some this is our Manna Bread fâ—om Heaven to sustain us whilst we inhabit the Wilderness Truth 3. To make all these Arguments demonstrative and convincing is required an inward work of the Spirit upon the Heart to this external light of Arguments must be added the internal light of the Spirit For the things of God knoweth no Man but the Spirit of God 1 Cor. 2.11 so says Christ to Laodicea that she might see I counsel thee to buy of me Eye-salve that is beg of me my Spirit The Spirit inwardly inlightâ—ing the Heart is the Eye-salve Rev 3.18 1 Joh. 2.27 the anointing which you have received of him abideth in you and teacheth you all things and is Truth The anointing that is the Spirit wherewith you are anointed He is Truth so as that he cannot lye and he must give Testimony to the Truth in our Hearts else we shall not believe it by a divine Faith and he is Truth so as that 't is an Office he hath undertaken in the New Covenant to lead into all Truth as he was promised by Christ Joh. 16.13 The Spirit of Truth will guide you into all Truth Joh. 15.26 The Spirit of Truth shall testify of me and so of the Scripture he shall say to the Soul that Christ who is spoken of in the Gospel is the Son of God that the Scripture is the word of God he shall ascertain the Heart of this and this two ways 1. By a moral work as the opening and expounding the word in the Ministry of it by exhortations perswasions Therein Truth is held forth and propounded to be embraced and believed as the word of God and this work of God may be resisted as the Jews did resist the Holy Ghost Act. 7.51 2. By a Physical work upon the heart working a change in the Faculty renewing us in the Spirit of our Minds bringing in a spiritual light into the Soul to enable it to discern the things of God when this is done then we shall know the word of God with as great yea greater certainty than that the Sun shines when we see it for certainty of Faith is greater than certainty of Sense Then we shall see the Authority of God in his word when thus we have the Spirit of Truth then shall we receive the word as it is in Truth the word of God so that we may attain the full assurance of Faith in this particular we must wait for the promise of the Holy Ghost as Act. 1.4 14. we cannot believe the word as it is outwardly propounded to us unless it be inwardly revealed to our Hearts now the Spirit of Truth who of necessity must be received by us before we can believe is the Spirit of Promise Eph. 1.13 that is a Spirit promised ask him so and he shall be given to us 2. The knowledge of the Scripture to be the word of God containing the Mysteries of Salvation is necessary to Salvation Joh. 17.3 This is Life Eternal to know God and Christ the distinct knowledge of God as Creator as Omnipotent most holy is necessary and as most good and that Man's happiness consists in the enjoyment of God and that Man is fallen from God and hath lost his Image in Holiness and his presence which is Life this is evident that we in our natural condition are alienated from the life of God and are ignorant of him Eph. 4.18 now the Scripture makes God known and shews how we fell from Gâ—d and the principal scope of it is to dâ—scover Christ to the World as a Saviour and Mediator by whom Sinners are reconciled to God and restored to Communion with him now then that we may be saved its necessary that we search the Scriptures for these only are able to make us wiâ—e to Salvation so we shall know God our Selves and a Saviour 2 Tim. 3.16 there is knowledge of God by his Creatures 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 are known by the things that are made Rom. 1 2â— and there is Scripture-knowledge of God there God is known in his Son the fulness of the Godhead is in him he is the express Image of the Father 3. The knowledge of what the Scripture reveals is sufficient to Salvation this is enough to make the Man of God perfect there is no need of Mens additions there 's nothing more that 's needful to be done this furnishes to all good works nothing more to be believed Joh. 20.31 Many more Signs Jesus did but these are written that ye might believe what the Scripture reveals is Gold and Silver fit to help towards raising up a spiritâ—al building what is added by Men is Wood Hay and Stubble 1 Cor. 3.12 we say in matters that appertain to the worship of God and our Salvation as our Saviour of Communication Math. 5.37 let your Communication be yea yea nay nay for whatever is more than these cometh of Evil so whatever more than the word is urged or practised in matters of Religion cometh of Evil i. e. from the Devil principally and from our own corrupt and proud hearts immediately as if they were wiser than God and could teach him how he may be served and we saved God hath sealed up his word in such a manner as that no addition may be made to it See the Law Deut. 4.2 Ye shall not add to the word which I command nor diminâ—sh from it by that the Jewish Talmud is excluded and for Prophets we may observe that the Gospel is begun with what the Prophets are concluded as Malachy the last Prophet concludes Mal. 4.5 with this Behold I will send you Elija the Prophet and Mark begins with this Chap. 1.1 2. The beginning of the Gospel as it is written in the Prophets behold I send my M ssenger By this those Books justly called Apocrypha are excluded and the last book of the New Testament Rev. 22.18 is concluded thus Whoever shall add unto these things God shall add unto him the Plagues that are written therein Consider two things first that there must be no detracting and secondly no adding c. 4. The Scripture is clear in those things which are absolutely necessary to Salvation it shews plainly what is to be believed Three Persons One God what is to be done the word is nigh in thy mouth and in thy heart if thou shalt believe in thine heart and confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus thou shalt be saved that word doth most plainly deliver things necessary to Salvation true indeed some things are hard to be understood 2 Pet. 3.16 yet enough to Salvation is plainly discovered so that if any do perish through Ignorance their Ignorance shall not excuse them the Scripture is clear in this that we are lost and undone Creatures by nature that all we like Sheep have gone astray and that Christ Jesus came into the World to save Sinners and that only such as believe in him renouncing their own Righteousness or abilities to do any thing in
to pass 2. What are the present Consequences of God's smiting so many Shepherds such as scattering the litle Flocks growth of Ignorance Error Impiety Ruins of Temple work many disorders and distractions in the destitute Churches c. 3. What must be the Cure Its time to enquire For do we not see want of more able Ministers of the New Testament not of the Letter but of the Spirit 2 Cor. 3.6 wise and faithful builders of God's House How weak are many shoulders on whom so great work is laid forcing an out-cry for a richer anointing with the Spirit of Grace i. e. of Love Wisdom Humility Zeal Self-denial Heavenliness which they had seen on others If this depart so much of our true Glory departs It cannot go well in Churches without fiâ—ed Pastors after God's own Heart entirely caring and watching for Souls feeding tâ—em with knowledge and understanding in the great Mysteries of Godliness Jer. 3.15 such was our Author known not mint anise filled his Tâ—oughts but the weighty things of Natural and Reveal'd Religion if he dwelt more than some do on sublimer Doctrines of Faith the Texts here treated are his Warrant together with Col. 1.24 to 29. 2.1 2 3. Nor did he treat them in a way of bold or curious speculation but as leading to Christian Practice upon the great things of the Gospel must Christians live if evâ—r they go further in Religion than a fruitless Form It 's in wrong to Christ and his Church if any Preachers do not jointly declare these with the moral Rules of good living I cannot see that Law and Gospel were set as variance in the Ministry of Christ and his Apostles Nor that the Honour of Christianity can be preserv'd or its ends attain'd without tutoring his Disciples great and small both in Principles of Christian Doctrine touching the glorious Person Offices Fulness and Benefits of Christ t eir only Head Lord and Saviour and touching subjection to his Soveraign Wisdom in his Laws They must be under the Law to Christ 1 Cor. 9.21 and that in vertue of his own Grace 1 Cor. 15.10 what kind of Evangilists must they be that think the great discoverys of the Gospel whereby the world was Christianiz'd are of little use in Preaching now Our Author was better taught as the Truth is in Jesus and finished his Course fighting the good fight and keeping the Faith once delivered to the Saints holding fast the Doctrine according to Godliness till of his beloved Master he obtain'd the Crown of Righteousness would to God that a like love to Divine Truth might prompt many others professing to embrace it to meditate and consult speedily how tâ—ey may best establish and propagate it It 's not witâ—out a Providence that of late we hear of so many sudden deaths of able useful Ministers and may it not prove a presage of other Calamitees to surprize us It 's tâ—y spiritual Profiting Reader that this work aims at and now look to thy self that thou receive not this Grace of God in vain T e Unsearchable Ricâ—es of Christ are surely the better part and being timely chosen and pursued may be thine chuse and inherit them study to know him whom to know is Life Eternal Improve that Ministry and word of Grace to day which is still the Power of God to Salvation to them that believe and enjoying this with other Helps work out thy Salvation