Rome tells us she only is the true Church the house of God and God and Christ and the Holy Spirit and this heavenly Wisdome is only in and with her and so to be sought for there only other Societies say they are the holy and only Church and the truth and true wisdome only with them How shall we know whither to go Ans Search the Scriptures God hath â—…aused them to be written for our instruction â—…n righteousness and they are they that testifie â—…f Christ and therein also set forth and deâ—…cribe to us his true Church and all that â—…retend to the name of the Church acknowledg that those Scriptures are to be received as truth by us which we have among â—…s being the Scriptures of God in which â—…e have Gods testimony which is sure and â—…ill not deceive us but makes wise even â—…e simple ones that attend to it and to God 〈◊〉 and by it and they tell us that they are the Church of God or children of it that keep the â—…mmandments of God and the faith of Jesus Rev. 12.17 And truly by them the Church of Rome above all the rest is discovered to be that Strumpet and Harlot that magnifies her self as the only Queen or Lady but loves not Christ but gives his honour to graven Images and such like devises of their own to his Mother after the flesh and other deceased Saints and keeps not but expugnes Gods commandments as the Second Commandment against making graven Images and worshipping and bowing down to them and the Commandment of Christ that all his Disciples should drink of the Cup in the Supper of the Lord they notoriously cast by obtruding upon men her inventions and institutions for Articles of Faith as the Popes Supremacy and Infallability Transubstantiation Purgatory and many other matters strictly enjoyning her own commands while she castâ—… by Christs Yea she above all makes herself drunk with the blood of the Saints anâ—… Martyrs of Jesus So that the way to truâ—… wisdome is to decline and come out of thaâ—… filthy Babilon The Reformed Churches aâ—… to their bulk are visible enough but haâ—… their tares overspreading them too muâ—… too and their divisions and fractions 〈◊〉 that in a manner we may take up that coâ—…plaint of the Prophet Micah in respect 〈◊〉 true and thorough Members of the Catholick Church Wo is me for I am as when they have gathered the Summer fruits as the grape gleanings of the Vintage there is no Cluster to eat Scarce a pure Church or greater Society of all sound Christians in every respect But yet we may find such as to the main Fundamentals of the Faith hold and maintain them and so far as any do so and put not upon us Doctrines and Practises inconsistent with them we may so far own and join with them And amongst such Churches we may by the light of Gods Word taken heed to by us meet with here and there two or three or more doubtless with whom we may have more intimate Fellowship and Communion in the Name of Christ Who hath promised His presence in any so small a company of those that indeed confess and fear him Matt. 18.20 So that if we cannot find a whole Nation of hearty Believers and real Members of Christ nor a whole Countrcy or City Yet if we find but any smaller company of such as take heed to the Word of God and give up themselves to worship God in Christ and walke in their conversations according thereunto we need not be at a loss for finding God and Christ among them to to give us Wisdome and Understanding in the knowledg of himself and with such we may walk without needless breaches or separatings from the National Church or owning and outwardly acknowledging the truth though mixed with Tares Mat. 13.28 29. As David though not renting from the National Church of Israel though not faultless Neh. 8.17 yet was also companion more intimately of all such as feared God and of them that keep his precepts Psal 119.63 and resolved to praise God both in the Congregation more generally and in the Assembly of the upright Psal 111.1 even as those that feared God in Malachies time without renting or dividing from their publick Assemblies spake often one to another with Gods good approvement Mal. 3.16 17. yea and so our Saviour practised and his Disciples As for such as question the lawfulness of National Churches they seem to have forgotten the Scriptures that tell us That Christ shall call a Nation that he knew not and Nations that knew not him shall run unto him Isai 55.5 and that Christ sent his Apostles to disciple all Nations who surely therefore might disciple or church whole Nations as they were found complying with them Matt. 28.18 19 20. But were our case such as somtimes Elias supposed his to have been as thank God it is not that we knew none not corrupted in faith and practice from the word of God yet if we accordingly as God is preventing us with light and truth and by his spirit is therein enlightning and moving at our hearts as we shewed in the beginning of this discourse that wisdome is preventing men generally with her calls and counsels do yield up our hearts to God and as our Saviour saith do his will in what He makes clear and evident to us to be his will He will further instruct and teach us of his mind and we shall know the doctrines proposed to us whether they be of God or of men John 7.17 and walking in the light as God gives it forth to us and is in it we shall not fail to be of the true Church and to partake of the prayers and grace of it through Christ though we may be at some loss where to find it or the members of it Come we then to the testimony of God and close we with the light and truth He therein and thereby manifests unto us and we shall be in the way to get this wisdome for the testimony of God is sure when mens pretensions and boastings that they are the Church may deceive us The entrance â—…f Gods word giveth light and it giveth understanding too so as to make wise the simple Psal 19.7 and 119.130 so as to Salvation of which some mistakes through infirmity weakness of sight shall not deprive us But withal Go to them that sell Go to God in and by Christ Jesus in the operation guidance of his holy Spirit by earnest Prayer and Supplication as it is said If any man lack wisdome let him ask it of God who giveth to all men liberally and upbraideth not and it shall be given him but let him ask in faith nothing doubting Jam. 1.5 6. Ask ye and ye shall receive for every one that asketh receiveth Matt. 7.7 8. Thus the Spouse addressed herself to her Beloved Tell thou me O thou whom my soul loveth where thou feedest and where thou causest thy flock to
