to a fact every man is a debtor to the truth and is bound as a man to bear Testimony Christ telleth Pilate John 18.37 to this end was I born and for this cause came I into the world that I should bear witness unto the truth but when I speak of the testimony that every good Christian is bound to give I understand it not thus largely for though it be that every good man is under an obligation to testifie the truth in any cause yet the Ministers of the Gospel and every good Christian is under a more special obligation to give testimony to some truths and these are the truths of the Gospel the truths that relate to Jesus Christ this is that the text calleth the Testimony of our Lord which may be taken in a double sense 1. Either for that Testimony which our Lord bare of himself 2. Or the Testimony which every good Christian is bound to give to the truths of the Gospel Christ bare a Testimony of himself he testified that he was the son of God that he was the King of Zion that he was the true Messiah but I understand it yet larger every Minister of the Gospel and every good Christian is obliged to bear a Testimony to the great truths of the Gospel which relate to Jesus Christ as our Lord and Saviour there is a Testimony which he ought to bear to those Propositions of truth and to those matters of fact which the Gospel containeth and relateth concerning Jesus Christ as the Saviour of the world 3. The third thing which is considerable in a Testimony is the way of giving it the proper giving a Testimony is by the words of our mouth either with an oath or without an oath it is one thing for a man to believe a Proposition and another thing for him to give Testimony to a Proposition he believeth a Proposition that hearing it doth in heart consent and agree to it that the Predicate is well fitted to the Subject whether he speaketh a word yea or no but he testifieth that with his words owneth and declareth his faith Rom. 10.10 For with the heart man believeth unto Righteousness and with the mouth confession is made unto Salvation It is not enough for a Christian secretly in his heart to agree to the truths of the Gospel but he is bound to give a Testimony If thou shalt therefore confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus Christ and shalt believe in thy heart that God hath raised him from the dead thou shalt be saved You may observe there are two things made necessary to to Salvation 1. A heart believing the Proposition of the Gospel 2. An external confession or profession There is a double confession a Christians duty 1. A confession of sin 2. A confession of truth Either confession is an open acknowledgment with our lips thus you read in Scripture frequently of confessing of Christ only it may be there is this difference betwixt a Testimony and confession any open asserting vindicating and defending Christ and his Gospel is giving a Testimony but when it is done in the face of Enemies in despight of opposition this is confession Matth. 10.32 Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men him will I confess also before my Father which is in Heaven Luke 12.8 whosoever shall confess me before men thus John 12.42 Many believed on him but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him So that the testimony of the Lord Jesus Christ signifieth that open acknowledgment of Christ and profession of the truths of the Gospel relating to Christ which is the duty of every good Christian Qu. 2. What is here meant by the afflictions of the Gospel The Original doth something differ 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 suffer thou evils together with the Gospel where the Gospel is brought in as if it were a Person by a figure a Person that is subject to evils Timothy is exhorted to suffer evil with the Gospel this leads me to the consideration what those afflictions are what those evils are to which the Gospel is subjected there are several evils to which the Gospel is subjected or rather evils from three sorts of persons 1. From the true Professors of it such as own Christ in truth and sincerity 2. From the false and seeming Professors of it 3. From the professed enemies of it The afflictions of the Gospel are the afflictions which men are subjected to from their owning and professing of the Gospel and these I say are from 3 sorts of Persons 1. From such as are the true and sincere professors of it they may bite and devour one another and be thorns and goads in one anothers sides These commonly are so from one of these two heads 1. From an overheated zeal for the maintaining of different apprehensions in some matters of truth 2. From such corruptions as do attend Gods people considered as men made up of flesh and blood 1. From an immoderate zeal for the maintaining of different apprehensions in some matters of truth truth is an uniform thing and is but one two contradictory Propositions cannot be true but since the fall of man none have the same apprehensions there are different apprehensions concerning truth it is true we have the promise of the Spirit of truth to guide us and to lead us into all truth but the sense of the promise must not be extended so far that because all Christians have the spirit of God therefore they shall all be guided that they shall not have misapprehensions in a Proposition of truth they shall be guided into all necessary truth they shall not miscarry in any apprehension of truth upon which the salvation of their Souls depend but they may be mistaken as to a multitude of particular Propositions one may judge one thing and another another thing yet they all hold the foundation the fundamental truths of the Gospel but they may have very different apprehensions as to some particular truths now through an over-weaning opinion of our own apprehensions there are very great differences and also hard censurings and condemnings of one another and these are great afflictions but such as have attended the Gospel from the very beginning they were such different apprehensions that caused the first Christian Synod Acts 15.1 Some came and taught the necessity of circumcision such differences there were Rom. 14.2 For one believeth he may eat all things another who is weak eateth herbs hence they judged despised condemned and censured one another and the Apostle persuadeth to a friendly carriage one towards another a mutual forbearance one of another in these different apprehensions in matters of truth of a lighter nature mens immoderate zeal for their own opinions have in all times begot great heats and have caused great afflictions to the Ministers of the Gospel and to the Professors of it and have been a great root of bitterness amongst Gods own people we have seen enough of it in the age
due respect to those to whom he giveth his Testimony and who agreeth and doth not contradict himself and yet is bold and couragious speaking with freedom hence you shall find that word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is often used about the testimony that the Apostles did bear to the truth a free bold testimony in any cause doth it great service while the stammering lisping Witness that useth no freedom in his Speech rather hurteth a cause than doth it good the Scripture speaketh much of and commendeth a Christians boldness a boldness in Faith and Prayer and a boldness in a bearing testimony to our Lord when we are not afraid of the Faces of men that would outface the truths of God a Christian should be bold in the Faith bold in Prayer and bold in his Confession 7. Let your Testimony be a hearty testimony a free ready chearful testimony God loveth a chearful giver saith the Apostle indeed in all our Gifts unto God it is so God loveth a freedom and chearfulness of Spirit we should not be subpoena'd into a Testimony to our Lord Jesus Christ indeed we are subpoena'd by that dreadful Text Matth. 9. A Christian should give a Testimony freely not to provoke and challenge danger and dare a Trial but when he seeth suffering at hand so that God calleth him to give a testimony to him and to the truths of the Gospel then chearfulness becometh a Christian chearfulness as it is opposed to grudging 8. I will add but one thing more it should be a patient Testimony Rev. 19 St. John giveth this Character of himself I John who also am your Brother and Companion in tribulation and in the Kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ Patience under evils is what is often called for in Scripture and pressed upon the Servants of God with a great variety of Arguments by a patient Testimony I understand three things 1. A patient continuance in the Testimony of Christ a flitting and incertain Christian in the truths of God who is of one mind to day and another mind to morrow is no good Witness in the cause of Christ semper idem is the true Motto of every Christian of every such Witness he that is one day of one mind another day of another like a Wave of the Sea tossed about may possibly get to Heaven at last as through fire but he is no good Witness for Christ you know amongst men a good Witness must abide by his testimony if he varieth his testimony is weakned Therefore Christians are highly concerned to examine Propositions well before they profess them and when they profess them to think well with themselves before they part with them a man never is a good witness for the Lord in that point wherein he hath been incertain himself 2. It must be a patient testimony with respect unto those affronts which he may suffer from men while he is giving his Testimony a good and steady Witness in your Courts is not moved by the affronts of any Lawyer that setteth himself to baffle him out of his Testimony he that is a good Witness in the cause of Christ must not be affected at