with Fear and Trembling and God for Christ's sake will work in thee both to will and to do So shalt thou be counted worthy to stand before the Son of Man when he shall appear in Glory to doom this whole World to its Eternal State This is the Intent and Call of this Essay may the Lord of the Harvest so bless it Amen THE CONTENTS OF THE FIRST DISCOURSE Eph. 3.8 Of the Unsearchable Riches of Christ CHAP. 1. Some transient Notes on the Text. Page 1 Chap. 2. Why the things of Christ call'd Riches Page 4 Chap. 3. What are these Riches Page 6 1. Riches of Love which is Abounding Abiding Effectual c. Chap. 4.2 Riches of Christ's Righteousness as Mediator 1. In his works for Men. 2. In his works towards Men. Page 13 Chap. 5.3 Riches of Wisdom 1. Speculative Page 22 2. Practical As 1. in Ancient Providences and 2. About Man's Salvation Page 32 Chap. 6.4 Riches of Christ's Power Page 37 The Power of his Death Resurrect Intecession c. Power over all Mens Hearts and over all Creatures How exercised for us Page 40 Chap. 7.5 Riches of Glory Page 45 What Glory Christ hath and will appear in What Glory he received from the Father and shall receive from Creatures Page 50 Saints shall see and share in his Glory Page 56 Chap. 8. General Application of the whole Page 62 To those enriched by Christ and to all to seek a Portion in Christ's Riches Page 66 The Second Discourse 1 Cor. 2.2 Of Knowing Christ Crucified Page 72 The Text and Context explained to Page 77 Divers Notes thereupon As 1. That a Gospel Minister must resolve to go thorow with his work of Preaching Page 80 2. That he aim not at self-applause therein Page 81 3. That he must Preach Christ tho' he be counted a Fool for so doing Page 82 4. That he truly knows Christ when he labours to make others know Christ Page 83 5. He counts it a precious service to Preach Christ Page 85 6. Of all Divine Doctrines none more necessary to be Preached than Christ Crucified Page 87 Doct. 1. Knowledge of Christ is the most excellent Knowledge Page 88 1. Proved by considering 1. its object Christ in general Page 92 And in particular as his Natures Names Relations Offices to the Church Page 93 to 99 2. The Effects of this Kowledge as Justification Spiritual Transformation and Eternal Life Page 100 1. Use of Exhortation with motives Page 103 2. Means to get this Excellent Knowledge Page 113 3. Of Comfort to such as have attained it Page 119 Signs to Satisfy such as doubt Doct. 2. Our Principal study should be to know not only the History but Mystery of Christ Crucified Page 126 That Mystery is 1. Of Wisdom 2. Of Love And 3. of Vertue in his Blood Page 132 How the Vertue of Christ's Death is conveyed to us Page 138 Use 1. 1. Of reproof to the enemies of Christ's Cross 2. Of Exhortation to Believe in Confess and Suffer for Christ Page 134 Q. How may we so Suffer as to have Fellowship in Christ's Sufferings Page 145 Christ's Sufferings for us a ground of our worshipping him and how that must be Page 150 The Third Discourse 1 Thess 2.13 The Divine Authority of Scripture Page 157 D. The Word contain'd in Holy Scripture is in truth the Word of God Shewn Page 159 1. The Spirit in Scripture gives Testimony to it 2. Arg. from the word conv its Authority As 1. It s Power upon Sinners Page 160 2. It s Holiness 3. It s
of God which is the only solid ground of Faith in the most plain and edifying way this was his Commission And his Practice is answerable hereto which he declares in the beginning of this Chapter I came not with Excellency of Speech with enticing words but sound wholsome edifying Language not that he disliked Eloquence and Elegancy of Speech which is to be perceived in many places of his Epistles but he came not 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 cum Eminentia that is not with vain ostentation of his Gifts to gain applause of Men by Excellency of Speech he did not compose his Language in the likeliest manner to win applause but so as to edifie Rhetorick is useful whilst it may help on good grounds towards the embracing of Divine Truths Non laudatur Ruditas sed simplicitas nec vituperatur Eruditio sed Ostentatio And as he came not with Excellency of Speech so not of Wisdom He did not labour to work upon them by Natural Wisdom by Rational Arguments but did declare the Testimony of God We may say of Wisdom Reason Philosophy Humane Learning c. as the Apostle of the Law it is good if a Man use it lawfully if Natural Reason Wisdom and Learning be made subservient as a Handmaid to Faith and Religion there is a good use of them but if it be made the Mistriss and Lord of Faith and Religion the Standard for trial of Truths to be embraced then they are Enemies to Faith and Religion but Divine Truths must be urged upon a Divine Testimony and Authority In the next place now Paul declares further the grounds of this his Practâ—ce viz. 1. From the great esteem he had of the Knowledge of Jesus Christ and him Crucified I determined to know nothing among you but Jesus Christ 2. From the powerfulness and effectualness of the plain Pâ—eaching of Christ Crucified it is the power of God to Salvation in this way God's power woâ—kâ— on Men to the begetting of Faith and Repentance and bringing them to Salvation Chap. 1.18 3. From the powerfulness and ineffectualness of that way of Preaching by the excellency of speech c. the Faith and Obedience begotten hereby stands not in the power of God but in the wisdom of Men this is the foundation of it and so 't is but like the House built on the Sand 't will not endure a stormy blast of wind a Tempest a little Persecution arising the whole Fabrick is overturned 'T is observed of Paul Ast. 14. Preaching at Lystra with great Elegancy of Speech for which the People admired him and called him Mercurius seemed to imbrace him with much Affection so that they were ready to offer Sacrifice to him that we find no real good wrought amongst them Their affection stood in the wisdom of Man and so suddenly vanishes away no sooner came the Jews among them who were Enemies to Paul but they perswaded them another way and now verse 19. they stoned Paul to whom before they were ready to offer Sacrifice as a God that Man's Religion is vain that is not grounded on the Authority and Testimony of God that stands not on the Power of God This Introduction makes way for the better understanding of the sense and scope of the Text also to shew you what Preaching it is you should look after and have in highest esteem viz. that wherein divine Soul-saving Truths are in the plainest manner brought home unto you and urged upon your Consciences from the Testimony of God as Truths which God requires you to believe and imbrace and practice for the Salvation of your Souls and this is Preaching in the demonstration of the Spirit and of Power The words of the Text are one reason laid down of Paul's way of Preaching practised by him in plainess of Speech and declaration of the Testimony of God concerning Christ and him Crucified because he esteemed it the most excellent knowledge to know Christ and the cheifest piece of service he could perform for to bring honour to God or procure good to Men to Preach and to make known Jesus Christ and him Crucified They contain a Determination or Resolution of Paul in the great work he had to do among the Corinthians which he sets forth 1. by way of Negation or Comparative disesteem of the knowledge of other things not to know any thing I count nothing so worthy of my study or pains to make known or of your Search Diligence or Labour to know 2. By way of Affirmation setting forth the highest esteem of the knowledge of Christ in these words But Jesus Christ and him Crucified Him I account worth knowing Here you have 1. an Evangelical preacher mentioned take him for a Pattern Paul 2. His holy Resolution and Affection he had to his work I determined I fix'd this Resolution this I counted my choicest work 3. The Persons among whom he had a mind to work viz. the Corinthians although by many he was accounted a Fool for his labour and his Preaching Foolishness 4. The subject or matter of his Preaching Jesus Christ and him Crucified Something it will be needful to speak for the meaning of words I have determined 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 says Calvin is often used to the same sense 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 tanquam pretiosum Seligere to make choice of as a thing most precious therefore he translates the word Non eximium duxi I counted it not excellent or valuable Herein concur Peter Martyr and Beza who gives an Instance of that use of the Verb Rom. 14.5 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 One man esteemeth a Day so in our Text I have not esteemed any thing so precious and worthy to be made known c. Not to know i. e. to Preach or make known as the following words among you declare to be the sense Any thing Non quod respuendae sint Artes c. Muscul Not as is the knowledge of Arts and Sciences were to be rejected and Secular Learning despised which Paul was not unacquainted with and sometimes expresly makes good use of citing that verse of Epimenides in Tit. 1.12 But he accounted all other knowledge as nothing in comparison with the knowledge of Jesus Christ. This could not add any weight to the knowledge of Christ. But Jesus Christ But was he not to Preach many other things concerning the Father and the Holy Ghost c. yea but the meaning is nothing but Christ because there is no other Name whereby we can be saved c. nothing else as the way and means of Salvation he alone is the Way Truth aud Life he that knows him knows the Father by whom 't is we come to know and enjoy God from whom the Spirit is to be received And him Crucified Although Crucified I am not ashamed to Preach a Crucified Saviour proud Spirits disdain believing in one hanged on a Cross but the Ignominy of the Cross shall be no stumbling block to me Something further seems intimated that