a teacher of babes which has the form of knowledge and of the truth in the Law Thou therefore that teachest another teachest thou not thy self thou that preachest a man should not steal dost thou steal thou that sayest a man should not commit adultery dost thou commit adultery thou that abhorrest Idols dost thou commit Sacriledge thou that makest thy boast of the Law through breaking the Law dishonorest thou Gods for the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you as it is written Let us take heed we be not such lights or such vain boasters and talkers of light and truth and of the Gospel of Christ but yeild we up our selves to the grace of God and its teachings and walk we in the spirit in all goodness righteousness and truth and so let us endeavour where God hath given any furniture and fitness for it according to what God hath given us to seek and promote the good of others With both these forementioned particulars adding and joyning earnest and faithful and fervent prayers and supplications to God that He would be merciful to us and bless us and make his face â—…o shine upon us that so his way may be known upon earth and his saving health among all Nations c. Psal 67.1 2. as knowing that all our success in all our work and service for him and endeavours with men depends upon his grace and blessing without which they that labour to build the house of God convert souls to Righteousness will be â—…ut labor in vain Ps 127.1 Thus we find Christ â—…ur Lord rising early and going apart to pray â—…o God before he went to teach the people Mark 1.35 38. and so let us endeavour to â—…o make others wise and to turn many to â—…ighteousness considering also that it is â—…ere farther implyed and that this may serve Vse 4. 2. To inform us That this the â—…nd of Gods giving the knowledge of himself and grace in Christ to us with any gifts more or less for usefulness that we should live to him therein and seek his honor glory and interest in endeavouring the good of others not living to our selves or minding our own thing only no not only the good of our own souls much less inferior worldly advantages but that we should look upon others and seek their good also No saying to our brethren as Cain to Abelâ—… Am I my Brothers keeper but letting the samâ—… mind be in us that was in Christ Jesus whâ—… being in the form of God and thinking it no robbery to be equal with him yet so looked up on our needs and miseries as to abase and empty himself and take upon himself the form of a servant and the fashion of a man yea and therein also to humble himself and become oâ—… bedient to the death the death of the Crosâ—… that he might ransome and redeem us from the death and judgment that was upon us and become our Saviour that He might lifâ—… the poor out of the dust and take the needy from the dunghil and set them upon the Throne with Princes even the Princes of his people Phil. 2.5 6 7 8. Psal 113.6 7 8. especially those that are stronger and more gifted And moâ—â— especially yet if also called to Office and Ministry among others ought to bear the infirmities of the weak and look after that thaâ—… is lost not pleasing themselves but every one seek his Neighbours good and how to please him for his edification and salvation seeking first the Kingdom of God and his Righteousness both that they may be more and more subject to his Kingdom and Government and filled with the fruits and benefits of it and to that purpose with his righteousness without which there is no inheriting his his Kingdom As also to promote his Kingdom enlarge his Church bring in more souls and souls more and more into it And to that purpose shew forth and seek the manifestations and discoveries of his righteousness both in word and conversation as is before noted Not first to seek our selves no not necessaries for our life food and raiment much less great matters in this world honors and preferments riches pleasures and the like Rom. 15.1 2 3. Mat. 6.22.23 Luke 12.30 31 32. Yea they that have but one Talent we may see it 's Gods mind and Christs that they trade for him with it in seeking to bring an increase to him that 's evidently declared to be his mind in the judgment awarded upon him that neglected to improve his one Talent And that it is pleasing to God that we endeavour the good of others and their salvation with our own is in this also plainly made manifest in that they that instruct and make wise others and turn many to righteousness shall receive such honor at the hands of God as to shine as the brightness of the firmament and as the stars for ever and ever Yea this also may serve Vse 5.3 To inform us what is the right use and improvement that we should make of those advantages and means of grace that God affords us in sending wise men and prophets and holy men among us who instruct us and hold forth the light of the knowledge of God and of his ways among us in word or conversation