin is from weakness how weak is thine heart seeing thou dost these things Ezek. 16.30 Vertue is a Power to do good which is from Christ 2. In the Resurrection Christ will give great Power to the glorified Bodies of the Saints 1 Cor. 15.43 It 's raised in Power the Power of raised and glorified Bodies shall be exceeding great there is not such power in any thing in the World as will be in them if God should give commission one glorified Saint might be able to destroy a World of ungodly men 3. In the World to come all weakness shall be swallowed up in Power there will not be cause to complain of the Power of Sin and weakness of Grace Heb. 6.5 there is mention of the Powers of the World to come there is no weakness but power in that World the power of Godliness the power of Love the power of an Endless Life Heb. 7.16 of Endless Holiness of Endless Joy Josh 14.11 As my Strength was then so it is now herein was Joshua a Type of the perfect and abiding strength of the Saints in the World to come And there being such Power in Christ learn 1. To Trust in him Isa 26.4 because in him is everlasting Strength Isa 3.15 O my Soul thou hast troden down Strength Judg. 5.21 Deborah's Soul having strong Faith and being poured out in Prayer did most in that Victory Deborah's Soul with Barah's Sword overcame the Host of Sisera Saints do most with the strength of their Souls and in this have great advantage of their Enemies and with this they shall tread down Satan and the Man of sin when a Saint hath no power in himself he may say as John there is one mightier than I and mightier than all my Enemies Jer. 31.22 A Woman shall compass a Man that is the weak shall overcome the strong as Deborah and Jael did one trod down the strength of the Host with her confidence and the other slew Sisera the Captain of it the Woman clothed with the Sun having the Moon under her feet though driven into the Wilderness yet at last must compass and conquer the Man of sin and then her Wilderness shall be as Eden and her desert as the Garden of the Lord and Babylon's fruitful Field shall become a Forrest 2. Fear him who hath Riches of Power he can destroy both Body and Soul in Hell Who art thou that art afraid of a Man that shall dye and forgettest thy Maker Fear him that hath made Heavens and the Earth the Sea and the Fountains of Water 3. Praise his Power Psal 21.13 Be thou exalted Lord in thine own Strength so will we Sing and Praise thy Power The Saints shall have abundant matter ministred unto them in the last days of praising the Power of Christ and of saying Salvation and Strength to our God and to him that sits upon the Throne Psal 145.11 12. They shall speak of the Glory of thy Kingdom and talk of thy Power 4. Be in subjection to Christ and serve him if we ought to be in subjection to the higher Powers then much more to him that hath the highest Power and take heed that we be not found in opposition to him Do we provoke the Lord to jealousy are we stronger than he Job 9.4 5 6. He is wise in Heart and mighty in Strength which removeth Mountains and they know not Who hath hardened himself against him and prospered
us a Child is born to us a Son is given c. or as the Wise Men or as Peter thou art the Son of God the Saviour of the World thou hast the Words of Eternal â—ife What Christ said was wanting in them that followed him because of the Loaves let that be in 〈◊〉 Joh 6.26 Ye follow me because ye eat of the Loaves not because of the Miracle of the Loaves thar is you do not follow me because I am the Son of God sent into the World to save Sinners which you should have been convinced off by the Miracle of the Loaves but you follow me for the advantage of eating the Loaves Thus you must know Christ not after the Flesh only not only as having Flesh and being Man not only as you pereceive something in him to satisfy your Carnal Desires of being filled with temporal good thingâ— or fâ—â—â—d from Temporal and Eternal Evilâ— but know him as the Son of God and Christ anointed of the Father to be the Saviour of the World You will never know Christ aright in his Glory you will never fully resign up your selves to him till you be convinced of this O therefore reâ—ieve this Truth that Christ whom we Preach is the Son of the Living God Then you know that he is able to save and you will believe in him then you know that he must be worshiped and served by you being the Great God so you will obey him then you will apprehend greatest love in Christ that being God he should die for you then you will love him and your love will constrain you to obey him and this is totum hominis the whole of a Man the whole of a Christian Man to believe in him as the Son of God and Saviour of Men and to be constrained by Love to Obey him This is the second means 3. Take heed of any conceits of a sufficiency of Knowledge Many think they know enough of Christ as much as they need and content themselves with what they have they hear not the Word they apply not their Hearts search not for more Knowledge If there be any of such an Opinion I shall leave two places for you to meditate on 1 Cor. 8.2 You that think you know enough know nothing as you ought c. You that dream of a sufficiency of Knowledge that you have are like the hungry Man that dreams he eats but waking he is empty You are most deficient 1 Cor. 3.18 Become a Fool. Though never so wise in regard of Worldly Wisdom yet know your selves to be Fools in respect of the Knowledge of Christ that you do want and this you must know that you may be wise Joh. 14.21 4. If you have attained any measure of knowledge you must follow on to know the Lord Hos 6.3 follow on in Study Prayer Hearing Meditating to get more Knowledge His going forth is prepared as the Morning Christ doth not reveal himself all at once but as at going forth of the morning-light 't is by degrees there is a dawning and twilight and then perfect light when the Sun goeth forth in its might so is the going forth of Christ and so you must follow on to know more still of Christ You are not capable of receiving perfect knowledge at once John 16.12 I have many things to say but you cannot bear them now Men are at first but Babes in Christ they we know encrease in understanding strength and stature by degrees what you cannot bear now you must learn another time you must go from strength to strength from one degree of knowledge to another you must follow on to know you must grow in Grace and in the Knowledge of Christ Use 3 Comfort to those that have gained the knowledge of Christ I shall shew 1. Some Signs whereby to know this 2. The grounds of comfort arising from thence 1. The Signs as 1. If you know Christ in such a manner as that your Souls are raised up to an esteem of him above any thing in the World thus it must be and this is the least of Christ that a true Christian can have he must love Christ more then these Esteem Christ more then Honours Riches c. in some degree otherwise he hath not the true Knowledge of Christ He that loveth Father or Mother more then me is not worthy of me The Young man being brought to the Trial which he loved most Christ or Riches left Christ hence it appears that he knew not Christ aright for there is no comparison betwixt Christ and Riches He that will nor forsake the World for Christ is ignorant of Christ he knows not the worth of Christ John 11.48 49. 2. If the word that hath been spoken unto you have been Spirit and Life if the Gospel hath been the Power of God to beget Faith in you to embrace it and lay hold on Christ revealed in it John 6.63 As when Christ said to Lazarus Come forth his words were Spirit and Life to Lazarus he cometh forth so if the words of Christ in the Gospel calling you to repent and to believe the Gospel have been life in this regard if that word Come forth from amongst them that are Sons of Belial have been life to you then have you gain'd this Knowledge When Christ said to his Disciples follow me they followed him O this hath Christ said to you often you have been called on many times have you left your Lusts to follow Christ left the practice of Sin to practice Holiness have Christ's words been Spirit and Life have they been as the Seed that is cast into good ground that lives and grows and brings forth Fruit Then may you comfortably assure your selves that you have gained the Knowledge of Christ 3. If you can rejoyce in the knowledge of perfect Holiness Righteousness and Justice of Christ as well as the Merit Grace and Loving kindness of Christ as well in this that he hath no sin and that he will not have sin to reign in his Members as in this that sin was imputed to him and that he imputes it not to his Members Many love the Knowledge of Grace to hear of satisfaction made c. but yet would continue in Sin They love to hear of a Pardon that might Priviledge them to commit Sin they would be freed from the malediction but not tyed to direction of the Law But if you know Christ aright you will rejoyce in him as pardoning Sin and purging Sin as in his freeing from the condemnation of Sin so in his condemning Sin in the Flesh as in pardoning and exercising Loving kindness towards humbled Sinners so in executing Judgment on impenitent and hardened Sinners Jer. 9.23 24. 4. If the Kingdom of Heaven suffereth violence Math. 11.12 that is since Christ Preached and men knew him there is a great slocking and concâ—â—â—se of People as if men would take Heaven by force the meaning is Men will strive to enter in at the