the affronts of Men that would baffle him out of his Testimony he must be patient both as to the flatteries and enticements of enemies and also as to their frowns and menaces 3. A patient Testimony must be a Testimony attended with that patience which they had need of who may suffer for giving their Testimony for though no Man ought to suffer for bearing Witness to the truth yet there is nothing more ordinary then for men and women to suffer for giving a Testimony unto truth and thus now I have shewed you what kind of Testimony it is that every good Christian is bound to give unto the Lord. I have but two things more to do first to encourage you to it by some Arguments then to direct you in the fulfilling of it now for Arguments to perswade you not to be ashamed of the Testimony of Christ you have heard enough already I have shewed you a Ten-fold Obligation lying upon you 1. It is the Will of God 2. Remember Christ is your Lord 3. You cannot otherwise shew your gratitude to him for that Testimony which he gave for you 4. Thus you shall be conformable unto Christ and what is behind of the suffering of Christ shall be filled up in you 5. Remember the nature of the Gospel and of the truths of it 6. Consider the Station which you take up in the World of a Witness a Souldier a Child to our Heavenly Father a Servant to a Heavenly Master 7. Remember the private Law that you have laid upon your selves 8. Remember the duty which lieth upon you to be conformable to your fellow members 9. Remember the danger of forbearing and the reward of your giving this Testimony 10. Consider your oneness with the Members of Christ after all these what need any further Arguments yet because we are of our selves not forward unto this our Hearts are awk and backward to the partaking of the affliction of the Gospel and averse to the giving of this Testimony let me by way of a further Argument in this cause name to you and press upon you the Arguments which the Apostle useth in this place and by which he himself presseth this Exhortation 1. The first lieth in those words 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 according to the power of God One great discouragement that is upon our Spirits to keep us in a day of Testimony that we should not testify is the fear we should never be able to speak and to give our Testimony To give a Testimony for our Lord is a noble thing to receive a Crown the Crown of Martyrdom is a great dignity But when the Lord by his providence seeketh out for us to set this Crown upon our Heads we too frequently hide our selves and the reason is we distrust our selves but Christian fear not we shall have the power of God it is a wonderful thing to observe that the power of God hath been so seen in no other thing as in this you read of a Testimony that Stephen gave to the Gospel First a vocal then a real Testimony Acts 6.9 10. And they were not able to resist the Wisdom and the spirit by which he spake Stephen had then a dispute with the Libertines The power and presence of God from the beginning of the Gospel hath been seen in nothing more than in Gods assistance of his Witnesses you have a promise Luke 12.12 For the Holy Ghost shall teach you in the same hour what you ought to say Matth. 10.19 20. But when they deliver you up take no thought how or what you shall speak for it shall be given you in that same hour what you shall speak For it is not you that speak but the spirit of your heavenly Father which speaketh in you Luke saith When they bring you unto the Synagogues and unto
held 5. Lastly Consider you shall overcome by your Testimony Rev. 12.11 John saw the Devil overcome by the Blood of the Lamb and by the word of their Testimony Magna est veritas Truth is a great thing and it will prevail look back upon the former Ages of the Church the Witnesses which God raised up to his Truth in the beginning of the Gospel were very few the persons seemed contemptible yet God overcame the whole World by them and brought the whole World into some professed subjection to the Gospel of Christ often before the Church had degenerated many errors prevailed at last Popery prevailed then stood up Luther in Germany those that look upon that Story would have thought it impossible that Luther's Doctrine should have prevailed in the World but they overcame by the word of their Testimony and to that Victory they held doth the Protestant Religion owe it self Now this should greatly encourage us not to be ashamed of the Testimony of Christ it hath ever been victorious and shall be to the last it is by the Faith and patience of the Saints and Servants of God who stood close to their opposers and managed their spiritual fight that the Gospel hath obtained and they ought still to hold fast for they are sure of victory so long as Christ remaineth King in Sion I shall add but a few words more and that is to direct Christians what they should do that they may not be ashamed of their Testimony 1. Look that you be rooted and grounded in truth a Tree that is not well rooted you know is very easily shaken Col. 1.23 If saith the Apostle you continue in the Faith grounded and settled The truth is to make a Christian that he should not be ashamed of the Testimony of the Lord he had need of a double ground he had need be grounded in Faith according to that Text Col. 1.23 And he had need be rooted and grounded in love according to that Text Eph. 3.17 that you being rooted and grounded in love Col. 2.7 Rooted and built up in him and established in the Faith Christians look to this every Witness ought to understand the cause well to which he is to give his testimony many a poor Creature beareth a testimony to they know not what labour to be rooted in the Faith rooted in love and rooted in Christ that Soul that is filled with the knowledge of truth and warmed with the love of truth never faileth in an hour of testimony that Soul that is either ignorant of the ground of that truth which he pretendeth to own and defend or that wanteth a love for God never holdeth longer than till he meeteth with a contradiction 2. Look up to the power of God for your assistance I told you these words in the Text according to the power of God might be taken as an Argument to perswade Christians not to be ashamed of the Testimony of the Lord because the power of the Lord shall be manifested for them but they may also be interpreted as signifying that which we ought to have an Eye to in our Testimony and in our suffering affliction we have no spiritual enemy we can prevail against in our own strength our enemies you know are the World the Flesh and the Devil for the Flesh the Apostle saith Rom. 8.13 If ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the Body you shall live Never yet was lust mortified by meer moral Arguments and for the Devil we are bid to take upon us the whole Armour of God to resist him strong in the Faith and it is the same for the World Our help is in the name of the Lord and therefore it hath been observed that none in an hour of Testimony have come off worse than those who have been most confident our Book of Martyrs telleth us of two that were in prison together the one was very confident and couragious and told the other that his fat should fry in the fire next day the other was very timorous and fearful the first recanted and denied the truth the second was burnt at the Stake David might possibly mean it of his external enemies but he repeateth it thrice My enemies compassed me about but in the name of the Lord I will destroy them they compass me about yea they compassed me about but in the name of the Lord I will destroy them they compassed me about like Bees they are quenched as the fire of Thorns for in the name of the Lord I will destroy them It must be so as to our spiritual enemies we shall never prevail but in the name of the Lord. 3. Remember in your Testimony There is more with you than there is against you While we bear Testimony to Christ God is with us Christ is with us the Spirit is with us all the Holy Martyrs are with us there is none but sinful men against us Christ the faithful and true Witness is with you Rev. 1.5 From Jesus Christ who is the faithful Witness He was the first Witness The Apostle St. John saith 1 John 5.7 There are three that bear record in Heaven the Father the Word and the Holy Ghost What did the Father witness This is my Beloved Son in whom I am well pleased This is the Lord our righteousness What did Christ witness He witnessed a good confession before Pontius Pilate he owned himself to be the Son of God the Saviour of the World that they that believe on him should not be ashamed he owned himself to be the object of our Faith to be the Lord our righteousness the Spirit testified the same thing and the Spirit beareth witness for us and in us 4. Fourthly Would you not be ashamed of your Testimony love not the World nor the things thereof nor the persons therein take heed of being swallowed up in the love of creature comforts and enjoyments How dwelleth the love of the Father in him that doteth on the World The World taketh off Christs witnesses both the Men of the World and the things of the World you must be fond of none of these 5. Take upon you the whole Armour of God of which you read Eph. 6.14 Stand therefore having your Loins girt about with truth and having on the Breast-plate of righteousness and your Feet shod with the preparation of the Gospel of peace taking the shield of Faith the Helmet of Salvation the Sword of the Spirit Finally pray always with all Prayer and Supplication in Spirit watching thereunto with all perseverance SERM. 8 9 10 11. Matthew 5.10 11 12. Blessed are they which are persecuted for Righteousness sake for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven v. 11. Blessed are you when men shall revile you and persecute you and shall say all manner of evil against you falsly for my sake v. 12. Rejoice and be exceeding glad for great is your reward in Heaven for so persecuted they the Prophets which were before you THe Evangelist