or both As also when his grace therein is received effectually to purpose and not in vain by us Viz. That that is the end of God in such vouchsafements to us and the use and improvement which we are to make thereof that we be made wise and righteous thereby And so far is the grace of God received to purpose by us as it hath that effect in us and we become thereby wise and righteous are turned from our iniquities and brought into and made partakers of the divine nature and virtues of Christ Jesus Therefore we are not to rest content that we have Gods servants words and ordinances with and among us or that we get by them some light into our understandings so far as to fill us with notions of truth and to make us able to talk and make profession of it There is great difference between such a knowing as may but puff us up and make us proud and true wisdome and righteousness the more we have of opportunities and means of knowledg yea and the more knowledg we get thereby of what is good and true and what is Gods will concerning us and the more profession we make thereof the more or greater fools are we if we be not brought into subjection to Christ and his gracious government thereby and if we be not made just and righteous therethrough Yea the more unrighteous are we towards God and men and our own souls if having more of such means and knowledg we are not yet therethrough brought into subjection and obedience to Christ so as to love Him above all and denying our selves with all ungodliness and worldly lusts to â—…ive soberly righteously and godly and â—…o
any man is in closing with and â—…beying it made in Christ so being thereby â—…rought to and made in him Christ is made 〈◊〉 God to him wisedome righteousness c. 〈◊〉 Cor. 1.30 the Author and Fountain of â—…avenly and true wisdome to him In which wisdome and so in those that are made wise thereby there are among other â—…ings these chiefly observable viz. 1. A right understanding and judgment â—…f things Naturally men in and of themselses and as walking in the principles of â—…e world are blind and darkened in their understandings especially as having reâ—…sed the tenders of wisdome Sathan gets power over them to blind them 2 Cor. 4 4â—… the Gentiles that receive not the Grace 〈◊〉 God have their understandings darkned bâ—…ing alienated from the life of God through thâ—… ignorance that is in them because of the blindness or hardness of their hearts but theâ—… having learned Christ and having heard hiâ—… and been taught by him as the truth is in Jesuâ—… are inabled and helped to put away lying knowing and understanding the truth Ephes 4.17 18 19 20 21 25. Men genâ—…rally as in and of themselves and as walâ—…ing after the course of this world are brâ—…tish and foolish void of all right judgment and understanding Surely every man by 〈◊〉 own knowledg is brutish every founder is coâ—…founded Jer. 10.14 There is none that 〈◊〉 derstandeth none that seeketh after God Râ—…man 3.11 But God sent his only begotteâ—… Son into the world and hath put his Spirit upon him that He might be the light of the world and bring forth judgment to the Geâ—…tiles and having given him a light to the peâ—…ple the Jews or professed Church and 〈◊〉 the Gentiles hath appointed him therein 〈◊〉 be for salvation his salvation or way of â—…aving men to the ends of the earth that whâ—… ever believes on and follows him might 〈◊〉 walk in darkness but have the light of life Isaah 42.1 and 49.6 with Acts 13.46 47â—… John 8.12 and 12.46 and to those that behold and listen to him he brings forth â—…udgment into truth or into victory over all â—…he errors of the world that was in their minds and over all their corrupt passions â—…usts and affections giving them to understand the truth and to discern between the right and wrong good and evil that they might chuse the good and live and so in his might they see light they see where their true interest is where peace and safety felicity and happiness are to be met with by them viz. that it lies not in their having the riches honours or pleasures of this life or world nor in having the science and knowledg of many things or in being morally just among men and approved of them nor in living long here in health and quietness or the like but in having the love favour and approvement of the great God the Maker and Creator of all things and in the being blessed and accepted of him and enjoying him for our portion and they see the way to this peace the way by which they may obtain this love and favour acceptance and approbation with God that it is by coming to believing on and abiding in Christ He being the Way the Truth and the Life so as None can come to the Father but by him for it is through his Blood We have access to the Father by his Spirit which Spirit He in and with this Heavenly Doctrine administers and gives forth to those that yield up themselves according there unto to obey and serve him Joh. 14.6 7. Ephes 2.18 Acts 5.32 Prov. 1.23 〈◊〉 that in this wisdome is a right discerning of and these wise ones know and perceivâ—… their true Interest both as to the end wherein their happiness stands and as to the Way to attain that End yea and theiâ—… want and need of both the emptiness iâ—… themselves and in all other things to relievâ—… and help them for seeking God they knowâ—… all things Prov. 28.5 In knowing Christ and him crucified they know God the only true God and his infinite excellencies his power wisdome and goodness for helping and saving us men and for overthrowing the power policy and malicious contrivances of all his and our enemies his truth and faithfulness for making good his Words and Promises his hatred of sin and wickedness love of purity and holiness