on the Foundation A Man that hopes for Salvation must stay and rely on Christ He is the sole Foundation Other Foundation can no Man lay c. This Foundation is laid by the Father and fix'd by his Eternal Decree and by Christ's being Incarnate by being laid down in the Grave and set up at the Right Hand of God 't is in vain for Men to lay another Foundation of their own Duties and Good Works but that you may have Life you must be laid by the Father on Christ in hiâ— Eternal Decree chosen in Christ that is to be saved by him given to Christ and actually laid on Christ by the work of the Spirit Baptizing you into Christ Converting Renewing you after the Image of Christ and then actually laying your Selves on Christ by the Exercise of your Faith depending on and adhering to him so that this is the one thing needful for Ministers to Preach and for you to know That you may be the more convinced of this I shall prove it by Scripture and add some Arguments for faâ—â—her Confirmation I shall begin with Scripture Testimonies because that must be my work which Paul Professes to be his v. 1. To declare the Testimony of God to evidence the Truths I deliver by Divine Authority out of the word of God that is a Truth for Faith to rest on which is found in the word and founded upon the Word Now both Old and New Testament hold forth this Truth This was Abraham's Joy that he saw Christ's Day the Knowledge of Jesus Christ was most precious to him This God requires a People above all to Glory in Jer. 9.21 Let not the Wise Man glory in his Wisdom the wise Statesman the Philosopher c. but in this that he understandeth and knoweth me The meanest Person that knows Christ hath more to glory in than the most knowing Person in the World that is Ignorant of Christ If you had with Sâ—lomon Understanding exceeding much and largeness of Heart that you could speak of the Nature Vertues and Excellencies of all Creatures and Ignorant of Christ yet he that knows any thing of Christ hath more to make him renowned Well may we glory in this for Christ is a Peoples Glory Isa 60.1 Christ tells his Disciples that their condition was more happy than that of the Prophets because they knew more of Christ Blessed are your Eyes c. The Prophets were more blessed because they knew something of Christ though but his back parts because they knew he should come but more blessed are you because you see Christ come amongst you Math. 13.16 what these knew see Math. 11.4 5 6. If the clearer Knowledge of Christ doth make you more blessed than Prophets that had more intimate communion with God and Revelations from him of future things then certainly this is the most precious Knowledge To know the Scripture or to know the mind of God what things he will bring to pass hereafter all this is nothing to the Knowledge of Christ for blessed are you above and beyond all the Prophets c. yea this puts all Believers since Christ did reveal himself to the World in his Offices into a degree of Glory above John the Baptist Math. 11.11 amongst them that are born to Women there was one greater than John but he that is least in the Kingdom of God is greater than he none was greater none of the Prophets that is than John because Christ was born in his time and he saw the Lamb of God Joh. 1.29 but the Kingdom of Christ was not then so fully set up Christ did not so openly manifest himself to be the Son of God John died before Christ died and arose and ascended before there was a flocking of Men in unto Christ therefore it follows he that is least in the Kingdom of Heaven i. e. in the Kingdom of Christ his Kingdom of Grace set up in the World he sees more of Christ's Glory than John did in his time and so is greater Certainly then the Knowledge of Christ is most excellent and precious it makes you not only greater than great Scholars and Learned Men but than Prophets yea than John Baptist will you hear Paul plainly expressing his Opinion see Phil. 3.8 I count all things but loss for the Excellency of the Knowledge of Christ The Knowledge of Christ is the Excellency of Knowledge so excellent that in comparison with him other things are but Dung Col. 2.3 In him are hid all the Treasures of Wisdom and Knowledge .. Observe what kind of Excellency this is 1. 'T is Secret Hidden not outward and visible the natural Eye cannot discern the Excellency of it 't is a hidden Treasure Although Carnal Men cannot Judge it to be most Excellent yet in Truth 't is so * Thesaurus dicit absconditos quod non Eminent magno Splendore conspicul sed potius sub crucis humilitate simplicitate contemplibili quasi delitescunt Calvin 2. There are Treasures of Wisdom and Knowledge all Wisdom is in Christ he hath all Knowledge of all things in himself but that is not the meaning here Treasures of Knowledge are not only in him subjectively but objectively there is a Treasure of such glorious things in Christ in his Person Nature Offices c. that he that knows Christ hath a Treasure of Wisdom and Knowledge he hath the most precious and excellent Knowledge and Wisdom that is to be gotten such Wisdom that it may be said of this created Wisdom and Knowledge of Christ what is said of Christ himself the Eternal and Increated Wisdom Prov. 8.11 Wisdom is better than Rubies and all things that may be desired are not to be compared with it this is the meaning of these words Significat nos perfectè sapere si Christum verè cognoscimus Calvin That we are truly wise if we know Christ truly This will further appear if we consider 1. The Excellency of Christ in himself 2. The Excellent Benifits of the Knowledge of Christ 1. The Excellency of Christ in himself 1. In general Christ is the most glorious Person King of Glory Psa 24.7 as Death is called Job 18.14 the King of Terrors that is Omnium terribilium terribilissimum the Terror of Terrors the greatest of Terrors so Christ is King of Glory most Glorious none like him Moses was a Type of Christ a typical Mediator and had abundance of Glory from Christ by reflection 2 Cor. 2.7 so that the Children of Israel could not stedfastly behold the Face of Moses for the Glory of his Countenance What then is Christ the Fountain from which this Glory is derived Heb. 3.3 This Man is counted worthy of more Glory than Moses because he is the builder of the House He was Moses's Lord Moses had the Glory of a Servant of Christ Christ is the Lord and King of Glory Christ is then most Glorious Hag. 2.1 The Glory of the latter House is greater than the Glory of the former
The Pharisees gave this Interpretation of the Law anger hatred speculative uncleanness they thought were no breaches of the Law when 't is thus the word is received but as the word of Man Now how many are there that in these ways only receive the word of God 5. When the word is received but in word only 1 Thess 15. The Gospel came not to you in word only but in Power The word comes only in word when 't is not accompanied and set home on the heart by power of the Holy Ghost as on Lydia and the Jailor Act. 16. Use 2. Exhort To stir you up to look on and to receive the word as the word of God Hear and give ear be not proud for the Lord hath spoken Jer. 13.15 'T is God that speaks in the word God speaks Promises God speaks Threatnings and Commands look on each of these as coming out of the mouth of God the word is called the Spirit of Christ 's mouth 2 Thess 2.8 you must not only receive it in the Letter so indeed only it comes from Man but as the Spirit of Christ's mouth as breathed out of his mouth and so as that it proves not a dead and an ineffectual Letter but a quickning Spirit in you that is a new principle of Life a new Soul in you so as that you live by the word act and do all according to it Now for direction that the word may be received by us as the word of God know that something is due to the whole word and every part of it as more general duties and something is to be done that is some special Duties with respect to the several parts of the word as distinguished one from another 1. That which is due to the whole word consider in these particulars 1. Faith you must believe it to be the word of God upon a clear apprehension of the Divine Authority of it your assent must be grounded on the testimony of God Consider there is a divine Faith and a humane Faith this is when we believe a thing upon Man's testimony given of it as the Samaritans believed in Christ for the saying of the woman this was but a humane Faith Divine Faith is when we believe a thing and give an assent to the truth of it upon a divine testimony that is given to it as the Samaritans believed in Christ when they heard him and said now we have heard him and know that this is the Christ this was a divine Faith now this is necessary to a right receiving of the word Quest Where is this Divine Testimony that is given to the word Answ 'T is contained in the word it self for as there is a light in the Sun sufficient to discover it self so that when the Sun shines it s own light shews it to be the Sun so there is a divine Light in the word sufficient to shew it to be the word of God Quest Why do not all then believe it to be so Answ Because Men are blind and know nothing of the things of God neither are they able to judge of them the light of the Sun discovers the Sun but 't is to those that can see the light of it so the word shews its divine Authority but to those that are inlightned so we must have the Spirit as eye-salve restoring our Spiritual Sight and then we shall see clearly the word to be the word of God