Dishonour of God and Destruction of Souls by sin nevertheless Knowledge is so choice a thing that it makes some Men eminent in understanding as much differ from others as Man generally differs from a Bruit so that the Schools of understanding are both courted and desirable Now if the knowledge of the things of this World be so desirable and excellent how much more is the knowledge of God things of God and Eternal Excellency which Nature cannot Fathom and tho' we had all the Books Written and attained to all Human Learning and had all the Host of Heaven and Creation under the Sun to instruct us yet thereby can we not be instructed or learn the Mystery of Mans Redemption or know Regeneration and Newness of Life or power of God in the spirit much less be able to find out the Eternal purpose of God to the souls of Believers or to apprehend that fruition of glory that Believers are intituled unto and shall enjoy Eternally in Heaven wherefore if we must be Wise to eternal Life we must be Fools to this World for according to Solomon The fear of the Lord is the beginning of Wisdom Prov. 1.7 So that if any Man lack Wisdom he must ask it of God who giveth to all Men liberally and upbraideth not James 1.5 If the Excellency and Advantage of knowing the perishing shadows of Earthly things lead Mens desire so much after that much more may we be Encouraged to seek after the knowledge of God and of spiritual things First For that in Human knowledge there is no perfection we see in all Ages Countries and Nations one Generation exceedeth the other in knowledge and experience and in one and the same Age one Man far exceeds another in so much that the Wisdom of one is ridiculed by the other Secondly All Human knowledge leaves a Man in this life yea a Man often so Declines in his Intellectuals that his own Life is his Burden and he becomes a Child or Bruit Thirdly Mans knowledge is his Burden because he can attain no satisfaction thereby it having no end or perfection so as all his Life is Anxiety Trouble and Sorrow Witness Solomon Ecl. 2. Chap. 3. all Ecl. 12.12 Fourthly The knowledge of Human things puffeth up and driveth a Man often so above his level that many Learned in Discontent have run into Distraction and strangled themselves but the Sanctified knowledge of God and spiritual things have the quite contrary qualities and effects First Divine knowledge is so choice a thing that the more a Man hath of it he becometh the humbler abaseth himself and adores God the more therefore have I uttered that I understood not I have heard of thee by the Ear but now mine Eye seeth thee wherefore I abhor my self and repent in Dust and Ashes Job 42.3 5 6. Secondly As Human knowledge is a Burden Divine knowledge is a Delight because the more a Man knoweth he humbleth himself the more in sense of his own Vanity and is confirmed in his knowledge because by Divine Wisdom he sees all the steps Coherent and tend to his building up in God and so delights in that knowledge then shall we know if we follow on to know the Lord Hosea 6.3 here is Assurance of Attainment which is not in Human knowledge witness such who spend their Time Life and Substance in pursuing after that phanciful Foppery commonly called the Philosophers Stone who for most part dye fools or beggers if not both Thirdly As the knowledge of Human things fail and leave a Man in this Life the knowledge of God and spirituals attend a Man here to his Grave and grows and Conducts him not only to his Grave but also to Heaven Blâ—ssed are the Dead that Dye in the Lord they cease from their Labour and their Works follow them Rev. 14.13 Their knowledge of God in Faith is their Guide and Comfort Christ hath promised to send to his People for their Guide and Comfort the Holy Ghost the Comforter Even the Spirit of Truth which the World receiveth not because it knoweth him not but ye know him and he dwelleth in you and shall be in you I will not leave you I will come to you Jo. 14 16 17. Fourthly As the knowledge of Human things is imperfect and therefore Mens burden and the cause of such Imperfection may be First Gods Wisdom to keep Man from boasting of himself so it may be from the changeableness of Human Objects in reference to times and seasons and also from providential Influence on the Speculative part making it more acute in one Age than in another to shew the absolute Dependance of all Creatures on the Influence of Providence as shall best please God so the Wisdom and Knowledge which is from above and dispensed to Christians on this side of time is also clouded and narrow imperfect and but in part not that the Wisdom of God can be dark but the manifestation thereof may be so said to be in relation to that full fruition after enjoyed for that either Wisdom which is God himself Prov. 8.1 all Thought fit to let out no more of himself to Believers then might be necessary to the Discovery of Carnal and Sinful Vanities and be a guide to lead them to Heaven in longing Appetite after the more Glorious knowledge of himself Or Secondly For that our Crazy and Earthy Vessels as old brittle Bottles were uncapable to receive such inexpressible Communications of himself and these Eternal Mansions of Felicity which are Treasured up in Christ Jesus for the Saints and therefore he allows them no more here than is fit with Comfort to waft them in upon Eternity and then for the further Manifestation of his own glory goodness and wisdom doth exchange our Mortal and vile Bodies of Dust not able to receive such glory into immortal Bodies and then doth manifest himself to the full to the Saints who then shall see not in a shadow only but plainly as they are seen that their glory may be full for we know but in part and prophesie but in part but when that which is perfect is come than that which is in part shall be done away for now we see through a glass darkly but then face to face now I know in part but then shall I know even as I am known 1 Cor. 13 9 to 13. and this is that Mystical Union of the Spirit by which the Saints are made one with God in Christ Jesus in that inexpressible knowledge and sight of God whereby they shall be able to stand in his presence face to face and behold his glory and rejoyce in it The Second Branch of Union with God is Holiness God is essentially Holy and Holiness it self whose Name is Holy Isa 51.45 and can as well be divided from himself as from Holiness so who are one with God must be Holy and to be Holy is to be partakers of the Divine Nature Christ the only begotten Son of God and
