of the hope that is in us 1 Pet. 3.15 with meekness and fear 2. And to preach the Gospel when lawfully called thereunto 1 Pet. 5.1 2 3 4. Rom. 10.14.15 You know that the whole course of our lives is often compared to a Way Walk or Journey and also to a Warfare and for either of these men do make such provision and preparation as is necessary and so we must do here as the Text here teacheth us the point is That Doct. We who are Christian Soldiers must make diligent preparation to profess and practise the Gospel and also to preach and publish the same as we shall be lawfully called thereunto ☞ This point doth consist of two branches The first of which concerns all and the second concerns only the Preachers of the Gospel We shall take them a sunder and begin with that which is universally necessary for all Christians viz. To profess and practise the Gospel of Christ. Exp. The Gospel is so called q.d. a Goodspel or Gods-Spell viz. of Christ Gal. 1.6 7. and 3.8 which was preached unto Abraham long since and it doth contain 1. The History and Narration of the things which Christ spake and did which are of excellent use for our Instruction Imitation and Consolation Mark 1.1 2. The whole Doctrine of the Word both of Law and Grace and whole matter of instruction to rule to guide us under Christ Who Mark 1.14 Came preaching the Gospel of the kingdom of God And thus we stand bound and hear believe profess and practise the same 3. The glad tidings of remission of sins and eternal salvation the Doctrine of Free grace and obtaining righteousness by faith and teaching the true way how to attain perfect Righteousness and Eternal Life This was manifested of old in referrence to Christ to come to Abraham Gen. 12. In the Covenant Gal. 3.8 To us in respect to Christ already come Luke 2.10 Rom. 11.27 18. This is my Covenant c. as concerning the Gospel they are enemies for your sakes c. This Gospel we are commanded frequently to hear and believe Mark 1.15 Acts 1.57 To yield obedience to it Rom. 16.17 16. Titus 2.11 12. And to walk uprightly according to the truth of it This is styled 1. Glorious 2 Cor. 4.4 1 Tim. 1.1 2. The power of God to Salvation Rom. 1.16 3. Childrens bread Mat. 15 26. Milk for babes 1. Pet. 2.2 4. The word of Gods grace Acts 14.2 5. The word of Faith Rom. 10.8 6. The Savour of his knowledge 2 Cor. 2.14 15 16. 7. The ministration of the Spirit 2 Cor. 3 8. and of Reconciliation 2 Cor. 5.18 19. 8. The Word of Truth Ephes 1.13 9. Of life Phil. 2.16 10. The Doctrine which is according to godliness 11. The form of sound words 2. Tim. 1.13 12. The good word of God Heb. 6.5 Reasons which may be added to these honourable appellations of the Gospel are because by this we are begotten to God 1 Cor. 4 15. And in it we have our legacy of peace and salvation Isa 52.7 and of all things conducible thereunto This requires Faith Love Repentance Self-denial Crucifying the flesh a new Creature the putting off the old man and putting on the new man Thus we have heard what the Gospel is viz. it is good tidings and what it doth contain How we ought to hear believe and obey it walking uprightly according to the truth of it and that from divers motives wrapt up in the manifold Honourable Appellations wherewith God hath crowned it in reference to our great benefit by it and these do induce the main Reasons by which we are induced hereunto And likewise we have heard what it doth require of us that we may be saved Concerning all the particulars which it doth require It doth concern us to enquire whether our selves or our Conversation be as it becometh the Gospel of Christ walking worthy of the Lord who hath called us out of darkness into his marvellous light and also unto his Kingdom and Glory and of our heavenly Vocation wherewith we are called Ephes 4.1 Ap. If we walk regularly answerable to any one of these then we are rightly said To walk worthy of them all or else we walk worthy of none of them I. To walk as it becometh the Gospel is to lead a life agreeable to the Gospel of Jesus Christ and that because 1. The Gospel may not be evil spoken of through us young women must be so qualified that the word of God be not blasphemed Titus 2.5 So also Propfessors and Instructers of others must take heed of breaking the Law lest the name of God be blasphemed through us Rom. 2.17 as those Captives of Israel profaned the name of the Lord among the Heathen Ezek. 36 19 2. The Gospel may be adorned by them in all things as those good servants did Titus 2.9 10. And those whom the Apostle so exhorteth 3. And that we may be exemplary to others and instruments of their Conversion This is to walk as becomes the Gospel and those that do walk so shall be blessed Gal. 6.16 Have peace and salvation at the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ Tit. 2.11 12 13. For the grace of God i. e. the Gospel that bringeth salvation hath appeared c. II. To walk worthy of the Lord is in a conformity to his Image our relations to him as of a good Wife to so worthy a husband dutiful Children to so good a Father loyal Subjects to such a Magnificent King who is the blessed and only Potentate the King of Kings and Lord of Lords 1 Tim. 6.15 Ap. Every of which doth conclude us in all the Duties of each Relation and doth discover unto us the Iniquity Folly and Misery of all such who do desert this husband for any other or disobey so good and tender a Father or rebel against and revolt from this blessed Potentate and do become voluntary Subjects to the prince of darkness you will all say This is a bad change yet how many are guilty of all these transgressions referring to each relation and do make this change usually III. To walk worthy of the holy and heavenly Vocation which Christ hath given us by the Gospel wherewith we are called by Christ in the Gospel and by which we receive the Spirit whereby we are sealed to the day of Redemption Ephes 4.30 This Vocation or Calling is holy and heavenly because it is a voice descending from heaven infusing heaven into us here and inducting us into heaven at the last all which it doth effect by calling us to Holiness which it begetteth and cherisheth in us here and crowneth with perfection for ever in Heaven This Vocation is either external by the Preachers or internal by the Spirit as Acts 2.10 Both are the fruit of Gods Free Grace and of his love to mankind And this holy Calling teacheth us how to walk worthy of the Lord and this Vocation it self and the Gospel
God jointly and together Such are the Acts of Invocation of God by prayer with fasting sometimes as Dan. 10.2 3. or by lawful oaths whether assertory or promissory affirming some needful truth or promising some lawful and useful thing as oaths of judgement or of Allegiance giving of thanks by a celebration of God and giving him glory in the approbation admiration and right estimation of all his works By a confession of him and one faith in him Vel voce vel martyrio in word and deed in expression or martyrdome By an observation of such Ecclesiastical Rites and of such holy times as have warranty in the Word of God as in the right use of the Ordinances of God his Word and Sacraments and the observation of his Sabbaths and the like but be sure we walk not nor make progress in these things of divine Worship without a divine Warrant 2. To our selves in the exercise of those divine Graces and Vertues with which God hath endued us viz. Our Wisdom Courage and Temperance in the several branches of it viz. Sobriety Chastity and Vigilance c. as is requisite And in the study of true Glory by vertue These are good works and in these we should be exercised And as our good works do refer to God our selves 3. So also to our Neighbour in divers respects which do reflect upon the soul as well as the body such are 1. Humanity 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 wherein we express our love and good will to men in gesture word and convenient offices Pol. p. 312. 2. Civility in the moderation of our external manners and gestures towards others and that both in our language actions shunning scurrility and unseemly things and using Urbanity in a civil and seeming way 3. Christian Charity which is the mother and root of I. Liberality which communicates both Counsel and Comfort 1. Counsel when we impart our gifts for the good of others in reproving instructing admonishing or incouraging and praying for others To reduce them from evil and to excite you to that which is good These are good works Jam. 5.19 20. For if any of them do err from the truth c. And no less good than to pull an infant or weak person out of the fire or water to save them from perishing Jude 23.2 Comfort by lending and giving cheerfully and liberally according to our Ability to the relief of our brethrens necessity and especially to such as are godand of the houshold of faith Psalm 41.1 2 3. Isa 58.6 to 13. Gal. 6.10 II. True Friendship and amity both publick and private and that for piety and vertues sake as was betwixt Jonathan and David 1 Sam. 18.1 Pol. pag. 318. III. A mutual Sympathy both by commiseration and congratulation of our Neighbours both in their sorrows and joyes Rom. 12.15 IV. A readiness to procure anothers good both in his fame and goods his reputation and ectate Phil. 2.4 1 Thes 5.11 Thus Humanity Civility and Christian Charity do produce excellent good works for our Neighbours Peace Solace comfort and advantage Let me name one or two more which are viz. 4. The Exercise of the common justice righteousness and equity which should be amongst men in their affairs and dealings and this is either universal which consists in the agreement of our whole life with the Law of God and obedience to all those Laws in special which do most concern and belong to us or particular