to pass 2. What are the present Consequences of God's smiting so many Shepherds such as scattering the litle Flocks growth of Ignorance Error Impiety Ruins of Temple work many disorders and distractions in the destitute Churches c. 3. What must be the Cure Its time to enquire For do we not see want of more able Ministers of the New Testament not of the Letter but of the Spirit 2 Cor. 3.6 wise and faithful builders of God's House How weak are many shoulders on whom so great work is laid forcing an out-cry for a richer anointing with the Spirit of Grace i. e. of Love Wisdom Humility Zeal Self-denial Heavenliness which they had seen on others If this depart so much of our true Glory departs It cannot go well in Churches without fiâ—ed Pastors after God's own Heart entirely caring and watching for Souls feeding tâ—em with knowledge and understanding in the great Mysteries of Godliness Jer. 3.15 such was our Author known not mint anise filled his Tâ—oughts but the weighty things of Natural and Reveal'd Religion if he dwelt more than some do on sublimer Doctrines of Faith the Texts here treated are his Warrant together with Col. 1.24 to 29. 2.1 2 3. Nor did he treat them in a way of bold or curious speculation but as leading to Christian Practice upon the great things of the Gospel must Christians live if evâ—r they go further in Religion than a fruitless Form It 's in wrong to Christ and his Church if any Preachers do not jointly declare these with the moral Rules of good living I cannot see that Law and Gospel were set as variance in the Ministry of Christ and his Apostles Nor that the Honour of Christianity can be preserv'd or its ends attain'd without tutoring his Disciples great and small both in Principles of Christian Doctrine touching the glorious Person Offices Fulness and Benefits of Christ t eir only Head Lord and Saviour and touching subjection to his Soveraign Wisdom in his Laws They must be under the Law to Christ 1 Cor. 9.21 and that in vertue of his own Grace 1 Cor. 15.10 what kind of Evangilists must they be that think the great discoverys of the Gospel whereby the world was Christianiz'd are of little use in Preaching now Our Author was better taught as the Truth is in Jesus and finished his Course fighting the good fight and keeping the Faith once delivered to the Saints holding fast the Doctrine according to Godliness till of his beloved Master he obtain'd the Crown of Righteousness would to God that a like love to Divine Truth might prompt many others professing to embrace it to meditate and consult speedily how tâ—ey may best establish and propagate it It 's not witâ—out a Providence that of late we hear of so many sudden deaths of able useful Ministers and may it not prove a presage of other Calamitees to surprize us It 's tâ—y spiritual Profiting Reader that this work aims at and now look to thy self that thou receive not this Grace of God in vain T e Unsearchable Ricâ—es of Christ are surely the better part and being timely chosen and pursued may be thine chuse and inherit them study to know him whom to know is Life Eternal Improve that Ministry and word of Grace to day which is still the Power of God to Salvation to them that believe and enjoying this with other Helps work out thy Salvation with Fear and Trembling and God for Christ's sake will work in thee both to will and to do So shalt thou be counted worthy to stand before the Son of Man when he shall appear in Glory to doom this whole World to its Eternal State This is the Intent and Call of this Essay may the Lord of the Harvest so bless it Amen THE CONTENTS OF THE FIRST DISCOURSE Eph. 3.8 Of the Unsearchable Riches of Christ CHAP. 1. Some transient Notes on the Text. Page 1 Chap. 2. Why the things of Christ call'd Riches Page 4 Chap. 3. What are these Riches Page 6 1. Riches of Love which is Abounding Abiding Effectual c. Chap. 4.2 Riches of Christ's Righteousness as Mediator 1. In his works for Men. 2. In his works towards Men. Page 13 Chap. 5.3 Riches of Wisdom 1. Speculative Page 22 2. Practical As 1. in Ancient Providences and 2. About Man's Salvation Page 32 Chap. 6.4 Riches of Christ's Power Page 37 The Power of his Death Resurrect Intecession c. Power over all Mens Hearts and over all Creatures How exercised for us Page 40 Chap. 7.5 Riches of Glory Page 45 What Glory Christ hath and will appear in What Glory he received from the Father and shall receive from Creatures Page 50 Saints shall see and share in his Glory Page 56 Chap. 8. General Application of the whole Page 62 To those enriched by Christ and to all to seek a Portion in Christ's Riches Page 66 The Second Discourse 1 Cor. 2.2 Of Knowing Christ Crucified Page 72 The Text and Context explained to Page 77 Divers Notes thereupon As 1. That a Gospel Minister must resolve to go thorow with his work of Preaching Page 80 2. That he aim not at self-applause therein Page 81 3. That he must Preach Christ tho' he be counted a Fool for so doing Page 82 4. That he truly knows Christ when he labours to make others know Christ Page 83 5. He counts it a precious service to Preach Christ Page 85 6. Of all Divine Doctrines none more necessary to be Preached than Christ Crucified Page 87 Doct. 1. Knowledge of Christ is the most excellent Knowledge Page 88 1. Proved by considering 1. its object Christ in general Page 92 And in particular as his Natures Names Relations Offices to the Church Page 93 to 99 2. The Effects of this Kowledge as Justification Spiritual Transformation and Eternal Life Page 100 1. Use of Exhortation with motives Page 103 2. Means to get this Excellent Knowledge Page 113 3. Of Comfort to such as have attained it Page 119 Signs to Satisfy such as doubt Doct. 2. Our Principal study should be to know not only the History but Mystery of Christ Crucified Page 126 That Mystery is 1. Of Wisdom 2. Of Love And 3. of Vertue in his Blood Page 132 How the Vertue of Christ's Death is conveyed to us Page 138 Use 1. 1. Of reproof to the enemies of Christ's Cross 2. Of Exhortation to Believe in Confess and Suffer for Christ Page 134 Q. How may we so Suffer as to have Fellowship in Christ's Sufferings Page 145 Christ's Sufferings for us a ground of our worshipping him and how that must be Page 150 The Third Discourse 1 Thess 2.13 The Divine Authority of Scripture Page 157 D. The Word contain'd in Holy Scripture is in truth the Word of God Shewn Page 159 1. The Spirit in Scripture gives Testimony to it 2. Arg. from the word conv its Authority As 1. It s Power upon Sinners Page 160 2. It s Holiness 3. It s
also in you that believe IN this Chapter you may observe two things 1. Paul's Relation of the Story of his Preaching the Gospel to the Thessalonians which for the manner was done with boldness v. 2. and in sincerity not in guile v. 3. not out of covetousness v. 5. but his sincerity appeared in two things 1. Because his aim was to please God v. 4. as pleasing God A service is never pleasing to God unless it be our aim and desire above all to please him 2. In his most affectionate desire of the Thessalonians 7.8 that is that they might be won to Christ and be saved Aiming at pleasing God and a desire to win Souls to God are always joyned together Remember these two marks of sincerity 2. The success of his Preaching the Gospel the good it wrought for which he blesses God In the Text observe 1. The Apostles Thankfulness and Praise offered up unto God He doth not Sacrifice to his own Net but casts in his Net to catch Souls for Christ and blesses God for what is done by him The work is only God's to make his word effectual and all the Glory must be his For this cause thank we God 2. The matter of his Thanksgiving and the ground of his praise Because when ye received the word of God ye received as 't was in Truth i. e. as it ought to be received And therein observe further 1 The Divine Authority of the word asserted As it is in Truth the word of God 2. The manner how it must be received by men As the word of God himself 3. The way in which it comes to work effectually that is by believing it Doct. The word contained in the Books of the Old and New Testament is in Truth the word of God This is the first Stone that must be layed when you begin the work of saving your Souls this is the Foundation of Religion our Faith our Hope our Profession of Religion is all vain unless this Principle be rooted in our Hearts Heb. 5.12 I may say of some of you as the Apostle of some of them Ye have need that one teach you which be the first Principles of the Oracles of God Now this is one of the first of those first Principles which that you may be instructed in Four Truths are to be shewn Truth 1. That word which is held forth as God's is so in Truth It hath God for its Author And if you ask as Christ concerning the Coin whose Image and Superscription hath it the Answer is God's give then to God the things that are God's You must not come with the Devil's Question no not in your hearts yea hath God said it But be like the Thessalonians here c. That there is a God that made the World and and all Creatures I hope is certain to you and that this God is to be worshipped There was a Law written in man's heart which did teach him how God was to be worshipped but Sin hath almost blotted out this Law so that there remains but here and there a Character of it and impossible it is that thereby we should come to a saving knowledge of the mind of God 'T is with us in respect of the things of God as with the Blind Man Mar. 8.24 Christ put his hands upon him and askt if he saw ought I see Men at Trees walking So we in our natural condition we see God as Man and as Trees and so fall to such gross Idolatries to worship stocks we look on evil as good on good as evil Now as Christ did put his hands the second time on the Blind Man and then he saw clearly so God must give his Law the second time and give us Eyes the second time and restore a divine and spiritual Light to us then we shall see the things of God clearly The former of these he hath done he lest his will upon Record in the word which in truth is his The latter we must desire him to do if he hath not done it already and as a means to further this I shall endeavour to prove it to you And here take Notice of three things as necessary to establish you in this Truth 1. There is the Spirit in Scripture giving Testimony to it as Christ says Though I bear witness of my self it is true John 8.14 So the Spirit in Scripture giving witness to it self is true John 3 33 34. Faith receives that Testimony 2 Tim. 3.16 All Scâ—ipture c. 2. Pet. 1.21 Holy Men speak c. Truth 2. There are Arguments to be drawn from the word it self to Evidence the Divine Authority As 1. The Power and Efficacy of the word The word is quick and powerful c. Heb. 4.12 There is a twofold word of God 1. There is the Eternally begotten word of God that is the Second Person John 1.1 this is most Powerful Omnipotent because he is God All the great works of God were done by this word v. 3. All things were made by him He is called the Word because begotten of the Divine understanding beholding the Divine Essence And as a word doth express and is the Image the Conceit of the mind so the Son is the