brightness and Majesty of his holines so affected with it that as Daniel when he saw the vision Dan. 10.8 So they in this manner beholding God to be a God of infinite holines righteousnes wisedome are ashained of their owne corruption and all thought of their owne excellency departeth from them this maketh the very Cherubins cover their feet Isai 6.2 and vers 5. now put all these together and they make this argument that people who are affected with the sence of their owne unworthiness the struggling of their corruptions assaults of Satan whose hearts are broken endued with true grace melted by the Word basely conceited of the best of their works loaden with affliction reproaches in the World affected with the beauty of Gods holines that people is an humble people but thus are Gods people Use This therefore acquainteth us with the dangerous estate of all men of high haughty and ambitious Spirits of men that are puffed up with the conceit of their owne excellencies that soare at least in their owne imagination upon the wings of their owne abilities who will needs increase in the eye of the World though it be to the decrease of the honour of Christ and to the reproach of their brethren such men are surely strangers to the Spirit of the Baptist have little experience of the heavy burthen of the loathsome nature of their owne corruptions of the merit of their doings the wages due to their labours this is a sin arising from present and the increase of temporary and common endowments either internall or externall when men look on humane abilities as Nebuchadnezar upon his palace Dan. 4.30 as the peacock upon his feathers as Rabseca upon his Masters victories 2 King 18.33 then they swell this is a sin arising also from the forgetfulnes of God men consider not that all they have is raine falling from the cloud of Gods bounty fruit gathered from the tree of Gods favour and hereupon they magnify the strength of their owne arme celebrate Philistia like the Dagon of their owne wit and endevours Hab. 1.16 of this the Lord forwarned Israel Deut. 8.14 and of this we have all great cause to be very carefull for I. This is a sin repugnant to our very originall and beginning we are not our owne workmanship a house of our owne building but the hands of the Lord have formed us now shall the vessel magnify it selfe against the potter Isai 29.16 Deut. 32.18 19. but Isai 64.8 and besides God made our bodily part out of the dust whereon our feet tread Gen. 2.17 hence Job 4.17 18 19 20 21. pride is a sin which doth repugne our very creation II. This is a sin repugnant to the tenure of all our endowments our goods and lifes are held at the will of the Lord we are but stewards he may take them when he pleaseth according to our abilities will be our reckoning 1 Cor. 4.1 Luc. 16.2 so that in our selves we are an empty vessel having nothing but what God hath given Gen. 31.9 Iac. 1.17 III. This maketh us uncapable of the grace of Gods Spirit a full vessell is uncapable of new water a full hand of a new gift a full stomack of food these say to instruction as Esau to Iacob I have enough Gen. 33.9 thus Rev. 3.17 Ioh. 9.41 While Paul was on horseback he was uncapable of instructions therefore the Lord smote him to to the ground Acts 9.3 IV. This maketh God to crosse curse and punish us to be after a peculiar manner an enemy against us more than against any others pride maketh a man set himselfe in Gods seate rob God of his honour reject Gods precepts despise his fellow brethren which are Gods Workman ship and for this doth God become an enemy to the proud and when he giveth grace to the humble yet he resisteth the proud Iac. 4.6 When he doth encrease the gifts of the meek he will take away what he hath given to the proud leave them destitute like a Well without water a tree without fruit leaf or branch hence Luc. 1.53 They who feel themselves empty like hungry stomacks Matth. 5.6 thirsty like dry grounds the Lord will give abundantly to drink out of the Wells of salvation but the rich such as be puffed up with the conceit of their owne goods these shall remaine like empty vessels empty of the true knowledge of God joy of the Spirit sence and feeling of the Word of God in his heart as a man will send away him whom he knoweth to have money enough without an almes from his doore and as a King taketh away weapons places of dignity from them that lift up themselves and rebell against him Luk. 14.11 The higher men do exalt themselves the more God will abase them as 2 Sa. 15.2 Acts 12.22 therefore let us take heed of all high conceipts of our owne excellencies Vse 2 Since Gods people are of a humble disposition let us try our selves whither we are indued with this humility or not that so we may know whither we are the Children of God or no and if you be indued with the humility proper to Gods Children you shall know it 1. By the instrument or meanes which doth worke it and that is the preaching of the Word of God the Law and Gospel together this doth awaken the conscience like a sounding trumpet this throweth down high thoughts as the sounding of the rams hornes did the Walls of Iericho Ios 6.20 this hath made you with the jailour Acts 16.31 with Paul Rom. 7.9 this light hath caused you to fall to the ground like that Acts 9.3 this like Daniels vision Dan. 10.8 you have felt how the Lord hath pricked your conscience with this goade Eccles 12.11 How the wounding of this arrow have made you fall down before the Lord Psal 45.4 How this looking glasse this Sun hath acquainted you with the spots that sticke in your Souls like dirt in a garment and hath made you vile in your owne eyes you have experience how God hath laydsiedge against your Souls how by the Ministry of his word he hath made you see your owne weakenes caused you to lay down your weapon yeeld up your selves and seek and sue for peace you have felt how the Gospel of God hath shined like the warme Sun into your hearts and hath melted your frozen affections and how God by his goodnes hath lead you to true repentance and made you truely humble as Ios 5.1 7 5. Iud. 5.45 So the people of God have found at the coming of the Word as Psa 97.4 5. 2. By your reverent meek and lowly attention to and entertainement of the Word of God receiving it as from the mouth of God himselfe 1 Thes 2.13 as that which is the instrument wherein and whereby God will shew himselfe powerfull in the work of salvation Rom. 1.16 as the Scepter by which Christ will sway in our hearts as the Child attendeth with an awfull reverence to
upon the ordainer of it Why are the waters of Jordan more effectuall than the waters of Abana and Parphar to wash away the Leaprosy of Naaman but because God hath ordained them thereunto 2 King 5.10 Why should Moses Rod divide the waters rather than another staff but because the Lord hath commanded it to be used he ordaineth it and maketh it to accomplish that whereunto he doth send it Isa 55.10.11 Reas 3 Because all the Ordinances of God do receive their vertue saving power from Gods Spirit The waters in Bethesda can do nothing unles the Angel move them John 5.4 The Philistines can never unfold Sampsons riddle unles they plough with his heifer Judg. 14.18 Let God withhold his Spirit the Word will be as a sealed book which we cannot understand you may read that the wisdome and understanding of the Word is by the Spirit Eph. 1.17 So John 16.13 Let God withhold his Spirit and the Word will be a killing letter 2 Cor. 3.6 And for the Sacrament that will be as a shell without a kernell as a dry tree without fruit as a fountaine shut up Vse This must give incouragment to the Lords Ministers though the work be difficult the burden heavy the taske great the opposition strong the hinderances many their armes weak their abilities no way answearable to the work Yet the Lords arme is strong the Lords eye is cleare he is every way sufficient he will make his Ordinances effectuall he will do great things by weak instruments Psal 8.2 Babes and sucklings our one weaknes must not so much dishearten as Gods power must give incouragment to us The consideration of Gods alsufficiency must make us pass through all difficulties with confidence chearfulnes and much courage Though we are as empty vessels yet in God is fulnes though it be a taske to hard for any humane strength a burden to heavy for the shoulders of the very Angels a labour which no created power can accomplish Yet the Lord having given us commission he may look on us and say as he did to Gideon in another case Iud. 6.14 Go you messengers of the Lord of Hosts you that are full of power by the Spirit of the Lord and of judgment and of might Mic. 3.8 Go on in this your might and ye shall save the chosen of the Lord out of the hands of their enemies have not I the Lord sent you and if any reply as Gideon did Iud. 6.15 O my Lord how shall I convert how shall I save this people behold I am weak and fraile a Lamp wherein is little Oile an arme wherein is small strength the most unworthy among the many thousands that beare thy name Yet as the Lord answered Gideon vers 16. So will he answer us surely I will be with thee I will guide assist incourage thee and thou shall smite down the sin of the people as one man thus Ier. 1.6 7 8. and Isa 49.2 Like a sword to peirce open prick and wound the consciences of men Hid me in the shadow of his hand protected me against the snares of men and hath made me as a polished arrow to peirce deeply and speedily into the hearts of the people And since it is the Lords work the faithfull messengers of God the leaders of his army may say one unto another as Ioab did to Abishai his Brother 2 Sam. 10.12 Be strong and let us be valiant for our people and for the Cities of our God and let the Lord doe that which is good in his eyes 2. Since God giveth the efficacy the ministers must take heed that they go not in their name bragging and boasting like the great Goliah of their owne abilities presuming like the Sonnes of Sheva without any commission from God to cast out the uncleane Spirit least as Goliah so they be foiled in the battel least as on the Sonnes of Sheva so the uncleane Spirit leape upon them and prevaile against them But as David went against the great Goliah not in his owne but in the name of the Lord and prevailed so must the ministers of God if they desire the conquest they must go in humility sensible of their owne weaknes as Gideon was of his Iud. 6.15 As Moses was of his Exod. 4.10 Such God will guide in judgment Psal 25.9 And shall do great things Psal 45.4 They must go in faith in the name of the Lord Jesus they shall be able to do great things Acts 3.16 Thorough this they shall cause the walls of the Spirituall Jericho to fall they shall subdue the Kingdom of Sathan stop the mouth of the Roaring Lyon quench the violence of fiery Concupiscence raise the spiritually Dead unto a new life make the weake strong the faint-hearted valiant put to flight armies of strange and strong corruptions worke righteousnes and seale up to mens Souls Gods promises as the Apostle doth in another case speake of Faith Heb. 11.30 33 34 45. They must go in Gods counsell and not in their owne wisedom David could do nothing in Sauls armour but with his sling and his stone he cast Goliah to the ground Humane inventions Philosophicall speculations like Sauls armour fit not Gods Messengers they are as a blunt weapon having no power The Word of the Lord is as a two edged sword the stones gathered out of the Scriptures slung with the sling of faith prevails mightily against sin Jer. 23.22 3. This must teach the people to take heed that they rest not in the naked receiving of Gods Ordinances from the hands of the Minister this is not enough but as the Minister so Christ must also baptize as the one baptizeth the body the other must baptize the conscience as the one preacheth to the eare so the other must preach to the heart Otherwise as the heart of Simon Magus so may ours after baptisme be full of the gall of bitternes Ismaels circumcision of the flesh availed not the heart remaining uncircumcised the washing of the sow doth not cause her to be a lamb as long as her swinish nature is not changed the ravens feathers become not white by being in the Arke with the dove Esau is not accepted of God because in the same womb with Jacob the same waters prove a swallowing gulph to the Egyptians which were dry ground a safe and sure way to Israel That Arke which causeth the house of Obededon to prosper causeth the men of Ashdod to perish It is not the possession but the fruitiō of Gods Ordinances that maketh them effectuall not the naked having but the sound application maketh them powerfull to salvation What availeth the shining of the Sun upon the blind that hath not an open eye to entertaine the light What is Physick in a Box vertuous herbes in a garden if not applied to the diseased Stomack to the wounded member What is raiment in a Wardroab or cloath under the arme if it be not put on the back What are apples above the head