in the performance of those things wherein we stand bound to others in some peculiar manner This is either privative concerning our own Calling and Station and that both in our lawful obtaining it not by money or unjust means as in Papacy c. And our care to discharge our duty in our places with that sedulity and diligence which is requisite Rom. 12.11 and with that fidelity and trust that we may give up a good account of the same as modest Moses was in his place Heb. 3.2 5. Or publick in the Administration and Dispensation of Justice both commutative and distributive This Justice is a Verue of large Extent and hath an influence into our whole Lives and is the very Bond of all publick Societies and Communities and Affairs of Nations But I hasten for I may not inlarge upon such an ample Subject V. Lastly A restraint and Moderation of such inordinate motions of mind as usually arise from pride anger or desire of wealth or honour the common Make-bates of the World vid. Pol. page 314 315. But Cure the first by modesty humility and teachableneffe The second by meeknesse longanimity placability The third by contentment in every condition Phil 4.11 and by a serious and due consideration of the uncertainty mutability and vanity of all earthly contentments Honours Riches Pleasures all are vanity and vexation of spirit You have had the Point the Proof Explanation Doct. Increasing in Grace and abounding in good works is a Christians excellency as well as his Duty This was the Point for which you have had Scripture Instances Arguments or Reasons As also a view of the Grace which you are to encrease in and of those good works in which you are so to abound Concerning which good works you have had a view of the Rules of good works by which they are to be ordered of the works in themselves and that in their nature and Definition Names Number Causes and Species or kinds of good works and that in Respect of God our selves our Neighbour In all which if we did abound we should be sure to have peace with God and abundant comfort in our own consciences in the evidence of our Faith and of our implanting into Christ and that we are fruitfull Branches in him and that we and our works are accepted of God as Cornelius was Acts 10.2 4. and that our good works will never leave us but will attend and follow us as Rev. 14.13 both in Life and Death even as the shadow doth the Body untill they bring us to the Reward of well-doing the joy of our Lord in the eternal life of glory Mat. 25.21 23 34 46. Of God in all acts of piety true Devotion towards him Our selves in the way of Regularity exact Walking Our Neighbour in the works of Christian Charity in all which c. I have done with the proof and clearing of the Confirmation and Explication of the Point I do descend to the sixth and last thing in the method propounded viz. the Application which is manifold in the several Uses of Lamentation Reprehension Exhortation Examination and Consolation 1. Use is of lamentation and that upon this occasion ☞ Me thinks whilest we have been viewing these good Works before-mentioned we have been with Saint Paul in Paradise and have heard and seen strange and wonderfull things But now being descended with him to the Earth in the Use and Application of these things and to see what is done among men we may say with him that
Concealing the Scriptures in an unknown tongue 2. Turning the Ministry into a Sacrificing Priesthood 3. And the power of Preaching Visiting Counselling Comforting c. from the infallible Rule of Gods holy Word into a practise of telling Legends Lyes and feigned stories which is their usual course of Preaching and into Confessions Penances Pardons Absolutions c. of no value Ap. So doth Independency though some persons of them do not so For 1. Against the Civil Power in Church-Affairs they say as the Papists do 2. And for the Ministry which they pretend to honour they destroy it 1. By putting it into every mans hand advancing a Jeroboams Priesthood 1 King 1.23 and 13.33 34. and 2 Chron. 11.15 into the place and power of the Ministry appointed by the Lord Jesus Christ 2. By crying down all Maintenance of God and Man for their subsistence 3. Defaming them with the vilest names of Baals-Priests c. to render them infamous and odious to all men I have done with the first Use from the first particular of the Doctrine which contains above a whole sheet of paper The weight of the matter spoken of did justly occasion that prolixity I shall be more speedy in the rest which now succeed The second Use is from the second and third particulars of the point 1. Informs us of our own weakness and nakedness Alas what can we do without this strength in the Lord and Armour of God 1. Other strength meerly humane though very puissant And 2. Other Armour of exquisite composure and strength hath often failed in wars with man 1. As all the Routs and Overthrows of the Armies of Gods Enemies mentioned in Scripture as of Sisera Ethiopians c. against Asa Johoshaphat over Edom and Hezekiah over Assyrrians 2. And the Downfal of Goliah that mighty Champion armed with strength and formidable Weapons 1 Sam. 17. do evidently testifie Ap. But to act with humane strength and such inconsiderable Armour against a spiritual enemy the Devil c. As Hannah could say 1 Sam. 2.9 By strength shall none prevail were as Ridiculous an absurdity as an infallible impossibility of ever prevailing at all 2. Therefore as we are oft exhorted 1. How should we call and cry out for the â—id and strength of the Lord to help us in these Assaults For he is our strength and power as Moses and Israel said Exod. 15.2 and David a great Warrior and other Worthies do acknowledge 2. And Gird up the loins of our minds and let our lights be burning Luke 12.35 To be always ready to execute our charge with the oyl of repentance Faith and Charity in our lamps 1 Pet. 1.23 with watchfulness Sobriety Hope and Truth All which is obtained by Faith in Christ By which we overcome the 1. World 1 John 5.4 5. 2. The Devil 1. Pet. 5.8 9. 3. All Evil Revel 12.10 11 17. By the blood of the Lamb and word of their testimony and all because Christ hath overcome John 16.33 and hath given us the victory 1 Cor. 15.57 Ap. And by faith in him we are partakers of his strength victory and conquests 3. But how faulty are we for which we are justly to be blamed and reproved I. For that we neither look out nor take pains for this strength and aid by 1. Prayers strong cryes And 2. Diligent attendance waiting as Psal 40.1 2 3. Patiently as the Saints did of old The Church did so Isa 25.9 and 33.2 For to such is the promise Isa 64.4 Hab. 2.3 It will come 1. But rather seek to King Jareb as Ephraim did Hos 5.13 2. And rest upon others as too many have done and do 3. Or Evil things which cannot profit us nor stand us in stead at our greatest need as I have told them out of Psalm 34.8 See the Notes II. Nor do we lay out for this Armour or take pains to put it on but rather choose to stand naked and disarmed before our enemies as it was Exod. 32.1.21.25 and befel Josh 7.8 1. For that we will not accept Armour when it is offered to us 2. And are ready to cast away our Weapons and Arms when we have them upon us and in our hands as Israel and Achan did by Idolatry and that trespass as before 4. But lastly which would be our everlastling comfort 1. Were we as careful to get the strength of God to our assistance Ap. As we are to gain men to aid us 2. And to gird up the loins of our mind and to put on Christ and the armour of God for our defence Ap. As we are to arm our selves with earthly armour against our real or supposed earthly enemies we were happy therein and might take abundant comfort in that God that strengthens us and that Lord Jesus Christ in whom we believe who will save us in the end The third Use is from the 4.5.6 and 7. particulars of the Doctrine 1. Informs us what need we have of Wisdom and Courage c. 1. Serpentine wisdom Mat. 10.16 2. More then Sampsons strength 3. And of Elishaes army of Angels 2 King 6.16 17. to help against so many Wiles such strong assaults such infernal powers and devilish adversaries as are all acting against us 1. Many are the Wiles and Snares and depths of Satan and who is it that can search into the bottom of them to find out and discover them 2. Many also are the Instruments by which he worketh and undermines us viz. 1 By seeming friends 2. Domestick servants 3. False brethren and 4. He can transform himself and his Ministers into Angels of Light to make all his stratagems take the better effect so that whither he do 1. Ensnare us by Heretical Doctrines under fairest pretences as to many Or 2. Assaults us with vitious provocations as with a pleasing Bait like a Nimrod-like Hunter or crafty Fowler or dangerous Fisher after mens souls to destroy them yet still his care is that his labour be not lost but that all may take effect Instances 1. Thus he acted of old by the Midianites who beguiled Israel with their Wiles Numb 25.27 Their pleasing perswasions to vitious actions with which they are said to vex them because hereby they caused God to vex them 2. And thus by Jezabel that filthy Prophetesse who did teach and seduce men to Fornication e. Rev. 2.20 to 25. And these practises are there called the depths of Satan verse 25. But mark her doom there verse 22 23. 3. Like Prophets and Prophetesses have been in these times Edwards Gangreen and no doubt but in due time God will reward them accordingly Ap. Now surely a man thus beset surrounded with Wiles and Snares 1. Had need to have Serpentine-like wisdom and more It is our Saviours advice and councel to his Disciples Mat. 10.16 To be wise as Serpents Serpents are reported to be wise in four respects of which 1. Two are prudentious 2. And other two most pernicious .. 1. The Trudentious properties of