express Image of the Father Now some understand that place of this word 2. There is the written word of God which may be called the word of the word of God Christ is the word of the Father This is the word of Christ Col. 3.16 He is the great Prophet that revealed this word Now as Christ is called the Power of God because by him all things were made so this word is the power of Christ 't is a powerful Instrument in his hand whereby he doth all great works Rom. 1.16 destroying Satan's Kingdom and setting up his own Kingdom converting Souls c and in this respect 't is said to be quick and powerful c. by this power Christ overcame the Devil Math. 4.4 7. ' Its written now the power of the word is seen 1. In conviction of the Conscience a wing and restraining mens Spirits How many proud Hearts have been made to stoop and fall down before the power of the word and to stand trembling before it as Act. 24.25 Felix trembled and said go thy way for this time c. he could not stand before the power of the word and experience tells us what a power the word hath in awakning sleepy Consciences in pricking Men at the Heart that they know not what to do in wounding Mens Spirits in such a manner as that the wise man says of it a wounded Spirit who can bear so as that the most exquisite torments of the body are not to be compared with it the scorching of Fire the dividing betwixt the Joynts and Marrow yea Death it self is nothing to it for would not a wounded Conscience choose Death to be freed from the torment thereof what a power is it that the word hath when Men have gone on in
Sin and taken great pleasure in it and when they hear what the word says that such must be damned banish'd from the presence of God and be everlastingly tormented with Devils and that this that the word speaks should strike such unspeakable terror to the Heart of Man what doth this argue but that the word is powerful Joh 18.6 as Christ spake but a word and his Enemies that came to take him fell back so that Mens proud and stubborn hearts should fall down before the word and are made to say as the Devils why art thou come to torment us this shews that there is an Almighty God speaking in the word and this fâ—â—ther That some Men yet in a natural condition who love Sin as their own Souls should not dare to commit some Sins because the word pronounceth Judgment and that Men that hate holiness as 't is evident that many do yet out of fear of Judgments denounced in the word should be brought to make some Profession of Holiness that as the unclean Spirit fell down and confessed Christ to be the Son of God so Men of unclean Hearts not renewed are forced to confess the word is of God 2. In the Conversion of Sinners I may say concerning the Word as Christ in his Message to John The Dead are raised the Deaf hear the Dumb speak and tâ— the Poor the Gâ—spel is Preached that a word preached should do this shews it to be the word of God so Men that are dead in Trespasses and Sins are raised by it the word doth bore some Mens Ears and make them hearken and obey it Consider that Men that take such great delight in Sin as we all do by Nature working uncleaness with greediness going to it as an hungry Man to his Meals ready to pine away for the pleasures of Sin and be discontent when we cannot satisfy our Lusts as it was with Ammnon Now that any of us because the word says cease to do Evil Sin no more should loath what we so dearly loved and that our hatred of Sin should be greater than our love was to it and it may be some can tell the time and remember the word that wrought such a mighty change what is to be concluded hence but that this is none other but the word of God Again we know how we love our selves by nature even so as that self-love is the supreme Law with corrupt Nature now that such an one should because the word says if any Man will be my Disciple let him deny himself cast off self-love and self-respects and sacrifice or give himself up to Christ and be his only and prize the Glory of God more than his own good yea choose to undergo the greatest Evils rather than dishonour God this shews the invincible power of the word Again if you have any knowledge of your selves you know what bitter enmity there is in our natures against holiness now that because the word commends holiness any of us should come to delight in it this likewise adds a Seal for the confirmation of this Truth that the word is in truth Gods word Again you know how we naturally love the World even so much that some can even in these plundering times think it better to loose our Lives than our Goods now that any should despise the world for Christ's sake and esteem his Reproaches better Riches only because the word doth commend Christ above the World and propose him as the best Good What doth this argue but a divine efficacy of the word and the power of a God making use of his word as an instrument of his own to bring to pass such mighty works 3. In confounding Christ 's Enemies Psa 8.2 Out of the mouths of Babes hast thou ordained strength to stâ—ll the Enemy this strength of mouth â— Prayer which is grounded on the word and preaching when men come with revengeful Spirits and think to swallow up the People of God the word shall stop and still them the word doth gather Men together and stir them up to fight against Anti-christ Rev. 16 16. and Rev. 17.16 The ten hornes shall hate the Whore c. why the word shall discover her and hence 't is said 2 Thess 2.8 That Man of Sin shall be revealed c. he shall destroy him with the Sword of his Mâ—uth and brightness of his coming Dan. 2.34 A stone cut out of the Mountain without Hands breaks the Feet of the Image and that shall overcome the great Roman Monarchy What is this stone c. a poor weak dispised People of God called by the word believing the same and walking by it these shall overcome all Antichristian powers and as the worm Jacob thresh the Mountains Use To make some application of this by the way Is there such a power in the word and may that be truly said of the word which is falsly of Simon Magus it is the great Power of God 1. Then take heed of despising it Heb. 12.25 see that ye dispise not look well to it if you despise the word you dispise the Power and Authority of God which is in it and which shall be manifested by it either in Conversion or Confusion either in unspeakable Terror or Consolation either it shall be the power of God to save you and then you must believe it and receive it with all readiness or to condemn you if you despise it if it do not now work effectually in you to turn you from Sin into the obedience thereof then it shall Judge you in the last day now you may hear it speaking comfortably to you bringing the glad Tydings to your Souls of good things of a Saviour that is offered to you a Pardon proclaimed Heaven opened to Men that are shut up under Sin and Wrath that is if you will now suffer your Consciences to be awakned to see what condition you are in but if it be not hearkned to it shall speak terribly to you and then you shall not sleep when 't is spoken you shall not sit carelesly under it as you do now but then you shall know the Terrors of the Lord you shall know the power of Divine Wrath to prevent which you should desire to feel the exceeding greatness of his Power in creating Faith in you and the length and breadth of his Love which is revealed therein so when the word is spoken to you let me exhort you as the Prophet Jer. 13.15 Learn be not proud the Lord hath spoken Act. 13.41 Behold ye Despisers and wonder I 'll work that you will not believe If you will not believe what I have said in the Word Precepts and Promises such Judgments shall be brought on you which you would not before believe 2. Believe the Word rest on it be strong in Faith your Faith shall not be in vain you rest not then on a broken reed but on the word of the great God on the great Power of that God The Power of God
some this is our Manna Bread fâ—om Heaven to sustain us whilst we inhabit the Wilderness Truth 3. To make all these Arguments demonstrative and convincing is required an inward work of the Spirit upon the Heart to this external light of Arguments must be added the internal light of the Spirit For the things of God knoweth no Man but the Spirit of God 1 Cor. 2.11 so says Christ to Laodicea that she might see I counsel thee to buy of me Eye-salve that is beg of me my Spirit The Spirit inwardly inlightâ—ing the Heart is the Eye-salve Rev 3.18 1 Joh. 2.27 the anointing which you have received of him abideth in you and teacheth you all things and is Truth The anointing that is the Spirit wherewith you are anointed He is Truth so as that he cannot lye and he must give Testimony to the Truth in our Hearts else we shall not believe it by a divine Faith and he is Truth so as that 't is an Office he hath undertaken in the New Covenant to lead into all Truth as he was promised by Christ Joh. 16.13 The Spirit of Truth will guide you into all Truth Joh. 15.26 The Spirit of Truth shall testify of me and so of the Scripture he shall say to the Soul that Christ who is spoken of in the Gospel is the Son of God that the Scripture is the word of God he shall ascertain the Heart of this and this two ways 1. By a moral work as the opening and expounding the word in the Ministry of it by exhortations perswasions Therein Truth is held forth and propounded to be embraced and believed as the word of God and this work of God may be resisted as the Jews did resist the Holy Ghost Act. 7.51 2. By a Physical work upon the heart working a change in the Faculty renewing us in the Spirit of our Minds bringing in a spiritual light into the Soul to enable it to discern the things of God when this is done then we shall know the word of God with as great yea greater certainty than that the Sun shines when we see it for certainty of Faith is greater than certainty of Sense Then we shall see the Authority of God in his word when thus we have the Spirit of Truth then shall we receive the word as it is in Truth the word of God so that we may attain the full assurance of Faith in this particular we must wait for the promise of the Holy Ghost as Act. 1.4 14. we cannot believe the word as it is outwardly propounded to us unless it be inwardly revealed to our Hearts now the Spirit of Truth who of necessity must