ground the perswasions of our hearts upon apparant testimonies which will not deceive us Let us still be of humble disposition readily subjecting our selves to the Doctrine of Gods Word Let not affection conceit fond opinion but a judgment well informed be our guide Let all truths find entertainment approbation subjection so shall the Word bring comfort stablish our faith reconcile and draw us home to God assure us of his favour enrich us with his grace I. But if prejudice possesse our hearts bear sway within us we are taken in Satans snare we shall be lead like blind men into the pit of our destruction he hath put out the eye of the understanding that we shall not see the glorious light of the Gospel 2 Cor. 4.4 II. The sweet waters of life will be to our Palate as bitter as Gall the most sumptuous feast shall be but as the bread of adversity and the water of affliction Mal. 3.14 The most pleasant and delightfull light will be either an offence to the eye or at least as a Lamp without Oile Iob 34.9 All Religious and holy exercises will be as a cloud without raine as a vine without grapes III. The wisest counsell will be taken either as flattery or as treason the truest testimonies of the sincerest love will be looked on as baits upon the hooke to draw the fish to his death as meat spread by the fowler an allurement to the snare 2 Sam. 10.4 IV. Prejudice like a diseased stomack turneth good food into corrupted humours 2 Cor. 2.14 Like a diseased eye it beholdeth things in contrary colours Like David in one case it taketh friends to be enemies and enemies to be friends 2 Sam. 19.6 Like thornes and bryars in the field it causeth the seed of the word that it can take no roote Matth. 13.12 Like Sheba that blew the Trumpet of Rebellion it causeth the people to disclaime the Messenger of the Lord and to say they have no part in his Doctrine 2 Sam. 20.1 2. Like the evill Spirit that arose between Abimelech and the men of Shechem it doth breed a great division hasten their ruine Iud 9.23 Like a disease in the body it maketh men greedily imbrace what will nourish it Ahab being possessed with prejudice against the Prophet cast him into prison opened his eares to the false Prophets who deceived him 1 King 22. for the prevention whereof we must labour 1. For a sound judgment to be able to discerne the things which differ to make choise of the things which are most excellent a cleare eye judgeth and distinguesheth colours best delight is most welcome to that sight which hath most perfection sound Doctrine hath best approbation among men of sound knowledge and good understanding and surely as Paul said in another case Acts 26 2.3 So may the Minister of God say in this case and therefore 1 Cor. 14.20 Col. 1.9 1 Cor. 10.15 1 Thes 5.21 but ignorance is the common cause of prejudice 2 Pet. 2.12 2. For a good affection an entire love to the Messenger of the Lord this the Apostle requireth 1 Thes 5.13 This will cause us to hearken to their Doctrine with diligence to endure the word of exhortation with patience to imbrace it with thankfulnes to subject our selves to it with readines we take bitter pils contentedly from the Physitian whom we affect and you know what the Apostle saith of love 1 Cor. 13.5 6 7. 3. We must strive for an humble and teachable Spirit the broken ground entertaineth the seed the meeke in heart do readily subject themselves to the Doctrine of salvation the yoke of Gods precept is not irksome to the humble therefore Mat. 11.29 were we humble as Christ was then as he notwithstanding all his sufferings Isa 42 2. no more would we stirre and cry and make a noise and tumult when the axe is said to the roote of the tree we would not kick against the Word of the Lord though it prick like a goade and pierce like an arrow Ex. 12.11 Ps 45.4 The humble â—oul shall find sweetnes in it it shall be a word of glad tidings Isa 61.1 a pleasant food Psal 22.26 4. Carefully try all things by the touch-stone of Gods Word examine it by that line wherein there is no crookednes weigh it in that ballance wherein is no deceit try it by that touch-stone which will infallibly distinguish between good and reprobate silver the day 1 Cor. 13 13. that is the light of Gods Word Rom. 13.12 shall make it manifest the fire Gods Spirit speaking in the Scriptures will certifie you of the truth of what was taught therefore Isa 8.20 1 Joh. 4.1 Acts 17.11 By this meanes shall ye find that it is not so much man as God that speaketh by this meanes ye shall perceive more power in it attend with more feare and reverence to it and subject your selves thereunto with more willingness 5. Allow not your selfe in any evill way be not wedded to any sin but resolve in the uprightness of your hearts to subject your selves to the whole will of God be glad to be informed in any truth and be able to say to Gods Messenger as Cornelius did to Peter Acts 10.33 and the people to Moses Deu. 5.27 Then shall not your hearts rebell against any truth not distast any wholesome Doctrine not take offence at any godly exhortation more than a traveller resolving to go to his journeys end doth to be guided in the right way when he strayeth or a sick man desirous of a freedome from all diseases doth at the good counsell of a wise Physitian but shall with David 1 Sa. 25.32 33. The allowance of sin maketh true Doctrine unacceptable godly admonition unwelcome the tidings of peace an occasion of trouble the sweet flowers gathered out of the garden of the Scriptures as a bundle of noisome weeds the honey comb of the word as gall therefore let us put iniquity farr away and let no iniquity dwell in our tabernacles and then we shall receive the word without prejudice The Third thing is the Baptists deniall of himself the removing of all that honour from himself which they would falsely have ascribed to him Doctr GOds Servants must not seek their owne but the honour of the Lord Jesus This is given in charge 1 Cor. 6.20 this we are taught to make our first Petition Mat. 6.9 This the Saints Angels of God have refused to receive when men either ignorantly or superstitiously would have bestowed it on and have willed them to give it unto God and Christ Acts 10.25 26 Acts 14 14 15. Rev. 19.10 our Saviour blamed the want of this in the Pharises Joh. 5.44 and the Lord plagued them that neglecting his sought their owne glory Acts 12.21 22. Dan. 4.30 31. Reas 1 In regard of that perrogative which God hath over all he is the Prince of the Kings of the earth Rev. 1.5 every knee must bow to him Rom 14.11 He hath
shall be as a house builded on the rock and they as the waves of the Sea dashing themselves in pieces with the great assaults which they make against us IV. This procureth the truest and sweetest peace this turneth the tossing and raging Sea of a troubled conscience into a pleasant calme This like Noahs dove bringeth an Olive branch of peace like the Starre to the Wise men filleth the heart with much joy and gladnes this uniteth us to the Prince of peace reconcileth us to the God of peace maketh our hearts the temples of the spirit of peace for Rom. 5.1 and Ioh. 16.33 this is the fruit of holines Rom. 2.10 the attendant of an heavenly mind Ro. 8.6 in this standeth the Kingdome of God Rom. 14.17 and of this all that walke according to the rule of Gods Word shall infallibly participate Gal. 6.16 The 4th thing is the Commission the Ministers of God have before they do undertake this calling they go not of their owne accord but they stand heare they wait upon God for instruction they deliver not their owne devices but they wait upon God for his counsell and direction Doctr. GOds Ministers must be furnished with abilities before they undertake this calling and be sure that the Word of God do warrant their Doctrine they must be furnished with abilities as the Lamp with Oile for Mat. 5.14 as the well with water for Mal. 2.7 Deut. 32.2 as the Generall with skill and valour for 2 Tim. 2.3 as the Physician with art to discerne diseases and to apply right remedies Isa 61.10 As nurses have milk in their breasts 1 Thes 2.7 As Aaron was anointed Exod. 29.21 So must the Ministers be anointed with the grace of the Spirit Jer. 1.5 as they must be furnished with abilities so their Doctrine must be warranted by the Scriptures they are Gods mouth and therefore must not speake their owne but Gods language Ier. 15.19 Gods Embassadours and therefore must not deliver their owne but Gods message 2 Cor. 5.19 furnished they must be with abilities 1. Because the worke they undertake is a worke of great weight the glory of God and welfare of the souls of men is so deeply interest Onus vel ipsis angelis formidandum as Bernard speaketh a task requiring the strongest arme to effect it a building the laying of whose foundation requireth much wisedome 1 Cor. 3.10 a labour so hard that the Apostle proposeth the question 2 Cor. 2.16 2. A work of great difficulty the Scripture like Iacob's Well are deep our owne armes are too short to reach unto the waters therein a heavenly language to the unfolding whereof the tongue of the learned is required Isai 50.4 The hearts of men are very deceitfull they must handle the Word of God skilfully who will make it like a two edged sword dividing between the bone the marrow the joynts and the Spirit Heb. 4.12 the new birth is a hard work requiring a skilfull midwife much labour Gal. 4.19 abundance of strength the rooting up of these briars the planting of the trees of holines in the Lords vineyard requireth strong hands men furnished with good gifts if we look on the difficulty of bringing men out of the bondage of sin and Satan we may say as Moses did in another case Exo. 3.11 12. 