have a Pastoral power to dispense the Mysteries of salvation administer the Word and Sacraments Non sequitur it follows not besides teaching and admonishing is either 1. Publick expounding the Oracles of God revealing the whole Councel of God to men for their salvation 2. Private By catechizing our Families conferring with others repeating what men have learned from the Scripture from other good Books and good Preachers advising encouraging reproving comforting as occasion is Ap. And is all this nothing to exercise our zeal upon but that the fire must needs burn besids the hearth the proper place and be upon the house top to destroy the whole building Object 3. But Eldad and Medad Numb 11.27 prophesied in the camp Saul also 1 Sam. 10.9 among the Prophets And Philips daughters Acts 21.9 prophesied i.e. did tell things to come by the instinct of the Spirit not teach in the Church against those prohibitions 1 Cor. 1434. And Amos a Herds-man Amos 14.15 And the Lord said to him Go prophesie c. Peter and others Fisher-men Mat. 4.18 And Paul a Tent-maker did so Acts 18.3 4. Ergo Trades-men may preach if they be gifted but let ours shew such an extraordinary Call and consider that Answ 1. Extraordinary instances must not be brought in as Presidents For if so then false Prophets may expect Asses to reprove them as it befel Balaam Num. 22.28 and Soldiers may make use of Priests Rams horns to scale Walls in a Siege as Josh 6.3 and lamps and pitchers to subdue enemies Judg. 7.16 2. True predictions of future things speaking strange tongues which the Speakers never learned and miraculous cures were the wondrous effects of an extraordinary Calling Ap. Let our Sectaries shew the like Call and the fruits thereof and the Day is theirs we will yield what they desire else not 3. But now none are born Priests or Ministers but admitted by order to that Office and publick imployment We condemn not all Trades-men eo nomine from being orderly admitted into the Ministry in some cases Some mens Parts are too broad for their Callings and some mens Callings for their Parts Parents are sometimes mistaken in the Genius of their Children and sometimes at first do place out their Children and dispose them to what proves not to be suitable with them ☞ These Children dislike betake themselves to learn and study then are approved and orderly admitted such we condemn not but we blame those men 1. That take upon them the Honour and Office of a Minister and Preacher not being called thereunto as was Aaron 2. And despise the regular Ordination of the Church by the imposition of hands 3. That mangle instead of handle the Holy Scriptures with unwashen and unadvised hands 4. That presume they have those gifts and graces of the spirit which indeed they have not 5. That usurp upon the Place and Function of a Minister of the Gospel which they are very unfit for 6. That undervalue the cure of souls which is ars artium saith Gregory a marvellous piece of skil and wisdom 7. Which cross the grave and serious Question of the Apostle 2 Cor. 2.16 But now who are not sufficient Mechanicks are able Minsters and dare exercise ut dicunt per famam populum in great Assemblies to the great dishonour of God prophanation of his Ordinances and scandal of reformed Churches ☞ The good Lord rectifie these things that we may be compleatly shod with the preparation of the Gospel of Peace Amen The Apostle you know is instructing us concerning the spiritual Warfare of a Christian In which you have the War and the Weapons or the Ability and Art wherewith the War is managed Verses 10 11 12 13. The Armour with which the Conflict and Combate of the same is acted and performed Vers 14 15 16 17 18. The parts or pieces of this Armour are seven 1. a Belt 2. a Breast-plate 3. Shooes 4. a Shield 5. an Helmet 6. a Sword 7. Frayer and Supplication Ap. Of the first three I have spoken and you know how ill this Girdle of Truth doth agree with Falshood and this Breast-plate of Righteousness with the Unrighteousness of men and this preparation of Shooes to profess practise and preach the Gospel doth suit with meer formal Professors and presumptuous intruding Preachers ☞ I do now proceed to the fourth particular viz. A Shield or Buckler which stands in the midst of the rest like the tree of life in the midst of the Garden Gen. 2.9 or a mighty Champion in the midst of an Army which is ushered in with a Preface Above all or principally put off with the Praise and Eulogy of admirable and wonderful effects viz. wherewith ye shall be able to quench c. Exp. In the words are little difficulty yet accept of this Explication 1. Above all i.e. in our account or esteem Whatsoever other Armour defensive or offensive we have or want let us be sure we want not this 2. Above or over all in the first place and principally in reference to all the whole man whom it is ready to defend in every part or all the rest of the Armour of all which it is both defensive of all our other Armour all which the Shield or Buckler is ready to save from harm and comprehensive of all the rest for that it is impossible to be armed her with without Truth and Righteousness and the profession and practise of the Gospel or without hope of salvation of which it is the substance and evidence or the Word of God by which it cometh or Prayer which it produceth to perfection So as that if we have true Faith we have all these in some proportion though each of them also have their proper place in our defence and do mutually concur with this and not one of them can be in sincerity without this Faith 2. Taking the shield or Buckler you may note that these two words are promiscuously and indifferently used one for another for the substance shape Dimensions and use of them with horse and Foot I might acquaint you out of Polysbius Livy and other Authors vid. Mat. Mart. p. 35 15 35 16. ☞ But to let that pass they were Weapons of special defence and use in war and they were made of Gold 1 Kings 10.17 by Solomon or Brass 1 King 14.27 as by Reheboam or Wood 1 Chron. 12.8 wrought by some artificial workman to the use and purpose before named and the word Shield in Scripture is used properly and figuratively in a fourfold sense viz. for a Shield 1. Artificial made by man for a defence of the body against an enemy and so had Goliah 1 Sam. 17.7 and those mentioned 1 Chron. 12.8 and I think all do easily apprehend this 2. Political so Rulers Magistrates and Governours are styled Psalm 47.9 Hos 4.18 signifying that they are or ought to be for defence and protection of the body politick not destruction like the Rump 3. Spiritual against the
Principalities c. do here upon earth with various strength 2. And amongst them there may be several Orders and Ranks as Belzebub the prince of the Devils Mat. 12.24 Luke 11.15 Ap. As there is also Inter bonos Angelos amongst the Holy and Heavenly Angels of Almighty God as Cherubim and Seraphim Angels and Arch-angels Zanch. in Eph. p. 660.661 Ezek. 10.1 Isa 6.2 Michael and his Angels Rev. 12.7 Above the head of the Cherubims c. I saw a Throne above the Seraphims The several particulars of these three verses viz. the 10 11 12. might well afford us many useful Observations or Points of Doctrine all which I shall bind up together in one general viz. 2. A Preachers Doctrine extends to all persons and all Duties of a Christian but it urgeth presseth and justifieth most upon the most necessary ' Truths that they may take the deepest impression verse 10. 1. As our Apostle doth here who closeth this Epistle with this necessary Doctrine of Christian Courage This is from the word Finally 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Quod Reliquum est 2 So the Apostle St. Peter also having written of divers things he collects this second Epistle with the Doctrine concering the end of the world and the use that we should make of it 2 Pet. 3.3 7 10 11 12. Though Scoffers did deride it 2. Christian Strength and Courage is very needful and useful to every child of God From the word be strong v. 10. 3. No strength or courage can hold out and prevail without the Lord and His Aid and Help and Assistance From In the Lord and in the power of his might v. 10. 4. A Christian hath need of a compleat spiritual Armour that he may be armed not only in one or some part only but in every part all over capite a pede as we use to say from head to foot From Put on the whole Armour of God verse 11. 5. Many are the Methods Ways and Wiles of the Devil to do mischief From That ye may be able to stand against the Wiles of the Devil 6. Doct. Eviol concupiscence and corruption within us and the world without us are very great enemies and always to be resisted But the Devil is the most dangerous Enemy of all and most diligently to be withstood For He 1. Kindled the fire of Concupiscence and Corruption in Eve c. 2 And he is over ready to act and inflame the two former Enemies within and without us to work and effect our Sin Shame and Destruction Lust within and the world without insnare us by his means From We wrestle not against flesh and blood but against Principalities against Powers against the Rulers c. against spiritual wickednesses Verse 12. 7. The Devil is a great Usurper of Authority and he acteth as wicked Rulers do who are his Instruments to pervert and destroy both in earthly and heavenly Things 1. In terrennis humanis In the darkness of this world i. e. In the state of Ignorance Sin Death and Confusion which are the Rulers and do reign in this World 2. In Caelestibus Divinis In the most heavenly places persons and things and in the most holy and divine Duties to be performed by man 1. In the Church of God which is called Heaven Rev. 12.1 3. 