HAPPY MERCHANDISE OR WISDOMS Excellency darkly discovered OR Rather greatly obscured by Words without knowledge By CHARLES PHELPES WISDOME is better then Rubies and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it Proverb 8. 11. At AMSTERDAM Printed by Steven Swart Bookseller at the Crowned Bible neere the Exchange THe great designe of men generally is to exercise themselves unto that which may be gainfull and profitable unto them and to that end many men take a great deale of paines and weary themselves and adventure themselves into many dangers that they may increase to themselves and because their Wisdome is folishness and their knowledge bruitishness therefore they labour for such riches as will not truly in rich them nor make them happy in the account of God if they finde the life of their hands and for such also as are uncertaine both as to the getting and keeping Prov. 23. 4. 5. Now then that the Ho Ghost may take us off from labouring for that which will not satisfy he here commends to us a better and induring substance Which is of infinite and eternall worth and value that we might not for lying vanities forsake our owne mercies And commendeth to us the excellency of the Merchandise it selfe or way of getting it That we might labour not for that meat which perished but for this which indureth unto everlasting life which the son of man will give unto us O that we may all so considerer it that ceasing from our owne Wisdome we may get Wisdome this Wisdome of God which is the principall thing and with all our gettings get understanding that we may at last inherit glory when shame shall be the promotion of fooles Proverb 3. 13 14. Happy is the man that findeth Wisdome and the man that getteth or draweth out understanding For the Merchandise of it is better then the Merchandise of silver and the gaine thereof then fine gold THis Booke of the Proverbs of Salomon though in many places thereof it seemeth not to have such dependance and connexion as other places of the scripture of truth yet is fitly disposed and the Proverbs therein are orderly placed for because the preacher was wise He gave good heed and sought out and set in order many Proverbs Eccles 12. 9. yea indeed these words of the wise though spoken by Salomon yet came not by his will but he spoke as he was moved by the Ho Ghost 2 Petr. 1. 20 21. and they are all given from one shepherd even from Jesus Christ the great shepherd of the sheep and God in him Eccles 12. 9. 11. Who is the God of order and not of confusion And therefore if we see not that wise order and disposing of them its meet for us to take shame to our selves and judge our selves and to cry to him who putteth Wisdome into the inward parts and giveth understanding to the heart to teach us what we see not and to open our eyes to behold wondrous thing out of his law Job 38. 36. and 34. 31 32. And the Principall end of writing the Proverbs was to know Wisdome to make it knowne and that we might know it and know that it is the principall thing Prov. 1. 1 2. and 4. 7. and there sore in the nine first chapters of it there is a large commendation of Wisdome and declaration and discovery of its excellency with manifold intimations that we may be made partakers of it and directions how we may finde and get it and there fore many invitations to get it and affirmations and demonstrations of the blessedness of him that hath and retaineth it and of the misery and wretchedness of him that refuseth it with many warnings and cautions to take heed of the evill man and woman even of all evill persons and spirits who would hinder us or call us off from seeking it that we might have fellowship with them in eating of their bread of deceit and in their unfruitfull workes of darkness all which words of the wise are pleasant and profitable For this holy man as directed by that one shopherd sought to finde out acceptable words words of delight and that which was Written was upright even words of truth And these words of the wise are as goads to pricke and provoke us that whe may not be slothfull but diligent followers after Wisdome and as nailes fastened by the masters of assemblies in a sure place which are given from one shepherd upon which we may leane and depend and have our trust in the Lord according to them that our faith may not stand in the Wisdome of men but in the power of God Eccles 12. 10 11. And these words we have proposed to considerer and speak unto are added to that instruction set downe vs 11. 12. My son despise not the chastening of the Lord neither be weary of his correction or saint not when thou art rebuked of him Hebr. 12. 5. for whom the Lord loveth he correcteth c. To signify to us either 1. That the end of God in all his chastenings and corrections of us while it is the day of his grace and patience is to drive out of us that foolishness that is bound up in our hearts Prov. 22. 15. and to awaken us and ingage us to apply our hearts to Wisdome Psal 90. 7 12. for the rod and reproofe give Wisdome Prov. 29. 15. he doth not correct and chasten us for his pleasure simply but for our profit that we might be partakers of his holiness even of Christ who is made Wisdome and righteousness and holiness c. Hebr. 12. 5 10. Lament 3. 33. and therefore it is unseemly for us to despise and set light by Gods chastenings or faint when rebuked of him because he hath such a gracious end therein that we might seek and finde Wisdome and apply our hearts to Gods understanding Or. 2. He doth hereby direct us unto and commend unto us that excellent meanes and thing where by we may be helped and strengthned neither to despise Gods chastenings nor faint when he rebuketh us namely this sound Wisdome and understanding which is profitable in and under all afflictions and unto all things to direct us Eccles 10. 10. and so it is as if he should say that you may behave your selves comely and laudably under Gods afflicting hand so as not to erre on the one hand or on the other needfull it is to get Wisdome and an happy man he is that getteth understanding For this will shew unto us that he never correcteth but when our need requires it and to seale our instruction that we might not set light by his chastenings and this acquaints us with his grace in Christ and gracious end and intention in all his debatings with us that we might not be weary or faint in our mindes for it is out of love and for our good that he taketh this paines with us and is now judging of us and this considered