3. A work resisted by forcible and subtle opposition the emenies of mans salvation are many powerfull crafty violent striving to hold the winds of the Gospel that they may not blow Rev. 7.1 standing at the right hand of Josuah that he may not Sacrifice Zach. 3.1 an old and subtle Serpent Rev. 12.9 his Souldiers are strongly armed Rev. 9.9 10. ready to withstand the messengers of the Lord as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses 2 Tim. 3.8 and therefore Gods Ministers must not be like naked men without armes but thoroughly furnished with every good gift 4. It is the grace of the Spirit which will make them abundant and plenteous in their labours this will make them like the Sun rejoyce to run the race which is set before them like the full clouds pour out abundantly their waters for the refreshing of the Souls of Gods people This will make them that they shall not be silent but as Job 32.18 19 20. This will constraine them to labour make the Word of God be as fire in their bones this will be as a spurre in their sides so that they shall say as 1 Cor. 15.10 And as they must be thus qualified so their Doctrine must be warranted by the Scriptures Because that Doctrine alone which is grounded upon the Scripture doth I. Open Gods counsell will and purpose touching our eternall salvation in these alone God speaketh this is the letter wherein the mind of God is unfolded the looking glasse wherein we may see the beauty of Gods holines Psal 27.4 All other writings of humane learning are in this regard but like painted lights dark Lanternes like the images Psal 115.5 6. Men of the greatest wisedome undertaking to declare Gods counsell without the sound study of Gods Word may say as Job did Job 42.3 and confesse as he did in another case Ps 139.6 therefore Paul who revealed the whole counsell of God Act. 20.26 taught nothing but what was grounded upon the Law and the Prophets Acts 26.22 Acts 28.23 II. This doth enlighten the understanding make us wise unto salvation 2 Tim. 3.16 17. therefore Joh. 5.39 III. This doth comfirme the faith of Gods people This is a sure foundation a firme anchor all other Doctrines are but sand this is a sure Word 2 Pet. 1.19 This is no deceitfull bow but like the bow of Ionathan it never returneth empty it alwayes accomplisheth that whereto it is sent Isa 55.10 it is sure Psal 19.7 As the Lord said of Eliakim Esa 22.23 So may I say of the Word of God Psal 111.7 8. IV. This is mighty in beating down the holds of sin this maketh the mouth of Gods Messenger like a sharp sword Isai 49.2 their Doctrine like sharp arrows in the hearts of men Psal 45.4 making them to stoop and humble themselves Acts 2.37 this like Canon shot battering down the strongest wals like a burning fire trying the Metall making a separation all Doctrine without this is weake like a withered reed like a dead carkasse Mat. 7.29 V. This hath a regenerating vertue 1 Pet. 1.23 therefore likened to good seed Mat. 13.23 24. a voyce awakening the dead in sin Ioh. 5.25 therefore called the Word of life Phil. 2.14 Use This therefore sheweth it to be a great misery to the Church to be pestered with insufficient Ministers with such as have no competent abilities to discharge their callings by reason whereof the Souls of men are as a diseased patient under the hand of an ignorant Physitian having no skill to cure him as a barren field under clouds which have no raine to pour upon them as flocke under a Shepheard that hath no pasture
Bridegroome so do they to hear the voyce of Christ Cant. 5.16 Reas 6 From the love which it doth breed in their hearts towards Christ This like a bellowes bloweth up the coales of their affections like the warme Sun it heateth their frozen hearts causeth them to be rooted and grounded in love Ephes 3.18 19. So to love him as to leave all for him Mat. 10.37 to despise all in comparison of him Luc. 14.26 an affection so strong that nothing can breed a separation Rom. 8.35 38 and loving Christ so fervently they cannot chuse but rejoyce abundantly in him love and joy like joynt companions go together Gal. 5.22 like the Sun and the light they will not he separated the one from the other Reas 7 From the operation of the Holy Ghost which doth attend it the Spirit of God which is the Fountaine of all joy is given with the Ministry of the word this is the key by which our hearts are opened and the Holy Ghost admitted into our Souls hence Acts 10.44 1 Thes 1.6 Acts 13.52 Reas 8 From the benefits which arise from hence by this the understanding is enlightned 2 Cor. 4.6 their faith is confirmed Ephes 1.13 victory over Satan obtained Ier. 31.11 their hearts are so softened and made tender as ground by the dewes Deu. 32.2 Isa 55.10 their affections are purified as the Corn by the fanne Mat. 2.12 Ier. 23.29 their consciences are purified Isa 57.19 their love and zeale is increased of a small drop these affections become like a flowing streame of few sparks become a burning flame of weake plants they become tall trees full of good fruit and hence as Acts 3.8 so Isa 35.5 6. Reas 9 From the protection which by this meanes they enjoy the Ministry of the Gospel is as Horsemen and Chariots to the people a sure defence Gods Ministers the best Watchmen the best Souldiers the Word of God is the surest shield the strongest shot the sounding of the Trumpet prevailed more against the walls than much Canon shot the shining of the Lamps the cry of the Sword of the Lord and Gideon put the Midianites to flight sooner than an army of men the Arke put the Philistines in greater feare than all the Israelitish army when the Ministry of life was removed from Ierusalem their house lest desolate then the Temple was cast to the ground Reas 10 From the grief which they conceive at the removing of it as Phinea's Wife would not be comforted when the Arke was taken away 1 Sam. 4.21 Ioseph and Mary went up and down sorrowing when Christ was lost Luk. 2.46 so the people of God are full of heaviness at the absence of the Word La. 2.6 12. Ps 74.9 Use This discovereth the misery of such as take no joy as delight not in the fruition of the Gospel to whom it is as light to the blind not seeing it musick to the deafe not hearing it food to the sick not relishing it want of delight in that Word of God is a sufficient argument of alienation from God an apparent testimony that we are not of God that we have not tasted of Gods goodnes he that doth not with David dance before the Lords Arke hath not Davids heart wanteth Davids love is a strangers to Davids sence and feeling of the working of Gods Word and Spirit within him He that looketh on this as on a vessell without water a tree without fruite a Lamp without Oile hath a heart without grace who is it but a Stoick a man of a stupified heart a seared conscience that accompteth Pauls preaching to be but babling that saith Job 21.14 A theef hideth himselfe from light Ioh. 3.20 Who but the deaf taketh no comfort in pleasant musick Psal 58.5 Mat. 11.17 Who but they that know not the things belonging to their peace Luk. 19.42 are not delighted with the Gospel of peace how canst thou be the Child of God if thou rejoyce not to heare the voyce of thy Father How canst thou be the Bride of Christ if thou art not affected with the language of thy Husband How canst thou be a new creature if like a new borne Child thou art not delighted with the milk of these breasts How canst thou be a traveller towards the heavenly Canaan and not be glad to see this fiery Pillar shine before thee How canst thou be a man of a hungry stomack and not be glad of this honey-comb How canst thou be experienced in the assaults of Satan and not rejoyce at the having of this weapon he cannot be the faithfull servant of God that findeth no delight in the Word of God Vse 2 This discovereth the cause why the people of God do so desire Gods Word Psa 27.4 Why they thirst after it as dry ground thirsteth Ps 63.1 Why they seek it Amos 8.12 why they incourage one another Zach. 8.21 why they wait Pro. 8.34 as Ioh. 5.5 Acts 3.3 why they say Ioh. 6.34 It is musick to their eares and they like David 2 Sam 6.16 it is Isa 25.6 and as Eccles 10.19 it is the joy and rejoycing of their hearts Ier. 15.16 It is the Sun that giveth light to them in darknes the staffe that sustaineth them in their weakenes the Arke bearing them up in the deepest deluge of troubles the Fountaine affording refreshment when all their water brooks do faile therefore no wonder they attend upon it Use 3 This must cause every one of us to try whether we can find this joy in the Word of God in hearing the Gospel preached whether it be to our Souls as the voyce of a kind friend a gracious Father a loving husband whether these apples these flagons Cant. 2.4 comfort stay and glad our hearts as they with their bottles Hos 5.3 made the King glad and if we doe rejoyce at it indeed it will appeare 1. By our conscionable preparation to it as sick men prepare their stomacks and Husbandmen their vineyards before the one receiveth Physick or the other soweth his seed so do they that delight in the Word for this is Physick and seed which they who wisely husband their Souls and highly value the wored of the Lord will not suffer to be sowne among thornes and briers but as Exo. 19.10 2. By our frequent meditation upon it man often thinketh upon that wherein he rejoyceth thus Psal 11.2 delight is a loadstone that draweth the thoughts a Chariot that carrieth the mind with an irresistible force to the thing rejoyced in 3. By our constant attendance on the same if we delight in it we will wait patiently and constantly upon it we will hearken diligently what the Lord will speake unto us we will be no strangers in Gods house but we will take every opportunity to go thither desire to make it our habitation Ps 27.4 accompt it our happines to have admittance within the gates of his house Ps 84.10 4. By our high valuation of it as the Sun above the Candle pure wheat