2. In the best of Saints whose Conversation is there Phil. 3.20 3. And the holiest duties and performances which he is most bent to hinder and hurt by manifold Injections Seductions and Temptations Take a Review of all these in handling the thirteenth Use wherein the three former Uses are Epitomised and in the main Point of the thirteenth Verse all these except the first Doctrine may fitly be toucht upon The Apostle having thus prepared for the acceptance of his good Counsel in a matter of so great concernment both from the 1. Necessity of it 2. and great danger attending us if it be neglected Upon due consideration of all the Premises in the 10 11 12. Verses 1. The Apostle doth infer and repeat or reiterate in this 13. Ver. His general Exhortation propounded in the 11. Verse before Wherefore take unto you the whole Armour of God c. Which Exhortation he concludes also with another Illative verse 14. Stand therefore 2. And the end why he doth thus enforce it is That ye may be able to withstand in the evil day and having done all to stand Stand therefore i. e. Couragiously Resolutely Stoutly Constantly Vigilantly and Victoriously against these Enemies Exp. 1. You know what it is to stand which doth not only signifie the Gesture of the body but also the Intention of the Mind to attend and resist as occasion is 2. In the Evil day Not evil in it self for so it is good but in respect 1. To the whole time of mans Life because it is always obvious to Manifold 1. Corruptions And 2. Tribulations Perills and Dangers 2. The time of Satans being let loose as it were to go about to infect or vex the Church with Errours and Persecutions As it befel 1. Job all his days were evil because no day but had his trouble But especially that day was evil when Satan was permitted to try Him to the utmost in his Goods Children and in his own Body 2. The Apostles when their Master the Lord Jesus Christ was taken and crucified and themselves left to be winnowed by Satan and persecuted by wicked men 3. The Church of God which never yet wanted sad Times It being the Churches Lot to suffer Affliction and Persecution But especially their Days were evil yea the worst of Days when she was afflicted beyond measure By 1. Tyrants 2. Antichrist 3. Perverse and persecuting Hereticks Proverbs 15.15 All the days of the afflicted are evil saith Solomon Thus the Apostle in this thirteenth Verse doth repeat and insist upon his former Exhortation Verse 11. Which is here 1. Inferred with a double Illative viz. in the Beginning and End of it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 propter hoc 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Ergo. 2. Fortified or preessed with a three-fold Stand in the words 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that they may Withstand Stand and Stand. 1. Implying the Courage and strength before mentioned Verse 10 11. To withstand such Enemies Stand in such conflicts and to stand victorious in the end 2. And pointing to the evil day i. e. the day of Temptation Persecution and Tribulation which the Church doth endure and undergo in respect of the manifold Enemies before named and the manifold Evils by them occasioned and inflicted Intus foras within and abroad from Time to Time No marvel therefore though he doth invite us thrice to Stand viz. 1. Stand as Christians and as a part of the Army to withstand the Enemy whether you be 1. common Soldiers Or 2. Leaders and Commanders being designed to such or such Imployments either in the Church or State 2. Stand constantly in your condition and Station Be sure to
standing you know is a Gesture 1. as well of Attendance as of the Priests to minister in the name of the Lord Deut. 18.5 7. 2. as of Expectance 2 Cron. 20.17 of Salvation and Victory 3. Of Business whether it be in serving resisting enduring and suffering or persevering and persisting 4. As well as of Idleness Mat. 20.6 II. Therefore i.e. for reasons alledged before verses 12 13. III. Having your loins girt about as Souldiers of old time had broad and strong Belts and Girdles made of durable stuff beset with many plates or bosses whereby the weaker parts of the body the loins and upper part of the belly were armed both for ornament beauty and strength For Girding fasteneth the body and strengtheneth it and is usually in Scripture taken for an expression and sign of strength vigour and prowess or puissance 1. Job Job 12.18 21. He looseth the bonds of Kings and girdeth their loins with a girdle i.e. with strength and vigour and God weakneth the strength or he looseth the girdle of the strong and mighty as History speaks and now we know 2. So Job 38.3 and 40.7 God bids Job to gird up his loins 3. Isa 22.20 21. God promiseth Eliakim To cloth him with a robe and to strengthen him with a Girdle i. e. with honour and strength Cont. It was otherwise with Tyre Isa 22.10 In whom no more Girdlestrength And with Belshuzzar Dan. 5.6 When the joynts or girdles of his loins were loosed and his knees smote c. a strange Ague And with a wicked Assembly or Parliament Army Isa 8.9 10. Whom God threatneth to break in pieces though they did gird themselves IV. With Truth i.e. with Christ who is the Truth John 14.6 Whom all that are baptised put on Gal. 3.27 The Truth of Doctrine opposed to Errours and Heresies with Sincerity and Uprightness opposed to Hypocrisie which is the truth of our Life and actions and makes us firm and strong whereas Hypocrisy enfeebleth and makes men weak sickly and changeable in their actions and tryals when upon them Ap. How few in our times have learned believed or once so much as have thought of these things and thus you have had the meaning of this first expression pointing out the first part of our Christian Armour viz. Truth These things thus understood give us this Doctrine viz. That Doct. All Christians who hope to withstand prevail against and conquer their spiritual enemies the Devil the world c. must be girded i. e. strengthned with truth that is with Christ sound Doctrine and sincerity of life This our Saviour calls for Luke 12.35 Let your loins be girded c. And St. Peter also 1 Pet. 1.13 Gird up c. as well as our Apostle It is a Metaphor taken from an antient custome in the Eastern Countrey where they did wear long garments which they girded to their loins to make them expedite for travel or other service as Elijah did 1 Kings 18.46 2 Kings 4.29 and 9.2 Gehazi and that Child of the Prophets that went to anoint Jehu 2 Kings 9.1 2 3 4. Ap. From this custome of bodily girding up garments It is translated or transferred to the mind Luke 12.35 as Job 38.3 and 40.7 where God bids him gird up his mind and their Lamps burning with Faith Repentance Charity and Sanctity which is Lumen indeficiens as Jerom. 1 Cor. 13.8 Charity never faileth 2 Cor. 1.12 The testimony of a good conscience is a light of great joy and rejoycing hope ends in the fruition Faith perfected in the Object Love enlarged in heaven you hear the point that concerns the first peece of Armour viz. Doct. All Christians that would be conquerors over spiritual Enemies must be girded that is strengthned with truth viz. 1. With Christ 2. Sound Doctrine 3. A sincere Conversation Let me take these asunder and look upon them several apart I. We must be girded with Christ 1. God himself is said To be girded with power and strength Psalm 65.6 and 93.1.2 And Christ himself is said to be girded with his sword of Might Glory and Majesty and so to ride prosperously Because of Truth Meekness and righteousness Psalm 45.3 4 to 8. Ap. He alludeth to Princes that in their Triumph rid in Chariots shewing that the quiet State peace and prosperity of a Kingdom or Nation standeth in Truth Meekness justice and Righteousness not in worldly pomp or vanity much less in Robbery Oppression and Tyranny as our Nation of late hath done 3. So also we must be girded with Christ who is the Truth He is the first piece of our spiritual Armour for safety and the best apparel for our Honour Dignity and Beauty both are conjoyned 1 Cor. 1.30 For Christ is made to us Wisdom and Sanctification as Apparrel for Dignity Beauty Righteousness and Redemption as Armour for Safety Satisfaction and Security Ap. If the Sanctification of Christ be our Apparrel we are so clad that Aarons Robes Joshuahs Miter and Mordecai's Royal Apparrel are not like it Exod. 39. Zeph. 3.4 5. Esther 6.8 to 12. II. If the Righteousness and Redemption of Christ be our Armour then are we girt with Armour of proof utriusque the armour of Righteousness on the right hand and on the left 2 Cor. 6.7 1. Armour may well be styled defensive indeed by which we are saved from Gods displeasure Rom. 5.1 and from Satans Malice and Violence 2. As also active and infusive so as that it puts valour into the man that wears it as it did into the Worthies of old the Martyrs and Confessors of all ages who could not have stood in the time of trial had they not been Girded with this armour 3. Yea it may well be said to be Offensive also for being girded with this we do as easily conquer the devil c. as David did Goliah 1. Being thus apparrelled we are clothed like unto the Kings daughter Psalm 45.13 14. Or that woman Rev. 12.1 with the Sun the Moon under a crown of twelve stars and who can desire better 2. And being thus armed and girded about with the strength of Christ we are as safe as Mount Sion that is environed with Mountains and cannot be removed but abideth for ever Psalm 125.1 2. Ap. It is no marvel therefore though we be often called upon To put on the Lord Jesus Rom. 13.14 The new man Ephes 4.24 Col 3.10 3. And on the contrary without this how naked and unsafe are we obvious to all manner of ignominy and danger And as this Military Belt or Girdle doth extend 1. To Christ the fountain of Truth So also doth it 2. To sound Doctrine the Word of God which Christ in his Prayer John 17.17 speaks of The Gospel of Christ Gal. 2.5 Col. 1.5 This leads us to the old way it being the old rule and is the form of sound speech and the light to which we should look for our direction in all things III. And to sincerity of life All which together