and this is the first duty we must receive the word as the Thess Chap. 1.15 the Gospel came not in word but power and in the Holy Ghost and much assurance 2. Fear Isa 66.2 To him God looks that trembles at his word There is twofold trembling at God's word 1. Slavish only out of fear of Judgment thus Ahab and thus Felix trembled 2. Filial this is here meant God looks to that heart that when it looks to God and sees any thing of him trembles now this is a disposition of heart that 's required to the right receiving the word you must tremble at the word that is first there must be in you an holy awfulness humility and â—everence of Spirit suitable to the Greatness and Majesty Goodness Glory of that God that gave his word this is contrary to that pride of heart which is in every one of us by nature when ever we have any manifestations or goings forth of the Glory of God the out goings of our hearts must be suited hereto 2. You must have an apprehension of your own vileness and nothingness Ezek. 2.18 there was an appearance of the Glory of God when I saw it I fell on my Face as apprehending his own unworthyness to behold it 2. There are special duties that respect several parts of the word 1. Histories related as of the Creation of the fall of Man drowning the world c. here you must believe the report as made by God and give not God occasion to complain as the Prophet Lord who hath believed our report and look on all these as written for our Learning on whom the ends of the World are come 2. There is a Saviour described and set forth which is the main scope of the Scripture the eternally begotten word revealed in the written word that came to destroy the works of the Devil to save Sinners c. him you must embrace withal your hearts entertain him as Abraham did the whole word is a Gospel bringing glad tydings of Christ the old Testament is Gospel throughout in which Christ is though more darkly set forth and in the New Testament more clearly so that this is to embrace the word to receive him whose name is the word of God Rev. 19.13 to see Christ in his fulness of Glory Merit c. and to receive him as the word of the Father this is to receive the word in power to receive Christ into our hearts and to have him revealed in us and to have him formed within us so as that Christ live acts and rules in us 3. There are Promises Now to receive these as the word of God is to quiet our Souls in dependance on them and assurance that they shall be fulfilled that as his faithfulness hinds him so his Power shall bring forth his Promises into Act. Say as Paul I believe God that it shall be as he hath said that not one jot shall pass unfulfilled you must know Christ to be the faithful witness Rev. 1.5 4. When Judgments are threatned know that there is a Righteousness and Faithfulness in God that engages him to make them good we are as averse from believing Threatnings as Promises therefore as God has confirmed his Promises by an Oath so Threatnings likewise Amos. 9.8.10 The Sinners among God's People said Evil shall not overtake nor prevent us Deut. 32.40 If I lift up my hand to Heaven and say I live for ever I will make mine Arrows drunk with Blood Now to receive this word is to fear God and to prepare to meet
SEVERAL DISCOURSES ON The Unsearchable Riches of Christ The Knowledge of Christ Crucified The Authority and Efficacy of the word Working out our Salvation The Observation of the Christian-Sabbath Christ 's coming to Judge the World Being Some REMAINS OF WILLIAM ALLEIN M. A. Sometime Minister of the Gospel in Blanford Carefully copy'd from his own Notes and publish'd at the Request of his Hearers Remember them which had the rule over you who have spoken to you the word of God whose Faith follow considering the end of their Conversation Heb. xiij vij BRISTOL Printed by Will. Bonny for I. Allein at his House in Bristol 1697. TO THE READERS Those especially who once were Hearers of the late Mr. W. A. and now desired this Service YOur justly Honoured-Teacher tho' ceased from his Labours near Twenty Years ago now once more speaks to you some great things of the Gospel to the same ends as St. Peter wrote to his dispersed Countrymen 2 Pet. 1.12 13. To stir you up by the way of Remembrance and to establish you in present Truth The World is indeed full of Books and Preachers yet seems to want more or at least that surviving Elisha might receive a double Portion of Elija's Spirit we are not allowed to wish that ascended Elijah's might be sent back to our dark impure World Divine Wisdom has chosen other ways to amend it but the Mantle they dropt we may take up to divide the Jordan in our way I cannot tell as perhaps you may at what times these Sermons were delivered it appears in some of them they were in in the time of the Authors publick Ministry Many yet remember what Excellent Piety Learning Modesty and Meekness enrich'd and adorn'd him and his Doctrine and have noted that when in his former Book which himself designed for the P ess and to have added somewhat to it he pleads more judiciously and strenuouslâ— for a dubious notion than most others did yet makes no such confident boast as they Somewhere that notion occurs too in these Papers which needs not offend any who are not of his mind in that Many great Men of different Names in our Age espouse most tâ—at he argues for viz. that a day aâ—d state of the Christian Church on Earth shall be when the impure mouths of Blasphemy now opened so wide against our blessed Lord Jesus his perfect Wisdom sacred Truth omnipotent Grace and vital Headship to his Body shall be stopped Satan the seducer being chain'd up and the whole Mystery of Godliness more clearly understood more unanimously â—elieved and the purifâ—ing nature of divine Truth irresistably demonstrated in the holy lives and loving Commerces of very numerous Converts to Christ Now who can forbear to wish at least this may prove true To promote such a Kingdom of Christ among Men as that in Rom 14.17 was the scope of the worthy Author's Life Study and Labours as witness these broken Remains he never design'd them for the Press as appears by many abreviatures and c's in his notes even in alledging Texts of Scripture which I think the Transcriber should have filled up but hath not a desire to serve true Religion peaceably in his private Station induced his consent to the motion of thus reviving his Honoured Father's Memory It cost him not a little pains tho' best acquainted with the Author 's very small Hand What assistance I could give in comparing his Copy with the Originals was due upon his request but after all our diligence the work requires the Readers Candour for we would not assume to correct the Atuhor's words tho' here and there may be a Phrase ungrateful to some Ears till they read on where our Author delivers his sense as plain and sound as needs be desired Once indeed I alter'd one Sentence to give the meaning of it in terms inoffensive but when the same recurr'd I chose to late it pâ—ss These Discourses were chose out of many because the notes of these were most legible the transcript has often fail'd in one little word viz. in putting so for ergo or therefore which the Authour commonly wrote in a character like So otherlike defects in the work claim excuse by Common Law Many have writ well on these same Subjects which as they can never be exhausted so must be alwayâ— inculcated that Men may grow in Grace and in the Knowledge of Jesus Christ 2 Pet. 3. ult It 's not to be doubted but from a Man of God so well read in Holy Scripture you 'l receive what is worthy of your time and pains and will never be disrelished by any that love the Lord Jesus in sincerity but pleasant as bread eaten in Secret He was a true patient Labourer and most succesful Comforter of many dejected and wounded Spirits by skilful affectionate application of Gospel-Cordials a Man modestly zealous for Truth and Peace and mightily was his Spirit and Conversation influenced by the pure Heavenly Doctrine he believed and taught Like Remains of two other excellent Allein's Richard the geuvine Brother and Joseph the Kinsman of our Author have been judged worthy of such Publication And we have later Examples of Printing the Notes of great Men which in some parts are not more compleat than these Impartial Readers will allow that this Author was Baptized into the same excellent Spirit as they In the Sixty third year of his Age he was called into hiâ— Lords rest and joy when he had newly cut out for himself fome painful work wherein he hoped to do greater Service to the Church in divers places as he had every where good acceptance when his Friends told him they thought his Siskness would be unto death he answered well I know no cause I have to be sorry for that for I know in whom I have believed and am perswaded he 's able to keep that which I have committed to him against that day As 2 Tim. 1.2 but it 's some trouble to me that during my day I have not more improv'd my Time and Talent as I might Suitable Counsels he added to those about him to redeem the time and hasten all the work of their Generation and notwithstanding his penitent Reflections as excellent Arch-Bishop Usher on his death bed regretted his Sins of omission the Lord was pleased to chear him in his last Conflicts by ravishing prospects of Glory set before him even Eternal Life as the Gift of God through Jesus Christ To supply what was lacking in his design'd Service is one reason of publishing these imperfect Papers Some that saw his amiable walking in all good Conscience towards God and Man will more reverence and love that Truth whereâ—y he was sanctified the Faith and Footsteps of such guides St. Paul bids us follow and such remains may put us in mind that England's Churches once had burning and shining Lights Survivors sadly confess a greater scarcity of such now and may we not do well to enquire 1. How and wâ—y tâ—is is come