Righteousness 1. He must manage his good fight against the World the men of it and the things of it Paul had fought this good fight 1 Cor. 15.32 he fought with Beasts at Ephesus after the manner of men and he telleth us 1 Cor. 11.24 he had had stripes above measure he had been in Prisons frequent in deaths often five times he had of the Jews received forty stripes save one thrice he was beaten with Rods once he was stoned all this in maintenance and defence of the Gospel Thus must every Christian duly of God called to it do in defence of the holy Truths and Waies of the Lord Jesus Christ The World the Men of the World were alwaies peevish to God's holy ones Our Saviour giveth us the reason Joh. 15.19 because they are not of the world but God hath chosen them out of the world Wisdom was never justified in the world of any more than her Children Now those who ever hope to come in the Kingdom of Heaven must look to manage this part of the good fight not fearing those who can kill the body and when they have done that can do no more but fearing him alone who can cast body and soul into Hell fire taking up their Cross and following of Christ bearing up against all the opposition the world can give or make against them walking according to the holy Commandment 2. But this good fight is not onely to be managed against the men of the world setting themselves in opposition to the Truths and Waies of God but also against the things of the world the deceitfulness of pleasures riches honours whatsoever may be to us a bait alluring us to sin against God Moses by Faith did fight the World in this manner refusing the pleasures of Pharaoh's Court and chusing rather to suffer with the People of God Heb. 11.25 26. than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season and esteeming the Reproach of Christ greater Riches than the Treasures in Egypt But indeed this rather belongs to the second piece of the good fight which is to be managed 2. Against our own Lusts By lusts we understand those motions and inclinations to sin which are from our fleshly part for Lusts are nothing but unlawful desires in our Souls Paul fought this part of the good fight he tells us Rom. 7.23 That he saw a law in his members warring against the law of his mind and bringing him into captivity to thâ— law of sin which is in his members Gal. 5.17 And again That the flesh lusteth against the Spirit and the Spirit against the flesh for those two are contrary Paul fought this part of the good fight 1 Cor. 9.27 I keep under my body and bring it unto Subjection This is that Mortifying of our members mentioned Ccl. 3.5 Mortifying the deeds of the body through the Spirit mentioned Rom. 8.13 The Apostle Peter tells us that Fleshly lusts war against the Soul 1 Pet. 2.11 and James tells us that Lust war in our members James 4.1 Paul fought this part of the good fight and overcame I thank God saith he through Jesus Christ our Lord. Indeed this is the hardest battel that a Christian hath to fight the Enemy is within those of his own house and all the advantage which either the World or the Devil hath against us is from that party of lusts which are in our own hearts Though the Prince of the World came against Christ yet finding nothing of this nature in our blessed Lord he could do nothing against him 3. Our third great adversary is the Devil For we faith the Apostle Eph. 6.12 Do not wrestle against flesh and blood but against Principalities and powers and the Rulers of the darkness of this World The Devil is called the adversary and the Apostle telleth us that he goeth about like a roaring Lyon seeking whom he may devour and calleth upon us to Resist him He fighteth us sometimes by his commanders and under-officers those are the sinful men of the World sometimes he fights us in person by his more immediate impressions and Suggestions 2 Cor. 12.7 Paul had a messenger of Satan sent to buffet him for which thing he prayed thrice v. 8. 4. A Christian hath yet a fourth Enemy That is Death I should not have called Death an Enemy but that I find the Apostle so calling it 1 Cor. 15.26 The last Enemy that is to be destroyed is Death And indeed our flesh saith both concerning death and Trials of afflictions leading to it All these things are against us There is a victorious Song which every good Christian must learn to sing O Death where is thy sting O hell where is thy Victory Thus now I have shewed you the Enemies to be fought in this good fight The word translated fight is a very Emphatical word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 It is the same word which is used Luk. 13.24 strive to enter in at the straâ—t gate and Col. 4.12 Where we translate it Labouring fervently we translate it striving in Col. 1.29 fighting John 18.36 and 1 Tim. 6.12 The word seemeth to signify four things 1. A labouring against opposition A man cannot fight unless he hath an Enemy to fight against What these Enemies are I have shewed you 2. A strong vehement earnest labour where all the strength and power of a man is put out as is usual in all combates and fightings 3. An inward labour from this word comes our English word Agony which we use to signify the conflict of the mind and signifieth more then the Scuffling of the hands and more exterior members Thus it signifieth Col. 4.12 Labouring fervently for you in Prayer 4. It signifieth a strife for mastery such as were the strifes in the Roman games where the strife was who should overcome and have the Victory It is observed by Aquinas that the fight is called a good fight because it is for good things and in a good manner and because it is difficult and the Apostle telleth us that he who striveth is not crowned except he strive lawfully Thus I have opened the first thing requisite for him who would have the Crown of Righteousness he must fight the good fight 2. The Second condition required of those who expect this Crown of Righteousness to be given them is their finishing their course I have saith the Apostle finished my course or my race There is nothing more ordinary in Scripture then for a series or course of actions to be called a way Thus we read of the way of God the way of the wicked and the way of the righteous Holiness is called a way the way of God's Commandments and the exercises of Holiness are a Christian 's walking or running in this way in the language of holy Writ John fulfilled his course Acts. 13.25 Neither saith our Apostle do I count my life dear to me so that I may finish my course with joy It is the same with that
law of Charity to give a testimony to the truth for his Neighbour when his estate or his life is concerned or any thing of his interest and every Subject taketh himself more highly concerned to give his testimony to the truth on the behalf of his Prince or on the behalf of his Master because there is a relation betwixt the Prince and the Subject and betwixt the Master and the Servant certainly there must needs lie an obligation upon every Christian who owneth Christ as his Soveraign Lord and Master to give a testimony unto Christ it is a testimony for the Soveraign Lord of Heaven and Earth for him whom we call our Father whom we own as our Master every Testimony to the Gospel and the truth of the Gospel is a testimony to Christ every testimony for Christ is a testimony for him who is our Lord and whom we own and avow to be our Lord. 3. This obligation ariseth from that gratitude which we all owe to the Lord Jesus Christ every one looketh upon himself indebted unto him who hath done him good and there is nothing more usual in that case then to promise a requital and to express a trouble that we know not how to make him or her amends and to express our willingness to it the testimony of our Lord is the testimony of him who left his Fathers Throne and came down upon the Earth and clothed himself with our nature and died in our stead that we might not perish for ever ever he ascending up into Heaven hath left us in charge with his truth Philip. 1.27 striving together for the faith of the Gospel Jude v. 3. that you should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the Saints Now which of you if you had but an ordinary friend like your selves who had done you some great and eminent kindness and left you in charge but to give a testimony unto him and for him should not think your selves under an obligation to it Oh! how great is the obligation which lieth upon every Christian that liveth in the world to bear his testimony for Christ if he doth but consider what Jesus Christ hath done for him shall Christ come and die for us love not his life unto death and shall we be ashamed to give a testimony unto him or to be partakers of the afflictions of the Gospel of our dearest Lord this ought not to be if the kindness of a man layeth an obligation upon us to do what in us lieth to serve him surely the kindness of the Lord our Saviour layeth a much higher obligation upon us 4. Another thing from whence this obligation doth arise is from the duty incumbent upon us to be conformable unto the Lord Jesus Christ we ought to study a conformity to him in his life and in his death in his life he commandeth us to be holy as he is holy in his death thus the Apostle prayeth for a fellowship of his sufferings For this cause was I born and for this cause did I come into the world that I might bear witness unto the truth and it is particularly said of him that before Pontius Pilate he witnessed a good confession 