c. and they know themselves their own sinfulness death poverty brutishness and misery the emptiness and falsness in their own wisdome righteousness strength c. the vanity of the world the right end and use of all things whom God approves chuses and specially loves whom he hates â—…nd rejects and what not that concerns â—…heir happiness judging that one even Christ died for all they judg also that all were â—…ead at Law and that He died for all that â—…ey who live should not hencefrrth live to themselves but to him that died for them and is â—…sen again and so they know in some measure their ingagements to Christ and to God in Christ yea they know no man after 〈◊〉 Flesh themselves or others but if any â—…an be in Christ that he is a new Creature old â—…ings passed away and all things become new â—…nd that all things are of God 2 Cor. 5.14 15 16 17 18. Other men as to these things 〈◊〉 fools and walk in darkness Eccles 2.14 â—…ey neither know aright their own misery â—…or what it is will do them good they have 〈◊〉 learned that Precept of the Heathen 〈◊〉 teipsum to know themselves much 〈◊〉 do thy know God and him whom he hath 〈◊〉 Jesus Christ there is no judgment in thier â—…ings Isa 59.8 they take a Cloud for Ju 〈◊〉 as is the Proverb they worship some 〈◊〉 instead of God this world with its â—…easures honors riches or some such thing 〈◊〉 their summum bonum their greatest good 〈◊〉 spring of good to be enjoyed by them 〈◊〉 their apprehensions Or if they have â—…ard of and believe a God and that the happiness of the Soul stands in his favour and blessing yet they know not the way how to obtain that and enjoy him for their portion but seek and think to please him with their own or other mens inventions even with doing those things that he hath forbidden choosing the things which he delight not in yea which his Soul abhors Isa 66 4â—… having false imaginations and conceptions oâ—… him as some think to pacifie him and hiâ—… anger by making Groves Altars and 〈◊〉 mages and offering up corrupt Sacrifices yea some have thought to please him and obtain his favour by slaying and sacrificing their Sons and Daughters to him yeâ—… sometimes to Idols and Devils instead of him Mic. 6.6 7. Jer. 19.4 5. Isa 17.8 Psal 106.36 37 38. others by establishing their own righteousness according to the Law and so by their own goodness even the deeds of the Law whereby no man living can be justified a mans own righteousness being a bed
merchandise whereof is better than the merchaudise of Silver and the gain whereof is better than fine Gold that is more precious than Rubies and so excellent that all the things that a man can desire are not to be compared to her In her right hand is length of days and in her left hand riches and honour her ways are ways of pleasantness and all her paths peace She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her happy is every one that retaineth her Prov. 3.13 14 15 16 17 18. For they that be wise with this wisdome shall shine as the brightness of the Firmament for ever and eveâ—… Other wisdome worldly and humane literature may make a man shine for a time nay sometime through many ages likâ—… some candles and torches that have the thieves as they call them in them the strong sents and stinking smoakes belonging to them as in the heathen Poets and Philosophers and divers Heathen-Christian may be seen But it s this heavenly wisdoâ—… only that will advance a man on high aâ—… make him shine most purely brightly aâ—… above the reach of envy and for ever 〈◊〉 the world to come And therefore the wise having such happiness entail'd upon them as may render it evident and easie to be believed that Wisdome is the principal thing Proverbs 4.7 It may in the next place Vse 2. Exhort us all to get wisdome get understanding yea above all things with all gettings to get this understanding that we may be made of the number and company of these wise men who shall obtain such excellent glory such a happy portion And surely it s not a thing impossible to get this wisdome for then the Holy Ghost would not exhort us to go about it let there be but an earnest and hearty endeavour after it according to Gods directions given us thereabout and God that is ready to give it yea that gives liberally to all and upbraids not will give it to us James 1.5 Labour we then for that meat that endureth to everlasting life which the Son of man will give unto us so labouring for it for him hath God even the Father sealed John 6.27 Fools and Scorners and all are called to it to look after it and promise is made of God that â—…n obeying his Calls and Counsels thereabout they shall have it given them To â—…hat end that we might have it did God â—…end his only begotten Son his Word and Wisdome both to take out of the way that which hindered its communication to us and having done that to be the author and giver of it and to that end hath he put his Spirit upon him that he might bring forth judgment to us though barbarous and brutish Gentiles naturally and thereby make us wise to Salvation and He that spared not his own Son but delivered Him up for us all how shall he not with Him freely give us all things and so this wisdome also Rom. 8.32 Yea and Christ came forth from God to that purpose to set on foot the preaching of that word wherethrough that heavenly wisdome may be obtained and being ascended up on high and having received of the Father the promise of the Spirit even the spirit of Wisdome and Vnderstanding the spirit of Counselâ—… and Might the spirit of Knowledg and of the fear of the Lord. He hath given forth this Spirit also and thereby made known the heavenly word wherethrough this excellent wisdome is conveighed and may be received and all that we may