be received by us before we can believe is the Spirit of Promise Eph. 1.13 that is a Spirit promised ask him so and he shall be given to us 2. The knowledge of the Scripture to be the word of God containing the Mysteries of Salvation is necessary to Salvation Joh. 17.3 This is Life Eternal to know God and Christ the distinct knowledge of God as Creator as Omnipotent most holy is necessary and as most good and that Man's happiness consists in the enjoyment of God and that Man is fallen from God and hath lost his Image in Holiness and his presence which is Life this is evident that we in our natural condition are alienated from the life of God and are ignorant of him Eph. 4.18 now the Scripture makes God known and shews how we fell from Gâ—d and the principal scope of it is to dâ—scover Christ to the World as a Saviour and Mediator by whom Sinners are reconciled to God and restored to Communion with him now then that we may be saved its necessary that we search the Scriptures for these only are able to make us wiâ—e to Salvation so we shall know God our Selves and a Saviour 2 Tim. 3.16 there is knowledge of God by his Creatures 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 are known by the things that are made Rom. 1 2â— and there is Scripture-knowledge of God there God is known in his Son the fulness of the Godhead is in him he is the express Image of the Father 3. The knowledge of what the Scripture reveals is sufficient to Salvation this is enough to make the Man of God perfect there is no need of Mens additions there 's nothing more that 's needful to be done this furnishes to all good works nothing more to be believed Joh. 20.31 Many more Signs Jesus did but these are written that ye might believe what the Scripture reveals is Gold and Silver fit to help towards raising up a spiritâ—al building what is added by Men is Wood Hay and Stubble 1 Cor. 3.12 we say in matters that appertain to the worship of God and our Salvation as our Saviour of Communication Math. 5.37 let your Communication be yea yea nay nay for whatever is more than these cometh of Evil so whatever more than the word is urged or practised in matters of Religion cometh of Evil i. e. from the Devil principally and from our own corrupt and proud hearts immediately as if they were wiser than God and could teach him how he may be served and we saved God hath sealed up his word in such a manner as that no addition may be made to it See the Law Deut. 4.2 Ye shall not add to the word which I command nor diminâ—sh from it by that the Jewish Talmud is excluded and for Prophets we may observe that the Gospel is begun with what the Prophets are concluded as Malachy the last Prophet concludes Mal. 4.5 with this Behold I will send you Elija the Prophet and Mark begins with this Chap. 1.1 2. The beginning of the Gospel as it is written in the Prophets behold I send my M ssenger By this those Books justly called Apocrypha are excluded and the last book of the New Testament Rev. 22.18 is concluded thus Whoever shall add unto these things God shall add unto him the Plagues that are written therein Consider two things first that there must be no detracting and secondly no adding c. 4. The Scripture is clear in those things which are absolutely necessary to Salvation it shews plainly what is to be believed Three Persons One God what is to be done the word is nigh in thy mouth and in thy heart if thou shalt believe in thine heart and confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus thou shalt be saved that word doth most plainly deliver things necessary to Salvation true indeed some things are hard to be understood 2 Pet. 3.16 yet enough to Salvation is plainly discovered so that if any do perish through Ignorance their Ignorance shall not excuse them the Scripture is clear in this that we are lost and undone Creatures by nature that all we like Sheep have gone astray and that Christ Jesus came into the World to save Sinners and that only such as believe in him renouncing their own Righteousness or abilities to do any thing in
the business of their Salvation I say such only shall not perish but have everlasting life the Scripture is plain in this that only Saints shall see God that no Whoremongers c. shall see God If Persons be of very weak capacities yet such is the plainess and clearness of the Scriptures in things that are absolutely necessary that they may understand them here is milk for Babes as well as stronger meats for more experienced Christians As there are great Depths for Elephans to swim so shallows for Lambs to wade through as there are some things hard to be understood which the unlearned do wrest c. so there others easy to be understood which the unlearned may follow to their Salvation then let none plead their want of parts as a ground of their neglect of the word as if it were only for men of Learning to search into it but as all have Souls to save so let all that have the use of Understanding and Reason search the word that they may be saved and great encouragement there is because if Men are willing to learn and know the things of their Salvation and of Christ's Kingdom they have a Promise from God to be taught Joh. 6.45 Hebr. 8.10 we know God did inable Children to sing Hosanna to Christ Math. 2â— Isa 32.4 The heart of the rash inconsiderate Men shall understand knowledge and the Tongue of the Stammerer shall be ready to speak plainly they shall be all taught of God that are willing to learn of God and the Spirit that leads into all truth is a Spirit of Promise Use first Reproof of two sorts 1. Those that receive not the word of God with so much respect as the word of Man And it is to be observed for the most part that if the word be not received with the respect that is due to the word of God then it is received with less respect than is due to the word of Man If the word be not embraced as God's 't is despised more than Man's If Men love it not above any word they hate it more than any word and what 's the reason 1. Because it is a great Enemy to what Men do naturally love as their own Souls If they receive not the word so as above all to desire to yield obedience to it then they hate it for it reproves for an Herodias it forbids that which is Mens great delight to follow it contemns the World and it condemns Sinners Hence if the word be not embraced as the word of God with that Fear and Reverence that is due to it 't is hated and despised more than the word of Man Thus 't is with all those that take delight in Sin and greedily hunt after the things of the World and care for nothing but to satisfy their own Lusts and desires they can't but hate the Light because their deeds are evil There is hardly a medium betwixt these two a receiving of and submitting to the whole word as God's and a hatred of it in some parts at least every Sinner hath such a disposition to the word as Ahab to Michaiah I hate him because he Prophecies not good to me so the word gives not a tolleration to commit Sin which is only good in a natural Man's Eye and therefore 't is hated 2. Pride is another reason That which is generally condemned to be the Devil's first Sin is our great Sin Pride the Devil thought himself too high to submit so he rebelled against God that he might Rule he 'll uphold and maintain a Kingdom against God rather than submit to God though he know that he shall be destroyed for it in the end now there is this devilish disposition in every one of our hearts the pride of them lifts us up against God we of our selves chuse to be our own Lords though we destroy our selves hereby rather than Christ rule over us that we might be saved Who is Lord over us is a question arising from that proud disposition of our Hearts the proud Men in Jeremiah said as for the word thou hast spoken in the Name of the Lord we will not do it this we all do if God do reveal his word and not work by his Spirit 2. Those are to be reproved that receive it but as the word of Man some do in a sort receive the word and think that they receive it aright yet 't is but as the word of Man as 1. When they have nothing else to ground their Faith upon then humane Testimony if the should be asked why they believe the word to be God's can give no other reason then that their Fathers and Mothers said so and 't is generally so believed and embraced now those that believe it because others believe it receive it only as the word of Man so the Papists receive it as the word of Men and all that have no testimony from the Spirit no true work on their hearts c. 2. Those that perform Duties that are required in the word to be seen of Men as did the Pharisees they Fasted Prayed and gave Almes were zealous of the Law all to be seen of Men they sought the praise of Men now they that do any thing that the word requires to be seen of Men see not God in his word they that love the praise of Men and out of that seem to be Religious receive the word only as the word of Men then says our Saviour how can ye believe 't is impossible ye should receive the word as God's and believe it by a divine Faith if ye seek Honour one of another Joh. 5.44 therefore if you come to pray and hear only to satisfy Man's expectations of you you receive it but as Man's word 3. Those that take up Mens Ordinances as of equal authority with the word are as zealous for a humane form of prayer as for the word c. they that make Man's words equal with God's make God's word no better than Man's therefore said our Saviour Math. 15.3 9. By your Traditions you make void c. you urge your Traditions as if they were so necessary as the word and hereby you make void the word That hath not any authority amongst you as the word of God for Men to set their Thresholds by God's their Posts by his is to defile his holy name Ezek. 43.7 8. that iâ— by making God no better than Man 4. When Men look on the word as binding the outward Man and not the heart that Religion consists in a bodily exercise that it is sufficient if we come with our bodies before God and honour him with our lips as Men think it enough if you yield outward obedience to their commands for they have no power over the Conscience Now if it be thus in matters of Religion that our hearts are not brought into obedience to the word that we think our thoughts and affections are free and our hearts being loose c.