my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts Is 55.8 9. And while musing what the Spirit meant in these Expressions I was carryed back to review the fatal Record of mans Condemnatory Sentence for his Rebellion in which I found written And I will put Enmity between thee and the Woman and between thy Seed and her Seed it shall bruise thy Head and thou shalt bruise his Heel Gen. 3.15 And being yet more in the dark as to the meaning of that Scripture I was led to that of Gods Covenant with Abraham and I will Establish my Covenant between thee and me and thy Seed after thee in their Generations for an everlasting Covenant Gen. 17.7 8. and to that other Word of God to Moses I will raise them up a Prophet amongst their Brethren like unto thee and will put my words into his mouth and he shall speak unto them all the words which I have commanded him Deut. 18.18 And being led a little further to understand the meaning of this I met with that Word of the Lord to David by the Prophet Samuel And thine House and thy Kingdom shall be Established for ever before thee and thy Throne shall be Established for ever 2 Sam. 7.11 to 17. And that of David himself The Lord hath Sworn in Truth unto David he will not turn from it of the Fruit of thy Body will I set upon thy Throne Ps 132.11 And the Lord hath said to my Lord sit thou at my Right Hand until I make thine Enemies thy Foot-stool Ps 110.1 and that other place of the same Prophet David And thou wilt not leave my Soul in Hell neither suffer thy Holy one to see Corruption Ps 16.10 And thus being led to the view of these Scriptures and being yet more Anxious to understand their meaning I was at last by the Blessing of God led to that of the second of the Acts verse 22 to 37. And that of the 7th of the Acts And to these words Of this mans Seed hath God according to his promise raised unto Israel a Saviour Acts 13.15 to 42. By all which I found plainly laid open that before the Foundations of the Earth were laid 2 Tim. 1.9 God according to his own purpose had provided the means of mans Redemption and that all the foregoing Scriptures under the Old Testament were Prophetical of his Eternal purpose and good Will and that in the fulness of time he should send one even Jesus Christ to take upon him the Nature of man with whom God entred into an everlasting Covenant and that for Sin Sin should be Condemned in the flesh and that Everlasting Covenant with Abraham and the Prophets spoken of by Moses and Establishing of Davids Throne for ever are all meant of that Everlasting Covenant between God and Jesus Christ the Second Adam by which Covenant Christ was to come in the flesh and suffer death as he did and that he should obtain Eternal Life for all such as should believe in him Jo. 3.16 And thus being instructed that the manifold promises and priviledges spoken of in the Old and New Testament do belong to Believers and that as well Salvation as Faith to lay hold on Jesus Christ are freely of God as a gift Jam. 1.17 Hence I found the Truth of that of Gods Word My thoughts are not your thoughts our thoughts are narrow and run only after the lesser things and would de satisfied with the Restoration of man to his first Estate in the first Adam and considering this new and Second Covenant in the Second Adam not only of things Temporal but also of things Eternal and that this Second Covenant is Everlasting sure and not subject to the fatal Apostacy as was that in the first Adam And as in Contemplation of the Happy State of man in his First Creation the Heart was raised to rejoyce in God and magnifie his goodness and could not but take pleasure in so choice a Speculation and as on reflection upon the dismal and decayed condition of man upon his degeneracy the Soul must needs be dejected with melancholy and grievous thoughts how highly may the Soul be Elevated with Admiration of that infinite love of God to mankind in Christ Jesus who hath in him chosen of the Seed of Abraham before the Foundation of the World Eph. 1.4 5. having predestinated them unto the Adoption of Children to himself and properly apply that of the Holy Prophet Eye hath not seen nor Ear heard neither hath it entred into the Heart of Man besides thee O Lord what good things he hath laid up for them who wait on him Is 64.4 Thus Christian Reader being led unto the meditation of these three material Concerns of mans everlasting condition I have Collected these ensuing Sheets in which I have first considered mans condition in the First Creation and Secondly under his Apostacy wherein I have examined that original Sin in Adam in the several Ingredients thereof and how far the Posterity are guilty and affected with the Evil Consequences of the same upon which are made some practical Inferences Thirdly I have considered the Covenant of grace in the Second Adam wherein I have touched on all the Duties incumbent on Believers under that Covenant and have met with all the emergent Cases of Affliction incident to Believers in the militant State such as spiritual desertion Afflictions by Sickness Imprisonment Poverty Reproach loss of and being forsaken by Friends and Relations and have collected and applyed the several promises to the respective cases and in the close have examined the Duty of Christian Patience and Perseverance with the promises suitable thereunto and lastly have drawn a large Series of Christian Duties and Truths in short Heads with the Scriptural Proofs thereof so as in two or three Pages the marrow of the whole is comprehended and as I dare averr in all Christian Sincerity these Sheets were only Collected for Private and Domestick use without any intention of sending them to publick view by which means they are in a more naked and rude dress without the Curiosity of Eloquence or Artificial patching and as by the importunity of some Friends I was induced to send them abroad I shall only desire thus much in Christian Charity that thou mayest believe that these are the effects of serious enquiry into the Holy Scriptures with Meditation and Prayer and narrowly searching into Truth with what strength I could obtain by grace and that neither in Ostentation or for secular ends they are sent abroad but in all Humility if it may be that others may find therein that Light and Establishment in the way of God which I hope I have and shall find and conceiving this to be a Duty according to that of the Holy Apostle Look not every Man on his own things but every Man also on the things of another Phil. 2.4 and that thou mayest have the Truths of grace Sealed on thy Soul and that
with-hold the Churches lamentation How hath the Lord covered the Daughter of Sion with a Cloud in his anger and cast down from Heaven to Earth the beauty of Israel and remembred not his foot-stool in the day of his anger what thing shall I take witness for thee what shall I liken unto thee O Daughter of Jerusalem what shall I equal unto thee that I may comfort thee O Virgin Daughter of Zion for thy breach is great like the Sea who can heal it Lam. 2.1 to the end How is the Gold become dim how is the most fine Gold changed the Stones of the Sanctuary are poured out in every Street the pretious Sons of Zion comparable to fine Gold how are they esteemed as Earthern Pitchers the work of the hands of the Potter Lam. 4.1 2 all And with the Holy King and Psalmist heavily lament wo is me that I sojourn in Meseâ—â— and dwell in the Tents of Kedar Psalm 120.5 This being the universal state of Misery to all Mankind as in the place before cited Man is born unto troubles as the sparks fly upward It being no more natural to the Sparks to come out of fire and fly up then to man born in Sin to meet with sorrow and misery and therefore all Men should Copy out the Prophets methods and wish Oh that my head were Waters and mine Eyes a Fountain of Tears that I might weep day and night for the slain of my People Oh that I had in the Wilderness a lodging place of way faring Men that I might leave my People and go from them for they be all Adulterers an assembly of treacherous Men and they bend their Tongues like their bows for lies but they are not valiant for the Truth upon Earth