sheep oxen gold silver wordly friends these are empty vessels withered armes broken cisternes Physitians of no value unable to give salvation to lead to life eternall as King 6.26 so may all the creatures in the World say in this behalfe and as Psal 33.16 17. so much more in this case therefore it is in vaine to build on this for these are as God said of Aegypt Isai 31.3 It is to no purpose to cry to them for they will be as deaf as Baal 1 King 18.26 as the Psalmist said of promotion Psal 75.6 so it is also true of this spirituall promotion it cometh neither from the Sea nor from the Land it cannot be gotten by strength bought for money wonne by policy but as Solomon said Eccles 9.11 so in this case and as Iob 28.12 13 14 15 16 17 18. so of salvation for Ioh. 1.13 it is Christ that is made unto us of God 1 Cor. 1.30 earthly abilities have no power hereunto these are a weapon too weake to throw downe the holds of sin Satan will say to these as to the Sonnes of Sheva Acts 19.15 these have no power to enlighten the understanding 1 Cor. 2.10 no ability to purify the conscience Dan. 5.5 6 7. to cleanse the affections it is the word and spirit that maketh wise unto salvation 2 Tim. 3.17 that giveth peace Isa 57.19 reconcileth to God 2 Cor. 5.19 our salvation is wholly from the Lord Ier. 3.29 and therefore let us regard and fasten our eyes upon the meanes which is from above more than on the means which is here beneath let us seek for happines from above where it may be had and not here below where it cannot be found let us not seek for grapes on thornes and for figs upon thistles like them Luk. 24.5 Vse 2 This discovereth the cause why Christ and his Ordinances have such slender entertainement why they are no more respected among the men of the World they are from above they are not of the earth but from a forreigne countrey as the Sodomites resolved to deale hardly with Lot because he was a stranger Gen. 19.9 so doth the Sodomitish World with Christ Ioh. 15.19 Joh. 9.29 2 Pet. 2.12 these things are above their earth 1 Cor. 2.14 as Joh. 4.11 they have no bucket to draw these things have no savour in their nostrils 2 Cor. 2.16 as Job 24.17 so Ioh. 3.20 the head stone of the corner is a stone of offence the way to life is become a stumbling block 1 Pet. 2.7 Ioh. 8.22 23. Vse 3 Is Christ Jesus from above is his originall divine and heavenly then we must also labour to be borne againe from above to be endued with divine and heavenly wisedome that we may know him so the many blessings which come by him a carnall an unsanctified knowledge cannot conceive him an unregenerate a profane heart hath no sence and feeling of these things the carnall palate cannot relish these dainties the unsanctified eye cannot behold this light the profane heart cannot intertaine these misteries Isa 29.11 Christ appeareth as a worme and no man Psa 22.6 as a face wherein is no beauty Isa 52.14 as a store-house having no treasure things heavenly must be looked on with a heavenly eye holy matters must be discerned by a holy understanding intertained with sanctified affections therefore we must pray with the Apostle Ephes 1.18 19. with the Psalmist Psal 119.33 and when our understandings are thus inlightned from above then shall Iesus Christ be glorious in our eyes Cant. 5.10 as the apple-tree among the thornes and briars Cant. 2.3 as the Sun among the clouds as King David in the eyes of his subjects more worth than ten thousand of the common people like Saul the head above all the residue of the people beyond measure more beautifull more excellent than all the World II. Then shall we behold in him all fulness all sufficiency of all good things such as eye hath not seene nor eare heard of shall we find in him 1 Cor. 2.9 we shall find him to be a living fountaine whose waters never faile Joh. 4.14 to be a tree never barren but alway bearing Rev. 22.10 a sure rock never sinking Isai 32.2 a Sun yeelding all fulnes of contentement to his servants Psa 84.11 so that they shall say as Elkanah to Anna 1 Sam. 1.8 and upon better ground than Esau they shall say they have mongh III. Then they shall cast themselves and their burthen upon Christ as upon a never failing friend a sure foundation a strong Pillar a Sepheard able to deliver the flock out of the pawes of the beare and the jawes of the Lion like David a wall of fire able to defend his Servants and consume their enemies for Psal 9.10 IV. Then shall they have a low estimation of the things of the earth look upon them as on waters that passe away as on empty vessels as on cobwebs soone sweept down Job 8.14 as on a slippery place where is no standing Psal 73.18 as on dung and drosse of little value Phil. 3.8 as on things yeelding no true contentment no sound comfort no sure defence but are as chaungable as the wind as a garment Psal 102.26 and therefore they fasten not affections on things here below but on things above Use 4 Is Christ from above is his originall divine and heavenly then this may comfort all the Children of God I. In regard of their emptiness he hath all fulness he can abundantly supply our wants Ioh. 1.14 16. as the Sea and full clouds fill the chanels II. In regard of our ignorance he is full of knowledge as the Sun of light able to make us wise unto salvation III. In regard of unrighteousnes he is from above he is full altogether righteousnes he hath long Roabs to cover us Ier. 23.6 IV. In regard of trouble of conscience he is a Prince of peace Isa 9.6 Ephes 2.14 Mat. 8.26 Thus of Christs originall next of his Dominion Doctr. CHrist Jesus hath preheminence above and Dominion over all creatures therefore called the King of Kings Rev. 1.5 the great King Rev. 12.5 Phil. 2.9 10. and Dominion he hath I. In regard of creation Col. 1.16 17. II. In regard of gubernation Ioh. 13.3 the very devils are subject to his command Mar. 5.8 III. In regard of subjugation 1 Cor. 15.25 IV. In regard of his office for the executing of Gods judgment upon all men and evill Angels Ioh. 5.22 Dominion he hath over his owne people I. As head of that body whereof they are members 1 Co. 11.3 II. As a redeemer having first bought us 1 Cor. 6.26 III. In regard of conquest having obtained victory over sin and Satan Col. 2.15 IV. In regard of possession having erected his Kingdome within them V. In regard of protection being a continuall defence unto them Isa 32.2 Use This acquainteth us with the dangerous estate of such as disobey Christ cast his precepts behind their backs make him
with it if it go into captivity into prison into noysom diseases into poverty reproach nay though they are surerely and infallibly shewed that it goeth to Hell yet they will go with it 5. By their dislike of holinesse and all the means teaching man to lead a holy life this is like fetters to the man possessed with an unclean spirit they break these cords as he brake them like the Sun to diseased eyes Job 24.13 like a Candle to him that hath stolne goods Ioh. 3.19.20 like the hand-hand-writing to Baltazzar Dan. 5.5 no weed so unsavory to their Nostrils no Gall so distastefull to their Palates no noise so terrible to their Ears this is a stranger they will give it no entertainment an enemy they will make war against it Rom. 8.7 they watch an opportunity as Iudas to betray Christ as Esau to murder Iacob so they to betray to destroy this if possible they might it is as offensive to them as Mordecai to Haman nothing can give them contentment as long as this prospereth by which it is apparent that the natural mans disposition is altogether carnal Vse This may teach us not to wonder be astonish'd or dismayed to see the whole world lie in wickedness the greatest number of men carnally disposed their affections tending downward to things here below as the streams go down the Channel or the earth moveth down towards the Center not think it strange that the carnal world wonders after her own lusts as the Popish idolatrous world after their beast that they pursue the earth and the vanities of the same as Micah pursued his Idol that they lye overwhelmed in sin as once the world was overwhelmed with the deluge that Hill and vale high and low rich and poor learned and ignorant even all a few poor despised yet sanctified Souls excepted given unto covetousnesse and carnal lusts as the Prophet long since complained Ier. 6.14 that the broad way is full the narrow way hath few travellers that Baals house is full the seats in Gods house like the seats in Sauls house in the new Moon were empty yesterday and to day Sabbath after Sabbath that the world the earth riches honours pleasures are in great request heaven religion holinesse duties of sanctification in little or none at all Marvel not I say at this shrink not back from God leave not the Lord Iesus for this the three hundred Souldiers left not Gideon though many thousands went back from him Ioshua and Caleb turned not back from following the Lord though Israel besides did and perished let Peters resolution be your practise though all men forsake him yet go not you back from him be not moved be not shaken at the sight of the multitude of prophane persons for all men are earth and earthly and 1. They are ignorant and see no beauty no benefit no pleasure in the way of Godlinesse it is to them as a light under a bushel a fountain shut up Luke 19.42 these are like the Gods of whom Daniel spake Dan. 5.23 these are as Ier. 5.4 Psal 82.5.2 they are sick and cannot rellish the good things of God their Palate hath lost its taste bread is as gravell Wine as Gall a feast of the choisest heavenly delicates as the white of an Egg which hath no taste or unsavoury meat which cannot be eaten without salt Iob 6.6 what our Saviour said to Peter in one particular may be universally verified of every carnall man thou savourest not the things of God but of men and what Barzillai said to David in another case every carnall man may say of himself unto God I am old in sin and cannot taste the Word of the Lord and let not me be pressed to this and that duty of holines to follow the Lord with such preciseness but let me return to mine own way fashion delights c. 3. They are dead in sins and trespasses no more feeling of sin than a dead man of the disease no more sence of the working of Gods Word then feared flesh of the prickings of a needle as Psal 6.5 so there is no thought no remembrance of God among carnall men they have no thought of Heaven life eternall the way and means tending thereunto 4. They know not things of any better nature than the earth the Cattle know not any better thing than pasture in the field water in the brook and therefore never look after wine and other delicates so the naturall man knoweth nothing but this World not knowing the comforts of the Gospel the sweetness of Gods love the pleasantness of the peace of a good conscience think there is no clearer nor warmer sun no more pure nor pleasant streame no sweeter musick than peace and prosperity in this World the Woman of Samaria knowing no other water than such as was in Jacobs Well asked not water of life from Christ knew not what he meant when he spake of it the unsound Disciples knowing no other bread than that which nourisheth the body thought not upon the bread which nourisheth the soul unto life eternall 5. They are inconsiderate hasty and violent in the pursuite of their own projects in accomplishing their own purposes in running their own way in following their own counsell in fulfilling their own lusts therefore likened to the Adder Psal 58.5 the wild asse Ier. 2.24 mad men Jerem. 17.9 they have in heart to consider what the issue will be of all their evill doings though they set thornes yet they think they shall gather grapes though they serve sin yet they think the wages shall be eternall life though they sow to the flesh yet they hope to reap life everlasting thus Psal 36.1 and though they be like them Isa 65.4 like him Mar. 5.4 5. Though they have fellowship with the workers of the works of darkness though they be men of swinish condition and conversation though there souls be full of the breath of abominable things though they break the strongest bonds of Gods precepts wound themselves with many lusts as with swords and speares yet like them Isai 65.5 they spare not to think to say they are better than the dearest of Gods Children so highly are they opinionated of their own goodness so strongly are they wedded to their own afflections that all admonition is but as water upon a black Moor dew upon a rock it maketh no impression but as Solomon saith Prov. 27.22 Now this being the qualification order disposition bent and course of every naturall mans heart and life it is no marvell that the World is generally profane nor let any go back because there are so few that set and keep their feet constant in the way to life 2. Is this the condition of corrupt man since the fall of our first parents are they all earthly carnall full of sin then this may assure us that in this estate there is no salvation the naturall mans way will never lead him