The Pharisees gave this Interpretation of the Law anger hatred speculative uncleanness they thought were no breaches of the Law when 't is thus the word is received but as the word of Man Now how many are there that in these ways only receive the word of God 5. When the word is received but in word only 1 Thess 15. The Gospel came not to you in word only but in Power The word comes only in word when 't is not accompanied and set home on the heart by power of the Holy Ghost as on Lydia and the Jailor Act. 16. Use 2. Exhort To stir you up to look on and to receive the word as the word of God Hear and give ear be not proud for the Lord hath spoken Jer. 13.15 'T is God that speaks in the word God speaks Promises God speaks Threatnings and Commands look on each of these as coming out of the mouth of God the word is called the Spirit of Christ 's mouth 2 Thess 2.8 you must not only receive it in the Letter so indeed only it comes from Man but as the Spirit of Christ's mouth as breathed out of his mouth and so as that it proves not a dead and an ineffectual Letter but a quickning Spirit in you that is a new principle of Life a new Soul in you so as that you live by the word act and do all according to it Now for direction that the word may be received by us as the word of God know that something is due to the whole word and every part of it as more general duties and something is to be done that is some special Duties with respect to the several parts of the word as distinguished one from another 1. That which is due to the whole word consider in these particulars 1. Faith you must believe it to be the word of God upon a clear apprehension of the Divine Authority of it your assent must be grounded on the testimony of God Consider there is a divine Faith and a humane Faith this is when we believe a thing upon Man's testimony given of it as the Samaritans believed in Christ for the saying of the woman this was but a humane Faith Divine Faith is when we believe a thing and give an assent to the truth of it upon a divine testimony that is given to it as the Samaritans believed in Christ when they heard him and said now we have heard him and know that this is the Christ this was a divine Faith now this is necessary to a right receiving of the word Quest Where is this Divine Testimony that is given to the word Answ 'T is contained in the word it self for as there is a light in the Sun sufficient to discover it self so that when the Sun shines it s own light shews it to be the Sun so there is a divine Light in the word sufficient to shew it to be the word of God Quest Why do not all then believe it to be so Answ Because Men are blind and know nothing of the things of God neither are they able to judge of them the light of the Sun discovers the Sun but 't is to those that can see the light of it so the word shews its divine Authority but to those that are inlightned so we must have the Spirit as eye-salve restoring our Spiritual Sight and then we shall see clearly the word to be the word of God and this is the first duty we must receive the word as the Thess Chap. 1.15 the Gospel came not in word but power and in the Holy Ghost and much assurance 2. Fear Isa 66.2 To him God looks that trembles at his word There is twofold trembling at God's word 1. Slavish only out of fear of Judgment thus Ahab and thus Felix trembled 2. Filial this is here meant God looks to that heart that when it looks to God and sees any thing of him trembles now this is a disposition of heart that 's required to the right receiving the word you must tremble at the word that is first there must be in you an holy awfulness humility and â—everence of Spirit suitable to the Greatness and Majesty Goodness Glory of that God that gave his word this is contrary to that pride of heart which is in every one of us by nature when ever we have any manifestations or goings forth of the Glory of God the out goings of our hearts must be suited hereto 2. You must have an apprehension of your own vileness and nothingness Ezek. 2.18 there was an appearance of the Glory of God when I saw it I fell on my Face as apprehending his own unworthyness to behold it 2. There are special duties that respect several parts of the word 1. Histories related as of the Creation of the fall of Man drowning the world c. here you must believe the report as made by God and give not God occasion to complain as the Prophet Lord who hath believed our report and look on all these as written for our Learning on whom the ends of the World are come 2. There is a Saviour described and set forth which is the main scope of the Scripture the eternally begotten word revealed in the written word that came to destroy the works of the Devil to save Sinners c. him you must embrace withal your hearts entertain him as Abraham did the whole word is a Gospel bringing glad tydings of Christ the old Testament is Gospel throughout in which Christ is though more darkly set forth and in the New Testament more clearly so that this is to embrace the word to receive him whose name is the word of God Rev. 19.13 to see Christ in his fulness of Glory Merit c. and to receive him as the word of the Father this is to receive the word in power to receive Christ into our hearts and to have him revealed in us and to have him formed within us so as that Christ live acts and rules in us 3. There are Promises Now to receive these as the word of God is to quiet our Souls in dependance on them and assurance that they shall be fulfilled that as his faithfulness hinds him so his Power shall bring forth his Promises into Act. Say as Paul I believe God that it shall be as he hath said that not one jot shall pass unfulfilled you must know Christ to be the faithful witness Rev. 1.5 4. When Judgments are threatned know that there is a Righteousness and Faithfulness in God that engages him to make them good we are as averse from believing Threatnings as Promises therefore as God has confirmed his Promises by an Oath so Threatnings likewise Amos. 9.8.10 The Sinners among God's People said Evil shall not overtake nor prevent us Deut. 32.40 If I lift up my hand to Heaven and say I live for ever I will make mine Arrows drunk with Blood Now to receive this word is to fear God and to prepare to meet
Spirit dwells in Believers and whatsoever is required of Believers the Spirit hath undertaken to do in them I will put my Spirit in you and cause you to walk in my Statutes Ezek. 36.27 That Covenant which is confirmed unto you by immutable things hath this Promise in it He is a Spirit of Faith Love Meekness and of Light to lead into all Truth to make the heart willing to follow Christ as King to deny self This Spirit is the earnest of Heaven and perfect Glory The Father hath made a bargain confirmed by his Word and Oath and by giving earnest This bargain he Seals and the Seal is the Spirit Eph. 1.13 This is a Seal that is sufficient to confirm Believers that Glory shall be perfected because they have the Spirit of Grace That Spirit that dwells in them shall quicken their mortal bodies Rom. 8.11 2. As the Salvation of Believers is in it self most sure so it may be made sure to them 1. Some have attained it Job 19. I know that my Redeemer liveth c. David Paul Rom. 8.38 I am perswaded c. He includes himself and this was not a singular pâ—iviledge given to some Saints more eminent then others or an extraordinary gift But 2. That which ordinarily God was pleased to bestow on the Saints Rom. 8.15 Ye have received the Spirit of Adoption whereby ye cry Abba Father This is true of all Believers and the Spirit beareth witness The Spirit where he is a Spirit of Adoption is usually a witnessing Spirit sealing up their hearts sealing up and treasuring Salvation in the heart The assurance of Salvation is a precious Jewel which ordinarily the Spirit doth treasure and seal up in the hearts of Believers giving the first Fruits of Heaven to their hearts And as Moses on Nebo had a view of the Land of Canaan so 't is not unusual for the Spirit to carry up the hearts of Believers above the World into the third Heavens and give a sight and taste of that most Excellent Glory 3. A way is shewn in the Gospel in which it may be attained Rom. 10.9 Say not who shall ascend into Heaven c. Do you doubt of Salvation Are you in fears about it Consider Christ hath been in the deep Christ is in Heaven Confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus and believe with thine heart and thou shalt be saved As Christ coming into the Ship when tossed and almost full of water there was a great calm an end put to the Disciples feaâ—s So Christ coming into the heart rebuking fears revealing himself as dying rising and sitting at the Right hand of God there shall then be a great calm in the heart Christ the Peace Joy hope of Glory in the heart 3. Salvation ought to be made sure it is the Duty of all that look towards Heaven to make their Salvation sure this is that which should be in your aims and desires Rejoyce that your names are written in Heaven saith Christ Luke 10.20 This should be the matter of the Saints Joy this implies that we ought to seek after the assurance of this that our names are written in Heaven Heb. 10.22 Let us draw near with a true heart that is ye that look on God as the Life of your heart God in Christ reconciled loving embracing us the Peace Joy Delight Contentment and Rest of the Heart A true heart is a heart that says concerning God as the Rich Man concerning Riches Soul take thine ease in God and with full assurance of favour and acceptation with God And then shews how it may be attained for the Gospel as it requires things to be done so it shews us the way how The Gospel requires not impossibilities but makes all its Precepts possible The Law did not thus it did not make its Precepts possible but the Gospel doth it leads to Christ by whom whatever is required is or shall be accomplished as to Believers Now look to Christ and so your hearts shall be sprinkled fear and guilt shall be purged out of the Conscience and Peace Joy and full Assurance brought in 2 Pet. 1.10 Give all diligence to make your Calling and Election sure And if Election then Salvation there is a Golden Chain mention'd Rom. 8.29 30. if you get hold of one link of it then you have hold of all this reaches from Eternity to Eternity from Eternity of Election to Eternity of Glorification Now our care should be to fasten on this Golden Chain this Golden Chain is fixed in Heaven let it also be fixed in your hearts so shall you have hope as an Anchor fixed in Heaven and so Heaven shall have fast hold in you and you shall have fast hold in Heaven Heaven shall not loose you nor you shall not loose Heaven 4. Nothing besides Salvation can be made sure The Life of your Bodies cannot be made sure the Life of your Souls may 2 Cor. 5.1 For we know that if our earthly House of this Tabernacle were dissolved we have a Building of God an House nâ—t made with hands Eternal in the Heavens Earth cannot be made sure Heaven may be made sure So lay not up for your selves treasures on Earth but in Heaven The favour of Man cannot be made sure the favour of God may Riches on Earth cannot be made sure they will fly from you or you shall fly from them Riches of Glory may be made sure worldly prosperity and happiness cannot be made sure Earthly Men in their best estate of prosperity stand but in slippery places But everlasting happiness in Heaven may be made sure Honour amongst Men can't be made sure Honour with God may Creatures can't he made sure Christ may Comforts flowing from Creatures cannot be made sure Consolations abounding by Christ may be made sure So for other things those that have them should be as if they had them not Those that buy as if they possessed not those that have Wives should be as if they had none those that have Riches as though they had not and those that labour in the World as if they did not because nothing of them can be made sure So then take heed of spending your selves for them Salvation alone Christ Heaven the favour of God alone can be made sure so labour to make that sure and nothing else Judge the making Salvation sure the one thing that 's necessary because that alone can be made sure 5. Salvation and nothing besides Salvation is worth the making sure If you have Riches worldly prosperity and abundance if you have health and Houses to dwell in Children Men Servants Women Servants Sheep Oxen Shops full of Wares c Hearts full of contentment in enjoying of these things what shall all this avail you Riches cannot profit you in the day of wrath all these things can't redeem your Souls yet in bondage still going to condemnation What shall it profit you to gain the whole World and loose the Soul Math. 16.26 Creatures are