for they proceed from Evil to Evil and know not me saith the Lord take ye heed every one to his Neighbour and trust ye not in any brother for every Brother will utterly supplant and every Neighbour will walk with Slanders they weary themselves to commit Iniquity thine habitation is in the midst of deceit through deceit they refuse to know me saith the Lord Jer. 9.1 to 7. And should also with the Church arise cry out in the night in the beginning of the Watches pour out thy Heart like Water before the Face of the Lord lift up thy Hands towards him for the Life of thy young Children that faint for hunger in the top of every Street Lam. 2.19 And with the same Prophet Jeremiah Rachel weeping for her Children and refused to be comforted because they were not Jer. 31.25 Now if the holy Prophet was thus in an Agony of grief for the Sin and Misery of one Nation and People and the Church for her private state and the holy King for his uneasiness under such Companions how much more reason hath every Son of Adam not only to mourn for and bewail his private guilt and misery but also to lye low in self abasement humiliation repentance and bitter Complaints of the universal misery of all mankind as Sons of Wrath by Nature because of Sin This being the dismal Estate and Condition of Man by Nature in which is too great matter of mourning and lamentation methinks I hear the loud sounding of bitter groaning under the subjection and bondage of the Creation Rom. 8.22 And a voice grievously putting the question Is the plant of renown of Gods Creation utterly cut off Hath the Lord forgot to be gracious will he be favourable no more are his tender Mercies clean gone for ever Psal 77.7 8 9. Psal 85.5 Psal 89.46 In answer to which I was led to that place Thus saith the Lord refrain thy voice from weeping and thine Eyes from tears for thy works shall be rewarded and they shall come again from the Land of the Enemy and there is hope in thine end and thy Children shall come again to their own Land Jer. 31.16 17. And while in deep contemplation of this consolatory voice and plunged with reflections on Mans Incapacity to reconcile himself to God and of the apparent impossibility I was led to that of the Prerogative of God With Man this is impossible but with God all things are possible Mat. 19.26 And to that pretious Truth My Thoughts are not your Thoughts nor my Ways your Ways saith the Lord for as the Heavens are higher than the Earth so are my Thoughts higher than your Thoughts and my Ways than your Ways Isa 55.8 9. And being further plunged in the deep contemplation of Mans Rebellion and of the Justice of God which requires Attonement for Sin and finding Man had nothing wherewith to come before the Lord to appease the wrath of an Omnipotent Holy and Dishonoured Majesty I was lost between the belief of his Faithfulness who had promised and the apparent impossibility I was carried to that Scripture Who hath saved us and called us with an holy calling not according to our works but according to his own purpose and Grace which was given us in Christ Jesus before the World began 2 Tim. 1.9 And to that other Scripture According as he hath chosen us in him before the Foundations of the World that we should be holy and without blame before him in love Eph. 1.4 In hope of Eternal Life which God that cannot lie promised before the World began Tit. 1.2 And to that other clear truth for as much as ye know that ye are not redeemed with corruptible things as Silver and Gold but with the pretious blood of Christ as a Lamb without blemish and without spot who verily was fore-ordained before the Foundations of the World but was manifest in these last times in you 1 Pet. 1.18 19 20. And being also carried to view that Scripture And I will put enmity between thee and the Woman and between thy Seed and her Seed It shall bruise thy Head and thou shalt bruise his Heel Gen. 3.15 by all which I was brought to understand that the same Eternal Wisdom and Council of God whereby at first Man was created in the Image of God Gen. 1.26 27. by which the Fall of Man was foreseen the Restoration of Man to the same Image of God was also decreed from all Eternity by Gods Eternal goodness and free bounty and by means above the reach of Man to contrive or his power to accomplish viz. by Jesus Christs taking upon him the Humane Nature and shedding his blood to death to expiate the guilt of Mans Sin as in that of the forecited testimony of the Apostle Peter This then being the unfolding of that great mistery of Mans Redemption and Eternal Salvation by Jesus Christ as by Gods Grace shall be more fully explained in the ensuing Discourse If the reflection upon the miserable Estate of Man in the foregoing Description justly occasioned and called for from all men deep humiliation sorrow and repentance how great Reason have all Men with all adoration humility and thankfulness to cry out with the Holy Apostle Oh
holy place with him also that is of a contrite and humble Spirit to revive the Spirit of the humble and to revive the Heart of the contrite ones for I will not contend for ever neither will I be always wroth for the Spirit should fail before me and the Souls which I have made Isa 57.15 16. From whence we may have these two Lessons First A Lesson of Caution Humiliation and Watchfulness to the Godly and Penitent Secondly An advice against censoriousness and rash judging of others First As to Godly and Penitent hast thou upon serious enquiry into thine own Heart Affections and Conversation found that Godly sorrow and repentance for sin spoken of 2 Cor. 7.9 10 11. And explained in this ensuing Discourse Page And hast found Faith warranting thee to believe that Christ Jesus who knew no sin is made sin for thee 2 Cor. 5.21 And thou made the Righteousness of God in him and that the Hand-writing of Ordinances of Gods Justice as to thee is by him blotted out Col. 2.13 14. Then consider First What thou art called unto That as ye have learned Christ Jesus so walk ye in him Hath he made thee Righteousness who was dead in trespasses and sins not by thine own work of Righteousness but of his Grace and by his Power of Regeneration art thou justified not by the Law of thy Works but by Grace and Faith in Jesus Christ Romans 3.27 28. T hy works are only Obedience Faith and Holiness which are given to thee by him and though they neither have justified nor can justify thee they are thy duties and what thou canst do is but duty and thou shouldst account thy self an unprofitable Servant as to God Luke 17.10 And though in the acceptance of God through Jesus Christ thou art accounted Righteous thou must continue in holy duties in all manner of conversation and must not continue in Sin that Grace may abound but as being dead to sin and crucified in Christ thou shouldest walk in newness of life to the destruction of the body of Death that we may live with Christ Let not therefore Sin reign in your Mortal bodies that you should obey it in the lusts thereof neither yield ye your Members as Instruments of unrighteousness to Sin but yield unto God as those that are alive from the dead and your Members as Instruments of Righteousness unto God and sin not because thou art not under the Law but under Grace Rom. 6. to 16. Secondly Art thou in thy apprehensions renewed to God and hast a loathing sense of Corruptions