Kings that gave up their Power to the Beast shall hate the VVhore c. Saints under so long a trouble must needs have fainted had they not believed to see the goodness of God in the Land of the living and had they not been assured that by the witty inventions of VVisdom dwelling with Prudence Babylon shall be made to fall and he that sits in the Temple of God shall come down and sit in the dust nay be cast into the Lake that burns with Fire and Brimstone for the Beast and False Prophet shall be destroyed and their Bodies given to the burning flames 6. Lastly as when the old VVorld was destroyed by water God had a witty invention to save Noah and his Family so when the VVorld that now is shall be destroyed with Fire God will have a witty invention to save whom he pleases Now this glorious truth of the unsearchable Riches of VVisdom in Christ affords abundant matter of Joy and Incouragement to the Saints and Servants of Christ 1. As Christ hath the Riches of VVisdom so he is Wise for them to do them good The VVisdom bestowed on Solomon was for the good of the Israelites that he might know how to go in and out before them to do Judgment He had VVisdom to Teach and Instruct as we see in those Books of Proverbs Ecclesiastes and Canticles Eccles 12.9 Because the Preacher was Wise he still taught the People knowledge as the more wise he was the more he taught the People knowledge And so the more wisdom Christ hath the more shall he teach the Saints knowledge Solomon had wisdom to Build a Temple so had Christ to build a Spiritual House Solomon was wise to put a difference betwixt the Israelites and Strangers and these he made Servants for his work but those were free and Officers under him and Christ shall make Believers Free so as that they shall be free indeed Thus as Christ is Wise he is Wise for the Faithful Wise to Teach to Save and to perfect that which doth concern them 2. His Wisdom is to be a Fountain of Wisdom to them in his light must they see light by his wisdom they shall have wisdom Christ's wisdom multiplies in Regenerated ones as he hath a Spirit of wisdom so he gives it as the Sun is the light of the VVorld gives light to the Moon Stars to the Earth and living Creatures therein so is Christ the light of the Church he doth give VVisdom dwelling with Prudence to his Members he gives to men natural and civil wisdom for their ordering of their worldly affairs for in such things 't is God instructs men to discretion as he doth the Husbandman in and about his Husbandry Isa 2â— 26. and he gives Spiritual wisdom to the Saints to know God and order their conversaâ—iâ—n aright his work is to give more wisdom where it is begun and this he will do till all the Saints come up to the measure of the stature of his own fulness and this in the latter days will be a work that Christ will more gloriously appear in for mâ—ny shall run to and fro and knowledge shall abound Dan. 12.4 and the Earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the Lord as the Waters cover the Sea and the light of the Moon shall be as the light of the Sun and the light of the Sun sevenfold as the light of seven days Then as he that is feeble shall be as David so he that is simple and but a babe in understanding shall be as Solomon This is incouragemâ—nt to go to Christ for wisdom As the Queen of Sheba came with her hard questions to Solomon and he satisfied her in all so should we come with our hard questions to Christ every true Christian hath many hard questions about Divine Truth about the sence of Scriptures about the dispensations of God and concerning his own Estate whether it be a state of Grace and Peace in which they are with God Now he should go to Christ for satisfaction There are hard questions among Believers in which they are divided as about the form and pattern of God's House Now they should seek to the Lord and wait on him and in due time he shall reveal even this unto them to the making of the Saints all of one Mind and Heart then the Lord shall be King over all the Earth and Antichrist no where King then the Lord shall be one and his name one only be humble see the way of Wisdom ask in Faith and he will give it Again are there unsearchable Riches of wisdom in Christ as Solomon was Renowned for his wisdom Then 1. Have a high esteem of Christ because of his wisdom all the Kings sought the presence of Solomon to hear his wisdom and she that was a Queen said Happy are those thy Servants It is better to be Christ's Servants seeing his Glory and hearing his wisdom than to rule over men David behaved himself wisely and was Respected of all the People 1 Sam. 18.30 shall not Christ be judged much more worthy of acceptation David behaved himself more wisely then all the Servants of Saul and his name was much set by or very precious and shall not Christ's Name be much set by 2. Trust to his Wisdom he knows what is good for us and how to do us good and to make all work for good when we have wants he knows how to supply them when infirmities he knows how to help them when dangers he knows how to deliver out of them When there was an Achitophel giving counsel against David he had an Hushai to defeat his counsel when there are so many Achitophels in counsel at Rome here 's one that sits in Heaven whose Name is Wisdom dwelling with Prudence who knows how to defeat their counsel 3. Justifie Wisdom Wisdom is Justified of her Children as wisdom justifies them so should they justifie wisdom There is much finding fault Flesh is apt to find fault as Jonah said he did well to be angry by murmuring by impatience we condemn the Lord when the Flesh condemns let the Spirit and renewed part Justifie the Lord the world is apt to find fault Antichrist condemns the truth and ways of Christ and sets up many Doctrines and Ordinances to make void the Doctrines and Ordinances of God Now here Saints should Justifie wisdom and confess Christ stand up for his Truths Commands c. Justifie wisdom by words and works Although we cannot and ought not to justifie our selves against the charge of God's Holy Law by works yet there is a sence in which we ought to Justifie Christ by our works 4. Fear Christ because of his Wisdom we reverence men much that have wisdom beyond others and rise up before the hoary head that is because with the Ancient is wisdom Here is the Ancient of days with whom is perfect wisdom worthy to be had in reverence by them that are round about him the Enemies of
last must their Souls be brought The Kingdom of Christ is the wealthy Place Into that the Church at last shall be brought The Israelites had great Afflictions in Egypt and were led through the Water of the Red Sea and through Fire afterwards the burning at Taberah the stinging of the fiery Serpents and at last were brought into Canaan the wealthy Place were they enjoyed Vineyards they planted not Houses they built not so the Church is under hard bondage in Egypt Spiritually so called and that may have great Tryals in the Wilderness but at last it must enter into that Rest that remains and that wealthy place prepared for it or moist well watered Land as the words import or into a Refreshing as the Greek hath it Suitable to this the Apostle speaks Of times of refreshing from the presenee of the Lord Act. 3.19 After these sore afflicting times under the Reign of that Man of Sin shall be times of most sweet and abundant refreshing from the presence of the Lord when he shall consume Antichrist with the Spirit of his Mouth and destroy him by the brightness of his coming and so make the Kingdoms of the World his own Kingdom 4. See that you have a true right to those true Riches you must have Christ that you may have his Riches he that hath the Son hath life 1 Joh. 5.12 he that hath Christ hath his Riches you must be in Covenant have the Lord for your God be his People and all is yours ye are Christ's 1 Cor. 3.22 23. you must have Christ as Saviour and Lord and Christ must have you to be his Servants and Followers to be his Spouse and Members do not content your selves with a Thought and Opinion that his Riches are yours but see that it be so indeed Laodicea thought her self to be Rich but was Poor as worldly Mens inward thoughts are as Psa 49.11 that their Houses shall continue and so the inward thoughts of some are that they have an Interest in the Riches of Christ when they are none of theirs as he that getteth Riches and not by right shall leave them in the midst of his Days and in the end shall be a Fool Jer. 17.11 So he that thinks he hath Christ's Riches and hath them not indeed in the end shall be a Fool Math. 13.12 From him that hath not shall be taken away that which he hath he that hath a Name and not the thing a Name to live to be rich in having Christ and is dead and without Christ indeed shall have his Name taken away He that hath a form of Godliness and not the Power shall have the form taken away He that hath Gifts and not Grace shall have his Gifts taken from him he that hath a Lamp and not Oyle shall have his Lamp taken from him as 't is said concerning Judas his Bishoprick let another take it but on the other side to him that hath shall be given He that indeed is partaker of the Unsearchable Riches of Christ shall then have them more yea more abundantly The End of the First Discourse THE SECOND DISCOURSE OF Knowing CHRIST Crucified 1. CORINTHIANS ij.ij. For I determined not to know any thing among you save Jesus Christ and him Crucified THere were two sorts of men that took offence at Paul's Preaching Jews and Greeks as appears in Chap. 