and proceeds from weakness of Faith Psa 23 24. 4. Eâ—ery Believer ought to say as David I will fear no Evil. But they may rejoyce in Love and expect good and count that all things shall work for good to them In Christ they are carried above all fears of Evil for their Hearts should not fall down in them so that fear of Evil is not the thing here required this is forbidden elsewhere as by Moses fear not so not enjoined here 2. Fear of Doubting and Distrust Trembling opposed to Confidence and full Assurance is not here meant Men in a natural condition out of Christ may well be under the tortures and rackings of this fear they may be in bondage through fear of Death They may be tossed with fear and doubting and say as Rom. 10.5 Who shall ascend into Heaven Who shall descend into the Deep Or who can tell whether we shall go to Heaven or Hell But for Believers that are in the way of Salvation they ought not thus to fear 't is for such that have no other Spirit but the Spirit of Bondage which Believers do not receive If they are in bondage 't is not the Spirit of God but the unbelief of their own Spirit is the cause of it We have received the Spirit of Adoption whereby we may cry Abba Father They are Sons having the Spirit of Sons Now as Christ says the Servant abideth not in the House for ever Joh. 8.35 He may be cast forth and so is subject to fears So Men in a natural estate are in danger to be cast forth into outer darkness But the Son abideth ever he is beyond fear so Believers are Sons they are always in Lâ—ve The Apostle Exhorts Let us draw near with a true Heart in full assurance of Faith c. Heb. 10.22 Let us come boldly to the Throne of Grace Now if he should exhort to fear and trembling because of doubtings of Salvation he should conclude it to himself and make void his other Exhortations Again Believers are exhorted to be in a constant frame of rejoycing Rejoyce in the Lord always Phil. 4.4 We rejoyce in hope of the Glory of God Rom. 5.1 But fear of doubting is directly contrary to this joy Of it the Apostle says 1 Joh. 4.18 Fear hath torment But against this that place may be objected Heb. 4.1 Let us fear lest a promise being left us of entering into his rest any of us should fall short Where he seems to exhort to fear of doubting of coming short of Heaven For answer Consider Because some there are that put their Hand to the Plow and look back again some that have Lamps and not Oyl a form and not the power of Godliness a Faith that is not saving but vain so they may seem to stand and walk in the way of Life but because they have no more not true Faith in Christ noâ— real Interest in nor Union with him they come short or come too late as 't is said of the foolish Virgins They came when the Door was shut So the Apostle Exhorts all to fear that is to look well to themselves and to be searching for Salvation and not content themselves with a form with shews and shadows so as to think that their Profession and the performance of some Duties is enough to bring Men to Heaven But they should labour to see themselves stated in Grace interested in Christ that so they may know that they shall not come short The ground of this Exhortation is the Examples of the Jews they had the Promises the Gospel was Preached unto them that is Promises of rest in Canaan But many came short Why They did not believe Now there are Promises of a rest a better rest in Heaven Heb. 10.34 We have in Heaven c. Now fear c. that is look well to your selves take heed you be not deceived lest your Hopes prove vain Believe the Gospel the promises of Life made in Christ and let the word of hearing be mixt with Faith Take heed of an evil heart of Unbelief if the Gospel be not mixt with Faith the Promises of the Gospel will not profit you Christ is of none effect to you if you believe not in him so that this is an Exhortation to those that have not yet received Christ in their Hearts and entertained the Gospel Promises and fear is to be taken for heed-fulness wariness and utmost Diligence If once they believe and are interested in Christ they may be sure then that they shall not come short 2. What is to be understood by Fear and trembling For this consider the Apostle is Exhorting you to work out your Salvation that is make it sure to your selves see God in Christ reconciling and saving and desire that it may be carried on to perfection Now amidst the beholding of God in Christ and desires of perfect enjoyment there being so much of God declared in this business in giving Christ and so much of his Glory shining forth you must fear i. e. admire and stand amaz'd at the love of God giving Christ himself to a wretched polluted Creature full of Enmity Tremble at the infinite greatness of Divine Love be humble and trust not to your own strength but to that infinite Grace and Love in which God comprehends poor Creatures for carrying on Salvation to perfection Sâ—ction 11. That this may be the better understood consider these particulars 1. The Salvation of Sinners is the work of the whole Trinity Of Father Son and Holy Ghost God was in Christ reconciling the world to himself God in Christ through his Spirit saves the Elect and will make them perfectly happy The Salvation of Sinners is the Father's work by ordination he predestinates them to be conform'd to the Image of his Son he chuses to Salvation through Sanctification of the Spirit 2 Thess 2.13 'T is Christ's work by Mediation he makes their case his own they being under Sin under a Curse he represents their Persons in undergoing Punishment suffering Death Rising and Entring into Glory Believers in him died rose c. Rom. 6.3 to 11. It 's the Spirit 's work by renovation God will have a change of Carnal to Spiritual of Sinful to Holy of Enemies to be made Obedient to the Lord Jesus In a word to be conformed to the Image of Christ Christ's work is to make Peace and to reconcile to God The Spirit 's is to conform to Christ in Grace and Glory to fashion Soul and Body like to him Not that the three Persons are divided in their Operations that one doth what another doth not but this is to be understood by way of Appropriation The Scripture doth Appropriate to each Person one work The Salvation of Sinners is the Father's work by purpose Christ's work by price Redeeming out of Misery the Spirit 's work by performance shedding abroad God's Infinite Love in the Heart shewing God in Christ God giving Christ Christ giving himself to
mind is Enmity against God 't is not subject neither indeed can be So there 's no free will to Spiritual good in a Natural Man the Carnal mind and Spiritual good are in opposition one to another Rom. 8.7 2. Man renewed and raised made Spiritual and having the Seed of God in him hath free will to Spiritual good As a Natural Man hath free will in Natural Actions he acts with deliberation and Election So Man renewed hath free will to Spiritual Actions This is implied God works to will so in a renewed estate a Man hath free will The Lord hath shewn what is good and what he requires and the Sâ—irit in them stirs them up to good God hath shined in the Heart and in the Face of Christ and hath appeared in his Glory shed abroad his Love and hath taken away the Heart of Stone in which there is no free will to God and given a Heart of Flesh in which there is a fâ—ee will to God a consent to be saved by Christ The Spirit acting by Light and Love convincing the Soul of the worth of Christ and stirring up to a following of the Lord Jesus that heart can reason out service Christ is worthy because a Lamb slain c. Rev. 5.9 And the heart chuses to serve Christ here 's free will to the doing of good When Christ is revealed in his Glory as most lovely and the Soul is brought into the treasures of good that are in Christ and sees a fulness in him and then embraces him here 's a free will in embracing of good a chusing of Christ above the World You are not sound Christians unless you have such a free will as this 3. That free will to Spiritual good which is in the renewed man is of God's working As the Apostle sais I live yet not I but Christ in me Gal. 2.20 So that a Believer hath free will and he acts freely in the ways of God he embraces what God shews to be good he châ—ses the things that please God yet not he but Christ in him Christ lives Christ wills and Christ works that which is good in him Without me ye can do nothing John 15.5 There 's no free will nor power to do good till Christ be in the heart I can do all things through Christ strenghtening me I can will as I ought and do as I ought through Christ Christ determines to good actions Christ stirs up to good actions Now this will further appear by considering the great design of God in saving Sinners As all God's works are God's manifestations so God intends in this work a glorious manifestation of himself 1. In his Power as in the first Creation his Eternal Power and Godhead is to be seen so in the second Creation Eph 1.19 The Apostle prays that the Ephesians might have the Spirit of Wisdom and Revelation to know the exceeding greatness of his Power to them that believe God's design is not to make known the power of Nature and Free will but his own power in the exceeding greatness of it If the Conversion of a Sinner be but by Moral perswasion by holding forth of Spiritual objects to be embraced then how is it that the exceeding greatness of power is manifested to them that believe if Faith come forth from free will and power of Nature only excited and stirred up by Divine Grace c. So certain it is that Faith is made out of nothing there 's no disposition in us towards believing but 't is a work of Divine Power creating it in a Soul