be made wise so that it is not to be despaired of no not by the most simple and foolish but hopefully and believingly to be sought for and endeavoured after by us In and for worldly matters and earthy advantages men may possibly weary themselves in the very fires for nought and labour in vain and to no purpose but looking after this we shall neither labour in vain for God hath not said to the House of Jacob seek ye me in vain He the Lord speaks righteousness and declares things that are right and He hath said Ask and ye shall receive Seek and ye shall find Knock and it shall be opened unto you with reference to this Heavenly commodity For every one that asketh receiveth and he that seeks finds and to him that knocketh it shall be opened Isai 45.14 Mat. 7.7 8. Nor being obtained shall we ever repent the labour and diligence we use for getting it it is of that infinite price worth and benefit as the Honey is good and the Honey-comb is sweet to the taste so shall the knowledg of Wisdome be unto thy Soul when thou hast found it then there shall be a reward and thine expectation shall not be cut off Prov. 24.13 14. Yea Man knoweth not the price thereof it cannot be valued with the Gold of Ophir the precious Onyx or the Saphire the Gold and Christal cannot equal it and the exchange of it shall not be for Jewels or vessels of fine Gold no mention shall be made of Coral or of Pearl for the price of Wisdome is above Rubies The Topaz of Ethiopia cannot equal it neither shall it be valued with the â—…ure Gold Job 28.13 15 16 17 18 19. Quest But as there follows where shall this Wisdome be found and where is the place of Vnderstanding How shall we come by it or what shall we do to obtain it Answ I might say while it is yet a day of Grace as the wise Virgins said unto the foolish Go ye to them that sell and buy for yourselves Matt. 25.9 1. Go to them that sell that is to Jesus Chriâ—… and to God in Christ and to his Holy Spirit in and among his people oâ—… Church his house or Temple for Wisdome hath built her house and hewed out her seven Pillars and there she hath killed her Sacrifice mingled her Wine and furnished her Table and she sends out her maids or servants with whom she and her spirit also go forth to caâ—… persons in thither and she saith to the simpâ—… turn in hither and to them that have no understanding Come eat of my bread and drink 〈◊〉 the wine that I have mingled Prov. 9 1-5 6. Ho every one that thirsteth come ye to the waters and he that hath no money c. Isa 55. 〈◊〉 and Blessed is he that heareth her words watâ—…ing at her gates and waiting at the posts of â—…doors for whoso finds her finds life and 〈◊〉 obtain favour of the Lord Prov. 8.33 34 3â—… But take heed of other posts Go not to â—…thel nor enter into Gilgal c. Amos 5. 〈◊〉 Seek by the faith and in the Doctrine aâ—… Ordinances of the Lord Jesus Christ aâ—… not as it were by the works of the Law or by other mens precepts or devises Rom. 9.31 32. Isai 29.13 Matt. 15.8 9. Quest But how shall we know which is Gods house his Church and beloved People For many lay claim to that name and titly The Church of
and late he find it Thus the Apostle exhorting 〈◊〉 Hebrews to give diligence so to know Châ—… and God as to be filled with or attain to full assurance of hope to the end he adâ—… Be not slothful but followers of those who thrâ—… faith and patience inherit the Promises Hebâ—… 11 12. Dij laboribus omnia vendunt say Heathens that is the Gods sell all things to men for their labours as if that was all the price they require for them And there is some truth in it in reference to the only true God The price for which he sells to us as from us wisdom and its great fruits and benefits is a hearty love to it and an industrious labouring to obtain it working as the word is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 not for the meat that perisheth but for that which endures to eternal life Which the Son of Man will if we so do especially certainly give us for him hath God even the Father sealed set apart and authorised to that purpose John 6.27 the hand of the diligent here also maketh rich and beareth rule when he that dealeth with a slack hand becometh poor and the slathful shall be under tribute Prov. 10.4 12.24 5. We must part with whatsoever way and practice is in it self sinful and contrary to the Law and Doctrine Will and Commandment of God Thus David who was made wiser than his enemies and got more unâ—…erstanding than his teachers than the antiâ—…ts because he meditated in Gods Testimonies â—…nd kept his Precepts and Commandments â—…ells us that He refrained his foot from every â—…il way that he might keep Gods word and 〈◊〉 get still more wisdom therethrough Psal 19.98 99 100 101. For indeed wisdom as is said Wisd 1.4 will not enter into a wicked or malicious soul nor where the body is subject to sin for it is a pure most holy influence from the most holy God and loveth not that which is filthy and unclean Thence the fear of the Lord is said to be the beginning thereof because by it we depart from evil pride arrogance and the evil way and the froward mouth doth wisdom hate Prov. 8.13 Therefore if we would be truly wise cleanse we our selves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit perfecting holiness in the fear of God 2 Cor. 7.1 Laying aside all filthiness superfluity of naughtiness receive with meekness the ingraffed word the fountain of Wisdom Eccles 1.5 which is able to save the soul Jams 1.21 And to add but one more 6. Lastly in a word We must Deny ouâ—…selves take up our Cross and follow Christ and therein forsake all that we have else wâ—… cannot be Christs Disciples and obtain thiâ—… heavenly gift Mat. 16.24 Luke 14 33â—… We must deny