1 Tim. 6.13 He endured affliction in the first publication of the Gospel what was the testimony Christ gave but this that there were a people in the world who were very dear to him chosen unto eternal life for him though he was the eternal Son of God thought fit to cloath himself with flesh and to die upon the Cross that he might redeem this people unto himself now it is our duty to be conformable to Christ conformable to this testimony not being ashamed of this testimonony conformable also in not being ashamed of Affliction this yet is advantaged by another consideration that we are to fill up the Afflictions of Christ Col. 1.24 Who now rejoyce in my sufferings for you and fill up that which is behind of the Afflictions of Christ The sufferings of Christ are either those things which he suffered in his own person Now concerning them he said all is finished the Papists vainly dream of the filling up of those sufferings or else those sufferings which every good Christian shall suffer in his Mystical Body to the end of the World and there is much behind of the sufferings of Christ which we are to fill up and filling them up we act both in a conformity unto Christ who is our Head and also unto the multitude of the Churches that have gone before us who have tasted of this Cup and drank a little of it but there is much more of these that is yet to be filled up 5. The Obligation ariseth upon Christians from the nature of the Gospel and the truths of it to which we give our Testimony I have told you before in this Discourse that every Man and Woman is a Debtor to truth no Man ought to decline a Testimony unto truth but now by how much any truths are of greater moment of greater weight and importance by so much we are the greater Debtors to them you have the substance of the Gospel in that one Text 1 Tim. 1.15 This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation that Jesus Christ came into the World to save Sinners He said true who said that Christians could better want the Sun in the Firmament than that one piece of the Gospel the truths of the Gospel are of that high importance that the comfort and peace of all the Souls of the People of God in this Life and the eternal Salvation of the Souls of all People in the Life to come doth depend upon the stability of them if the truths of the Gospel did not stand firm and fixed the Souls of Christians are undone to all eternity there is no foundation of peace for them in this Life there is no hope of an eternal Salvation for them in that Life which is to come We stand therefore highly concerned to give a Testimony to these truths and to be partakers of afflictions in giving a Testimony to those truths and to that Gospel upon which so much of our eternal interest and concern doth lye there is no truth but we owe a Testimony to it but there are some Propositions of Truth that are not of that moment that we should endure affliction for the justification of them but the truths of the Gospel are of that nature that no Testimony we can give to them can be too high no affliction we can suffer for them can be too great 6. A Sixth Obligation that lyeth upon Christians is from the station they take up in the World I shall here inlarge upon Three things 1. They are God's Witnesses 2. They are God's Soldiers 3. They are God's Children and Servants and Christ's Members 1. Every Christian is the Child of God the Servant of God the Member of Christ now should a Child be ashamed to attest the truth for
and agree to so out of a burning love and zeal in your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ 3. Our Testimony ought to be a Judicious Testimony it is one thing that God requireth when we swear that it should be in truth righteousness and judgment Thou shalt swear the Lord liveth in truth righteousness and judgment Swearing is an Attestation a Solemn Attestation of a truth The Testimony which I am now speaking to is not necessary to be performed by Oath though we ought not to refuse if called to that but as it must be to the truth in righteousness so it must be in judgment The judgment that I would have attend the Testimony of which I am now speaking is not a judgment that the thing is true the truth of Christ but that it is a truth of that nature that will bear the weight of such a Testimony too as it must bear if it bear any for I must tell you though truth all truth be a very sacred pin yet every such pin hath not an equal degree of strength and will not bear a like weight I am afraid we have too loud a Testimony to some truths which though they may have spoken the faith of Christians and their love yet have not spoken the Wisdom and Prudence of Christians such Testimonies were those the Christians gave Rom. 14. For things that were in themselves of an indifferent nature and yet Christians on either side were too warm Any Christian is thus far bound to give his Testimony to every truth as not to deny it 2. In his own particular practice to own it but we ought not to make a party for every truth Now this dependeth upon this great truth That though there be no truth of God but we ought to own and being convinced of to Practise yet there are some truths of God as to which God willeth not that we should be contentious For God hath given his people a Latitude in them without hazard of their Salvation and therefore we must give our Testimony to truth with prudence a prudential judging of the weight and value of a truth before we give a zealous Testimony to it 4. Our Testimony must be with prudence Prov. 8.12 I Wisdom dwell with Prudence Wisdom doth often signify Grace and truly all true Grace in a Soul should dwell with Prudence we are commanded to be wise as Serpents and to walk circumspectly not as fools Matth. 10.16 but as wise there is a great deal of prudence to be used in giving our Testimony to our Lord our Lord himself if you observe him did it with prudence and we ought to let our Wisdom dwell with Prudence This Prudence must not be extended so far as to deny any necessary truth or to dissemble so as to declare our selves against it or not to own it for it must be such a prudencâ— as is opposed to impiety if there be a failure in piety there can be no prudence Prudence doth not so much respect the doing or the not doing of the thing as the manner of the doing of it In general we then give our Testimony with prudence when we give it without any just offence to Jew Gentile or the Church of Christ a Testimony of our Lord may be spoiled by the heighth of our Spirit through pride shewed in judging contemning and despising of others or through the boisterousness and the passion of our Spirits or by our noise and clamours so that to the prudence of a Testimony there are three things required 1. Humility in opposition to Pride Pride is a Colloquintida that maketh all our Messes of duty and Service to God bitter God abhorreth the proud he abhorreth a haughty and contentious Spirit he giveth grace to the humble and he accepteth his Testimony Paul saith Acts 20.19 He served the Lord with all humility of mind We are bid to put on humility of mind Col. 3.12 and 1 Pet. 5.5 To be clothed with humility Humility is our garment a Christian must do nothing but in humility in what he doth in the service of God there must be a vein of humility and in that part of our service to God where humility is wanting in that part a Christian always walketh naked and Men see his shame a fastidious scornful contemning sufferer is no Christian sufferer â— Another thing is meekness with respect to passion This is often called for we are bid to put it on Col. 3.12 And the Minister is to instruct in meekness those that are without The Apostle beseecheth you by the weakness of Christ meekness is opposed to frowardness and passion a passionate Testimony to a truth is at best but an imprudent and indiscreet Testimony The wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God 3. A third thing that commendeth a Testimony is courtesy in opposition to morosity and soureness when Festus told Paul That much Learning had made him mad he answered I am not mad most noble Festus Observe with how much complement Paul speaketh to Festus and others while he was bearing testimony unto the truth of God the soureness and morosity of a Christians behaviour in bearing his testimony maketh his testimony more unlovely and not so prudent as it ought to be 4. A Fourth thing is peaceableness The Servants of God must not strive there is nothing more asperseth the Gospel and the Profession of it then the imprudence of a Professor of it in the managery of his business 5. Your Testimony unto God must be uniform and sincere it cannot be uniform if it be not sincere the testimony of the Life must agree with the testimony of the Lips you know a Witness that contradicteth his testimony doth by it make his testimony invalid he that liveth contrary to his Profession giveth himself the lye he testifieth with his Lips but he denieth in his Life The Apostle telleth us of some Titus 1.16 They profess that they know God but in works they deny him being abominable and disobedient and to every good work reprobate You shall observe therefore that when the Devil at any time gave a testimony to a Truth concerning Christ and the Apostles they constantly refused and would not hear him speak the testimony of one of the Children of the Devil is rather a dishonour and weakning of the Truth than any strengthning and credit and confirmation a Man that is Holy in his Life bearing testimony with his Lips is a great Servant of God he by his Mouth declareth what he believeth and by his Life he declareth that he doth indeed not mock and dissemble with the World but he believeth what he professeth to believe You shall see in some cases some foolish Witnesses do more hurt than good so a Christian may do more mischief than good to the Gospel of Christ by his owning of it and professing to it 6. Let it be a bold and undaunted Testimony he is a good Witness in a cause who speakest modestly and with all