1.22 1. Jews The Preaching of Christ Crucified was to them a stumbling block they dreamt that the Messiah should abide always John 12. â—4 and never die or be crucified they expected a Messiah that should restore the Kingdom to Israel and that which was to be understood mainly in a Spiritual sense they understood carnally of outward and mundane Peace and Glory They that had such high and large expectations of temporal felicity would not believe in a Crucified Messias that Life Salvation Eternal Glory and an everlasting Kingdom should spring from a Cross from a cursed death upon it their vailed understandings and carnal hearts could not be perswaded of They expected likewise some visible convincing Sign to Evidence to all the World that he was the Messias without which they will not believe Chap. 1.2 The Jews require a Sign 2. Greeks who were Philosophers Disputers of this World had wise and subtil heads these Greeks seek after Wisdom they apprehended there was no wisdom in Paul's Preaching Chrâ—st Crucified 1. Because he did not speak Reason they deemed it commendable wisdom to deny assent to that which was not made apparent by Arguments clearing it to Mens Reason Paul Preached naked Truths only upon the Testimony and Authority of God Now as Thomas would not believe unless he did feel so will not these Greeks unless these Truths be evidenced to Reason The Jews seek after a Sign the Greeks after a Convincing Reason The Jew will have it made evident to his Sense by a Miracle the Greek by a sound Argument to his Reason that Christ Crucified is the Saviour of the World so Natural Reason and Carnal Wisdom is made the rule and standard for the proof and trial of Divine Truths 2. They dislike his manner of Preaching 't was not sufficiently adorn'd with Wit and Eloquence the Truths that he Preached were not set before them in a comely dress they conceived both wisdom of Matter and wisdom of words to be wanting Truths of God Soul saving Truths are rejected because they were not delivered in enticing words of Man's Wisdom here 's the ground of the Offence To these groundless grounds of Offence the Apostle replies by urging his Commission given by Christ his Practice grounded on and conformed to that Commission and the Reasons why such a Commission was given him 1. He shews his Commission Chap. 1.17 Christ sent me not to Baptize but to Preach not with wisdom of words c. not to Baptize c that is this was not my principal work that he set me about but to Preach which is the greater and more noble work Verbum est vis Sacramenti Preaching is the means to beget Life Sacraments do but seal and confirm what is begotten the Church may sometimes subsist without the Administration of Sacraments for a time as the Jews in the Wilderness but not without the Preaching of the word though Hypocrites are of a contrary mind herein if they have Sacraments administred and their ordinary Service kept up no matter how little preaching there be but says Paul Christ sent me not to Baptize that is to Baptize and not to Preach or to Baptize as my chief and principal work but to Preach and that not with wisdom of Words His Commission was not to go and preach wisdom of words or to go in the strength of natural Wisdom or rational Arguments to convince their Judgments or with enticing words of mans wisdom with well-set Sentences and Eloquent Phrases to move their Affections but declare plain and naked Truths set Christ Jesus before them as Crucified urge the Testimony and Authority
time when the day of Judgment should be Dominus dixit se nescire quia non erat paratus aliis revelare Salmeron He accounts himself not to know because he resolves not to make it known whether that be the sense or not this is a Truth God will not account you to know when you have opportunities to distil Knowledge to others as to your Wives Children Servants and you neglect 2. You are in danger of loosing that Knowledge which you have of letting slip the Truths you have received Exercse of Gifts in instructing others is a means to preserve and enlarge those Gifts to hide your Talent will be to consume it or else it may provoke God in Judgment to deprive you of it as he that hid his Talent had it taken away To him that hath himself and in common with others more shall be given him but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath Here 's a seeming Contradiction hath yet hath not if you observe the occasion of this Speech which was the taking away of the hid Talent Math. 25 29. you will find thus much imported 1. He that hath a Talent given him and hides it and doth not improve it to the advantage of others he is accounted not to have a Talent he that knows and doth not inform and labour to benifit others by his Knowledge is accounted not to know 2. He that hath and hides shall loose what he hath it shall come to nothing then what follows v. 30. Cast ye the unprofitable Servant into utter darkness c. a dreadful Sentence Cast ye the unprofitable Hearer the unprofitable Father Master Husband Wife c. that have Knowledge and hid their Knowledge c. see therefore that you improve in Knowledge come hither to gain Knowledge and go home to communicate Knowledge let your Families know what you learn The Woman of Samaria having found Christ in the Mountain goes presently and Preaches him in the City Paul had no sooner that Voice in his Ear I am Jesus whom thou Persecutest but straight way he Preached Christ in the Synagogues that he is the Son of God Act. 9.20 He accounts himself to know what he knows among others for their benefit Paul according to the Interpretation given of the words accounts it a most excellent and precious thing to Preach Christ Crucified Hence Doct. 5. A faithful Minister of Jesus Christ accounts the Preaching of Christ a most sweet and precious Service Non eximium duxi I judged no Work so desirable and excellent as this so sweet to Paul that he esteems it more dear than his Life Act. 20.24 I count not my Life dear to me so I may finish my Course with joy and the ministry received of the Lord Jesus to testify the Gospel of the Grace of God he found Joy enough to carry him through all Sufferings in his course of Service and Duty he had reward enough in fulfilling his Ministry received of the Lord Jesus Glory enough in testifying the Gospel of the Grace of God Christ's Meat and Drink is to do his Father's Will Isa 49. â— Christ complains because of the obstinacy of the Jews I have laboured in vain because Israel is not gathered this seems an uncomfortable Service but he replys no there is sweetness and contentment sufficient even in labouring though in vain among the Jews surely my Judgment is with the Lord and my work with my God my Judgmenâ— c. or as Junius Officium meum penes est Jehovam My Office is with God that is he gave me an Office and I have performed and returned it to him in fulfilling of it that is satisfaction and recompence enough God witnesseth with my Conâ—cience that my Duty is discharged my work is with my God In the Margin my reward His work was a sufficient Reward O what an excellent Pattern is this for Christ's Ministers to account Work for Christ a reward given from Christ Gospel work your great Glory Likewise whatever Service Christ calls you to who are no Ministers know that there is sweetness enough even in the Service that 't is your greatest Honour to lay out your Selves for the Honour of Christ know you your duty to Christ to be your Dignity your work of Faith and labour of Love to be a reward Paul calls it a Grace to suffer for Christ Phil. 1.29 much more to do for Christ be so of Ingeâ—uous Spirits in the Service of Christ Profess the Gospel and live according to the Gospel live according to the Law of Faith to the Law of Love the perfect Law of Liberty Account Obedience to this Law to be most Honorable The Law of thy Mouth says David is dearer to me than Thousands of Gold and Silver not only the precious Promises of thy Mouth not only sweet Expressions of thy Love and Goodness but the Law which requires Obedience Self-denial c. this is more precious than Gold Labour you for such holy tempers of Spirit such Son-lke Dispositions to be in love with Duty to account the practicing of Holiness most precious the hearing of the Gospel Preached a Heaven to enjoy Christ in his Ordinances a high degree of Glory to live a gracious Life to be with Paul caught up into the third Heavens well may it be so accounted 't is so indeed Grace being Glory begun and Glory above is but Grace perfected But Jesus Christ Hence learn Doct. 6. Of all Divine Truths none are of so great necessity to be made known as Jesus Christ giving himself to be Crucified for the Salvation of Sinners This is the main thing for Ministers to apply themselves to make known and for People to know The Law was given on Sinai to drive Men to Christ to search more earnestly after him to be delivered from the Curse of it To him give all the Prophets witness Act. 10.43 he is the Principal Subject of the Gospel he is the Kernel of Scripture the Diamond in that Gold Ring the Sun in that Heaven the Ark in that Holy of Holys Hereto then all Studies and Endeavours must be applied to know Christ c. Thus briefly for these Observations The Main Points to be insisted on are these two Doct. 1. The Knowledge of Jesus Christ is the most Excellent and Precious Knowledge grounded on that Non Eximium duxi I counted nothing so excellent or worthy to be known Doct. 2. The labour of Ministers and the main Care and Endeavour of the People must be this the one to make known and the other to know as the History of Christ Crucified so especially the Mystery of the Cross of Christ 1. The Knowledge of Jesus Christ is the most excellent and precious Knowledge This is the ground-work and foundation in matter of Life and Salvation the Pillar and Grâ—und of Truth Christ is called the Foundation 1 Cor. 3 11. because all a Man's Peace Happiness and Joy lies on Christ as a Structure