and forsake all our owâ—… things casting them away as loss and duâ—… for the excellency of the knowledge of ouâ—… Lord Jesus the true wisdom as all oâ—… own fleshly priviledges and rejoycings 〈◊〉 to the knowing our selves after them whâ—… ther our fleshly birth or humane parts 〈◊〉 lations to such good and excellent persoâ—… admission to Gods Church and Ordinances so as not taking up content that we have them Yea our own righteousness after the Law and our own best self attainments our wisdom carnal or fleshly understanding with all our own desires and designs to gâ—…t our selves or keep to our selves the honors riches and pleasures of this world as any of them stand cross to or are inconsistent with as often or usually they are the getting the knowledge of Christ laying down all our self conceits interests and purposes at his foot we must only and above all things attend to know him and his grace and gracious mind and will concerning us and follow on after him therein patiently bearing and enduring what ever thing cross to our said interests desires or designs befal us in the way of his truth and righteousness and so doing we shall not fail of being truly and indeed wise and doing wisely to Salvation for Good and upright is the Lord therefore He preventingly teaches sinners in the way the meek he will by his following grace guide in judgement the meek that hear his reproofs and rebukes and take all well and yet yield up themselves to him to learn of him and follow him will he teach his way Yea What man is he that feareth the Lord him will he teach the way that he should go his soul shall dwell at ease The secret of the Lord is with them that fear him and He will shew them his Covenant Psal 25.11 12 13 14. Thus doing we shall be made wise and obtain the happiness here spoken of viz. to shine as the brightness of the Firmament especially if also as wisdom will lead us to and direct us in that also we make it our business to make others wise by instructing them and to turn others to righteousness with reference to which branch as also to the other reading of the word translated wise 2. In the second place what hath been noted thereto we may further apply it sundry ways as Vse 3. 1. To exhort and provoke such as have wisdom and are in any measure furnished with the heavenly talents to be diligent and faithfully in improving them and laying them out for the good of others also endeavouring to their capacities and in the places God hath set them and according to the instructions of his truth to make others wise and righteous in turning them from their sins errours and disobedience to the wisdome of the just one and to be earnest diligent and servent herein as they have opportunity knowing that their labour shall not be in vain in the Lord but they shall receive a good reward They shall shine as the Stars for ever and ever 1 Cor. 15.58 and this is a point of wisdom also For the fruit of the righteous is a tree of life and he that winneth souls is wise Prov. 11.30 Quest But what should we do or what course shall we take that we may turn others to righteousness and make them truly wise Answ I might say shortly from the words of our Saviour to his Disciples and Apostles 1. Let us retain the Salt in our selves and â—…ts favour that we have received of God in â—…nd by Christ for Christs Disciples are the â—…alt of the earth to purge corruption from them and render them savoury unto God But if the salt hath lost its savour wherewith â—…hall it be salted it s thenceforth good for noâ—…hing Matt. 5.13 14. Mark 9.5 that is â—…et us have and hold fast the word of Christ and the wisdom therein contained â—…nd conveighed to us with its reproofes â—…f instructions so as we our selves may be â—…ept in an awful fear and reverence of God â—…nd be sweet and clean in our speech and â—…arriage in the world and toward it that â—…e savouring the grace of God our selves â—…nd retaining the savour of it in our own â—…earts may be
made savoury to others Letting no corrupt communication come out of our mouths but such as is good to the use of edifying that it may minister grace to the hearers Ephes 4.29 which in another Epistle is Let your speech be alway with grace seasoned with salt with the fear of God and so what is of a cleansing nature reproving the false hopes confidences and carriages of the world or of such as do amiss among our brethren that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man Coll. 4.6 for evil communications corrupt good manners 1 Cor. 15.33 but a wholesome tongue is a tree ofâ—…life that brings forth what 's food for those that are whole and sound and leaves that will heaâ—… the Nations or Gentiles that are disceased Prov. 15.4 Ezech. 47.12 Rev. 22.2 Buâ—… for this let the Reader view if he have it the Treatise of our deceased Brother upoâ—… this subject 2. Let our Light so shine before men thâ—… they may see our good works and glorify our Fâ—…ther which is in Heaven For the Disciple of Christ are also the Light of the world anâ—… this light of God and Christ whereby the are made lights is put into them that bâ—…ing made lights by is they might not bâ—… put or put their light under a bushel but 〈◊〉 a candlestick so exercising and holding 〈◊〉 forth that it may give light to all that come iâ—… the house Matt. 5.15 16. And this light they may and ought to their abilities to let shine two ways or in a twofold letting it out viz. 1. In word in holding forth the word of Life so the Apostle exhorts and directs the Philippians with their Bishops and Deacons and not only though principally the Bishops and Deacons are concerned therein Philip. 