is the Bond-woman of Sin and Satan cast out by the power of Regeneration and Grace leave not thy house empty but get it freshly stockt with increase of Grace consider what Christ saith of the Man out of which the Devil was cast out that if he find the House empty he will return with seven Devils worse than himself and the last state of that man will be worse than the first Luk. 11.24 25 26. Be instant therefore in Prayer to God for increase of Grace and Guard against old favourite Lusts and Corruptions that they return not again to entangle thee to Folly take the Apostles advice be sober be vigilant because your Adversary the Devil as a roaring Lion walketh about seeking whom he may devour whom resist stedfast in the Faith 1 Pet. 8.9 Thirdly Art thou Righteous to God by Christ Jesus not by thine own works and power be humble in the sense of thy own incapacity and insufficiency for any good in thy self and say with that holy Apostle For I know that in me that is in my Flesh there dwelleth no good thing for to will is present with me but how to perform that which is good that I know not for the good that I would I do not but the evil which I would not that I do for I find a Law that when I would do good evil is present with me O wretched man that I am Who shall deliver me from the Body of this death Rom. 7.18 to 25. And be deeply sensible of the weakness and imperfection of all thy Graces and Attainments as rotten Garments and menstruous Clouts as in and from thee and that in thy self there is no soundness but uncleanness from the sole of the Foot to the top of the head Isa 1.6 Ch. 64.6 Secondly As to censoriousness and rash judging the Scripture tells us that offences must come but wo to them by whom they come Luke 17.1 And as none are more obnoxious to be slandered reviled and evil reported of and be treated censoriously and uncharitably than the Godly this they may remember for their Comfort and Patience that the Disciple must not expect better entertainment than his Master nor the Servant than his Lord and as Christ was reviled with being a friend to Publicans and Sinners a Wine-bibber and a Drunkard and that he did cast out Devils by Belzebub the Prince of Devils Luke 7.32 33 34. So may the Children of God contentedly sit down under the uncharitable constructions of the Enemies of Truth after the example of Christ who when he was reviled reviled not again when he suffered he threatned not but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously 1 Pet. 2.21 22 23. As the Children of God when they do well and suffer for it are called to suffer patiently as following Christs example in the foregoing Scripture so the uncharitable and censorious Rabsecahs whose business is to ridicule the Truth of God disparage Religion and load the zealous for God with reproach and infamy Isa 36. Chap. 37.8 to 14. should do well to remember that uncharitable censoriousness is a great sin against God and to take on them to charge the Professors of Religion with Hypocrisy is assuming to themselves the Prerogative of God of knowing mens Hearts which alone is the peculiar power of God Jer. 11.20 ch 17.9 10. Psal 7.9 1 Sam. 16.7 Man looketh on the outward appearance but the Lord looketh on the Heart No Man can charge another with any Sin but if he search into his own Heart and Ways he may find himself guilty of that same or worse Sins wherewith he chargeth his Brother wherefore he should take Christs directions first To take the beame out of his own Eye before he challenge the Mote in his Brothers Eye and not to Judge least he be Judged Mat. 7. to 6. Let such consider how much a narrow uncharitable and censorious Spirit is contrary to that love tenderness and charity which is commanded and recommended in Scripture Rom. 2. all and that if any brother or professor of truth be fallen under any sin that he be reclaimed in the Spirit of meekness and not treated with bitter invectives and reproaches 2 Cor. 2.7 and that self-humiliation is the best means of anothers conviction and the true Christian duty For whoso exalteth himself shall be abased and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted Luk. 14.11 Let such consider
Gen. 17.7 And that Prophet promised to Moses and I will raise them up a Prophet amongst their Brethren like unto thee and I will put my words into his mouth and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him Deut. 18.18 And he is that Prophet of whom the Apostle speaketh Of this Mans Seed hath God according to his promise raised unto Israel a Saviour Jesus Act. 13.22 And this is that rod out of the Stem of Jesse on whom the Spirit of the Lord doth rest The Spirit of Wisdom and Understanding the Spirit of Counsel and Might the Spirit of Knowledge and of the fear of the Lord he shall not judge after the sight of his Eyes nor reprove after the hearing of his Ears but with Righteousness shall he judge the Poor and Reprove with Equity for the meek of the Earth and shall smite the Earth with the Rod of his Mouth and with the breath of his Lips shall he slay the Wicked and righteousness shall be the Girdle of his Loyns and Faithfulness the Girdle of his Reins Isa 11. to 11. And this is that Prophet who hath received the Spirit in full The Spirit of the Lord is upon me because the Lord hath appointed me to Preach good tidings to the meek he hath sent me to bind up the broken hearted to proclaim liberty to the captive and the opening of the Prison to them that are bound to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord and the day of vengeance of our God and to comfort all that mourn to appoint unto them that mourn in Zion to give unto them Beauty for Ashes the Oil of Joy for Mourning the Garment of Praise for the Spirit of Heaviness Isa 61. to 4. He is the only true Sheepheard of the Sheep and entreth in at the Door to whom it is opened and the Sheep hear his voice and follow him he knoweth his Sheep calleth them by their Names and leads them into the true and good Pastures John 10. to 6. He is the infallible guide and teacher He is the Way the Truth the Light and Life and no Man cometh unto the Father but by him Joh. 14.6 He is the only true light that lightneth every Man that cometh into the World John 1.6 This then being the first step of Christs Mediation between God and Man to be their Teacher to instruct them their duty towards God by his infallible Spirit this should lead us again with the Apostle to cry out O the depth and infinite dimensions of the Love and Wisdom of God to sinners If we consider Mans Fall from his credulity in believing the lying suggestions of a fallen Angel in the Mouth of a Serpent and not believing of God and that to avoid mans splitting on this Rock God sends his infallible Spirit of Truth to guide them in all Truth and bring them under the Law of the Spirit by Regeneration and a new Life in Christ Jesus by putting his Spirit in them to make them walk in the Spirit and no more in the unprofitable course of this World in the Flesh and Lusts thereof and endoweth them with the Wisdom and Graces of his Spirit to perform to God new obedience as shall be shewen in examining of the Christian Duties as the conditions of this Covenant on Mans part how much should the consideration of this mystery of Love and Wisdom lead our anxious desires after attaining unto a large stock of this enriching and confirming Grace and to be endowed with the knowledge of the love of God in Christ Jesus by which poor Believers are not only retrieved from Sin and Wrath but are kept sure in Christs Hand from falling away from God as under the first Covenant John 17.6 to 13. The second branch of Christs Mediatory Office is to be a Priest and the Office of a Priest being to offer up Sacrifice for Sinners we shall consider how this agreeth to Christ and is performed by him the holy Apostle tells us That he that desireth the Office of a Bishop or Teacher desireth a good work 1 Tim. 3.1 And he also tells us that it is so honourable and sacred that no man taketh it to himself but he that is called thereunto as was Aaron Heb. 5.4 And therefore God in displeasure with Uzziah the great King of Israel for intruding into the Priests Office struck him with Leprosy to his death 2 Chron. 