Magistrates and powers take no thought how or what thing you shall answer or what you shall say for the Holy Ghost shall teach you in that same hour what you ought to say It is a promise that some have applied to the assistance of God in the performance of other duties as Prayer Preaching c. and it may be there hath been but an ill use made of that promise the promise in the first place manifestly relateth to a time of testimony I do not say but there is a dabitur in hora which those who are much with God in Prayer and which the Ministers of the Gospel 〈◊〉 experience but that promise respectâ—â—â— not that so much as it respecteth men in confession and their Testimony for Christ in giving our Testimony for Christ the Spirit of God shall assist words shall be given us in that hour and courage and strength shall be given us in that hour you shall not give a Testimony for the Gospel you shall not suffer affliction for the Gospel in your own strength it shall be according to the power of God the Holy Ghost shall teach you what to say and what to do and you shall experience that it is not you that speak and act but the Spirit that dwelleth in you what you do in this case shall be according to the power of God you shall not spend meerly upon your own Stock you shall spend upon Christs Stock when you are upon Christs Service you shall spend upon the fulness of the Spirit of God and there have been many experiences of those that could never find the presence of God so strong in the consolation of their Spirits as in that hour be not therefore ashamed of the Testimony of your Lord for not only the thing which you testify is the Testimony of the Lord but your action in testifying the testimony which you give shall be from the Lord the Holy Ghost speaking in you so that this is a great Argument it is a standing up for Christ and the Spirit of God shall use your tongue and your hand 2. Another Argument the Apostle useth is frâ—â— the nature of the truth to which you testify and the person for whom you testify You testify for the truth which bringeth eternal Salvation you testify for him who hath called you with an holy calling and he hath done this freely not according to your works but according to his own grace for him who hath abolished Death and brought Life and Immortality to light through the Gospel The Apostle saith He was not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ for it is the power of God to Salvation I told you before that every one is a debtor unto truth there is such a cognation betwixt a rational Soul and Truth that every rational Soul is a debtor to truth he is a debtor to own the truth as to himself and to own the truth as to another and I told you by how much a truth is of higher importance to our or anothers interest by so much a Man or Woman is a greater debtor a Man is a debtor to the truth when it concerneth but his honour and reputation and when it concerneth his estate but much more when it concerneth Life and so when it is for his Brother by how much his Brother is more concerned by so much he is more obliged and as the nature of the truth raiseth his obligation so the relation of the person increaseth it a Man is bound by the Law of charity to give testimony to the truth on the behalf of his Neighbour much more on the behalf of his Brother and higher yet on the behalf of his Father or Mother that begat him and brought him forth but yet his obligation riseth higher when it is for his Saviour for him who hath done him the greatest kindness that ever was done without which he had better never have been born such is the Testimony that we are bound to give unto Christ The truth is of highest import the person is of the highest concern Oh! be not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ which is the power of God to your Salvation of the Gospel which bringeth Life and Immortality to light you testify for Christ who Witnessed a good confession before Pilate who hath done more for you than all the friends you ever had in the World could do for him who hath called you with an holy calling this is another Argument to enforce this Exhortation the consideration for whom and for what this Testimony is given 3. Another Argument which the Apostle bringeth here to perswade Timothy not to be ashamed of this Testimony is his own example v. 12. For the which cause I also suffer these things nevertheless I am not ashamed The Apostle saith God is not ashamed to be called their God And he saith of Christ Heb. 2.11 He is not ashamed to call us Brethnen Shall we be ashamed to testify his truth Shall we be ashamed of the name of his Witnesses And observe the reason why the Apostle saith he is not ashamed I am not ashamed for I know in whom I have believed and I am perswaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him 4. Let me use one Argument further with you Blessed be God we yet can say as Heb. 12.4 You have not yet resisted unto Blood striving against sin There are divers Arguments in that Text to make a Christian valiant in his spiritual fight 1. That a Christians fight is against sin 2. That in this fight of Christians against sin we ought if called to it to resist unto Blood 3. By how much the lesser the Trial is that God calleth to us to undergo by so much the greater obligation is upon us to endure it all a Christians fight and striving is against sin He giveth a Testimony to the Doctrine of the Gospel it is against sin to prevent the coming in of damnable errors which would sink the Souls of people into eternal ruine and destruction he giveth a Testimony for the pure Worship of God it is to keep out Superstition and Idolatry he giveth a Testimony for the Government of Christ this is also against sin against those that say the Lord shall not rule over them or others but we will rule over you all our fight all the resistance that we make is against sin Now the fight against sin is so noble a fight that every good man ought to resist unto Blood rather to die than to sin against God or to suffer sin to prevail in the World but now when God doth not call us to lay down our Lives but only to bear a lower Testimony there our obligation riseth much higher if God had called us to lay down our Lives should we not do it How much more when the Lord only calleth us to give a Testimony St. John Rev. 6.9 saw them under the Altar that were slain for the Testimony that they
Sometimes taking the wise in their own craftiness Job 5.12 13. He disappointeth the devices of the crafty so that their hands cannot find their interprise he taketh the wise in their own craftiness and the Counsel of the froward is carried head-long Thus the Jews experienced the presence of God in the case of Hamans conspiracy to destroy them all Infinite instances might be given of this in all ages 2 Sometimes he will fit his people sufficiently to deal with them Luke 21.15 I will give you a mouth and wisdom which none of your Enemies shall be able to resist This was verified as to Stephen Acts 6.20 Of whom it is said Acts 6.20 That his adversaries were not able to resist the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spake Hence Christ commanded his first disciples that when their enemies should deliver them up they should take no thought how or what they should speak for it should be given them in that same hour what they should speak For saith our Saviour it is not you that speak but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you Matth. 10.19 20. This was eminently made good to the first and most famous Ministers of the Gospel and hath in its measure been since made good in all succeeding ages so as plain illiterate ignorant creatures have been able to put to silence the wisest and most learned of their proud and cruel adversaries 3. Sometimes the presence of God is seen with his people in giving them a great liberty and freedom of Spirit so as they have not been 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 straitned in their own bowels they have been straitned as to room for their bodies shut up in close prisons but their Spirits have been at perfect liberty This liberty of our Spirits is seen in a Well pleasedness a satisfaction and contentment with the will of God concerning us So as we are never less in prison then when we are in prison and the Truth is a prison is nothing to him who hath his Soul and spirit at liberty Those who have read any Martyrologies have found instances enough of this how many Servants of God have found in prisons and under their great variety of sufferings the greatest freedom of their Spirit both for doing and suffering and from slavish fears imaginable 4. Sometimes they experience the presence of God with them giving them courage This was that boldness which the Sanhedrim took notice of in Peter and John Acts 4.13 which made them marvel and it is said that they took knowledge of them that they had been with Jesus God sometimes will not let his people see his power in delivering them from an evil nor his wisdom in countermining their Adversaries but they shall experience him making them couragious and valiant in the spiritual fight so as they shall not be afraid at what man can do unto them Nothing destroyeth a man in sufferings but slavish fears and dejections whiles the Spirit of a man holds he can bear his infirmity he may be cast down but he cannot be destroyed You shall observe it in reading the History of the Church as recorded in holy writ or in other Books that it hath pleased