1.1 and 2.15 16. Shine ye saith he as lights in the world Holding forth the word of life that 's the way as if he should say in which ye are to and may shine as lights not that every Believer is fitted to be a publick Preacher in some Congregation but what they believe in and with their hearts unto righteousness they may and ought also to confess with their mouth unto Salvation as they have opportunity and ability thereunto And such as are gifted with profitable gifts of wisdom knowledge and understanding may and ought soberly and orderly to exercise them too for the good of others For all that have the gift May propheâ—…yone by one that all may learn and all may be comforted Rom. 10.10 1 Cor. 14.31 1 Pet. 4.10 and all that hear as we noted before may nay are commissionated to say come Rev. 22.17 and may shew forth the virtues and praises of him that hath called them out of darkness into his marvellous light being a chosen Generation a royal Priesthood an holy Nation a peculiar People or purchased to that purpose 1 Pet. 2.9 But here is to be minded that if we would do good to others make them wise and turn them to righteousness we must hold forth the Word of life and shew forth the virtues and praises of the Lord. Confess with our mouth the word of faith believed in the heart to righteousness not do as foolish people the workers of iniquity who all boast themselves or as the word signifies speak of or forth themselves Psal 94.4 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 all the workers of iniquity speak themselves talk of their own righteousness paoclaim every man his own goodness Prov. 20.6 which they that do are there opposed to the faithful friend to God Christ or the souls of men which He saith Who shall find as implying that they are not found amongst the self-proclaimers that preach themselves and not Jesus the Lord as the Apostles did 2 Cor. 4.5 and cry up themselves The Church the Church the persons to be adored believed depended on as it is said of the corrupt Israel that made mention of the God of Israel not in truth nor in righteousness they call themselves of the Holy City Isa 48.1 2 call themselves the or of the Holy Catholick Church and tell stories to men of their Perfection religiousness attainments like the Whore that saith I sit a Queen and I shall be a Lady for ever Isa 47.7 Rev. 18.7 No the way to turn many to righteousness and make them truly wise is to shew forth Gods praises to make mention of his loving kindness to do as he who said My mouth shall shew forth thy rightheousnes and thy salvation all the day for I know not its numbers I will go in the strength â—…f the Lord God and I will make mention of â—…hy righteousness of thine only not of mine and thine together Psal 71.15 16. That is Preach confess and make mention of the Gospel of Christ which is the power of God to â—…alvation to every one that believeth for thereâ—…n is the righteousness of God revealed from â—…aith to faith as it is written the just shall â—…ve by faith Rom. 1.16 17. and this accorâ—…ing both to the appointment of the Lord of â—…ld who established a testimony in Jacob and â—…pointed a law in Israel in which he commandâ—…d the Fathers to shâ—…w to their Children the â—…eneration to come the praises of the Lord his â—…rength and the wonderful works that he hath â—…ne to the end that they might set their hope 〈◊〉 God and not forget his works and not be as â—…eir Fathers a stubborn and rebellious geneâ—…tion Psal 78.4 5 7 8. and to his own practise too who having done marvellouâ—… things his own right hand and his holy arm having gotten himself the victory in his greatâ—… combate with and against Sathan and all the principalities and powers of darkness He hath made known his salvation his resurrection from the dead and the salvation therethrough obtained for us and his Gospel which is the salvation of God that the Gentile heard Acts 28 28. his righteousness not ours but as he is ours the Lorâ—… our Righteousness Jer 23.6 hath he openâ—… shewed or revealed Rom. 3.22 in thâ—… sight of the Heathen not preaching something first to make them Jews Proselites Converts to God then when they ceaseâ—… to be heathen shew them his righteousness as the false Apostles way was And this hâ—… commanded to his Disciples and Apostlâ—… after him to do not to go preach the law 〈◊〉 works but go preach the Gospel to every creâ—…ture or in the whole Creation Mark 16 1â—… preaching repentance and forgiveness of sâ—… not in Moses but in his Name in opeâ—…ning his name and so upon account of whâ—… He hath done and is become for men aâ—… in his Authority and Power requiring it aâ—… that among all Nations beginning at Jerusâ—…lem the People and City that had mâ—… deeply sinned dying their hands in blood the Prophets and just men yea and of the Lord himself Luke 29.46 47. And so the spirit of Prophecy instructed and required of men in the days past saying Give thanks unto the
in otheâ—… with or after them to do foolishly and 〈◊〉 righteously running together into the saâ—… excess of riot of which sort there are bundance every where in the world 〈◊〉 especially such as being Teachers Prophesis to men of wine and strong drink Mic. 2.11 and preach for licentious liberty and practise it so as it may be said of them what the Lord by Jeremiah said of the Prophets and Priests of Samaria and Jerusalem that they are profane and cause his people to erre committing adultery and walking in lies strengthning the hands of evil doers so as that none doth return from his wickedness yea so as from them profaness or hypocrisie is gone forth into all the land Jer. 23.11 13 14 15. Yea and all such as professing to know God do in their works deny him being abominable disobedient and to every good work reprobate bunglers or void of judgment Tit. 1.16 