26.18 to end But none can claim better or so good a Title to the Priesthood as our great high Priest Jesus Christ who took not that honour to himself but it was given to him of his Father who said to him this day have I begotten thee and thou art a Priest for ever after the Order of Melchisedeck Heb. 5.5 Psalm 110.4 Isa 7.13 14 15 16. And although he was Heir of all things and by whom the World was made and being the brightness of the Fathers glory and express Image of his person he was annointed with the Oil of Gladness above his Fellows Heb. 1.2 3 9. And made the High Priest by the Council of Heaven for Mans Eternal Salvation and as he had this his call immediately from Heaven so he hath it with more transcendent eminency than other Priests in many considerations First The holy Apostle Paul tells us that all Priests taken from amongst Men are compassed about with Infirmities and Sins and as in compassion to others so also for their own as well as for the sins of others they are to offer up Sacrifices Heb. 5.1 2 3. ch 7.23 28. chap. 9.7 but this our great High Priest though in Compassion to us he took our nature upon him and was subject to natural Infirmities and in the Flesh was tempted with like Infirmities to succour such as were tempted yet without sin Heb. 2.16 17 18. chap. 4.15 However he is essentially holy for such an High Priest became us who is holy harmless undefiled separate from Sinners and made higher than the Heavens who needeth not daily as these High Priests to offer up Sacrifice first for his own Sins and then for the People for this he did once when he offered up himself Heb. 7.26 27. Secondly All other Priests are made without an Oath but he with an Oath for those Priests were made without an Oath but this with an Oath by him that said to him the Lord Swore and will not Repent thou art a Priest for ever after the order of Melchisedeck and hath an unchangeable Priesthood Hebrews 7.21 24. Thirdly Other Priests are for a time his Priesthood is for ever and unchangeable as in the foregoing Scripture They were many Priests and not suffered to continue because of death but this man because he continueth ever hath an unchangeable Priesthood wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him seeing he ever liveth to make Intercession for them for the Law maketh High Priests which have Infirmities but the word of the Oath
bind them on thee as a Bride doth I will contend with them that contend with thee and I will save thy Children I will feed them that oppress thee with their own flesh and they shall be drunk with their own blood as with sweet Wine Isa 49.17 18 25 26. And in that famous place of the Holy Apostle There hath no temptation taken you but what is common to men but God who is faithful will not suffer you to be tempted above what ye are able but will with the temptation also make a way to escape that you may be able to bear it 1 Cor. 10.13 And in that other famous place Thus saith the Lord refrain thy voice from weeping and thine eyes from tears for thy works shall be rewarded and they shall come again from the Land of the Enemy and there is hope in thine end that thy Children shall come again to their own border Jer. 31.16 17. And as he is King so is he that merciful High Priest subject to the like infirmities of his Brethren and Sympathiseth with them and succors them under their temptations Heb. 2.17 18. chap. 4.15 chap. 5.2 And is able to save them to the uttermost Chap. 7.24 25 26. and in fine is universally concerned in all their troubles and difficulties in all their afflictions he was afflicted and the Angel of his presence saved them in his love and in his pity he redeemed them and bare them all the days of old Isa 63.9 And this his power and protection is not only in general but in all particular Cases of Afflictions and Troubles as shall be more particularly expressed in handling of the Priviledges of the New Covenant The third Branch of Princely power over Subjects is expressed in the exercise or extent of his bounty towards them and no King or Prince ever exercised such bounty or goodness towards his Subjects as Christ hath done and still doth to all such as believe in him and that in two respects First By shewing his free pardon of all their transgressions and sins by a full and general act of oblivion entered into the Records of Heaven by the Blood of Jesus I even I am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake and will not remember thy sins Isa 43.25 I have blotted out as a thick Cloud thy transgressions and as a Cloud thy sins return unto me for I have redeemed thee Isa 44.22 And that famous record of free love bounty and absolution from sin And you being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh hath he quickned together with him having forgiven all trespasses blotting out the hand writing of Ordinances that was against us and contrary to us and took it away nailing it to his Cross Col. 2.13 14. And not only by the pardon of Sin and thereby delivering from wrath to come and eternal misery But Secondly By raising lost man from the miserable state by Nature and Sin Ez. 16. To the highest pitch of honour glory and eternal happiness in making them Heirs of eternal Life and joynt heirs with Christ in Glory as many as received him he gave power to become the Sons of God even to them that believe in his Name Joh. 1.12 13. and if Children then Heirs and Joint Heirs with Christ Rom. 8.17 And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them that they may be one even as we are one Joh. 17.22 What greater bounty can there be and what higher love can be expressed or can be equalled to that of Christ to Believers Greater love hath no man than this that a Man lay down his life for his friend but God commendeth his love to us in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us Rom. 5.6 to 11. All which is more particularly insisted on in the Doctrine of the New Covenant Thus when we see what a happy state is that of a Christian who can find themselves within that everlasting and sure Covenant of Peace and Eternal Happiness with Christ who is that infallible Prophet to teach his People and lead them in the way wherein they cannot err Isa 35.8 and that merciful High Priest who hath offered himself once for all a Sacrifice for Believers and is able to save to the uttermost and is that only Potentate and bountiful Prince rewards the Faith and Obedience of his People with