which himself prescribes 1. According to his own Laws c. acknowledge no other Lord or Law-giver in matters of Religion Lord of Faith things to be believed Lord of Worship things to be done know that whatever is more than Christ commands is Sin whatever Ceremony to be used in a Religious way as representing and signifying some spiritual thing enjoyned by Men is Sin that is forbid in the Second Commandment thou shalt not make c. i. e. institute and appoint or invent to thy self any way of Worship anything to be used Religiously to set forth any spiritual thing but what God requires that only thou shalt observe herein is the great Apostacy of the Papists and herein consisted that great Sin of our Land which above others hath provoked God to bring this Judgment of War that Men's Laws have been Rules to us in matters of Religion because Men did make Ordinances and enjoyn Ceremonies to be used in a Religious way here was an Intrenching on Christ's Kingly Office herein was Superstition Will-worship and because the abomination of desolation was set up therefore we like Ephraim are smitten in Judgment because we willingly followed after their Commands so are delivered into the hands of the Cruel they that caused us to err are causes of wo Now that we may be healed again let 's remember whence we are fallen and how fallen from the purity of Christ's worship cast off all mixtures in Religion let not our Heart hang after the Onions and Garlick of Egypt after old Ceremonies be longer the Servants of Men. when the Corinthians some of them ascribed too much to Paul too much to Apollo Paul reproves this 1 Cor. 1.13 was Paul Crucified for you intimating he must be honoured above all his Doctrine his Laws we must imbrace and be led by in matters of Religion who was Crucified for us that was Christ 2. Do what Christ enjoyns in Spirit and Truth not feignedly but in truth not outwardly and bodily only but spiritually let the Service we perform be a work of our Spirits pray with the Spirit hear with the Spirit and when you receive the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper It must be done with the Spirit and the work of the Spirit amidst all these Services is especial in a work of Faith laying hold on what Christ promises and conveys in and by his Ordinances that Grace Life and Strength c. 3. That which Christ's Crucifying especially calls for and most nearly answers it is the Crucifying of our Flesh with the Affections and Lusts that our old Man be Crucified with Christ Gal. 3.23 where you see 't is not enough to have some Members cut off to forsake some particular Sins that may be and the body of Sin live still but crucify the Flesh crucify Original Corruption that is that strength and power of Sin which is in the Heart Quest Now wherein lies the strength of Sin Answ In the Will when Sin hath the Will so that what Sin a Man commits the bent of his will the disposition of his Soul is to commit them if a Man sins and wills to sin then Sin reigns Eph. 2.3 fulfilling the desires of the Flesh c. Sin is a King when the love of Sin constrains a Man to do Iniquity as on the other side Grace reigns when the love of Christ constrains c. then crucify the Flesh so as that Sin may cease to reign if Sin have your Members sometimes yet let it not have your Wills let the strength of all your Faculties be turned against Sin of your Understandings to search into the Evils of it and to study out ways to overcome it let your wills be to be freed from it your Affections turned all against it to hate loath c. Sin cannot be wholy purged out in this life the mortifying of Sin is a work done by degrees as those that are hanged on the Cross dye by degrees 't is a lingring Death such is the death of Sin that railing Thief on the Cross you may take as an Emblem to set forth Sin in the Saints where 't is Crucified his Body hanged on the Cross his Hands nailed he could not rob or spoil any more he ceased now to be a reigning Thief but then his Tongue he used in railing against Christ so for those that are Members of Christ their old Man is fastned to the Cross it cannot reign any longer some life remains it may strugle with the renewed part the Flesh lusteth against the Spirit it would fain overcome but the Spirit of God in the Soul keeps it under and by all the striving of Corruption again Grace Corruption waxes weaker till at last it be wholy vanquished Now this Effect you must labour to shew forth of the Death of Christ and herein be conformed to him Be planted together in the likeness of his Death now be freed from Sin and be no longer Servants to it let it not reign and as Christ being raised dieth no more Death hath no more Dominion over him Rom. 6.9 so labour that Sin may in such manner be Crucified as that it never have dominion in you again 4. Learn hence to make use of the Blood of Christ for obtaining your Justification and Peace with God By the shedding of the Blood of Christ is Remission of Sins this is the Sacrifice that makes Attonement Christ made Peace by the Blood of this Cross Labour for Faith to draw forth this Benefit out of the Blood of Christ to apply it to your selves that it may be yours in the Justifying Effect that peaceable Fruit of it Now what is required of us 1. To believe the Vertue and Value of it that 't is sufficient to redeem a Soul and your Soul 2. To believe God's offer and tender of it to you and Christ's willingness to give it to you if you will but imbrace it 3. That you cast your Souls into that Sea of Blood and rest only on the Vertue of it for Life and Justification Do thus then rest confidently assured of acceptance with God you may go with boldness into the Holiest c Vse 3. Trial. By this you may know what Knowledge you have in the Mystery of the Cross of Christ c. viz. if you so know him as to believe in him to count his Blood most precious to be resolved to obey and suffer for Christ in a due manner and draw Vertue from his Cross for Crucifying Sin and conquering all the World and comforting your Hearts in all Tribulations and Deaths this is to know the Mystery of Christ Crucified Gal. 6.14 The End of the Second Discourse THE THIRD DISCORUSE A Sermon concerning the Divine Authority of the Holy Scriptures 1 THESSALONIANS ij xiij For this cause also thank we GOD without ceasing because when ye received the word of God which you heard of us ye received it not as the word of Men but as it is in truth the word of God which effectually worketh
also in you that believe IN this Chapter you may observe two things 1. Paul's Relation of the Story of his Preaching the Gospel to the Thessalonians which for the manner was done with boldness v. 2. and in sincerity not in guile v. 3. not out of covetousness v. 5. but his sincerity appeared in two things 1. Because his aim was to please God v. 4. as pleasing God A service is never pleasing to God unless it be our aim and desire above all to please him 2. In his most affectionate desire of the Thessalonians 7.8 that is that they might be won to Christ and be saved Aiming at pleasing God and a desire to win Souls to God are always joyned together Remember these two marks of sincerity 2. The success of his Preaching the Gospel the good it wrought for which he blesses God In the Text observe 1. The Apostles Thankfulness and Praise offered up unto God He doth not Sacrifice to his own Net but casts in his Net to catch Souls for Christ and blesses God for what is done by him The work is only God's to make his word effectual and all the Glory must be his For this cause thank we God 2. The matter of his Thanksgiving and the ground of his praise Because when ye received the word of God ye received as 't was in Truth i. e. as it ought to be received And therein observe further 1 The Divine Authority of the word asserted As it is in Truth the word of God 2. The manner how it must be received by men As the word of God himself 3. The way in which it comes to work effectually that is by believing it Doct. The word contained in the Books of the Old and New Testament is in Truth the word of God This is the first Stone that must be layed when you begin the work of saving your Souls this is the Foundation of Religion our Faith our Hope our Profession of Religion is all vain unless this Principle be rooted in our Hearts Heb. 5.12 I may say of some of you as the Apostle of some of them Ye have need that one teach you which be the first Principles of the Oracles of God Now this is one of the first of those first Principles which that you may be instructed in Four Truths are to be shewn Truth 1. That word which is held forth as God's is so in Truth It hath God for its Author And if you ask as Christ concerning the Coin whose Image and Superscription hath it the Answer is God's give then to God the things that are God's You must not come with the Devil's Question no not in your hearts yea hath God said it But be like the Thessalonians here c. That there is a God that made the World and and all Creatures I hope is certain to you and that this God is to be worshipped There was a Law written in man's heart which did teach him how God was to be worshipped but Sin hath almost blotted out this Law so that there remains but here and there a Character of it and impossible it is that thereby we should come to a saving knowledge of the mind of God 'T is with us in respect of the things of God as with the Blind Man Mar. 8.24 Christ put his hands upon him and askt if he saw ought I see Men at Trees walking So we in our