God sometimes to pick out some persons to be his witnesses to some Truths with these now the presence of God hath not been to cover them and preserve them from their Enemies nor yet to deliver them once faln into their hands but giving them a mighty Spirit and courage to go thorough their sufferings For this was the Apostles prayer Acts 4.29 And now Lord behold their threatnings and grant unto thy Servants that with all boldness they may speak thy word This was Paul's declar'd expectation and hope Phil. 1.20 That in nothing he should be ashamed but that with all boldness as always so now Christ should be magnified in his body whether by life or death Such is reported to have been the courage of Cyprian when he heard the Sentence of condemnation published against him He thanked God for it and when the Proconsul would have had him to have deliberated upon it he presently and boldly replied In re tam justâ nulla est deliberatio there was no need of deliberation in so just and righteous a Cause Such was the Spirit of Basil when the Emperour Valens threatned him with punishment and banishment Pueris illa terriculamenta propone saith he Scare Children with those Bugbears you may take my life from me but the confession of the Truth you cannot take from me 5. Lastly To name no more sometimes God 's not forsaking his people when they are persecuted appeareth in consolatory influences The consolations of God in such an hour are not small with them Stephen saw the glory of God and Christ sitting at the right hand of God when the stones were flying about him to take away his life Infinite almost are the stories that might be produced out of Ecclesiastical History to this purpose One when the fire was put to the wood under him to burning crying out Methinks you strew Roses under my feet That of Mr. Samuel who is reported to have had the day before his death one in white appearing to him and bidding him be of good comfort after that day he should never hunger nor thirst more And that of Robert Glover who is reported to have cried out to his Fellow-Martyr O Austin he is come he is come And that of Ridley to Latimer Be of good comfort said he God will either moderate the flames or strengthen us under them But these stories are endless and every where occurring in Ecclesiastical History Q. But will some say May one that feareth God build upon this and exercise a Faith in this experience of Paul as having in it the force of a promise Are there no instances of the Servants of God who have been sufferers for his Name sake and for Righteousness sake who have despaired and been forsaken Sol. 1. I answer When we speak of exercising Faith we must find some Word of God to be the object of that Faith for tho God be the object of our Faith yet we know nothing of God of this nature but in the Revelation of his Word So as tho God be the primary and remote object yet the promise is the proximate object Secondly There are general promises of God's presence with his people in danger such as that Isa 43.1 2. When thou passest thorow the waters I will be with thee and thorow the rivers they shall not overflow thee when thou walkest thorow the fire thou shalt not be burnt neither shall the flame kindle upon thee Now these are the objects of peoples Faith and every Child of God may repose a sure trust and confidence in God that they shall as to him be made good and prove Yea and Amen Thirdly For particular promises of preserving from dangers or deliverance out of dangers or comfort or courage it is enough if they be made
good to any particular Souls supposing the promise for deliverance one way or other in one method or another to hold sure we may well leave it to the good providence and wisdom of God how he will fulfil it and make it good to us 4. Lastly It is not possible that the same Servants of God should every way experience the presence of God with them If he manifesteth his presence to his people in a way of power or wisdom preserving them from dangers or delivering them out of their Enemies hand how should he manifest his presence in giving them a liberty of spirit while they are in their custody or in giving them courage or ballancing their afflictions with the consolations of his Spirit Bishop Ridley exercised Faith no further than saying Either God will asswage the flame or strengthen us to bear it All the people of God cannot exercise a particular Faith in God as to this or that manifestation of his presence but as to some influence which may amount to a deliverance of them from the evil or from the Evil of the Evil they may Fifthly Nor is it impossible but there may be some particular instances of God's people but those very rare whom God for the punishment of their sins may have let fall and abide into and in their Enemies hands and may not have found these manifestations of the Divine presence either in the freedom of their spirits or in a boldness or courage nor yet in the consolations of his Spirit but if they go to Heaven as all such shall tho' it be as thorow fire they shall there certainly have his presence and in it joy and fulness of joy and that for evermore I come now to make some practical application of the preceeding discourse VSE 1. I shall begin with that of the Apostle 1 Pet. 4.12 Beloved think it not strange concerning the fiery tryal which is to try you as though some strange thing happened unto you The things that have been are and shall be and there is nothing new under the Sun You cannot be the first who have been troubled on every side perplexed persecuted cast down It is no new thing There hath no temptation of this nature there can no temptation befall you but such as is common to man 1 Cor 10.13 Ever since Cain rose up against Abel and slew him because he was more righteous then he and offered up to God a more excellent Sacrifice nay ever since God put an Enmity between the seed of the Woman and the seed of the Serpent Gen. 3.15 this hath been in the World So persecuted they the Prophets which were before you saith our Saviour Matth. 5.12 Trouble distress persecution are things so far from being such as Gods people are exempted from that they are almost entailed to the preaching and profession of the Gospel If you indure chastening God dealeth with you as with sons for what Son is he whom the Father chasteneth not at least with the rod of the wicked But and if you be without chastening whereof all are partakers then are you Bastards and not Sons Heb. 12.8 9. Seeing then you have but neighbours fare and indure no temptations but what are common to men seeing you have but Godly mens fare that the Prophets have been thus treated before you seeing you have but Christians fare for so they dealt with Christ his Apostles seeing you have but the fare of the People and Children of God Why should you think it strange if any such thing should happen to you and not rather rejoyce in as much as ye are partakers of Christs sufferings that when his glory shall be revealed ye may be glad also with exceeding joy 1 Pet. 4.13 Wherein are you better or how can you challenge a further priviledge to your selves then Paul then the Apostles then the Saints and Servants of God in all ages of the World VSE 2. Secondly Learn hence That Persons are to be judged not from their straits and sufferings but from the having or wanting the presence of God in or under their Sufferings Indeed there is another more certain way of judgment because more evident to others that is the cause of mens sufferings But upon this doth the presence of God in mens sufferings depend for though men may pretend to comforts and make a shew of courage and talk of a liberty of Spirit in their Sufferings as evil doers yet they are but bravadoes there can indeed no such thing be God never incouraged any in a sinful act by one single promise nor by one single act of providence except barely permissive which is an incouragement taken by a naughty heart never given by an holy God VSE 3. See here the vast difference betwixt a Child of God and another man in an hour of trial Man as man is born to trouble as naturally as sparks fly upward And though indeed there be some afflictions that are proper to the Gospel such as suffering for the owning of the great Truths of it or adhering to the Righteous ways prescribed and directed in it yet troubles do not bubble up only from this fountain but from the generally debauch'd and corrupt Nature of man which renders hominem homini Lupum every man an Enemy to his neighbour and makes men like the Fish of the Sea where the greater devour the less or like Birds and Beasts which we see pecking and butting one at another though no cause be given But that which this Text prompts us to observe is the difference betwixt the Child of God and another man in the hour of trouble Both are troubled on every side or may be so Sometimes perplexed hunted and pursued by their Neighbours or their Enemies cast down sometimes Where is the difference Hitherto all things fall alike to all men Here 's the difference others when they are troubled on every side are distressed when they are perplexed they are in despair when they are hunted and pursued they are forsaken also when they are cast down they are destroyed the Child of God is not so Let us see it in an instance let us take that of Saul and David There was a time when Saul was in trouble and distress enough You have the story 1 Sam. 28.15 where you find him representing his own case to the Devil raised up by the Witch in the likeness of Samuel What saith he I am saith he sore distressed for the Philistines make war against me and God is departed from me and answereth me no more neither by Prophets nor by Dreams He was troubled on every side Before him were the Philistines and round about him Saul seeth them v. 5. He was afraid and his heart greatly trembled he was not troubled only but distressed Perplexed he was enough he would never else have gone to a Witch when v. 9. he had before cut off them who had familiar Spirits and the Wizards out of the Land but he was in despair The