they will go weeping after it as Phaltiel after Michall so great is their love to it that no persuasions no threatnings shall breed a rejection of it 4. The tendernes of it therefore likened to the eye it is grievousnes to put out the eye a man will endure any member to be wounded any injury to be offered to any part of the body rather than to his eye Mat. 18.1 for this also it is likened to the mortifying of the members making the members of the body dead by giving them many blowes by piercing them with many wounds Col. 3.5 the naturall man will not have his sin his beloved one to be touched Amos 7.10 the Baptist must not meddle with Herodias Ahab will not be crossed in his journey to Ramoth Gilead they will not have the Hemme of this Garment touched 2 Sam. 18.5 5. The inherency and thorough mixture of sin with the soul and deep dy of it upon the heart as water and wine are so mingled that the skilfullest hand cannot make a separation the Ivy and the stones so combined that unles the Wall be thrown down it can not be removed so is sin and the soul so mixed that no skill of man or Angell can divide them it is as the marrow in the bones as the juyce in the root as the roots infolded wrapped up in the earth the bones must be broken Psal 51.8 the fallow ground must be plowed up Ier. 4.3 before sin can be plucked up it is a deep staine water cannot wash it nitre cannot purge it the best humane abilities have no power to remove it Ier. 2.22 it is a Leprosy of that calour depth and strength that the Water of Damascus cannot purge it no River but Jordan can heal it Isai 26.10 Prov. 27.22 Amos 4.6 7 8. Pharaoh Exod. 5.6 7 8. Ahas 2 Cro. 28.22 Isai 1.5 6. I might add many more but by these things it is sufficiently manifest what strangers we are to all abilities of turning our selves to God and working out our salvation before the Lord do put the life of grace into us and by his Word and Spirit as by his Horsmen and Chariots do draw us forward in the way of life and happiness 4. This will teach us not to ascribe too much to any man of themselves they are earth and earthly disposed even the very best among all men the excellency wherewith they are endowed is not of themselves but of God it is the dew from his cloud that doth make them fat the treasure of his store-house that doth make them rich the work of his finger that doth make them differ we are all empty vessels the fulness which we enjoy cometh from above barren fields till the Lord doth water and dresse us therefore as we admire not the vessel which holdeth good liquour but rather the Tree which bare the Grape that made the liquor so let us not so much admire the Creature the woodden vessel that hath the excellent Treasury as the Creator that gave the Treasure to him 2 Cor. 4.6.7 we are but the Casket the Jewel is the Lords we are but the Lamp it is the Lord doth give the Oile without him we can do nothing we are altogether dependant upon him all our abilities are the Lords talent we are but stewards thorough Christ inabling we can do all things but if Christ do not inable man can do nothing God is the Alpha and the Omega of all the good we enjoy or do therefore as Mar. 2.11 12. Acts 3.11 12. I Gideon overthrow the Midianitish army it is not so much Gideon as the Lord hath done it therefore first they cry the Sword of the Lord and then Gideon the Rod was used in dividing the waters of the red Sea yet Moses and Israel give the praise unto God Exod. 15.6 therefore Col. 1.29 Paul laboured not of himself but more or lesse according to the measure of Gods working in him so 1 Cor. 3.5 intimating that they were but instruments God was the chief Agent that if they brought any to the knowledge of the truth it was the Lord that did open the understanding if they turned any man to the faith it was the Lord did open the heart if they brought comfort to any mans Soul it was the Lord that spake peace unto the conscience teaching them whosoever were the instrument yet to give the whole praise to God the chief Agent to have God and not the persons of men in admiration 5. Let therefore our own worthiwess our own indisposednesse unto any good cause us to give the praise of our whole salvation unto God acknowledging him to be the soul and onely fountain whence all water which giveth refreshment to our Souls have their Original the more we see our own emptinesse the more feelingly let us acknowledge the Lords fulnesse the more we look upon our own poverty the more let us magnifie the full and open hand of God towards us the more let us laud him rejoyce in him for his abundant goodnesse the more let us study to please him to honour him to walk in all sincerity before him striving in all things to make him glorious utterly denying our selves saying as the Psalmist Psal 44.3 for as we are earth and earthly so we speak of the earth which is the third thing here noted their practise they speak of the earth their imployments are earthly their actions are carnal 9. The whole labour and practise of un-regenerate people is earthly and carnall as the whole fruit of a corrupt Tree is so Matth. 7.18 men are all like Travellers out of the way every foot they step is awry Psal 58.3 our whole work is but a Spiders Web and increases no better than a Cockatrice Egge Isa 59 56. Reas Because the Root and Original is evil and as men speak of the Countrey and parentage whereof they are so men being of the World of the flesh speak and do the works thereof 1 Ioh. 4.5 2. Because the whole man is full of sin as the Sea full of waters a dead body of rotteness an undrest Garden of weeds the eyes are full of vanity the tongue full of evil communication the hands full of idlenesse full of bloud of unrighteous dealings the heart full of uncleannesse and hence stream all kinde of abominations Matth. 15.19 Use We have no cause to glorie of our works as long as we are carnal they are nothing but the fruit of the flesh Gal. 5.19 Brasse Tin Iron base Metal Ier. 6.28.30 as the Psalmist saith of men Ps 62.9 so may the natural man say of all his works whither of piety or common equity of his way towards God or towards man they are altogether vanity surely if God should lay our deeds in the ballance as Baltazar was that would be found of us which was written of him mene mene tekel upharsin you are laid in the ballance your works are weighed which are found too light
as if God had brought them into a condition wherein he could not preserve them into a danger out of which he could not deliver them made a promise which he was not able to accomplish Psa 106.25 Hereby they deny Gods Soverainty and dominion they harkened not saith the. Psalmist Psa 106.25 that is they detracted from Gods authority and dominion they would not be guided by his voice ruled by his counsell but would fight against the Amalekites go into the land of promise when God forbad them Deut. 1.42 43.44 thus you see now greatly God is dishonoured by infidelity 2. Therefore as we doe desire to make the name of God glorious to doe any thing pleasing in Gods presence let us labour to beleeve his word to consent subcribe and yeeld to the truth of his testimony to search after the through-knowledge of it to imbrace it with most hearty and unfained affection to build upon it as upon a sure foundation to rest upon Christ alone for life and salvation to get a gracious perswasion in our hearts of the goodnesse of God in Christ towards our own soules to stay upon Christ as upon a sure pillar to build upon him as upon the onely foundation a foundation which will not faile to fasten our faith upon him as the marriner his Anker on a sure rock and as 2 Chron. 32.8 so let us rest our selves upon the promises of God no other hath promised life and salvation no other can conferre the remission of sinne and life eternall no other can deliver from Hell sinne and Satan therefore let us take off our hearts from all other and relye onely upon him Isa 45.22 for there is no other name Acts 4.12 and all the promises which God hath made in him are most certaine 2 Cor. 1.20 most constant whatsoever change there be this faileth not Isa 40.8 this like the Sea continueth full though other water brookes doe faile these are most pleasant and delightfull full of refreshment delight and comfort to Gods people Psa 23.4 and in beleeving Gods promises in geting interest in them in building upon them wee shall be drawne to attend Gods ordinances with delight as the child sucketh the brests as Job desired it more then his appointed food to come as to our fathers house as into our friends presence to be glad with David Psa 122.1.2 Wee shall stirre up others to seeke God in the use of his ordinances we shall call others Jsa 2.2 wee shall strive to bring them to the Physitian of their soules to make them partakers of his Grace Lu. 22.32 3. Wee shall be full of love to God and to his wayes Gal. 5.6 7. Wee shall be rich in all good works like a tree full of fruit a garden full of sweet flowers and thus shall we abundantly glorifie God by believing to this we should be induced by considering the fulnesse and Alsuffici of Christ Jesus for Verse 34. He whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God for God giveth not the spirit to him by measure The Baptist here rendereth the reason why they doe put to their seale that God is true when they doe receive the testimony of Christ even because the testimony of Christ is the testimony of God for Christ is come from his Heavenly Father and God alone doth speake by him for so Jo. 7.16 Jo. 14.24 Heb. 5.5 6. wherein we may consider 1. Christs authority he whom God hath sent speaketh the Words of God 2. His sufficiency for he hath not received the spirit by measure first his authority hee was sent of God equall with God in regard of his Divine Essence but inferiour to the Father according of his humane nature office of a Mediatour the Sun is said to be sent in that he was appointed put forth and furnished with gifts and authority to fulfill the office of a Mediatour Gal. 4.4 and to speake the words of God in that as a Messenger declareth not his owne mind but his who sent him So Christ doth deliver the mind and Councell of God the Father from whence we may learne that the doctrine which is delivered by Christ Jesus is most holy and infallable the very word of God who is truth it selfe a doctrine of power to convince Mat. 7.28 full of light to give knowledge Mat. 4 16. a key opening Gods Councell which is hidden from the wise men of the World Lu. 10.21.22 a Doctrine not to be reproved but worthy to be beleeved Jo. 8.46 therefore to this wee should come upon this wee should wait as upon the light which alone is able to shew us the way of life as upon the Schoole wherein we may learne true wisedome 2. Tim. 3.17 as on the Jordan which will cleanse us from our iniquities Jo. 15.3 This wee should imbrace as the seed which will beget us againe unto a new life Jo. 1.18 As the voice which will raise us Jo. 11.44 Jo. 5.25 On this wee should feed as on the Milke which will make us grow in the grace of Gods Spirit 1 Pet. 2.2 this wee must follow as the fiery pillar which will lead us to the Heavenly Canaan this wee must use as the Spiritual weapon which will beate down the holds of sinne Satan which will cast him downe as the thunder doth the lightning thus wee must affect as the meanes of peace and reconcilement between us and our God Much more might be said of this but wee have lately heard of this more largely One thing more may be learned out of these words from the preparation of Christ to his office as he comming to preach the Gospel had his commission from God spake no other but the words of God so it setteth before us the duty of Gods Messengers and teacheth us Gods Ministers must be sure that God doe give them their commission and that they preach nothing but what is Gods will and councell First they must have a commission as an Embassadour must have a commission from his Soveraigne So Heb. 5.4.5 This is so needfull that without it they cannot discharge their calling Ro. 10.15 Therefore wisedomes Maidens Christs Ministers went not of their owne accord but were sent Pro. 9.3 And the Prophets of old went not upon their owne head but the Lord sent them Jer. 44.4 The disciples of our Saviour had also authority given before they undertooke this function Mat. 10.16 as they must have their commission so they must deliver none but Gods mind and message to the people an Embassadour may not deliver his owne but his Soveraignes message to the people it was the Lords charge Ezeck 2.7 It was Pauls care 1 Cor. 11.23 and 1 Pet. 4.11 And it was Peters comfort 2 Pet. 1.16 2. Cor 1.11.12 2 Cor. 4.1.2 Their commission they must have from God 1. Because otherwise they cannot faithfully open the mind and councell of God how can they preach accept they be sent unlesse they be furnished and prepared by the