natural condition we see God as Man and as Trees and so fall to such gross Idolatries to worship stocks we look on evil as good on good as evil Now as Christ did put his hands the second time on the Blind Man and then he saw clearly so God must give his Law the second time and give us Eyes the second time and restore a divine and spiritual Light to us then we shall see the things of God clearly The former of these he hath done he lest his will upon Record in the word which in truth is his The latter we must desire him to do if he hath not done it already and as a means to further this I shall endeavour to prove it to you And here take Notice of three things as necessary to establish you in this Truth 1. There is the Spirit in Scripture giving Testimony to it as Christ says Though I bear witness of my self it is true John 8.14 So the Spirit in Scripture giving witness to it self is true John 3 33 34. Faith receives that Testimony 2 Tim. 3.16 All Scâ—ipture c. 2. Pet. 1.21 Holy Men speak c. Truth 2. There are Arguments to be drawn from the word it self to Evidence the Divine Authority As 1. The Power and Efficacy of the word The word is quick and powerful c. Heb. 4.12 There is a twofold word of God 1. There is the Eternally begotten word of God that is the Second Person John 1.1 this is most Powerful Omnipotent because he is God All the great works of God were done by this word v. 3. All things were made by him He is called the Word because begotten of the Divine understanding beholding the Divine Essence And as a word doth express and is the Image the Conceit of the mind so the Son is the express Image of the Father Now some understand that place of this word 2. There is the written word of God which may be called the word of the word of God Christ is the word of the Father This is the word of Christ Col. 3.16 He is the great Prophet that revealed this word Now as Christ is called the Power of God because by him all things were made so this word is the power of Christ 't is a powerful Instrument in his hand whereby he doth all great works Rom. 1.16 destroying Satan's Kingdom and setting up his own Kingdom converting Souls c and in this respect 't is said to be quick and powerful c. by this power Christ overcame the Devil Math. 4.4 7. ' Its written now the power of the word is seen 1. In conviction of the Conscience a wing and restraining mens Spirits How many proud Hearts have been made to stoop and fall down before the power of the word and to stand trembling before it as Act. 24.25 Felix trembled and said go thy way for this time c. he could not stand before the power of the word and experience tells us what a power the word hath in awakning sleepy Consciences in pricking Men at the Heart that they know not what to do in wounding Mens Spirits in such a manner as that the wise man says of it a wounded Spirit who can bear so as that the most exquisite torments of the body are not to be compared with it the scorching of Fire the dividing betwixt the Joynts and Marrow yea Death it self is nothing to it for would not a wounded Conscience choose Death to be freed from the torment thereof what a power is it that the word hath when Men have gone on in
know perfectly Brethren I count not my self to have apprehended I follow after I do not sit down satisfied with that I have but I follow after that which I have not that I may apprehend that for which I am apprehended of God God apprehends the Elect in Love he apprehends by his Spirit to bring nigh to himself to make Vessels of Mercy and Glory and they desire to apprehend God and to be nigh him and to be filled brim full with Mercy and Glory they that are full already are most empty Luk. 1.53 Use 2. To stir up the Saints with more diligence to labour to work out their Salvation as Peter exhorts Believers 2 Pet. 1.5 Giving all diligence add to your Faith Vertue to Vertue Knowledge c. So to add Faith to Faith Vertue to Vertue Knowledge to Knowledge Holiness to Holiness Hos 6.3 Then shall we know if we follow on to know the Lord. You that know any thing of Christ should follow on to know more and you shall know more if you hear if you search the Scriptures if you ask more Wisdom and Knowledge 2 Pet. 3.18 Grow in Grace and in the Knowledge of the Lord. Grow in all Graces in Faith Humility Heavenly mindedness and as a great furtherance hereto grow in Knowledge That Salvation may be perfected Consider what it is The Apostle describes it by two parts 1. Wee shall see him as he is 2. We shall be like him To see Christ as the Express Image of the Fathers Person to know God in Christ and to enjoy him as your God and to bear the Image of Christ perfectly in your Soul and Body this is compleat Salvation To see him in whom all fulness dwels and to be like him that is the brightness of the Fathers Glory is Glory enough So these are two great things that ought to be your mark 1. Grow in the Knowledge of Christ Math. 13.11 To you it is given to know the Mystery of Christ To know the great Mystery of Godliness to you a Spirit is given to lead you into all Truth to you the Promises are made of being taught of God Desire Knowledge and believe this Promise so more and more still of the Fulness Excellency and Glory of Christ shall be revealed to you 2. Grow in a conformity to Christ Christ is perfectly Holy labour to be more like him in Holiness let the same mind be in you as in Christ the same Meekness Compassion Heavenly mindedness and Zeal for the Glory of the Father Fashion not your selves to the World but fashion your selves according to the Pattern of Christ and believe that your vile Bodies shall be fashioned like to his Glorious Body and let this Hope he your Happiness till you actually enjoy this Happiness Use 3. Direction about this great work of working out our Salvation 1. Propose right ends to your selves Intermediate and Mediate 1. Intermediate ends that you may have perfect Happiness perfect Redemption from all Evils and that an end may be put to Sin and Sorrow that there may be no more sinning nor no more sorrowing The desire of your own good is not unlawful if you desire Heaven as your Happiness Christ as your Life the presence of God as your best portion this you ought to desire as your happiness the enjoyment of God as your chief good and perfect likeness to Christ as the most perfection that you can be made partakers of Thus did Paul desire his own happiness and good 2 Cor. 6. We which are in this Tabernacle do groan c To be cloathed upon that immortality may be swallowed up of life that Vanitv may be swallowed up of fulness Earthly things of Heavenly Temporal of Eternal that is you must not make it your Business to be Rich Great Renowned and Happy in the World but to be Rich Glorious and Happy in Heaven Lay not up for your selves Treasure on Earth but in Heaven say not to your Souls there are Goods laid up on Earth but much Glory in Heaven Treasures which Moth and Rust cannot corrupt nor Thief break through and steal 2. Your own Happiness must not be your chief and ultimate end but the Glory of God Desire that perfection of Glory may be given you that God may have all that Glory which he expects from you Mark that Petition Father glorify thy Son that thy Son also may glorify thee Joh. 17.1 Desire your own Glory for the Glory of God Desire perfect Knowledge and perfect Holiness that you may do nothing besides Glorifying God that you may not come short of any degree of Glory that he expects from you It is the Everlasting Exercise of the Saints in Heaven to sing Hallelujahs 2. Lay aside every Weight As those that run in a Race will not load themselves with unnecessary weights and he that strives for Masteries is temperate in all things 1 Cor. 9.15 He will take heed of Surfeiting and Drunkeness so in running this Spiritual Race towards Heaven lay aside every weight whatever may be a clog to your hearts to slacken your diligence from endeavouring after the encrease of Heavenly perfections whatever may draw down your hearts from Heaven what may remit your desire of Christ's appearing and of being in his presence As 1. The Love of the World This will be a heavy weight on hearts to hinder their ascending to Heaven If the Mountains should fall upon your Bodies these would be such a weight that you would not be able to stir in the least motion under them the love of the World in the heart is as great weight upon the Spirit it suppresses breathings of Spirit after Heaven it quenches thirstings after Heavenly Glory Take heed of loading your hearts with this weight do not load your selves with thick clay So much immoderate love as there is to the World so much weight is in your Spirits pressing them down from Heaven 2. The cares of the World These are a weight they beget Heaviness in your Spirits and deadness unto Spiritual things Luke 20.34 Take heed of surfeiting and drunkeness and the cares of the World Provident cave is not forbidden but immoderate carâ—king cares take heed of being drunken with cares these cares are choaking things Spiritual desires joys motions and breathings are in danger to be choak'd by worldly cares This our Saviour shews in that parable of the Sower Some Seed shall fall among Thorns and the Thorns sprang up with it and choaked it Luke 8.7 By this is meant such hearers as hear the word and go forth and are choaked with the cares riches and pleasures of the World and bring no fruit to perfection ver 14. If you give up your selves to these this will hinder the bringing Fruit to perfection Worldly Men bar Fruit but not Fruits to perfection no Faith no Love Repentance Reformation so if Saints be overtaken with these this will hinder much their growing onwards to perfection in Knowledge in Grace 3. Worldly Sorrow