most empty of Spiritual good 2. In his Grace which he declares first in the freeness of it For it is by meer Grace that any are called and justified There 's nothing that that puts a difference betwixt one and another nor why one embraces the Gospel and another does not but meer Grace 1 Cor. 4 7. These things I write that no one be puffed up against another for who maketh thee to differ If Men have free will to good if that Will be not meerly of God's working whereby one Man doth embrace Christ and lay hold on the Promise of Life God doth not make him to differ but his own free will doth so and so this opinion directly opposes the design of the Gospel to commend Grace in its freeness Free will established in natural men makes void free Grace As the Apostle says If of works then not of grace else grace is no more grace Rom. 6.11 So likewise if of free will grace is no moâ—e grace and if of grace then nor of free will So when the Gospel is Preached to all and some lay hold on it and embrace Christ in their hearts and follow him and others refuse and go on in evil ways leading to destruction What makes the difference Divine Grace God works a will in one and not in another the one he brings out of darkness and the other he leaves in darkneâ—â— and so all grâ—â—nd of glorying in a Man'â—â—elf iâ— taken away that he that glorys may glory in the Lord. So that free wiâ—l to good is nor in nature but where 't is it is a fruit of free Grace God works to will Secondly in the sufficiency of it when the Creature is insufficient and can do nothing to procure pardon and to make his Peace Grace gave Christ. And when Christ is offered and there 's no power to embrace Christ then Grace gives to believe in Christ and works a consent in the will to take Christ. When there 's no power against Corruption and to do good Grace gives the Spirit to be a living conquering Law causing Obedience Objection Some may object against this truth for establishing of free will in the Natural Man from the general and Universal render of the Gospel Go preach the Gospel to every Creature God gave his Son that all that believe c. Rom. 12.17 Whosoever will let him take of the Water of Life freely To what purpose are these tenders if there be not free will and power in Man to embrace them Answ 1. These general tenders of Grace do not argue in Men a freedom of will to receive Grace or a power to believe but only a duty to Believe Men ought to believe so all are called on and unbelief is Men's sin and greatest sin 2. The Election only shall lay hold on the Grace of the Gospel Rom. 11.7 Israel hath not obtained but the Election that is such persons as were Elected hath obtain'd it and the rest were blinded Now because the Election is secret and hid the Gospel is preached to all alike 3. The Preaching of the Gospel the holding forth of the Promises of Life in Christ to Sinners is the ministration of the Spirit to those that are ordain'd to Life that 's the way in which the Spirit comes down into their Souls and is a Spirit of Faith and Love in them 2 Cor. 3. 4. Reprobates having the Gospel Preached and
Accomplishment Page 166 3. To make these Argum. convictive there is requir'd an inward work of the Spirit on the Heart Page 170 Use 1. Of reproof to them that honour not the word duly Page 175 2. Of direction how to receive it Page 179 The Fourth Discourse Phil. 2.12 Of working out our Salvation Page 185 Sect. 1. Opening the Text. Page 186 Sect. 2. D. 1. The great busin that requires greatest diligence is to make Salvation sure Page 188 1. Salvation of Believers in Christ is sure in it self as the whole Trinity can make it Page 193 2. It may be made as sure to them 3. It ought to be made sure Page 194 4. Nothing else can be made sure Page 195 5. Nothing else is worth making sure Page 196 Sect. 3. What is Salv. and what Assur thereof Page 197 Sect. 4. Use of Exhortation with motives Page 198 Sect. 5. Directions 1. to estranged Sinners Page 203 Sect. 6. 2. To Saints 1. how to get this Assur Page 211 Sect. 7. 2. How to carry thems in want of it Page 213 Sect. 8. D. 2. The working out of Salvation begun should be the great desire of all Believers Page 220 1. Their Salvation shall be perfected 2. by degr 3. They should desire its perfection Page 223 Sect. 9. Use 1. Of Information 2. Of Excitation 3. Of Direction in this great work Page 229 Sect. 10. D. 3. Salvation is to be wrought out with fear and trembling Page 238 With what fear and what not Page 240 Sect. 11. 1. Salvation of Sinners is the work of the Trinity Page 242 2. There is a most glorious manifest of God in it 3. That cannot but work fear in the Soul to which this manifestation is made Page 245 Sect. 12. Of the nat and opposiâ—… of that fear Page 249 Sect. 13. Use 2 Of Information for Sinners Page 250 Sect. 14. Use 2. To consider well what is this work Page 252 Sect. 15. On the motive to this work ver 13. Doct. 1. they that are in the way of Life and Salvat are willing and doing Christians Page 256 Sect. 16. How they are willing and doing Page 257 Sect. 17. Use for conviction of many Page 261 Sect. 18. Doct. 2. A gracious will is of God's working Page 266 1. Explained 2. Proved by these steps 1. In Nat. Man is no free will to spirit good he is 1 dark 2. dead 3. full of enmity thereto Page 271 2. Renewed Man hath spiritual freedom Page 273 3. This holy free will is of God's working Page 274 Two main Objections answered Page 276 Sect. 19. Divers uses of this point Page 271 The Fifth Discourse Isa 58.13 14 Of Sanctifying the Gospel Sab. Page 283 Doct. In the puâ—est Goâ—pel-times theâ—e will be a strict observ of the Sabbath day How this Prophet Text proves that Page 285 c. Q. How God's Com. to Sanct. the seventh day can oblige us now to Sanct. the Lord's day Page 293 Q. How the chaâ—ge of the Sab. day appears Page 294 Q. How was the Sabbath made for Man Page 296 Q. Wherein consists the strict observ of it Page 299 Answer'd from the Text it self Object Who then can keep a Sab. Answered Page 302 Q. Shall a Sab. be kept in New Jerus or when the Church is glorious on Earth Page 303 Use 1. Of Rep. to many for not counting the Sab. holy and honour neither in the Judgm nor in their Practice Page 304 2. Of Exhortation to Sanctify it better Page 306 3. Motives to the Exhortation 4. Direct how to keep a Gospel Sab. Page 312 The Sixth Discourse Rom. 14.10 Of Christ 's Universal Judgment Page 317 D. 1. Christ hath a Judgment seat prepared for him What is meant by that and by his sitting on it Page 319 How Christ shall then appear What Enemies will then be Conquered D. 2. All Men shall then appear before him to receive Sentence according to their deeds now done in the Body Page 323 After what form Christ's Judgm will proceed Page 324 Q. Shall the Sins of the Godly be then mentio Page 326 Use 1. Of terrour to all the Wicked Page 331 Urged by considering that 1. 't is the day of Christ's wrath 2. All their sinful works will be remembred 3. None of their seeming good works mention'd in excuse of their evil ones 4. Their Conscience shall then be convinced Page 337 5. Their cries Prayers shall not be heard Page 339 6. They 'll be reward accord to their works Page 340 Use 2. Of Exhortat make it the business of every day to prepare for that last day Page 341 Directions how to prepare ERRATA Of many Slips in Spelling and Pointing these most need to be Corrected PReface Page 3. Line 16. for late read let p. 4. l. ult r. 12 Book p. 1. l. 8. dele Saint p. 7. l. 28. after is add to p. 11 l. 9. doth This. l. 33. r. here 's page 53. 30. they p. 54. 30. dele be p. 62. 28. aim p. 65. 12. is r. are p. 67. f. trusting r. instructing as we are instructed p. 68. 32. too r. to p. 69. 33. where p. 78. 12. add as after Sense l. 28. is r. if p. 80. 20. night r. might p. 81. 6. you r. must p. 82. 11. spent p. 84. 7. exercise p. 86. 33. Son-like p. 87. 2. change the Points p. 89. 28. dele more p. 90. 12. none p. 97. 19. Isai 33. p. 103. 14. search l. 22. plenty p. 104. 30. then read thou p. 107. 27. appropriation p. 108. 10. dele re p. 110. 15. I can p. 115. 21. dele on p. 116. 19. dele let 's p. 122. 3. Christ was p. 149. ult they P. 151. 2. constrain p. 152. ult be no. p. 160. 15. p. 170. 9. dele Truth p. 19. 69. â—n r. in p. 174. 20. fore r. for l. 24. there are p. 180. 19. 15. r. 5 p. 199. 22. that he p. 204. 3. r. live p. 221. 22. we were p. 235. 1. groaâ—ing p. 275. 12. dele that l. 21. his own p. 313. ult they p. 323. 30. dele and. p. 333. 14. change the Points r. and the. p. 340. 26. capacity p. 341. ult believe This. p. 344. 15. Jude l. 88. that they THE FIRST DISCOURSE THE Unsearchable Riches of CHRIST EPHESIANS the iij. verse viij Unto me who am less than the least of all Saints is this Grace given that I should Preach among the Gentiles the Unsearchable Riches of Christ CHAP. I. THE Apostle here commends the Grace of God to the Gentiles in that they were made Fellow Heires and partakers of his Promise in Christ by the Gospel and also the Grace of God to him in particular in Calling him to Preach the Unsearchable Riches of Christ among the Gentiles Who was a greater and more Eminent Saint Saint then Paul He calls himself when a sinner the chief of Sinners So there was ground for others to call him when he was a Saint the chief of Saints yet he stiles
of God which is the only solid ground of Faith in the most plain and edifying way this was his Commission And his Practice is answerable hereto which he declares in the beginning of this Chapter I came not with Excellency of Speech with enticing words but sound wholsome edifying Language not that he disliked Eloquence and Elegancy of Speech which is to be perceived in many places of his Epistles but he came not 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 cum Eminentia that is not with vain ostentation of his Gifts to gain applause of Men by Excellency of Speech he did not compose his Language in the likeliest manner to win applause but so as to edifie Rhetorick is useful whilst it may help on good grounds towards the embracing of Divine Truths Non laudatur Ruditas sed simplicitas nec vituperatur Eruditio sed Ostentatio And as he came not with Excellency of Speech so not of Wisdom He did not labour to work upon them by Natural Wisdom by Rational Arguments but did declare the Testimony of God We may say of Wisdom Reason Philosophy Humane Learning c. as the Apostle of the Law it is good if a Man use it lawfully if Natural Reason Wisdom and Learning be made subservient as a Handmaid to Faith and Religion there is a good use of them but if it be made the Mistriss and Lord of Faith and Religion the Standard for trial of Truths to be embraced then they are Enemies to Faith and Religion but Divine Truths must be urged upon a Divine Testimony and Authority In the next place now Paul declares further the grounds of this his Practâ—ce viz. 1. From the great esteem he had of the Knowledge of Jesus Christ and him Crucified I determined to know nothing among you but Jesus Christ 2. From the powerfulness and effectualness of the plain Pâ—eaching of Christ Crucified it is the power of God to Salvation in this way God's power woâ—kâ— on Men to the begetting of Faith and Repentance and bringing them to