Eternal glory from whence may be these clear uses and inferences of consolation to all such as believe in Jesus First Is Jesus Christ that infallible Prophet the Way the Truth and the Life John 14.6 to lead and instruct his people Is he wisdom himself Prov. 8.1 and all things are revealed unto him of the Father Is the Spirit given to him to bring glad tydings to his People even to the Prisoners of Hope Isa 61.1 2 3. doth he instruct and give Wisdom and Knowledge to all that asketh Jam. 1.5 Then what person can be so ignorant in any of the matters of God or between God and their own Souls but here they may have a promise of supply he who to Believers is all and in all is to them in the darkest circumstances their God and they are commanded to trust to him who is among you that feareth the Lord and obeyeth the voice of his Servant and walketh in darkness and hath no light let him trust in the name of the Lord and stay upon his God Isa 50.10 And he is to them Wisdom Righteousness Sanctification and Redemption 1 Cor. 1.30 Secondly Is Christ that glorious High Priest who once for all by his own blood hath entered into the holy place and obtained eternal Redemption for sinners Heb. 9.11 12. what reason is there for disquietude or doubting seeing he hath sacrificed himself for Believers even though the black Cloud of their Iniquities be as crimson and scarlet Isa 1.18 and though they may under temptation with Jacob and Israel say their way is hid from God and my Judgment is passed over from my God Isa 40.26 27 28. to end yet in him they ought to comfort themselves in this that the everlasting God the Creator of the ends of the Earth fainteth not neither is weary there is no searching of his understanding he giveth power to the faint and to them that have no might he increaseth strength Isa 40.28 29 30 31. And should under the Apostles consideration That we have not an High-Priest that cannot be touched with the feeling of our Infirmities but was in all points tempted like as we are without sin comply with his exhortation let us therefore come boldly unto the Throne of Grace that we may obtain Mercy and find Grace to help in time of need Heb. 4.15 16. And with the same Apostle triumph in a holy rejoycing There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus who walk not after the flesh but after the Spirit who shall lay any thing to the charge of Gods Elect It is
Dan. 3.16 17 18. How did Peter filled with the Holy Ghost being in Prison maintain the Cause of Christ when being forbid to Preach any more in the Name of Christ thus reasoned Whether it be better to obey God or Man judge ye for we cannot but speak the things that we have seen and heard Acts 4.3 9. How joyful and chearful were Paul and Sylas in Prison after they had been soundly whipt for Preaching in the Name of Jesus by Praying and Singing of Psalms in the hearing of other Prisoners how are all the Books of the Histories of the Christians Persecutions as well under Heathenish as Roman Tyranny full of the chearfulness of Christians in their Imprisonment for Truth so as many have been offered their Lives who rather did chuse to suffer Death than to live and be under greater Temptation Secondly By making Enemies Mediators for his People and Instruments of their Deliverance the Lord put it in the Heart of Cyrus King of Babylon whose Ancestours had kept the Israelites Captive seventy years to send them back to Jerusalem with Instructions to rebuild the Temple at his Charge and restored to them the Vessels took out of the Temple Jeremiah was enlarged and delivered by the King of Babylon when he was imprisoned by his own Native Prince Jer. 39.11 12 15. Paul and Sylas were brought out of Prison by the same persons by whom they were shut up and the Jailor washed their wounds and entertained them in Prison Act. 16.26 Thirdly By delivering of his People by his own immediate Hand And the Angel of the Lord opened the Prison Doors and brought them forth and said to them go forth and preach to all People the words of this Life Act. 12.13 The same Apostle also delivered by an Angel the Doors and Iron Gates opening of themselves and his Chains falling off and he and Sylas delivered by an Earth-quake all which shew the Lords special care over his Prisoners of Hope which invites all such to a patient waiting on God Believing the Vision is for an appointed time and he that shall come will come and will not tarry He made them to be pittied of those that carried them captive Ps 106.46 The third case wherein Gods Promises do support his People is Poverty or which the Scriptures abound the Holy Jesus who is truth it self tells us That Man liveth not by Bread alone but by every Word that proceedeth out of the Mouth of God Mat. 4.4 And that his special Providence and care is the only supply of his People as he câ—reth for the Lillies provides for the Ravens and Sparrows so taketh he care of his People however the Lords Promises to his People in Poverty are large When the Poor and needy seeketh Water and there is none and their Tongue faileth for thirst I the Lord will hear them the God of Israel will not forsake them I will open Rivers in high places and fountains in the midst of the valleys I will make the Wilderness a Pool of Water and the dry Land springs of Water Isa 41.17 18. I will give thee the Treasures of Darkness and hidden Riches of Secret Places that thou mayest know that I the Lord which call thee by thy name am the God of Israel Isa 45.3 Ho every one that thirsteth come ye to the Waters and he that hath no money come ye buy and eat without money and without price Isa 55.1 2. The Lord shall guide thee continually and satisfy thy Soul in drouth and make Fat thy Bones and thou shalt be like a Watered Garden and like a Spring of Water whose Waters fail not Isa 58.11 Though Poverty pincheth and Straights are sore Trials yet consider and believe Gods Providence and Care of his People at all times either in supplying their wants in his own time and way or blessing what they have and increasing a little to a great deal First In supplying their wants see the Lords supply of Ishmael when his Mother laid him out of her sight not willing to see him dye for want of Drink Gen. 21.16 to 21. The Lords feeding his People with Manna for Bread and Quales for Flesh from Heaven Exod. 16. The Lords making Water to arise out of the Jaw-bone of an Ass to preserve Sampson's Life Jud. 15.9 The Lords feeding of Elisha by sending of food to him by a Raven 1 Kin. 17. The Lords wonderful relieving the City of Samaria strongly besieged and opprest with Famine when Women did eat their own Children and in one Night brought it great plenty by his wonderful Providence 2 Kin. 7. all Secondly By blessing and encreasing a little to a great deal The little that a Righteous Man hath is better than the Riches of many wicked Psal 37.16 The wonderful encreasing of the Widow of Sarepta's Oil and Barrel of Meal to the feeding her self her Son and the Prophet Elisha many days when she thought to have starved for want 1 Kin. 19. The Lords preserving Elisha forty days and forty nights by two single Meals 1 Kin. 19. The Lords making a small quantity of Oil to encrease to many Barrels and thereby relieved the Widows two Sons who were to have been soâ—d for the payment of their Fathers debt 2 Kin. 4 all The Lord Jesus