are fitly resembled by a Sealing in which there is 1. Imprimens 2. Recipiens 3. Sigillum impressum The Seal is the Word God sets it on and we receive the character of it and the more exactly we answer the print of the Seal the Word of God by so much the more Truth is in us and likeness to Christ as Christ is of his Father Heb. 1.3 Who is the express Image or character of his person This we should buy Proverbs 23.23 as a most desireable commodity Reasons are because God loves it It is a Ray of him a beam of his brightness it is our Glory to be like the Standard and our gain It brings peace with it Zach. 8.16.20 We have need of it in such a false age and where it is wanting all Evils both of sin and punishment do abound as Isa 59. Use Reproof to all such as will be at no pains or cost to get it such as love lying conceal betray know yet do not the truth such as are enemies to it 1. in others as Ahab Zedekiah proud men Josephs brethren Pharisees the world to Christ and the Galatians to Paul and 2. in themselves in Opinion as 1 Tim. 6.3 4 5. in practise Hypocrites that dissemble it prophane Neglecters that are careless and graceless Contemners of the truth that wilfully refuse it and 2. And how many are very easie to part with this Girdle of truth either weakly through fear of persecution as Hymeneus and Alexander Ecebolus Spira Love of the world as Demas Caraciolus and Urillas Or wilfully as Hereticks Romanists and Separatists c. Mercenarily as Judas his Master Esau his birth-right Heb. 12.16 Basely and foolishly as those who for their vices lusts will sell all ☞ Should I prosecute these things you shall scarce find in History an age more false then this Heads Hearts Hands Tongues Councels Consciences Designs and Practises All false c. Of all these see my Notes upon Proverbs 23.23 Buy the truth c. You have heard at large the drift of the Apostles Exhortation to withstand our spiritual Enemies Vers 10 11 12 13. We are now upon an Information which contains an Enumeration of the several pieces or parts of the spiritual Armour with which we must be furnished to stand in this combate and to conquer the particulars you know are seven viz. Defensive and Offensive I have dispatcht the first viz. the Girdle of Truth II. I do now descend to the second viz. The Breast-plate of Righteousness There is little difficulty in the words Every man I presume knows what a Breast-plate and what Righteousness is Exp. Only thus much let me give you notice of viz. That a Breast-plate as it is used in Scripture is 1. Military as you know it is usual for Soldiers to arm themselves with that piece of armour which serves for defence of the Breast 2. Mystical Rev. 9.9 Those Scorpion-like Locusts the Saracens or Turks had strongly armed themselves and their Kingdom that their Foes might not hurt them 3. Sacred as that of Aaron Exod. 28.15 30. Lev. 8.8 In which was the Vrim and Thummin light and perfection and which is called the Breast-plate of Judgement because it did denote the Light or knowledge the perfection or integrity which the Priest should have and the care he should take to answer them in Judgement and Equity who asked or enquired of God by him Ap. This Urim and Thummin was evident in the primitive Times in the gifts of the Spirit in Prophesie Tongues c. Acts 2. but most transendently eminent in Christ in whom this Mystery of Urim and Thummin was fulfilled because In Him John 4.9 17. and 3.34 Col. 2.3 are all the Treasures and by him conveighed to us John 1.16 and 14.16 17.4 Spiritual as here in the Text and 1 Thes 5.8 Let us be sober putting on the breast-plate of Faith and Love and by this breast-plate is signified a Good Conscience which is the only fence for the heart Hic murus aheneus esto nil conscire sibi nulla pallescere culpa Hor. as also good manners and Works of Righteousness these are our Lamps Luke 12.35 To be held 1 Tim. 1.19 as Thorax munit pectus militis so do these our lives that we sin not 1 Iohn 2.3 and 3.9 This kept David Psalm 119.11 Thy word have I hid in my heart that I might not sin against thee Thus much for the Explication of the word Breast-plate II. Now for the next word viz. Righteousness Observe that it is 1. Natural This we had in our first Creation For God made man righteous He being created after Gods own image and proportionably as Christ was who after God was created in Righteousness and true Holiness Ephes 4.24 But this we quickly lost 2. Legal the Righteousness of the Law often mentioned by the Apostles Rom. 2.26 and 8.4 and 10.5 Ap. But this we could never perform unto perfection 3. Civil which is by Education and Principles in Nature and consisting in the just dealing among men in word and deed and is called Equity Honesty Right and Truth and this was in 1. Abraham Gen. 14.23 and 23.16 in taking and paying 2. Iacob Gen. 30.33 In his dealing with Laban about wages c. 3. Ioshua and the Princes Josh 9 15 18 19 20 21 26. About the Covenant which they made with the Gibeonites for breaking of which and for slaying them Sauls bloody house smarted and all Israel by a three years famine 2 Sam. 21.1 6 to 10. Ap. But men of our times have no Conscience of any Covenant or any branch of civil Righteousness 4. Evangelical and this is either imputed or imparted I. Imputed whereby Christs righteousness is become ours Rom. 4 6 11. and 5.18 So by the Righteousness of one the gift is upon all to justification of life and this is called the Righteousness 1. Of Faith Rom 4.11 13. 2. Of God Rom. 3.21 22. without the Law by faith of Iesus Christ 3. Of God by faith ibid. Phil. 3.9 Not having mine own c. by which we are justified and made righteous Rom. 5.1 19. And this is the righteousness of the Saints the perfect the upright By which the Law is fulfilled in us Rev. 19.8 Prov. 11.50 Rom. 8.4 II. Imparted and becomes inherent in our selves and it is a Conformity of our Will Affections and Actions unto Gods holy Will and Law according to the measure of Grace received from Christ by the work of the holy Spirit Thus we become Rom. 6.18 Dan. 9.18 the servants of righteousness Ap. The former is Justification Rom. 5.18 Upon all men unto c. The second is our Sanctification By which we become the servants of righteousness Rom. 6.18 and both these may be said to be 1. Privative in the removal of sin and unrighteousness 2. Positive both by imputation of Christ and infusion of Grace 3. Gradual as the measure and degrees of it come on 4. Intensive when we strive for more
want it as 1 Sam. 3.1 When there was no open vision Bonacarendo c. 6. Sound a form of wholesome and healthful words 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 such as conduce to the health of our souls 2 Tim. 1.13 rather wholesome then toothsome healthful than delicates not tainted with Errour or Heresie with any false or corrupt Doctrine 7. It is quick and powerful and sharper then any two-edged sword c. Heb 4.12 13. I. Which most properly may be applied to Christ For he is 1. Quick i.e. living beholding the thoughts and actions of men to reward them accordingly To distinguist Christ from Idols which can see nor do nothing Psalm 115.4.5 6 7. 2. Powerful i. e. omniscient and able to execute wrath upon the disobedient 3. And sharper then a two-edged sword which easily enters and makes way for it felf Ap. So Christ who is omniscient doth easily enter see and search the secret thoughts and inventions of the heart for all things are naked and open unto the eys of him with whom we have to do 2. This is also appliable to the word of God made known to us in the Scriptures and that in all the fore-named respects for it also is quick and powerful and sharper than any sword and is therefore styled The rod and spirit of his mouth Isa 11.4 wherewith the Lord shall consume and slay the wicked as with a sword sharp and of two edges as it is in Revel 1.16 where he speaks of Christ and his Word to his Church and to the Nations of the world And as it is thus applyed to the Word of God and of Christ made known to the world so is it also 3. To the Word of God in the mouths of his Prophets Apostles ond Ministers See Isa 49.2 He i.e. God hath made my mouth like a sharp sword as well as a Rod as it is called before where you must consider that Mouth is put for the Word of the Prophet as it is frequently in Scripture Gen. 45.21 He did Numb 3.16 according to the mouth i.e. Commandment of Pharoah Moses numbred them according to the mouth i.e. The Word of the Lord as he was commanded Consider also 1. Who it was that made the Prophets mouth thus like a sharp sword it was God the Father from whom all power is derived and communicated to Christ Mat. 28.18 It is he only that hath made his word in the mouths of his Messengers to be a sword of All-sufficient power and of admirable efficacy 2. To what end and purpose their Mouths are made so sharp I answer To subdue mens souls to the obedience of it even as men do subdue Nations by the power of a material sword so by this spiritual sword the Lord doth subdue us to the obedience of Christ And it is so with the mouths of Gods Messengers if you distinguish of it objective and have respect to the Objects and Parties whom it doth most concern to this further end viz. either for 1. Evil and Destruction to the wicked by denunciation and menaces of wrath against such 2. It is for the good and salvation of the godly by promises of Mercy and Goodness to them 3. And both these shall be thus effected and brought to pass by publishing that Word of God which is by him put into their mouths to these ends and all this shall as assuredly be fulfilled and effected as if they had done it themselves or had seen it with their eyes ☞ This is the work of Prophets and Apostles the Messengers and Ministers of Christ to do and perform in obedience and subserviency to him and then they have done their duty This you may see eminently in the Prophet Jeremy Jer. 1.9 10. Behold saith the Lord I have put my words in thy mouth To be as his mouth Jer. 15.19 To separate the precious from the vile Note that God sends no dumb Messengers And he appointed the Prophet and did set him over the Nations 1. For these ends as above named to root out or pluck up to pull down and to destroy as also to build and to plant Jer. 12. 