Salvation Chap. 1.18 3. From the powerfulness and ineffectualness of that way of Preaching by the excellency of speech c. the Faith and Obedience begotten hereby stands not in the power of God but in the wisdom of Men this is the foundation of it and so 't is but like the House built on the Sand 't will not endure a stormy blast of wind a Tempest a little Persecution arising the whole Fabrick is overturned 'T is observed of Paul Ast. 14. Preaching at Lystra with great Elegancy of Speech for which the People admired him and called him Mercurius seemed to imbrace him with much Affection so that they were ready to offer Sacrifice to him that we find no real good wrought amongst them Their affection stood in the wisdom of Man and so suddenly vanishes away no sooner came the Jews among them who were Enemies to Paul but they perswaded them another way and now verse 19. they stoned Paul to whom before they were ready to offer Sacrifice as a God that Man's Religion is vain that is not grounded on the Authority and Testimony of God that stands not on the Power of God This Introduction makes way for the better understanding of the sense and scope of the Text also to shew you what Preaching it is you should look after and have in highest esteem viz. that wherein divine Soul-saving Truths are in the plainest manner brought home unto you and urged upon your Consciences from the Testimony of God as Truths which God requires you to believe and imbrace and practice for the Salvation of your Souls and this is Preaching in the demonstration of the Spirit and of Power The words of the Text are one reason laid down of Paul's way of Preaching practised by him in plainess of Speech and declaration of the Testimony of God concerning Christ and him Crucified because he esteemed it the most excellent knowledge to know Christ and the cheifest piece of service he could perform for to bring honour to God or procure good to Men to Preach and to make known Jesus Christ and him Crucified They contain a Determination or Resolution of Paul in the great work he had to do among the Corinthians which he sets forth 1. by way of Negation or Comparative disesteem of the knowledge of other things not to know any thing I count nothing so worthy of my study or pains to make known or of your Search Diligence or Labour to know 2. By way of Affirmation setting forth the highest esteem of the knowledge of Christ in these words But Jesus Christ and him Crucified Him I account worth knowing Here you have 1. an Evangelical preacher mentioned take him for a Pattern Paul 2. His holy Resolution and Affection he had to his work I determined I fix'd this Resolution this I counted my choicest work 3. The Persons among whom he had a mind to work viz. the Corinthians although by many he was accounted a Fool for his labour and his Preaching Foolishness 4. The subject or matter of his Preaching Jesus Christ and him Crucified Something it will be needful to speak for the meaning of words I have determined 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 says Calvin is often used to the same sense 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 tanquam pretiosum Seligere to make choice of as a thing most precious therefore he translates the word Non eximium duxi I counted it not excellent or valuable Herein concur Peter Martyr and Beza who gives an Instance of that use of the Verb Rom. 14.5 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 One man esteemeth a Day so in our Text I have not esteemed any thing so precious and worthy to be made known c. Not to know i. e. to Preach or make known as the following words among you declare to be the sense Any thing Non quod respuendae sint Artes c. Muscul Not as is the knowledge of Arts and Sciences were to be rejected and Secular Learning despised which Paul was not unacquainted with and sometimes expresly makes good use of citing that verse of Epimenides in Tit. 1.12 But he accounted all other knowledge as nothing in comparison with the knowledge of Jesus Christ. This could not add any weight to the knowledge of Christ. But Jesus Christ But was he not to Preach many other things concerning the Father and the Holy Ghost c. yea but the meaning is nothing but Christ because there is no other Name whereby we can be saved c. nothing else as the way and means of Salvation he alone is the Way Truth aud Life he that knows him knows the Father by whom 't is we come to know and enjoy God from whom the Spirit is to be received And him Crucified Although Crucified I am not ashamed to Preach a Crucified Saviour proud Spirits disdain believing in one hanged on a Cross but the Ignominy of the Cross shall be no stumbling block to me Something further seems intimated that
Paul apprehended this to add a great deal of worth and esteem to the knowledge of Christ that he was Crucified it being of absolute necessity to Salvation that Christ must be apprehended and believed in under this notion and when he speaks of the Knowledge of Christ crucified he means not only the History of Christ Crucified that he suffered under Pontius Pilate c. but the mystery of the Cross the former many may know and yet be Ignorant of the latter but this is the life and excellency of this knowledge to know the Mystery c that is the Eternal Wisdom and Goodness of God in ordaining such a way for the Redemption of lost Man the great love of Christ the infinite satisfaction made the vertue of the death of Christ the glorious Conquest he made c. Some Observations I shall raise and touch at and pass by and then come to the main point to be insisted on From that word I determined observe that Doct. 1. A Minister of the Gospel ought to put on a fixed and setled Resolution to go through with his work of Preaching the Gospel be the work never so great difficulties many oppositions mighty he must resolve to go through with it 't is said of Ruth Chap. 1.18 She did stedfastly set her self c. or she strengthned her self a fixed Resolution is a strengthning and fortifying a man's self before hand against difficulties and oppositions the more Resolution the more strength for the work A Minister must imitate Christ his Master Luk. 9.51 He did stedfastly set his Face to go to Jerusalem I shall not insist on this only shew what is required to the making of a Resolution that it may be a strengthening to a Man 1. It must be a Resolution of Faith grounded on Faith 1. That God calls and sends a man Judg. 6.14 God says to Gideon go in thiâ— thy night have not I sent thee God's call and mission was his Strength upon this he may safely resolve and undertake the work and fear no terrors God's Mission is our might be assured of a divine Call and then you may resolve to undertake the work And 2. A continued dependance on God for strength God's sending at first is not enough to carry a man through but he must renew his strength rely on God for actual supplies and in this Faith fix a Resolution and say not by power or might but by the might of the Spirit of God going along and assisting in the work 2. It must be a Resolution of Sanctifying God's Name and Glorifying him This must be the aim and drift a Resolution to help to pluck Men out of the fire to build up the Spiritual House and inlarge Christ's Kingdom Use Proportionably hereto must fix your Resolutions to Hear Believe and Imbrace the Word you must determine to walk by it strengthen your selves with believing Resolutions 1 Laying hold on the strength of Christ to enable you to make good your Resolutions and say I can do nothing without strength from Christ I can do all things through Christ that strengthens me 2. The aim in your Resolutions must be to glorify God the end of Hearing of Worship and Profession must be to magnify Christ to hold out his Name and Honour in the midst of a crooked and perverse Generation then resolve such Resolutions will be your strength you must not be half Perswaded with Agrippa but altogether resolved to be such as Paul a Zealous Doer and Patient Sufferer for Christ to follow Christ according to the Gospel as Ministers must have fixed Resolutions to Preach so you to live in the way of the Gospel Not to know any 1. Paul was not like some others who Preached with Excellency of Speech and Wisdom to publish their Gifts rather than to make known Christ but I determined not to know any thing save Jesus Christ and him Crucified Doct. 2. The aim of a Minister of Christ must not be to Preach himself or to purchase himself applause His aim must not be to bring himself but Christ into esteem with a People he must not make a vain ostentation of his own Gifts but hold out the Graces of Christ not his Wit but Christ's incomparable Worth not to magnify his own parts but the Power of Jesus Christ he must take Paul for his Pattern 2 Cor. 12.16 Not make a gain of the People but labour to gain them to Christ by shewing them that Christ is the greatest gain 2. He must spend himself for the Peoples Souls ver 15. I 'll gladly be sent for you the Greek is for your Souls his Peoples Souls must be more precious then his own Body 3. He must love abundantly though smal retribution for love though he be less loved because of the manifestation of his love v. 15. 4. He must bewail those that sin any do not repent v. 21. so that all must be to perswade a People over to Jesus Christ and to imbrace the Gospel proportionably must you carry your selves that is you must profess your Selves to be the Servants of Christ not to get esteem to your selves but to Christ that he may be magnified by you not that you may be like the Giants of old Men of Renown but that Christ may in and by you have greater Honour and Renown by your Holy Christian Conversateon and Godliness But Jesus Christ although the Preaching of the Cross was accounted foolishness Doct. 3. A Minister must resolve to Preach Christ although he be accounted a Fool for his labour He must account the Preaching of Christ a most precious Service although the World account it foolishness because 't is both the Wisdom of God which the World accounts foolishness and the Power of God which it judges weakness Proportionably hereto Although the World may esteem diligence to hear the Word Preached Foolishness and a needless labour yet you must not be ashamed although the world may reproach you for preciseness in the ways of Christ and zeal in the cause of Christ yet after that way which they account foolishness you must Worship God and Honour Jesus Christ which is the way that leads to Life and Salvation Not to know c. knowing is put for making known that Paul accounts himself to know which he is careful to make known Doct. 4. Then a Man may be said truly to know Christ himself when he labours to make him known to others they are knowing Men that communicate what they know This were a Point very profitable to be handled but I shall have occasion to make use of it in the main point and so shall say the less of it now 1. God doth not account you to know what you do not communicate you are in his account ignorant Persons that labour not to Instruct the Ignorant in what you know for the Gift of Knowledge that you have is given to profit withal that you may be Eyes to the Blind Christ says that he knew not the