Christ his feeding of five thousand Men besides Women and Children with five Loaves and two small Fishes and after all were satisfied twelve Baskets full of Fragments were taken up Mark 6.42 43 44. And to conclude this point see what Omnipotency saith Prove me now saith the Lord if I will not open the Windows of Heaven and pour out a Blessing that you shall not have room to receive it Malachy 3.10 Fourthly The fourth Affliction or Trial of Christians in which God assisteth his People by his Promises is the unkindness unnaturality or changeableness of friends as this is a great trial yet it is the frequent Lot of Christians Christ the Lord of Glory was not only forsaken of his Friends but also betrayed by one of his own Disciples Job was charged with Hypocrisy by his three Friends and tempted by his Wife to Curse God David had his Throne Usurped by his own Son and his Wives defiled by him in the sight of the Sun Moses was accused of usurpation by his Brother Aaron and Sister Miriam Numb 11.4 and daily experience proveth that a Mans Enemies are those of his own House however the Lords Promises for Comfort and Support of his People under this Trial are many and almost numberless See that early Mercy of God to the Church as representing the state of all men by Nature in that often repeated place No Eye pittied thee to do any â—f these things to thee nevertheless he proves that kind Samaritan who takes pity and care when the Priest and Levite whose profession was to shew Charity passed by without Pitty or Care and sufficiently provides for the poor wounded Man Luke 10.30 to 39. See the Psalmists Case Thou hast put
of man were evil and only evil continually So we find Thoughts Affections and Actions concurring in that first transgression the rebellious Thoughts mutining against the Command the lustful affections after the fruit that was good to eat and pleasant to the Eyes and to be desired to make one wise and the actions in eating thereof Now as by this degeneracy in our first Parents the whole Nature of Man in Adams Apostacy was corrupted that thenceforth their thoughts were evil and only evil continually So that whatsoever mans estate was at his Fall he must now have a new life by Jesus Christ and as his Nature and whole Man was corrupted so must he be wholly framed a new by being transformed into that holy frame after the Spirit and Image of him that created him and that in all his thoughts affections and actions and whether it be so or not let every man search and try himself and First In his Thoughts If any man be in Christ he is a new Creature in his Thoughts let the same mind be in you which was in Christ Jesus saith the Holy Apostle and a right regulation of a mans thoughts consists First In placing of them on proper objects Secondly In the right Government of them directed to these objects Man in his degeneracy and state of Nature is as in a Feaver the whole Mass of Blood being so disordered and infected that nothing is regular with him much less his Thoughts for that he is of the Earth Earthly and in that natural darkness that he neither knoweth or can understand the things of God like the blind Mole always working and walking about the Earth and Earthly things and in his ferment of affection to the Creatures is hurried with frantick raptures after them and finding in them no satisfaction flys from one vanity to another like Noah's Dove can find no rest and as Solomon saith finds all vanity and vexation of Spirit so as he hated all his labour the Wicked Man is unstable in all his ways but these renewed are made partakers of the Divine Nature and place their desires on Heavenly objects have the same mind in them that was in Christ Jesus as Christ came into the World to do the Will of his Father in the Redemption of Man and did behave himself as his Kingdom not being of this World even so Christians are in this World as Sojourners and must not look on the things of this Life as the objects of their delight or objects of their inheritance and therefore must be Spiritually minded For to be carnally minded is Death but to be spiritually minded is Life and Peace Rom. 8.6 Now the objects of the Spiritual Man must be Spiritual and nothing can with satisfaction or delight contemplate any thing but what it hath a resemblance unto or affinity with it so that if the Thoughts be Spiritual they will be fixed on Heavenly and Spiritual objects which are only two First One God in the Trinity Secondly The benefits accrewing to man from thence First On God as that only essential and omnipotent Being by whom the World was made and subsists in his Infinite Power Isa 9.6 In his holiness of purer Eyes than can behold Iniquity In his Justice to reward the upright and condemn the guilty In his Wisdom As Wisdom it self and who giveth Wisdom to all Men Prov. 8.1 Jam. 1.5 In his Love He is love and dwelleth in love God so loved the World that he sent his only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have Eternal Life John 3.15 16 17. In his Mercy Witness his long forbearance and forgiveness of Sins through Christ Jesus with the merciful thou wilt shew thy self merciful and with the froward thou wilt shew thy self froward Ps 18.25 26. and so through all the Attributes of God where there is an Ocean of Delight to pitch upon and swallow up and drown all the most longing desires and fill the greatest appetite on which are spent the eternal breathings and delight of the Angels and Saints in Heaven Therefore shall they be before the Throne of God and serve him day and night in his Temple and he that sitteth on the Throne shall dwell amongst them Rev. â— 15.16 17. Secondly On Christ that Ocean of Consolation to Believers who shall have from him fulness of Joy and Pleasures for evermore who humbled himself to death to see them on the Throne of Glory who was made Sin though he knew no Sin that Sin might not be imputed to them 1 Pet. 2.20 21. Who brought them from being slaves of Sin to the Inheritance of Sonship and Glory with himself and made them heirs of all things John 17.21 22. who is made to Saints Wisdom Righteousness and Sanctification and Redemption and all and in all to them 1 Cor. 1.13 3dly On the Holy Ghost the Comforter who shall dwell and abide with them for ever and teach them all things and who shall uphold them in all their ways to guide them in all truth against all dangers and temptations Psalm 91. all John 14.16 17 26. Secondly The second object on which the thoughts of the renewed Christians are to be exercised are the things of great advantage which flow to them from the bounty of God in Christ Jesus but especially that inexpressible dignity honour and happiness of being made partakers of the Divine Nature and being made one with the Father and the Son in mind will and glory and to be where God is for ever in that often repeated place John 17. They shall feed on the Tree of Life in the Paradise of God Rev. 2.7.17 have the white Stone and in it a new name and have power over the Nations Rev. 3.12 21. they shall sit On the Throne of Glory before God and shall serve him day and night shall hunger no more nor thirst any more neither shall the Sun light on them or any heat and God shall lead them unto living fountains of Water and wipe away all Tears from their Eyes and there shall be no more sorrow Rev. 7.15 16 17. The thoughts of Believers being thus directed to their proper objects as they are yet in the Valley of Tears and obnoxious to the temptations of the Flesh and subject to so many incident distractions their thoughts are frequently diverted from their proper course the means thereof to fix them right when any temptation occurs whether from the Lust of the Eyes Lusts of the Flesh or Pride of Life is to compare the object offered with that on which the Thoughts should center and bringing infinite beauty glory and power that which is infinitely full of all perfection and above what eye can see or ear hear or heart apprehend how easily may this parrallel eclipse dazzle and confound the insinuations of Fleshly Lusts which perish in the using Secondly The second part of the renewed man is his affections which also must be spiritualized and renewed for if a man