16 17. 2. And by the same means before mentioned See God himself explaining this to the Prophet Jer. 18.7 8 9 10. If he threaten a Nation and they repent then God will repent And if he make promises to a Nation and bless them if they abuse all then not that God repenteth as man doth through over-sight or want of fore-cast or out of sickleness and mutability of mind for such grounds of Repentance are imperfections in man and cannot befal God Numb 23.19 But God is said to repent when he doth as men use to do when they repent 1 Sam. 25. 33 34. When he revoketh a doom that he had past and stayeth the execution of a sentence formerly denounced Gen. 6.6 7. God repented that he had made man c. 1 Sam. 15.11 That he had set up Saul to be King which doom and sentence as it was denounced because of mans sin so it is reversed when man ceaseth so to do the end being accomplished for which it was denounced viz. that it might not be inflicted as ver 7. So that as the School-men say Repentance in man is a change of the mind or Will But with God It is the willing of a change his mind and purpose abiding still the same as Jer. 20.16 Reg. Take the Rule 1. Gods Menaces are denounced with a condition if not expressed yet secretly implyed and intended viz. of Repentance 2. And his Promises likewise are propounded to people though in absolute terms oft-times conceived yet with the like reservation viz. not to take place but upon their perseverance in well doing unto whom the same are made Deut. 28.1 15. The blessings and curses to the same people 1 Sam. 2.30 of Elies house of King Sauls kingdom ' Thus you have seen this abundantly in the Prophet Jeremy And for the Apostles and others see 2 Cor. 2.15.16 17. We are a sweet savour of Christ c. and 4.7 We have this treasure in earthen vessels that the excellency of the power may be of God and not of us And 10. 4 5 6. The we apons of our Warfare are mighty through God ☞ See further the praises of this word This sword of the Spirit accummulated Psalm 19.7.8 9. That it is 1. Perfect converting the souls 2. Sure making wise the simple 3. Right rejoycing the heart 4. Pure enlightning the eyes 5. Clean enduring for ever 6. True and righteous altogether more desired then gold sweeter than honey By these we are warned and in keeping them is great reward ver 10 11. ejusdem 2. And the Word of God is usually compared to Seed Luke 8.5 And James 8.18 Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth And it is styled 1. Pet. 1.23 Incorruptible seed by which we are born again even the word of God which liveth and abideth for every Thus much shall suffice
and 21.30 31. Rom. 3.8 2 Cor. 10.10 And at last viz. Anno 32. Conversionis after above thirty years of his labours and Ministry he was beheaded by Nero Anno Christi 67. Alsted Chron. Some of whose bloody Off-spring did not long since of late years bear great sway amongst us Let God have the glory of the abatement of their power 3. But Lord though it fare thus with thy Messengers amongst men yet let thy servants be precious in thy sight and then shall they be glorious because their judgement is with the Lord and their work yea and reward too is with their God and he will be their strength for ever Isa 49.4 5. Oh when will this state of England think this endless work worthy of a better reward then 5.10.20.30.40.50 l. c. per annum to support the person of him that is thus imployed and the Family depending upon him with Food Physick Books and all other necessary provisions I have briefly dismist the first point and so I intend to do by the second next and the second particular is 2. The Love and passionate Affection of a Preacher to his people which is expressed in an Appellation and Obtestation 1. The Appellation is Adelphoi brethren a style of near relation and betwixt whom there should be dear affeon 2. The Obtestation adjoyned is exprest in the two Verbs viz. 1. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 significans Rogare ab 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 q.d. Amorem significat q.d. Amanter rogamus We do request you with great love and affection 2. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 obsecramus And we beseech you Now Beseeching is in an humble way conjoyn'd with great desire So here the Apostle doth not command like a King c. but doth request and beseech or beseech and exhort in a most affectionate and supplicant way as to brethren c. 2. And in the person by whom he doth thus adjure and beseech them it is by the Lord Jesus not in his own Name but in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ by whom they were created redeemed elected and called to life everlasting And all this he doth to win the more upon the Thessalonians and to perswade them the more effectually to their duty Conjoyn all these together and the Result will be this Doct. II. Faithful Preachers of the Gospel do and ought to use all the pathetical and affectionate means that they can device to win men to grace and to encrease therein as becomes the servants of God and that not in their own but in the Name of Jesus Christ Instance For proof of this you need look no further then our Apostle who was an exquisit Artist in this kind For how did he insinuate upon King Agrippa Acts 26.27 So 1 Cor. 9.19 He a servant to all men all things to all men Non mentientis astu sed compatientes affectu Augustin not by a sinful compliance in evil but a Civil in things indifferent not against a good Conscience He yields to their infirmities as if he were in the same case to support them So 2 Cor. 5.19 20 As we have a word of Reconciliation from God so as Ambassadors for Christ as if God did beseech you by us c. And yet again 1 Thes 2.7 19 20. Mark the place The Apostle was as a nursing mother not a mercenary to his hope crown glory and joy as he styles them And as a Mother-nurse in those respects 1. Puero gaudenti congaudet condolet patienti she doth sympathize with the child she nurseth So here Rom. 12.15 2. Sublevat puerum cadentem So should we Gal. 6.1 2. If a man c. 3. Lact at puerum plorantem we draw forth the brests of consolation 4. Instruit puerum nescientem Thus Timothy was 2 Tim. 1.5 And we do c. 5. She tasts meat and Medicine to refresh or restore the hungry or sick child so we counsel and comfort others Ezek. 3.17 2 Cor. 1.4 And in some cases 6. Ligat puerum nolentem so would we people from disorders c. 7. Et Pascit recusantem so must we Ezek. 2.6 7. and 3.5.7 8. Abluit puerum se sordidantem c. A nursing mother will perform mean offices for the Child 's good so do we to do good Rom. 12.16 9. Balbutit ut facilius instruat non loquentem so here John 16.12 Rom. 6.19 Hand and Feet are made use of by the Nurse for the weak child so here as Isa 49.11 and 66.12 13. By the actions of hands or devotions of knees Thus St. Paul did for himself 2 Cor. 12.8 And we for many 11. Nutrix deosculatur cadentem sic pastores fovent patientes osculis amoris pacis 12. Sibilis cautinelis demuloet puerum dormientem So doth the faithful Preacher endeavour omnibus modis to lay people to Rest either by heavenly Meditations here Or the heavenly habitations after death the Grave being a bed of Rest Sleep a preparation to a Resurrection A Gate of Glory Ap. All this the Nurse-mother undergoes out of affection to her Infant the like doth the faithful Pastor who is a Father 1 Cor. 4 15. A mother Gal. 4.19 as Timothy did naturally care for them Phil. 2.20 because he loved and prized them as bought with a great price from Nature to Grace so must we True Our Apostle was a Champion in this way of winning Souls Yet was he not alone For as this was the practice of our Apostle so also was it of others who herein did but imitate their Renowned Predecessors 2. Thus also did the wise Kingly Preacher Eccl. 12.9 10 11. He sought out acceptable words of truth proverbs c. yea words which should be as Goads and Nails fastened by the Master c. 3. What moan did the Prophet make Esay 49.4 5. for the people 4. In all this see the Lord is the pattern who doth spread out his hands all the day long Esay 65.1 2. Rom. 10.20 21. and drawes with the Cords of Love Takes off the Yoke Hos 11.3 4. He comes not at first with an iron Rod Psalm 2.9 In the Whirl-wind Earth-quake or Fire but in the stillsmall voice 1 Kings 19.11 12. Not with evidences of terrour as at the deliverie of the Law but with a distinct Expression of his mind and mercy which might be heard and understood without terrour as in the Gospel 5. And lastly Our Saviour surpasseth in this kind he had compassion upon a scattered Flock Mat. 9.36 37 38. and bemoanes Jerusalem Mat. 23.37 38. passionately O Jerusalem Jerusalem how often would I have gathered c. Thus God the Father and Christ his Son do deal by mankind now as of old with the children of Israel Deut. 32.6 7 8 9 10 viz. As a Father who set their bounds made them his portion whom he found in a wast howling wildernesse yet he instructed led and kept them as the Apple of his Eye did by them as an Eagle by her young who