as the purest manchet to distast as gall what now is pleasant as honey to their palate 2. Consider the strength of sinne and Satans hold it is a stronge Castle uneasily beaten downe the Devill is no weakling but a Prince a Potent adversary it is not every one can conquer him a bow without arrows a minister without abilities can doe nothing to this adversary powder of humane eloquence though it make a great noise cannot shake the powers of his Kingdome an Axe without edge a Sermon without Zeale and courage cannot cut the roots of this tree the Divell doth no more regard such mens preaching as preach not with power and in the evidence and demonstration of the spirit then hee did for the sonnes of Sceva conjuring Acts. 19.15 Instead of casting him out of others he will enter further into them themselves therefore like good souldiers they must be well furnished with spirituall armour and 2 Cor. 10.5 Psa 45.5 their arrowes must be sharp 3. Consider the depth of Gods councels how uneasily unfolded opened applied how these are a riddle which like Sampsons riddle cannot be enterpreted unlesse wee plough with Gods Heifer deep things of God which cannot be found out but by Gods Spirit 1 Cor. 2.11 A way that cannot be knowne without a guide Acts. 8.31 A sealed booke which we cannot read unlesse wee have some one to open it Isa 29.11 Neither are the Lamps which reserve the greatest portion of this oyle so full of light nor the fountaines which hold the largest measure of knowledge so ful of waters but that with Paul they may say who is sufficient for these things 2 Cor. 2.16 4. Consider the number the subtlety and the power of them that seduce to sin that lead to errour and that provoke to evill that spread snares and cast stumbling blocks in the waies of Gods people The envious man hath many servants that sow tares among this Wheate Mat. 13.25 Many Factors that sell deceiptfull wares that make merchandise of the soules of the people 2 Pet. 2.3 Many mountebanks that apply healing salves before ever they search and open the wound Jer. 6.14 Many unskilful builders that daub with untemperate Morter upon a rotten wall before ever they pull downe the ruinous places Ezek. 13.10 Many clouds without raine many breasts without milke 2 Pet. 2.17 Many lazy Husbandmen that sow before ever they breake up the fallow ground of the hearts of Gods people Contrary to that Jer. 1.10 Many deceivers transformed into Angels of light 2. Cor. 11.11 Many Lions in sheepes Skins Mat. 7.15 Many that with Ahabs Prophets bad us goe on and proper 1 Kings 22.12 Therefore behoofull wee should make choice of able ministers that may teach sound Doctrine convince opposers lead us forward and build us up in the saving knowledge of Christ Iesus in despite of all oppositions 5. Consider our dulnesse deadnesse security backwardnesse Israel cannot travell longer then the fiery Pillar doth shine before them Peter will continue in the denial of his Master if the Cock do not crow to awaken him Israel will erect a golden calfe if Moses do but a little absent himselfe from them if Jehojada once dye the Princes of Juda will leave the house of the God of their Fathers and serve groves and Idols 2 Chro. 24.18 The best men with the men of Ephesus will forget their first love if they live not under faithful Ministers as the best garden will grow barren if it be not weeded the best tree will grow wild if it be not pruned the soile will become unfruitfull if the dewes fall not upon it the strongest body will grow weake if good food bee with holden from it the best ship will miscarry if it want a good Pilote therefore 2 Pet. 1.12 This is the Pillar which supporteth us the word of life which keepeth life in us Phil. 2.14 The breast which giveth food to us 1 Pet. 2.2 The cloud whose dewes water us and makes us fruitfull in the grace of the Spirit Deut. 32.2 6. Consider how hardly a true lively faith is wrought without labour men are perswaded and assured of their salvation what industry constancy fervency and shill is required and must be used before the judgement can bee informed rightly to descerne the things which differ before the will can bee inclined to chose the things which are most excellent before the affections can be cleansed the heart purified the holds of sinne cast downe the soule made free from the service of evill and free to the love of God and of what is truely good as in 2 Kings 4.32 34.35 So the Minister must againe and againe exhort instruct and pray before the life of grace be restored the conscience pacified the fruits of a new life infallably apparant and the heart throughly perswaded of Gods goodnesse towards it in the free remission of all sin all temptations quelled all objections answered the pardon of fine sealed Naaman went seven times into Jordan before he was washed the Cock crowed thrice before Peter awakened our Saviour stood long at the doore before the Spouse stirred up her selfe to open to come forth to him she sought long ere she could and him Cant. 2.5 she speaketh to the Ministers to comfort or sustaine her by the Ministry of the word Rom. 1 11. Acts. 14.2.22 7. Consider the sweet and singular comforts which the powerfull Ministry of the word breedeth in the soules of the people of God how it is unto the eies of their understanding as the light of the Sun to the eye of the bodie whereof Eccles 11.7 So it is to them a pleasant thing to behold the things of God as Mat. 2.10 So doth the light of the word rejoyce joyce the people of God Isa 9.2 3. Lu. 10.23 How it is unto their eares as the harp in Davids hand chasing away the evil spirit How a very joyfull sound Psa 89.15 How it is unto their palate as the sweetest honey Psa 19.10 As the daintiest feast Isa 25.6 How it is to their feet a burning light guiding them into the waies of peace Lu. 1.79 How it is to their thirsty soules as a wel-spring of living waters to the thirsty and their troubled consciences as the Olive-branch to Noah as the still voice to Eliah to their weary spirits as Horsemen and Chariots to drive and carry them forward in their journey to the high and Heavenly habitation which God hath prepared for his people and out of all this wee may abundantly behold the necessity of an able constant and powerfull Ministry and the folly of them that content themselves with Lamps that have no Oile with Messengers that have no tidings with such at least as like the evil servants hide and imploy not their talent 3. This must occasion the people to try whether the Ministers who are set over them be sent of God or whether they be come of their owne
accord This you may descerne 1. By the soundnesse the fulnesse holiness of their knowledge in the matter of life and salvation for as the Sun ruling the world is full of light the Sea watring the earth is full of Waters so must the Ministers of God be full of knowledge therefore called starres Rev. 1.16 And light Mat. 5.14 Guides Acts. 8.31 Shepheards Ephes 4.11 Captaines 2 Tim. 2.3 Stewards Lu. 13.52 And it is Gods ordinance Mal. 2.7 Gods promise Jer. 3.15 The contrary to this is an argument men are not sent Hos 4.6 Jer. 2.8 2. By the holinesse and integrity of their conversations Kings send not rebels to reclaim others they who are tainted with the Plague themselves are very dangerous Physitians no man will willingly take Physick from them but Lu. 4.23 therefore God doth purify and cleanse his Messengers from iniquity Mal. 2.5 6. And 1 Tim. 4.12 And therefore our Saviour Matth. 5.16 and Isaiah was cleansed Isa 6.5 And Paul proposeth himselfe and the rest for an example Phil. 3.17 The contrary to this argueth want of commission Jer. 23.14 1 Sam 2.17 Mat. 5.3 3. By the fervency of their Zeal affections they must be full of courage comming forth as it is said of the Sun like Bridegrooms out of their Chamber rejoycing like mighty men to run the race which God hath set them being like burning iron warming them that are about them thus the word as fire shut up in Jeremy his bones Jer. 20.9 Examples hereof wee have in Eliah 1 Kings 18.21 Zacharias 2 Chron. 24 20. In the Baptist Mat. 3.7 In Stephen Acts. 7.51 In Paul Acts. 34 20. The want of this is taxed Matth. 