to an old Age and go down to their Graves in an external peace having no bands in their death Their sins shall follow after them after their lives to judgment for Jude assureth us that the Lord will come with ten thousands of his Saints to execute Judgment upon all and to convince all that are ungoldly aâ—ongst them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him But if mens rage break out openly God ordinarily is more quick with them There are some of those blood-thirsty and deceitful men which he hath said shall not live out half their days It is seldom that God le ts pass acts of eminent injustice and cruelty But that he in this life meeteth with the actors of it and with the same measure which they mete unto others it is meted to them again But now persecution is the highest species of injustice for in it there is not only a wrong done to another that which is not due is given to him but God is immediately concerned in the case the wrong is done to him for Gods sake he is abused imprisoned his estate is taken from him he is imprisoned tormented put to death for Gods sake because he will own his truths walk in his ways do what he commandeth him It is the sin that fills up the measure of iniquity to and in a Soul Matth. 23.32 Fill ye up then the measure of your Fathers Nay more then this see v. 35. there That upon you may come all the righteous blood shed upon the Earth from the blood of righteous Abel unto the blood of Zecharias the Son of Barachias It draweth upon men the sins of the same kind committed by their forefathers and not reckoned for it sheweth that if they had lived in the days of their forefathers they would have done what they did they inherit their Spirit Hence you shall observe that although in ecclesiastical story we read of persecutions that lasted a long time yet we read of very few particular persons that were eminent persecutors that lasted long When this Cancer hath broke out they seldom live long Gods patience often extends to Drunkards and Whoremongers and Swearers and Cursers and they often die in the times of other men and after the manner of other men they do injury to few but themselves they shew indeed a contempt of God and a disobedience to God but they do not shew a rage and malice against God their sins do not tend to blot out the remembrance of Christ and to root out the name of God from the Earth But he is not so patient with this blackest sort of sinners they do harm to others yea to those of whom God hath said He that toucheth you toucheth the apple of mine Eye They are for rooting out the name and mention of God from the Earth God will not bear with these there shall be something remarkable in their death either they shall dye in their youth whiles yet their bones are full of marrow or they shall not dye the ordinary deaths of men They shall not come into the grave as a shock of corn in its season but be weeded out and cut up before the harvest If I durst wish evil to to him that hated me I would curse him in the name of the Lord I would say let him be a persecutor of others for Christs name sake Make but your own observation if you have known or do or shall know any such So that this sin where-ever the guilt of it doth stick is an evident token not only of eternal perdition to the adversaries of Christ and his Gospel but an ordinary token of a destruction in this life Thus I have shewed how the sufferings of Gods people turn unto them for a Testimony on Gods part let me shew you in the next place how they turn unto them for a Testimony on their part towards God I will open that in five particulars 1. They are a Testimony of their Discipleship This is a part of the sense that Stella giveth of it Eveniet vobis in signum attestationem quod vere discipuli mei fidelissimi estis All those that follow a teacher under a shew or pretence of learning from him are in common phrase and way of speaking called his disciples so it was with Christ while he was on Earth he had some that followed him for the lâ—â—ves some that believed on him but he committed not himself unto them because he knew all men Joh. 2.24 These were disciples 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in an outward appearance they looked like disciples but indeed were not He hath others who are 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 his disciples indeed None is a Disciple indeed to another who doth not really and actually learn of him either from his words or from his example in his life and conversation What saith our Saviour Matth. 16.24 If any man will come after me let him deny himself and take up his Cross and follow me Observe it Take up his Cross It is a great Testimony that a man is Christs Disciple not in name and outward profession only but in reality when he can take up his Cross It is reported of Ignatius that after all his sufferings he said Now begin I to be a Disciple 2. It will be a Testimony of their Membership with Christ and conformity to him The Apostle tells us Rom. 8.29 That we are predestinated that we might be conformed to the Image of his Son There is the Image of a living Christ and the Image of a dying Christ The Image of a living Christ is in Holiness and Righteousness Ephes 4.23 Col. 3.10 Thus the holy man is conformed to the Image of Christ but then there is the Image of a dying Christ We are conformed to that Image of Christ only by suffering The Apostle prayeth Phil. 3.10 That he might know the fellowship of Christs sufferings and be made conformable unto his death It is true we are made conformable to the death of Christ in a measure when we die unto sin as he died for sin so we die to sin this is an inward spiritual conformity which we come to by mortification but there is also a more external obvious conformity to the death of Christ and that is as he suffered striving against sin and bearing a witness to the Truth so we also suffer bearing a Testimony to Truth and striving against sin this we never arrive at till we come to be sufferers and our suffering upon these single accounts turn to us for a Testimony of such our conformity to Christ Yea it is a Testimony of our Membership in and with Christ Christ is the Head of the Church which is the Body and we are said to be Members of Christ and Members also one of another You have a notable expression Col. 1.24 Who now rejoyce in my sufferings for you and fill up
as much discredit so as it fareth with the strict Professors of it as it did with the Gospel at first Acts 28.22 For as concerning this Sect we know that every where it is spoken against Now is the time for a Man to try himself whether he will be ashamed of the Testimony of Christ we have seen it in the very times that we have lived in the Gospel and the Profession of it hath been a credit unto Men it hath been Mens greatest honour to profess the Gospel with the greatest strictness God hath turned the Tables upon us and we now live in a time when as the Prophet saith Isa 59.14 15. Judgment is turned away backward and Justice standeth afar off for truth is fallen in the street and equity will not enter And he that departeth from evil maketh himself a prey when it is a reproach to be a godly man now if at such a time as this a Man thinketh it beneath him to stand up for the truths or Christ to own the Ministers of Christ and give a Testimony for Christ this Maâ— is ashamed of the Testimony of Christ 〈◊〉 hinted to you before there is a differenâ—â— betwixt being afraid and being ashamed 〈◊〉 good Christian may be sometimes afraid 〈◊〉 a day of great temptation but he is never ashamed but when a Man is ashamed that he thinketh it beneath him to profess the truth or to own the Professors of it this Man is ashamed of the Gospel but if a Christian at such a time findeâ—â— his Heart cleaveth to the interest of God and to the true Servants of God though he may be under some temptation of fear and 〈◊〉 not 〈◊〉 so much as another it is a great infirmity but it is not a being ashamed of Christs Testimony 2. When no temptation can prevail upon as to live a Conversation contrary to the Gospel Every Man is obliged to give a double Testimony to the Lord a vocal Testimony and a real Testimony we give a real Testimony unto Christ when we dare practically live up to the avowed truths of the Gospel in the vilest and worst of times it is true we are obliged to a vocal as well as a real Testimony and a good Christian doth not discharge his duty in giving testimony to the Gospel by a meer living up to the Rules of it there is something more required of a Christian than this But it is as true that neither doth a Christian give a Testimony to the Gospel that openly professeth and owneth it in the face of its enemies unless he liveth up to the rules of it nay indeed that Man who talketh for the Gospel and liveth not up to the rule of it giveth a Testimony against the Lord instead of giving a Testimony for him what hath any Man to do to take the Word of God into his mouth when he hateth to be reformed and casteth the Law of the Gospel behind his back But that Man or Woman who truly liveth up to the rule of the Gospel in Apostatizing and declining times is not ashamed of his Testimony though perhaps some fear of temptation may not make him so bold for God as another yea as some hypocritical and false Professors 3. When a Man is truly afflicted for the sufferings of others who suffer for the Profession of the Gospel 2 Cor. 11.29 Who is weak and I am not