which were dictated by the same Spirit 2 Pet. 1.21 Many in our Times pretend to the Spirit marvellously and strangely but they lay the Scriptures aside By this you may know their Spirit to be a Spirit of Errour not of God but a delusion of the delusion of the Devil In newnesse of life Rom 6.4 Having Received a new life of Regeneration from Christ in whom they are ingraffed and now as graffs in the true stock do bring forth fruit accordingly In good works Eph. 2.10 which God hath ordained that we should walk in them Here try your works whether good or no All is not gold that glisters Hypocrisie vain-glory boasters bad ends are such as spoyl our seeming good works as with man these have been and are too frequent amongst us 2. These men that so walk as Enoch c. did are also said to walk in the old in the good way Jer. 6.16 Many pretend to Antiquity but are much mistaken as Papists for their Religion which indeed Statu quo Is but an upstart Sect a Novel invention Many Protestants also in respect of somethings which are now accounted old are much mistaken also Many would have things to be good because they be old but except you unite goodnesse to the oldnesse you say nothing The old mans hoary head is a Crown of Glory to him Prov. 16.31 Yea but how if it be found in the way of Righteousnesse but the old sinner of an hundred years old is accursed Esay 65.20 ☞ It is not simply the oldnesse but the goodnes of any thing that doth really commend it else sin is very old viz. from our fall in Paradise in the beginning all vice violence is very old viz. from before the Flood the old world was sick of it and God was sick of them for it and you know what befell them Gen. 6. Capitibus sequent Yet in Solomons sence all vice is but a new invention Eccl. 7.29 But mark his ground viz. because God made man righteous Gen. 1.27 Innocency was first and Christ the antient of dayes in the beginning Sin came in afterwards an egg of our own hatching Esay 59.5 So that Tertullians Rule is very true Quod antiquissimum est verissimum God is Truth it self who is from Eternity and innocency is of the Truth which was the first state of man Ap. Thus every thing the nearer it is to the Fountain the Original the truer it is in its own Nature Thus it is with Religion the way of our walk of old that Religion which kept closest to God his Word and Precept was best and this the idolatrous Israelites rejected So in the New Testament that Religion which is nearest to the Doctrine and practice of Christ his Apostles and primitive purity is the best which many Christians do marvellously swerve from Ap. Popish additionals and ostentous ceremonies c. do not add to but impair not beautifie but deform and deface the goodnesse of true Christian Religion power And thus we must reason with all Papists Idolaters and superstitious persons in the world whose Ceremonies and vanities are meer Novel Inventions and the very Ground-plot of all their novel Fancies and erroneous Opinions that have so pester'd the Church in our times For say they in effect If the Pope may propound what Rules he pleases and press them as lawes to be inviolably observed why saith the Pastor or principal person of each particular Assembly may not I do the same upon a better principle as they speak and by the Dictates of the Spirit though without the Word of God To close this this old way is applyable to divers things but I have given you Gage enough to judge of antient things by their goodnesse but not of their goodnesse by their Antiquity Choose the eldest things that be the best and as you are wise in your Choise so shall you be happy in the fruition of old and excellent things Thus much for the old way 2. Now next such are said to walk in the way of good Men in the paths of the Righteous Pro. 2.20 Phil. 3.17 i.e. after the best pattern and Presidents Men worthily Renowned and most fit to be imitated by others This Rehoboam did a little while viz. three years 2 Chron. 11.17 and so long he prospered but he soon grew weary of it and then many changes came upon him But Josiah that Renowned Reformer of Religion he clave more conscionably and constantly to the good wayes of David and walked in them irreversibly for which he is Renowned for ever and that upon Record to all Generations 2 Chron. 34.2 3. The men that walked as Enoch c. did are also said to walk or live by faith not by sight 2 Cor. 5.7 i.e. in belief and hope of things promised by God in his Word And to walk in Faith for else no pleasing God Heb. 11.6 Love Eph. 5.2 And in all things circumspectly Ephes 5.15 And in Truth 3 John 4. as the truth of Gods Word prescribes sincerely and constantly according to the Rule prescribed by the Apostle Gal. 6.16 peace shall be on them c. and after his Example Phil. 3.17 4. And lastly These men that thus Walk are said to walk worthy of their Vocation Eph. 4.1 and worthy of the Lord Col. 1.10 1 Thes 1.12 and that in all Wisdom Col. 4.5 and with all the Heart 1 King 8.2 3. i.e. in sincerity and integrity both objectivè and subjectivè the Rule and our selves They that walk otherwise may justly be said to walk by sence things obvious to sence are the utmost object of their care Not in faith towards God resting wholly upon him Nor in love towards others or themselves Heedlesly and at Random without circumspection and after their own Fancies Not in the Truth nor by the Rule or good Example further then they please Neither can they be said to walk worthy of either their Vocation or the Lord but crosse to both or wisely but foolishly that are only taken with toyes and trifles Or in integrity but in much partiality both in respect of the Rule of the Word some of which only they will make use of and of themselves some parts or powers they are content to employ for God and sometimes for some ends but not their whole selves either intirely or constantly And for the manner of these mens walking they walk honestly Rom. 13.13 1 Thes 4.12 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 decenter as well becomes us Vprightly and shall ascend Gods holy Hill and God will be their Sun Psalm 15.2 and a Buckler Pro. 2.7 and Gods Word doth them good Micah 2.2.7 Do not my words do good to him that walks uprightly in integrity Psalm 26.11 Pro. 19.1 and bumbly Micah 6.8 with their God so also they are said to walk At liberty Psalm 119.45 Not in sin but as freed from sin c. Surely Pro. 10.9 Upon sure ground Others on Quick-sands Safety Pro. 3.23 Under good wings of protection
him being abominable disobedient and to every good work Reprobate Tit. 1.16 Ap. Now if we do strictly examine our selves about these things Alass for grief how many are there that do entertain mean thoughts of God and do speak of him too slightly if not Blasphemously yea and do deny him in their practice insolently and impudently If we do consider aright of these things we have much cause of lamentation and who is it that hath not cause to Repent Reform and keep a strict Watch over his own heart in this particular case Thus much of Atheists in heart word and works of which the world is too full and this Age too much inclinable to 2. The next are Sensualists such who live so as their Sences lead them and walk by Sence and not by Faith These are said to live after the flesh Rom. 8.1 6 12 13. to which Death is annexed and not to the Spirit Jude 19. They are meerly Animal and Natural and Bruitish without any true holinesse in them or part in Christ Rom. 8.9 and their sensual wisdom which is not from the Spirit of Grace 1 Cor. 2.14 is also said to be Earthly and Devilish James 3.15 For they mind only earthly things their God is their belly their glory is in their shame and their end destruction Phil. 3.19 which the Devil doth aim at with his utmost wisdom and they by this wisdom do effect If you would have a more particular view of these Sensualists in their condition and practice then do you peruse these ensuing Scriptures in which see an exact description of them Job 21.7 to 16. Men that live are mighty and prosperous and abuse all c. Psalm 73.3 to 12. That are proud violent and talk highly Amos 6.3 to 7. That put away the evil day mind their beds and bellies which you may briefly sum up thus viz. They are men accomplished with all earthly Accommodations have Health and Wealth Honour and Power and what not they abuse all to luxury and vanity are all for mirth and pleasure whilest God is set aside and his Service contemned and because they have no afflictions they are proud and violent and talk highly and loftily against Heaven and Earth they care for none hereupon they put the evil day far from them with those Ezek. 12.27 28. For they have made a covenant with Death and with hell are they at Agreement so that no harm can come nigh them Esay 28.14 15. They scorn the Message of God and his Messengers and make Lies their Refuge the power and purity of Religion is the Object of their Derision the Affliction of Joseph the troubles of the Church are a non-concernment to them as to Haman of old Esther 3.15 But all this while they consider not what 's coming viz. that they are going to the Grave and how soon they know not in a moment The word Sheol signifies also Hell and misery c. see the Annot. that interim thay stand in slippery places as men upon Ice and some cast down into destruction c Psalm 37.17 18 19 20. That an overflowing Scourge shall disanul their League with Death and Hell and they shall be trodden down Esay 28.18 19. and the captivity even of Hell is upon them for the evil day to them is approaching and at hand and the effect of every Vision and the Word of the Lord shall be done Ezek. 12.22 to the End then shall they feel the truth of that Word which they believed not