7.29 and Rev. 3.16 4. By their sincere and Heavenly Doctrine such as God sendeth delivereth Gods message good nurses give wholesome milke to the children good Stewards give not gravell but good bread to the family thus 2 Tim. 2.15 They give every man his portion out of Gods word knowledge to the ignorant reproofe to the obstinate comfort to the afflicted encouragement to the opposed and 1 Pet. 4.11 Tit. 1.9 And then Jer. 23.22 But the contrary hereunto Mica 2.11 Lam. 2.24 5. By their industry in their calling expressed by the similitudes of Husband-men builders 1 Cor. 3.6 9. Souldiers 2 Tim. 2.3 It was prophesied Isa 62.5 Charged 2 Tim. 4.2 1 Tim. 4.15 Practised 1 Cor. 15.10 But the want of this discovereth want of commission Isa 56.10 6. By their griefe to see men sinfull as a good Physitian to see his patient diseased a loving Nurse to see her childe sick thus 2 Pet. 2.8 Jer. 9.1 Jer. 13.17 Psa 119.136 But Acts. 4.2 7. By their seeking of the Glory of God and the good of his Church more then themselves or their owne good 2 Cor. 4.5 2 Cor. 12.14 1 Cor. 10.33 1 Thes 2.19 But 2. Pet. 2.3 These meeting together in a Minister are assured evidence that God hath sent such one in mercy to his servants 8. By their constancy in their calling and religious and holy conversation such as God sendeth are not like a broken Bow that starteth back in the day of battle like the sluggard that would not walke because there was a Lion in the Street like the sloathfull man that would not sow because it was cold they grow not weary of the work of the Lord their calling is a delight no trouble their work is pleasant no iron yoke to them and therefore as Eccles 11.6 So they sow in the morning in the Evening are constant in imbracing every occasion looking unto God for a blessing though they fish long with Peter catched nothing yet at Christs command they cast forth the net in hope of a good draught at last they know that God hath severall houres for mens conversion some at the third some at the sixth hour some at the ninth hour some at the last hour of the day so must they continue constant to the last hour in their calling and if none convert by their labours yet they know that their endeavours shall not be altogether fruitlesse Jsa 49 4 And therefore they are not like Meteors and blazing starrs shining for a season and then fall to ground but like the sun they are constant in their care this was Gods charge to Jeremy Jer. 15.19 20 21. And it was his practise Jer. 20.9.10 This was Pauls resolution Acts. 20.24 And this he verified 2 Tim. 4.7 This the Apostles also manifested it was within them as a fire not to be quenched as a streame not to be stopped Acts. 4.19.20 But Apostacy from God either in doctrine or conversation may justly call into question their commission Demas once accounted a fellow-labourer Philimon verse 24. afterward proved an Apostaticall lover of the world 2 Tim. 4.10 And Rev. 12.4 Faithfulnesse to the end in the Ministeriall calling is a gracious testimony that God hath given them a commission and that hee hath sent them for the good of his people Thus of his authority Next let us looke upon his Alsufficiency Authority without ability is like a sword without a hand ability without authority is like a hand without a sword both insufficient both of little use but where both concurre they make a man compleat to fulfill the calling hee hath undertaken therefore that the Baptist might the better move the more effectually perswade the hearts of his disciples to imbrace beleeve and build upon Christ he commendeth him not onely by his authority whom God hath sent he speaketh the word of God but also by his Alsufficiency for God hath not given the spirit by measure Some extend these words to Gods abundant common dispensation of all good things why being the fountaine of all goodnesse doth largely poure out his blessings and yet is not emptied any more then the Sun of his light by Shining or the sea of water by sending forth many streams to water the earth he that draweth out of a vessel what he giveth commeth at length to the bottome but he that dippeth out of the Sea never commeth to the bottome the abilities of the creatures are soone like a little vessell drawne dry but God never giveth so much but there is a great fulnes in him at the last as there was at the first his hand is never short that it cannot help his arme is never weary that it cannot give assistance it is never low water but alwaies full Sea with this goodnesse a singular expression of the transcendency of God beyond and above all creatures a powerfull load-stone to draw men to God from the world a singular encouragement to men to relye upon God as on a sure foundation which will never sinke to draw nigh to God as to the fountaine of living waters which will most certainely refresh us as to a tree loaden with all forts of fruit bearing new fruit every month an admirable comfort to Gods children that their God is their stay and their
strength hath such fulnesse in him but they who interpret these words to be spoken of Christ give the best and most proper enterpretation for the purpose of the Baptist was not so much to commend and set forth the fulnesse and excellency of God whereof there was not then any question but of Christ of whose Alsufficiency the disciples of the Baptist were both ignorant doubtful therfore he setteth before them the full treasury of all goodnesse which was in Christ intimateth to them that in Christ alone was that sufficiency to be found which would make them wise holy just free happy from him they should derive and draw that which the world could not afford them for God had given him the spirit not by measure Christ and God the Father are one in regard of Divine Essence 1 Jo. 5.7 that is incommunicable and cannot be given but God the Father gave the Sonne his personal subsistance as a Sonne as a second Person whereof David speakes Psa 2.7 And also Solomon Pro 8.24 25 29.30 And God hath also given the Spirit that is the Grace of the Spirit unto Christ as man as Mediatour above measure in a most abundant and large measure as he is the Sonne of God by eternall generation so he hath infinite power Wisedome justice Holinesse Goodnesse as he is the Sonne of God by Grace of Hypostaticall Vnion so hee hath also all the former vertues but not in that measure as they are in him as he is God but yet in such measure as they doe wonderfully excell all the excellencies in men and Angels as the Sun doth the Starres in brightnesse Col. 1.19 Others received and do receive the Spirit in measure 1 Cor. 12.7 That is slenderly and this from Christ Ephes 4.7 as wee receive water from the Sisterne but to Christ as man it is given above measure that is largely abundantly farre more then to any creature In the words we have 1. a Giver God 2 The gift with the equality of it the Spirit 3. The measure or how much is givers not sparingly not nigardly but plentiously above measure 4. The receiver the party to whom it is given to Christ From the first wee may learne Doct. That God is the Authour giver of every blessing enjoyed by any person or people the royall robes where-with Christ as man was apparelled came out of Gods Wardrobe the singular Jewels where-with he was adorned came out of Gods Store-house therefore much more the blessings and endowments conferred upon people of inferiour condition as all the light in the Aire commeth from the Sun so James 1.17 As the Raine commeth from the cloud upon the earth so doth every good thing come unto us from the Lord nothing is due nothing is merited all is given Jo. 3.17 Therefore God is by the Apostle stiled the God of all grace 1 Pet. 5.10 The God in whom all goodnesse resideth as water in the fountaine from whom all goodnesse is derived all blessings Issue as waters from the fountaine as branches from the roote a God giving both spirituall and corporall temporall and eternall favours all that wee possesse is fruit from his Tree graine out of his Garner liquor out of his vessel the Lords hand maketh all Eccles 11.5 Wee cannot gather if God doe not scatter wee cannot receive if God doth not open his hand wee cannot be satisfied if God doth not fill us Psa 104.28 Reason Because God hath in himselfe all goodnesse originally independantly compleately and others have it by the communication as God will work it in them give it to them as all nourishment is in the roote and from thence sent up into the branch all waters are in the Sea and from thence sent in the chanels of the earth beneath and in the clouds above as in so many bottles for the watering of the earth so all goodnesse in God he deriveth to us as he pleaseth therefore the Psalmist ascribeth all to the Goodnesse of the Lord. Psa 68.9.10 And Psa 65.8.9.10.11.12.13 And 2. Because God hath Soveraignty and dominion over all right and interest into all he is the Lord the creature the servant he is the Work-man the world with all the fulnesse thereof his workmanship hee is the King all the creatures his subjects the servant can have nothing but what his Lord will allow him all tallents are in Gods hand hee hath both the dominion and the disposition of them he may doe with his owne what pleaseth him and hence 1 Chro. 29.11 12. Deut. 8.18 3. Because all second causes are no further helpfull comfortable and beneficiall to us then as God is pleased to put an ability and fulnesse into them as God is pleased to cause his blessing to accompany and go together with them as Jo. 15.5 So without God all that wee have can doe nothing and as Jsa 30.7 So all abilities without God will help in vaine their strength will be to set still as Jer. 10 5. So it will be in these to doe neither good nor harme men may glory of their abilities as Israel of the Arke but if God be not there the Arke will doe no good· 4. Because wee are altogether empty in and of ourselves dry trees barren fields bearing no fruit and empty Vessels without any licquor of grace wee are Rev. 3.17 desolate houses in whom dwelleth no good thing Ro. 7.18 Hos 10.1 Nineveh Nah. 3.10 And therefore well might the Apostle say what hast thou that thou hast not received 5. Because wee are able to discerne nothing wee are all gone astray Psa 14.3 Wee are like a wildernesse like the sluggards field as full of sinne as that of thornes and briars Pro. 24.30 After our conversion when wee have done our best we doe but that like Jacob in the way of Gods commandements our best apparell is very menstruous best grain hath much chaffe and our best coyne hath much drosse mingled with it Jsa 64.6 So that when wee have done all wee can doe we are unprofitable servants wee have deserved nothing and therefore whatsoever wee enjoy it must needs be Gods gift 6. Because all doe exspect and looke for every behoofull gift at the hands of God as the eye waiteth on the Sun for light the sucking child on the breasts for milke the providence of God extendeth it selfe to all creatures to all persons to all seasons occasions and conditions he doth not like the Carpenter build a house and then forsake it like a carelesse Pilote leaving his ship in the stormy tempest but God guideth preserveth feedeth and sustaineth all that hee hath made in him Acts. 17.28 From him Psa 104.27 Vse Is all we enjoy all that doth relieve us Gods gift is it he is the Authour and the giver of all then let us seeke to God for every good gift whereof we stand in need as Ja. 1.5 So if any man want grace to subdue his corruption let him aske of God for hee giveth