Word of God and if disagreeable thereto the Conclusion must be that the Fountain is corrupt for as a bad Tree cannot bring forth good Fruit so a good Tree bringeth forth good Fruit for the Tree is known by its Fruits and it is no Justification of an Action bad in it self that it is intended well for we must not do evil that good may come of it Secondly As the Actions must be in themselves good they must also be directed to the right end that is to wit the glory of God for what is not levelled so are sinful before God Col. 3.17 1 Cor. 10.31 From what hath been said may plainly appear that though the Christian as a New Man in Christ Jesus is an excellent Creature as made partaker of the Divine Nature Nevertheless he is and must be intangled in a continual Warfare whilst in the Body and therefore not to be idle or lazy but to stand always upon guard against Enemies within himself and without Be strong in the Lord and in the Power of his Might for we wrestle not against Flesh and Blood but against Principalities and against Powers against the Rulers of Darkness in this World against Spiritual Wickednesses in high places wherefore take unto you the whole Armor of God your Loyns girt about with Truth the Breast Plate of Righteousness your Feet shod with the Gospel of Peace the shield of Faith the Helmet of Salvation the Sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God praying and watching so that the Work of a Christian is not over even when he hath attained newness of Life in Christ Jesus but of necessity must continue in a fighting State while in a Body Eph. 6.10 to 19. As you have received Christ Jesus so walk you in him Christians must fight offensively to subdue the continued growing of Lusts Defensively to withstand continued Temptations and persevere to the further Conquest of Enemies within themselves and without in the World Watch and Pray lest ye enter into Temptation in this case three things are to be considered First Perseverance and continued Stedfastness is the Christians commanded Duty Secondly Gods Promises to his People to uphold and strengthen them in their Duties and Conflicts Thirdly The experience of Christians that they thrive and grow when in pursuit of and continuance in their Duties As to the first it plainly appears as the Christians Life is a continued warfare so must he not be lazy or draw back but be still in Arms ready to fight He that putteth his Hand to the Plough must not draw back and if any Man draw back my Soul hath no delight in him Luke 9.62 Heb. 10.38 The whole Book of Holy Writ is full of this Command we are not to stop or rest in our Course but chearfully in imitation of Christ to run the Race that is set before us without regard to the difficulties in our way but with Courage to continue our progress till we come to the end of our Stage even Eternity Heb. 12.1 2 3. This is Christs express Command we must take up our Cross and daily follow him Mat. 10.16 to end Nothing must stop our course however so dear to us Honour Wealth Relations nor Life it self we must give up and Sacrifice all upon the Altar of Obedience Mat. 16.24 25 26 27. Ch. 24.42 to end Mark 13.33 to end Let us fear a promise being left us of entring into his Rest lest any of you should come short of it let us labour therefore to enter into that rest lest any Man fall by unbelief seeing then we have a great High Priest that is passed into the Heavens Jesus the Son of God let us hold fast our profession Heb. 4.1 11 14. Be ye stedfast unmoveable always abounding in the Work of the Lord knowing that your Work is not in vain 1 Cor. 15.58 Let us not be weary in well doing for in season we shall reap if we faint not Gal. 6.9 As ye have received Christ Jesus so walk ye in him rooted and built upon him and established in the Faith abounding therein with Thanks giving Eph. 6.10 to 19. Indure Hardness as a good Soldier of Christ Jesus no Man that Warreth entangleth himself wiâ—h the affairs of this Life that he may please him who choose him to be a Soldier if a Man strive for Mastery yet is he not Crowned except he strive lawfully 2 Tim 2 1 7. Be sober be vigilant because your Adversary the Devil as a roaring Lyon walketh about seeking whom he may devour whom resist stedfast in the Faith knowing that the same Afflictions are accomplished in your Brethren 1 Pet. 5.8 9. giving all diligence add to your Faith Vertue and to your Vertue Knowledge and to your Knowledge Tempeaance and to Temperance Patience and to Patience Godleness and to Godliness Brotherly Kindness and to Brotherly Kindness Charity for if these things be in you they shall make you that you shall never be barren or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ 2 Pet. 1.5 6 7 8. Hence we see how incumbent it is to Christians to be upon their Duty of Perseverance and as the state of the Militant Church is Laborious and full of Hazards and exposed to Difficulties insuperable as to Man and the Adversaries in themselves powerful Nevertheless as no Man goeth to War at his own Charge but at the charge of him whose Soldier he is neither hath the King of Kings whose Soldiers Christians are left his People without assurances of sure pay and constant supplies out of the Treasury of Omnipotency whose word we believe I will open to you the Windows of Heaven and give you a blessing that ye shall not have room to receive it Mal. 3.10 The vision is for an appointed time if it tarry wait for it it will speak at last and he that is to come shall come and will not tarry Hab. 2.3 And for the Encouragement of the Faith and Patience of the People of God the Scriptures are full of fresh and sure clusters of consolatory promises for Comfort Relief Support and Delivery which is the second thing considerable The Evangelical Prophet Isaiah hath stored his Book with legions of Consolations fear not I have redeemed thee thou art mine I will be with thee in fire and in water they shall have no power over thee thou art Honourable and Pretious in my sight I will restore thy Captives I am thy Redeemer when thou hast no help I will be a Saviour and Provisor Is 43. to 26. I will pour water on him that is a thirst and floods on the dry ground I will pour my Spirit upon thy Seed and my Blessing upon thine Ofspring thou shalt not be forgotten of me I have blotted out as a Cloud thy Transgressions and as a thick Cloud thy sins return to me for I have Redeemed thee Is 44 3 21 23. Hearken unto me ye House of Jacob which are born by me from the Womb