weak who is offended and I burn not When a good Christian can say of himself and say it in truth what Minister what good Christian what companion of Christ is afflicted and persecuted and I am not afflicted for them I burn not in their Fires Now this Sympathy with our Fellow-members when it is in truth will discover it self many ways 1. It is first discernable a Man 's own Heart When no circumstance of a Man's felicity or prosperity can ballance his sense of the afflictions of others you have a notable instance of this in Nehemiah Chap. 2. v. 1. He was Cup-bearer to the King and had not used before to be sad in his presence v. 2. The King said unto me why is thy countenance sad seeing thou art not sick This is nothing else but sorrow of heart He answered v. 3. Why should not my countenance be sad when the City the place of my Fathers Sepulchres lieth waste and the Gates thereof are consumed with Fire It is said Esther 3.15 The King and Haman sat down to drink but the City Shiâ—â—â—â— was perplexed That Man is not a partaker of the afflictions of the Gospel that can so down to drink that can be merry as at other times when the interest of Religion is under-foot but that Man is a true partaker of the afflictions of the Gospel whose Heart burneth for the afflictions of others who suffer for the truths and Gospel of Christ 2. Our being a partaker of the afflictions of others is evident When we do what in 〈◊〉 lieth to relieve them Communicating with their afflictions and to their afflictions helping to bear one anothers Burdens and so fulfilling the Law of Christ Gal. 6.2 So then it is the Law of Christ for Christians to bear one anothers Burdens They should bear them upon their own Spirits having great sorrow of heart and affliction They should bear them before the Lord when ever we go to God as the High-Priest carried upon his Breast the Names of all the Children of Israel so we should carry the Names of all the true Professors and in the first place the Names of all those who suffer for the Name of Christ and we should help and bear them with our hands too Remembring those who are bound as if we were bound with them forasmuch as we are in the Body Use 3. In the last place Let me perswade with you a little for this duty of not being ashamed of the Testimony of our Lord nor of any of his Prisoners and being partakers of the afflictions of the Gospel 1 Not to be ashamed of the Testimony of our Lord Now in speaking to this branch of Application I will enquire 1. To what of Christ this Testimony is due whether to all Propositions concerning Christ or to some only 2. What kind of Testimony it must be that it may be accepted of the Lord 3. What Arguments ought to prevail with us to partake of the afflictions of the Gospel 4. What directions may be useful in the case Qu. 1. To what of Christ is this Testimony due The proper Object of a Testimony is a Proposition or a Fact the truth of one or the other Now the Propositions that relate unto Christ are of several natures of different natures and of different moment Some concern the Doctrine of Faith some concern the Worship of God some concern the Kingly Office of the Lord Jesus Christ some concern the Rule of a Christians Life I know no Proposition of the Gospel but a Christian is a debter to and ought to bear a Testimony unto
but yet they are not all of equal import the nature of Propositions doth very much differ 1. According to what doth depend upon them 2. According to the evidence that they have in Scripture 1. According to what dependeth upon them Some Propositions of truth are the foundation look as it is with the foundation of a House take it away and the whole Building tumbleth to the ground So there are some Propositions of the Gospel that the whole Fabrick of Gospel truths lieth upon them the whole Body of truth is built upon them here now the Obligation of our Testimony lieth higher and riseth higher and further but there is no truth that we are not debtors unto 2. According to the evidence that they have in the Gospel there are different apprehensions concerning truth for although the Gospel hath revealed all truth yet not all with the same evidence so that Christians have differed concerning truth and every man as he believeth so he ought to speak so he ought to live but the apprehensions that some men have had that they are bound to give a Testimony to every Proposition of truth which they do in heart imbrace hath begot a great deal of stir the Apostle giveth another Rule when he saith Hast thou Faith Have it to thy self before God There are some Propositions of which a Christian may have a particular perswasion and of which he may be very confident of the truth of them but yet they will not bear the weight of a Testimony to the disturbance of the Church of Christ now a good Christian ought to regulate his Testimony accordingly Qu. 2. What kind of Testimony is that which a good Christian is bound to give unto the Lord I will open this to you in seven or eight particulars 1. He ought to give a knowing believing Testimony there is a Testimony of Faith and a Testimony of Faction that Man giveth a Testimony of Faith that doth in his Heart believe what he with his Mouth confesseth and as the Apostle saith as he believeth so he speaketh So in this case a Christian must speak as he believeth and when he speaketh and owneth and defendeth a truth because he believeth it to be the eternal truth of God this is a Testimony of Faith but then there is a Testimony of Faction when a man runs with a multitude to attest a truth and crieth for it but understandeth not and believeth not what he professeth I would have every Christian not to be ashamed of the Testimony of Christ but I would have him be sure that it be a Testimony of Faith that he giveth not a Testimony of Faction for a man to give a Testimony to truth if it be in Faction it is abomination to God whatsoever is not of Faith is Sin The word not mingled with Faith profiteth not and a Testimony not given in Faith signifieth nothing Oh! Christians beware of this that none of you in this day be factious Professors be not ashamed of the Testimony of your Lord. But first see that you understand it see that your selves believe it to be a good Testimony a Man or Woman will have very little peace or comfort in giving a Testimony to that which either he knoweth not or in Heart believeth not when a Man believeth and therefore speaketh he speaketh that with his Lips which his Soul hath first examined and he seeth bottomed in the Word of God and in Heart agreeth and assenteth to this is his Testimony take this note with you in every Testimony let it be vocal or real let it be a Testimony of Faith not a Testimony of Faction and a meer running along with a cry like the rout of Ephesus when Acts 19.32 Some cried one thing some another for the Assembly was confused and the more part knew not wherefore they were come together 2. It must be a Loving Testimony or it is not accepted Faith and Love mâ—st be the principles of all those actions that do or can speak any obedience unto the Will of God if a Man receiveth the truth and not in the love of it it is of no effect as whatsoever is not of faith is Sin so whatsoever is done and not out of love is not accepted of God Love is that which giveth the sweet savour to all our doings and to all our sufferings for God If saith the Apostle I give all my goods to the poor and my Body to be burnt if I have not love it is all nothing Let a man give never so great a Testimony to Christ if he doth not this out of love it is out of some evil principle of contradiction or faction or some stubbornness of Spirit and God accepteth it not it is not a Christians saying I am for the true Doctrine I am for pure Worship and I am for the Kingly Government of Christ but his doing this out of a true pleasure and delight in these things out of a true love to God and zeal for the glory of God And this is another thing that I fear in a crowd that give Testimony in an evil time as that some testifie they know not what so that others testifie rather out of a principle of contradiction or fullenness than out of a true principle of love to Ordinances and truths hence you shall observe that as in a serene and fair time there are a multitude of Professors that are like Swallows that will stay with the Gospel in its Summer time so you shall observe there are a multitude of others that in a time of opposition especially when the Persecution reacheth not high busie to give their Testimony to truth which when they may imbrace freely they never regard and make no conscience of you have an example of both these at home on the one side we had a company of Professors that have now forsaken us and fled and embraced this present World in a time of temptation they are gone away and you shall observe a multitude of others that cried out lately for Sacraments and against robbing Christians of the Sacrament of the Supper the great pledge of Christs Love Now that none hindreth their coming to them they regard not the Sacrament both these were sick of the same Disease they gave or thought they gave some testimony to their Lord but their Testimony was equally acceptable to God neither the one nor the other was out of a love in their heart to Christ and to his truth and ordinances but meerly out of faction and turbulency of Spirit or for some base worldly end I would have you own the Testimony of Christ I would have you fear being ashamed of it as you would fear that Christ should be ashamed of you at the day of Judgment I would have you â—onfess him as you would have him to confess you as you would expect he should confess you But be sure you give your Testimony out of love as what you know and in heart truly believe