grace to the humble 1 Pet. 5.5 If any man want wisedome to discerne the things which differ to know the deepe things of God let him seeke it at the hands of God for this is also Gods gift Matth. 16.17 If any man want faith let him aske of God for this is also the gift of God Phil. 1.29 If any man want peace let him seeke it from the Lord for it commeth from him Ro. 16.20 If any man want love let him addresse himselfe to God for it for hee is love 1 Jo. 4.8 And the God of love 2 Cor. 13.11 If any man want patience let him sue to God for he is the Authour of it Ro. 15.5 As the lame men came to Bethesda to be healed as Naaman came to Iordan to bee washed as the lame man lay at the gates of the Temple for an almes so come you to God to bee healed to be cleansed to be enriched with every good gift hee alone can supply your wants Hos 13.9 All other helpers are Physitians of no value you shall be constrained to come to him at last goe whither yee will for the present Mar. 5.29 You shall be constrained Hos 14.3 All the world shall say as 2 Kings 6.26 27. Hee alone hath promised to lend the hand of assistance to open the fountaine of his Loving-kindnesse to warm us with the Sun-shine of his countenance to delight our soules with his comforts Mat. 7.7 Mat. 11.28 Psa 81.10 Hee alone knoweth our wants is acquainted with our weaknesses he knoweth what wee need before wee aske Nah. 1.5 Hee alone careth for us in our distresse as a father for his childe a Shepheard for his flock his eyes are upon us Psa 14.15 He is sensible of our afflictions Isa 63.9 As a mother of the affliction of her childe Isa 49.15 Therefore let us not goe to Egypt to Baalzebub to Endor let us not goe to the Physitians which have no skill to the trees which have no fruit to hives which have no honey to the store-houses which have no treasure to the lamps which have no light to withered hands which have no strength but let us goe to God in whom is all fulnesse all goodnesse all abundance and hee will surely give if wee aske in faith Iam. 1.5.6 In humility Iam. 4.6 In sincerity Psa 145 19. In fervency Iam. 5.16 In constancy Lu. 18 3. 2. Over all blessings Gods gifts are the free favours of his hand then be not proud of thy great abundance art thou advanced above others is the roots of thy tree more abundantly watred then others hath the Sun shined more warmly on thee and thy dwelling then others hast thou more feathers in thy nest in thy wings then others have be not proud it is all the gift of God what hast thou which thou hast not received hast thou riches hast thou honoures are not these branches growing upno Gods Tree 1 Chr. 29.12 1 Sam. 2.8 Psa 75.6.7 Hast thou knowledge is thy soule full of light is not this a Lampe of Gods kindling Col. 1 26.27 Hast thou faith is not this a work of Gods finger Jo. 6.29 Hast thou holinesse is not this a garment of Gods weaving of Gods putting on Ezeck 16.8.9.10 Was not thine iniquity purged with a Coale from Gods Altar Isa 6.5 Think upon any gift any endowment of the body or of the minde where-with thou art adorned and see if it be not a streame of Gods fountaine a letter of his writing an undeserved favour of Gods bestowing looke upon the freedome of Gods goodnesse thinke upon thine own unworthiness meditate upon Gods end and purpose in the donation of his favours bee affected with thy walking unworthy of Gods mercies let thy thoughts be upon the strict account whereunto God will call thee for the imployment of all the favours hee hath bestowed on thee and then bee not high minded but feare 3. Is every blessing every good thing we enjoy Gods gift then let us give God the praise of all let us so imploy all that wee may glorifie God in the use thereof as they have their originall from him so in their use they must serve him Rom. 11.36 Who saith the Apostle planteth a Vineyard and eateth not of the fruit thereof who feedeth a flock and eateth not of the milk 1 Cor. 9.7 So shall God feed us shall God plant us shall God water us shall God bestow upon us all manner of blessings and shall not he have the praise thereof shall not he be honoured with it Prov. 3.9 Shall not all be so ordered so disposed that God may be magnified according to that 1 Pet. 4.11 Is not God who hath made all who hath preserved all who hath done all for us worthy of praise Rev. 4.11 Is not this the voice of all creatures doe they not all say Rev. 5.13 And shall not man who hath drunke deepest of the cup of Gods mercies tasted most abundantly of the River of Gods Loving-kindnesse bee thankfull to him for his blessings and study to glorifie him in the use of such talents as you hath received from him and to the end wee may glorifie God in the use of his gifts and be thankfull for his mercies 1. Wee must looke upon and take notice of every gift of every blessing wee enjoy as of a gift comming from Gods hand as on a dew falling from Gods cloud as on fire taken from Gods Altar looke not so much upon second as upon the first cause upon inferiour meanes as upon God who doth all in all raise your hearts to this pitch that you may be able to say with Jacob Gen 30.8 Gen. 33.5 With Joseph Gen. 48.9 As Moses taught Israel to say Deut. 26.9 So thou must be able feelingly to say God hath given mee his Word his Sacrament his spirit God hath given mee health strength liberty food raiment Wife children take it all as a gift of God and then thou shalt strive to give God the glory of it Deut. 26.10 2 Labour to get your heart throughly affected with the goodnesse of God therin strive to see it to take it as a singular mercie from the hands of God to read therein the lively characters of Gods Love to tast the sweetnesse and goodnesse of God in the same to be stirred up to rejoyce in God thereby and then wee shall seeke to glorifie God therein as 1 Sam. 1.27 28. She was affected with Gods goodnesse in the gift and therefore gave the same again unto God and to this we are exhorted Psal 34 7 8. And of this we have example Psa 38.17 19. 3 Be thereby stirred up to love God let it be as a Bellows blowing up thy cold affections as beams from the Sun warming thy heart as a Load-stone to draw thee neerer unto God Psal 116.1 2. And then he disputed with himself casts about what course to take that he might glorifie God verse 12. this will constrain them to doe all for Gods
none of the Astrologers onely Joseph and Daniel can interpret it for Mat. 11.27 7. In regard of the ministration of his kingdom and government of his Church and people none so great a charge so many people to rule so many great and strong enemies to oppose subdue and conquer therefore hee is said to bee girded with the sword Justice by his Word the sword of the spirit striking the hearts of rebellious people to bring them into subjection to ride upon the word of Truth by the ministry of the Gospel defending his chosen beating down sin and superstition working many wonders striking terror into the hearts of his enemies and for the accomplishment hereof hee is said to anointed with the oil of gladness above his fellows to have received more grace then all men or angels Psal 45.3 4 5 6 7. for thus also it is said that the spirit of God doth rest upon him filling him with all heavenly gifts and graces the spirit of wisedom fulness of knowledg in the things of God the spirit of understanding promptness and readiness to know all things of what nature or condition soever the spirit of counsel faculty and quicksightedness to free himself out of all perplexities the spirit of might courage to teach the truth and to oppose shake and overthrow all fals doctrine and to reprove their wicked conversation the spirit of knowledg a sure and firm understanding of things the spirit of fear filial cheerfull and perfect obedience Isa 11.2 3 4. Observ Isa 512. 1. In external appearance hee was outwardly of low estate Phil. 2.6 7. but the more contemptible hee was in his outward condition the more evident was the work of the God head manifesting it self therein 2. Hee wanted beauty in the eies of carnal men the sun seemeth not beautifull to the blinde but to such as have the eie of understanding savingly enlightned hee is the fairest of ten thousand Cant. 5. vers 10. Vse This by way of instruction sheweth where to go to have all our spiritual wants supplied and furnished Christ is the fountain in whom the Father hath put all fulness hee is the Physitian that can cure us when wee are diseased the Conquerer able to deliver us when wee are captived the Counseller able to advise us when wee are doubtfull hee is the Teacher which can instruct us when wee are ignorant Isa 9.6 therefore when all the cisterns of the world are broken holding no water when no physitian can cure us when all store-houses are empty and no hand can enrich us when all lips are shut and no tongue can comfort us when all waters like Abana and Pharphar have no healing virtue no cleansive power then like the woman Mark 5.11 let us come to Christ like Naaman 2 King 5.14 let us come to the Jordan of his blood for in his hand there is power to heal the wounded soul in his blood is efficacy to purge away the filth of sin which no nitre can purge in his word is virtue to comfort the troubled soul which no voice of man or angel can quiet Isa 50.4 in him as the Apostle saith dwelleth the fulness of the Godhead bodily Col. 2.9 in him it hath pleased the Father that all fulness should dwell Col. 1.19 all fulness both for number and measure of graces there is in Christ an absolute compleatness 1. In respect of members Ephes 1.23 2. In respect of inhabitation of the divine nature Col. 2.9 3. In respect of power and authority over all both in heaven and earth Mat. 28.4 In respect of merit 5. In respect of grace in him is fulness of wisedom to make us wise fulness of redemption to make us free fulness of righteousness to make us just fulness of sanctification to make us holy and hee is made to us of God 1 Cor. 1.30 therefore to him let us come Mat. 11.28 2. This by way of confutation reproveth and confuteth all Saint-worshippers and Meritmongers in Christ is all fulness there needeth no supply from Saint Angels or Works a fulness is no where to bee had but onely in Christ hee is able to save us to the utmost his royal robes are long enough to cover us his arm is strong enough to deliver us hee needeth not another to bee joyned with him hee trod the wine-press of his Father's wrath alone Isa 63. hee is the lamb slain from the beginning of the world which taketh away the sin of all beleevers in the world John 1.29 neither Saint nor Angel but Christ hath purged away our sin and is set down at the right hand of God Heb. 1.3 hee maketh reconciliation Heb 2.17 hee offered himself Heb. 7.27 all other are broken cisterns weak shields such as will not cover us in the day of Gods anger therefore it is not kiss the Saints but the Son Psal 2.12 3. By way of exhortation this seemeth to stir up men to labor for fulness of grace to bee replenished in measure as Christ is above measure as the members of the body are answerable to the head the branches in the tree answerable to the fulness of the juice in the root of the tree so wee who are members of the body whereof Christ is head branches in the true vine should labor a blessed fulness of all graces wee should strive to bee full of knowledg as the sea full of waters Isa 11.9 abundant in love 1 Thess 3.12 perfect in patience Isa 1.5 ful of joy and peace in the holy Ghost Rom. 15.13 full of faith in beleeving God's promises full of courage in maintaining God's truth against all opposition Act. 6.8 rich in all good works 1 Tim. 6.18 like trees bearing much fruit lamps holding much oil vessels filled with good liquor like travellers going forward like rich men building their barns greater enlarging our hearts more and more towards God and his waies this is the Apostle's charge 2 Pet. 3.18 this is Saint Paul's earnest entreaty 1 Thes 4.1 and for increas of grace of grace wee should strive 1. Becaus the more grace the more sweetness shall wee finde the more consolation shall draw from the ordinances of God the more health the more comfort doth the body finde in the food prepared for it the more perfect the eie the more pleasure it taketh in the light of the sun which it beholdeth the ordinances of God do good to them that are good Mic. 2.7 to those they are sweet Psal 119.103 joyous Jer. 15.16 comfortable tidings Rom. 10.15 holiness maketh God's ordinances to the soul like the chariots which Joseph sent to Jacob an occasion of reviving Gen. 48.25 like a wel-spring to the thirsty like dew to the ground like a feast to the hungry Psal 65.4 Cant. 2.4 2. The more grace the more comfort wee shall have in God's presence the more clearness wee shall behold in God's countenance the more obedient the childe is the more favorably his parent looketh on him the more profitably the servant