Should we apply these things to our Times Alas how many especially of our Gentry and wealthier sort do live thus as meer Sensualists men given up to pleasures as if they were born to no other purpose then to jovialize and wantonize to eat and drink and play in the World like Leviathan in the Ocean Psalm 104.26 to spend their time in sleep and idlenesse being altogether unprofitable to any good work until they dye and perish and fall into utter perdition and destruction which is the proper end of an unaccountable uselesse and fruitlesse life 3. Timists or Temporizers or if you will men-pleasers and time-servers of all Ages who if they can please men and suit with the times in which they live they think themselves well and safe enough whether the Lord be pleased or not and many such have been and are in every Age and upon every Change of Religion especially if Religion be up and in credit all will honour it but if it be discountenanced every one will trample upon it See all the holy History and Ecclesiastical Writers for this If Jeroboam will set up Calf Idolatry he shall have flattering fools enough who to please him will promote his design and run with the stream of the time If Julian the Apostate seem to favour the Christians many others will do so but if he Apostatize as he did and become a hellish Devilish persecutor of what before he professed all run after to curry favour with him c. Many that believed on Christ did not confesse him for fear of the Pharisees and for the love of their praise and honour from them the fear and favour of men are great stops to Religion but what saith our Saviour How can ye believe that seek honour c. and they loved the praise of men John 5.42 43 44. Consider those two places well viz. John 5.44 Thus it is with Landlords and Tenants Ap. But in these times Alas how many will transgress for a morsell of Bread Pro. 28.21 they do so much respect persons and fawn upon greatnesse a meals meat a Coppy of a great mans Countenance a Complement c. And if a Gardiner or Bower of abhorred memory were now alive how many to please them would persecute the Truth with violence the Apostle did not so who had been a great Time-server Acts 7.58 Gal. 1.10 13 14. For saith he Do I perswade men or God i.e. that you should obey men or God or do I study seek to please men to approve my self and my Ministry to men or God for if I yet please men viz. the Jewes or my own Nation as I did formerly when I was zealous of Traditions c. Gal. 1.13 14. and persecute the Church of God extreamly to gain their favour I should not be the servant of Christ but an abominable Dissembler with God and the World Gal. 1.10 13 14. I speak none of this but that we all stand bound to please one another for their good to Edification Rom. 15.2 i. e. to further their growth in godlinesse which tendeth to Eternal salvation in the Life to come this will please best at last For he that rebuketh c. prov 28.23 But we must take care that we neither please men nor suit with any Times so as to dispease God For if we do let all Temporizers consider that men in Affections saepe in time semper are but for a moment and time will have an End there
doubtings 2. Charity encreaseth either intensively by our more fervent affection to God and to our Brethren Or extensively by doing good to more and more and more abounding in works of Mercy Ap. And this encrease of Faith and Charity is a sure Argument of our sincerity in both and of our proficiency in Christianity 3. I need not multiply more instances of this first sort For Solomon long since hath stated the case Prov. 1.5 7. Ishmang Chacam Vejoseph Lekach A wise man will hear and will encrease learning But fools Evilim despise wisdom and instruction In which words Solomon doth stamp this 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 as an exact Character upon the head of a wise man that he will improve himself in good as here and that all such and only such are truly wise Whereas E contra those that neglects this course he concludes to be Evilim simple stubborn self-conceited and incorrigible fools for so the Word signifies And thus we have as many instances of good proficients in Grace as there be wise men in the World 2. But now to instance on the other side of them that be non-proficients Dwarfs in stature and barren of good Israel of old is a most sad Example for what abundant meanes did God use of old to bring them to this viz. but to learn how to walk and to please God and to abound therein and how crosly did they move against all and grew worse worse God gave them Oracles and Miracles his Word and Rod Prophets his Messengers in abundance whose paines and industry was indefategable never wearied yet still they went backward and to do good they had no knowledge They despised the Word mocked and misused the Messengers of God until his wrath arose against them and then as they had turned off him and all the means afforded so he turned off them and brought Enemies upon them that did ruine and destroy them without mercy 2 Chron. 36.15 16. to 21. They persisted in all manner of evil and stuck not to say that they were delivered to do all those abominations before-mentioned and yet thought the formality of this that they were the Temple of the Lord must bear off all Jer. 7.3 4. to 11. Yet more Nevertheless of the means offorded them to make them better they became worse then Sodom and Gomorrah and Idolatrous Samaria Ezek. 16.49 50. whose sins were pride intemperance idlenesse uncharitablenesse prophannesse uncleannesse This was Israels Condition they were very evil proficients in good nevertheless the great means afforded them to the contrary But hath Israel no fellows I am sorry to say it yet I must say the Truth I fear England is too near a parallel with Israel in these things We as they have had Oracles yea and Miracles too of late viz. In the Return of the King c. the Word of God hath been continued to us all this while though the Rod of God the worst of Rods viz. A civil War hath been upon us almost 20. Yeares yet how bruitish doth England in general remain even as they despising the Word of God mis-using his Messengers c. 2 Chron. 36.15 16 to 21. till wrath c. Look among all sorts of all Ranks and Qualities How much more piety and peaceablenesse humility and charity temperance and sobriety self-denial and heavenly-mindedness shall you find amongst our Nobility and Gentry then heretofore Nay are they not more prophane and contentious proud and uncharitable not to say cruel yea as intemperate and licentious or deboisht more self-seeking and earthly minded then ever as if no future or further felicity were to be expected in another Life Is not this in effect to say as they We were sure delivered to do all these abominations Jer. 7.10 Were not the sins of Sodom pride intemperance idlenesse uncharitablenesse prophanenesse and abominable uncleanness Ezek. 16.49 50. and is there no such thing to be found in England It were happy if there were no such thing to be found with us among them of Eminent Rank and Quality But as they bare off all with the formality of the Temple of the Lord. Ap. So ours with a little formality in the profession of Religion think to scape free from the blame of Abominations though they be as many and as bad as theirs mentioned Jer. 7.4 8 9 10 ult who did steal murther commit Adultery c. But to leave our first Rank amongst whom many of these things are too frequent and familiar Come we to the Clergy as they are commonly called or Ministry of England which have suffered much these times and for the Stars of the first magnitude as they esteem themselves our Bishops Tell me how much less pride and Lordliness neglect or disdain of their Brethren that are of the same profession with themselves shall you finde then formerly Or how much more meekness and humility care and compliancy with their Brethren for the Churches common good and Well-ordering of all things in the Church according to the mind of God and Rule of his Word then formerly And for other Ministers in particular Congregations How many can you finde that are more diligent in their duty more studious of the good of souls more tender and gentle kind and loving to their people that by all means they may gain some more fouls to God then before And for the Commonalty of England They have smarted sharply and have seen the face and fruit of confusion c. Yet how few shall you find less factious and seditious or more pious and peaceable friendly or neighbourly in their ordinary Conversation with others then heretofore Oh how well were it with us all if the Word and Rod had so kindly wrought upon us that we had learned to know the day of our visitation Luke 19.44 That it be not with us as Isa 10.1 2 3. Thus you have the point viz. That increasing in grace and abounding in good is a Christians Excellency as well as duty This is the drift of all the Scripture the whole Word of God and this is the main end of all the gifts and works of the Ministry For this you have had some Scripture proofs to confirm it and some instances for the further illustration of the same I do now descend to the Arguments and Reasons to strengthen it which is drawn from God the person in whom this Grace and growth is proficiency in it self Grace in it self and the event or effect of this growth and fruit Increase and Abundance 1. God this is the end of all his husbandry cost and care of us for whether he do plant or prune plow or sow weed or water feed or physick us as Husbandmen and Parents do as occasion serves all is to this end that we encrease and abound in good John 15.2 1 Pet. 2.2 Milk Meat and Medicine are all for the health and growth of the Child and if we be fruitfull we shall receive a blessing with that Earth Heb.