these above all are perilous and make the times perilous when having a form of Godliness and the greater their Form the more perilous if they deny the power of it either in denying that Grace of God in Christ held forth in the Gospel rendering it the power of God to Salvation which belongs to the first sort spoken to under the Second Head of this Use of Reproof or which is here intended denying the efficacy and operation of the Grace of God as to the obeying and walking in it being under the profession and form of godliness lovers of themselves covetous proud boasters blasphemers disobedient to parents unthankeful unholy without natural affection truce breakers false accusers or make-bates incontinent fierce despisers of those that are good Traitors heady high-minded lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God 2 Tim. 3.1 2 3 4. the holding the truth with such unrighteousness doth greatly hinder mens being turned to righteousness by it for it occasions men rather to blaspheme the name of God or speak evil of his doctrine while they see those that Preach or Profess it to live so badly as was noted from Romans 2.17.24 Denying in practise and conversation the Lord that bought them they cause the way of truth to be evil spoken of while they walk in pernicious or as some read it lascivious ways 2 Pet. 2.1 2. or else leads those that own the truth with them to rest in the notion of it with them as they do and walk with them in like unrighteousness which still adds to the scandals and stumbling blocks laid in the way of others causing them to decline the way of truth and either to turn Atheists and Prophane or turn to some false ways of Religion where there appears more strictness of carriage and blamelesness of conversation which mighâ—… be found also with and among Pharasees Phil. 3.6 where men make a fair shew iâ—… the flesh but are corrupt from a solid and single rejoycing in the Cross of Christ Galat 6 12-14 For both all the specious works and doings of those that are of corrupt principles perverting men from the truth and all the best and truest speakings of those that joyn therewith a corrupt and vicious life fall under this reproof as being ways wherein men may hinder mens turning to Righteousness and lay rubs in the way of them that sincerely endeavour to do that service And all these whosoever they be great or small zealous or prophane that are guilty of any of these ways in the several branches of this Use mentioned fall under sharp reproof especially this last sort who deny the only Lord God and our Lord Jesus Christ and turn the Grace of God and his Gospel into an occasion of sinning even into wantonness for to such especially being Teachers of others the Apostles instead of glorious shining as the Stars for ever and ever threatens as to wandering Stars the blackness of darkness as that that is reserved to them for ever Jude 12. 2 Pet. 2.17 and therefore this especially is to be taken heed of as being that to which that of the Lord in Ezech. 20.39 belongs As for you go ye and serve every one his Idols even hereafter if ye will not hearken unto me saith the Lord but pollute ye my holy Name no more with your gifts and with your Idols and that of our Saviour too in Matt. 18.7 8 9. It must needs be that offences come but wo to that man by whom the offence cometh for whoso offends one of these little ones that believe in me it were better for him that a mil-stone were hanged about his neck and that he were drowned in the depth of the Sea Wherefore if thy hand or thy foot offend thee cut them off and cast them from thee It is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed than having two hands or two feet to be cast into everlasting fire And if thine eye offend thee pluck it out and cast it from thee it is better for thee having but one eye to enter into life rather than having two eyes to be cast into Hell fire And surely if things as dear and needful to us as our hands or feet or eyes are rather to be parted with by us than that by offending with them we should loose our souls much more should we part with any fancy or fashion garb or garment way or practice of vanity rather than by offending and hindering the souls of others thereby to incurr such punishment though all of these ways reproved deprive of happiness and glory and expose to heavy misery and judgement the neglect of wisdome and righteousness the being backward or neglecting to do good to others and to make them what in us lies wise and righteous and most of all the hindring men from turning to or calling them out of the right way and so turning them from righteousness in any wise or manner Yet this last mentioned way of iniquity exposeth to the heavyest But truly as David when he had been asserting the goodness of the Lord and that All his ways are mercy and truth to them that keep his Covenant and his Testimonies presently adds as finding defect therein in himself For thy Namesake O Lord pardon mine iniquity for it thy name as well as my iniquity is great Psal 25.10 11. And when he had been propounding the blessedness of him that Considers the poor how God would pitty and help him in his afflictions presently adds I said Lord be merciful unto me Heal my soul for I have sinned against thee Psal 41.1 2 3 4. So may I considering the happiness of the wise and of those that turn many to righteousness and the faultiness of those here reproved reflecting upon my self and finding shortness and guilt in most of these ways reproved cry out too Lord be merciful to me heal my soul for I also in many of these ways have sinned against thee and against the souls of others also But Vse 7. 2. This also in both its branches may afford great good motive