12. So Wisdome and understanding saith heare for I will speake of excellent things and hearken unto me ô ye children heare instruction and be wise Prov. 8. 6 32 34. this is the one and first thing needfull unto our finding and getting wisdome to heare the word of Christ Luc. 10. 39 42. Not to heare any thing or any word we are exhorted to cease to here the instructions that cause to erre from the words of knowledge Prov. 19. 27. and to take heed what we heare Mark 4. 24. but we are to heare Jesus and God in him as speaking to us by the holy Prophets and Apostles in the scriptures of truth and to this oftentimes are we called upon even to heare the words of the wise fastened by the masters of assemblies which are given from one shepherd Eccles 12. 10 11. Prov. 19. 20. and 22 17. Isay 55. 1 3. Act. 3. 22 23. Aswell as also 2. It is requisite as we heare to seek for this excellent commodity and search after it with our hearts yea with our whole hearts as we have the excellency and amiableness of it discovered to us such an applying or causing our heart to come unto this Wisdome as commended and the commendation heard is requisite as that we cry after Wisdome and lift up our voice for understanding that we seek her as silver and search for her as for hid treasures even with greatest desire and diligence and as those that judge happiness doth onely consist in having this treasure and without which we are undone and miserable for ever Prov. 2. 1 4. and so searching for it in all the scriptures of truth which are the veines as it were where this inriching and happy treasure may be had Joh. 5. 39. and in all ordinances and in the assemblies of Gods people Prov. 8. 34. and in so doing we shall finde it 3. And to our getting is requisite a selling all that we have when we have found it and buying or getting it into our hearts and possession according to that buy the truth and sell it not Wisdome instruction and understanding Prov. 23. 23. Matth. 13. 44 46. here lieth the stick with many persons and too much with us all we would have wisdome if we might part with nothing for it but keep our owne things still but this connot be if any man come unto me saith our saviour and hate not father and mother wife and children brethren and sisters yea and his owne life also he cannot be my disciple and whosoever he be of you speaking to his disciples and the multitudes that forsaketh not all that he hath he cannot be my disciple Luk. 14. 26 27 33. We are all too much like the young man who would faine have in herited eternall life when our saviour told him and said unto him One thing thou lackest goe thy way sell whatsoever thou hast and give to the poore and thou shalt have treasure in heaven and come and take up thy cross and follow me he was sad at that saing and went away grieved for he had great possessions Mark 10. 17 22. So it is too much with us if we might keep our owne things and have wisdome too if we could carry on these two designes to serve God and Mammon and could have Christ and love the world also then we could be content and this would please us but this cannot be we must deny our selves our bruitish lusts and desires aswell as also our wisdome righteousness love of the world and the things thereof the honour praise esteeme friendship and fellowship thereof and take up our cross and follow him yea the that loveth father or mother more then him is not worthy of him and he that loveth son or daughter more then him is not worthy of him and he that taketh not his cross and followeth after him is not worthy of him Matth. 10. 37 39. and 16. 24. we must sell all that we have all must be parted with that we may win Christ and be found in him not as if our things were so worthy as that we might deserve there by this heavenly wisdome nor are we to part with them as a valuable consideration for all the things we can desire are not to be compared to this pearle but our things will hinder us from having and obtaining Wisdome if we let them not goe therefore though we have no Worth nor wortiness yet we must buy wisdome though without money and price for no man can serve two masters we must part with our sins and idolls or otherwise we cannot get this Wisdome and understanding And if we take in the reading in the Margin happy is the man that draweth our understanding hereby may be meant 1. A drawing it out for our owne use and benefit and so diligence and labour of the inward man especially is to be used and exercised and hereby the Ho Ghost may have reference to the drawing out water out of a well or deep place and it is like that Isay 12. 3. therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation namely out of the doctrine of the Prophets and Apostles false teachers are said to be wells without water there is nothing in them or in their doctrine to refresh and satisfy 2 Petr. 2. 17. but these teachers sent of God and who are even Gods mouth to us have water in their word doctrine and we are therefore to search thereinto for Wisdome and understanding and draw it out when we finde it Act. 17. 11. Or to draw it out as out of a vessell Joh. 2 8. 2 Corinth 4. 7. and so secondarily out of their words wo have beleived on Christ thorow the Prophets and Apostles words and have the word of reconciliation put into their hearts and mouthes Prov. 20. 5. And. 2. We are to draw out understanding for the good of others also and to the end we may be instruments for communicating it to others as the like Phrase is used Isay 58. 10. John 2. 8. Thus have we spoken to the finding and getting Wisdome and understanding what it is what supposed herein and needfull hereto according to my weakness 2. We come in the next place to note some instructions contained in this affirmation of the happiness of the man that findeth Wisdome and getteth or draweth out understanding As. 1. That men are naturally without this Wisdome and understanding 2. That yet men may finde this Wisdome and get or draw out this understanding 3. That the present time is the apportunity of finding and getting 4. He is and shall be an happy man that findeth and getting this Wisdome and understanding 1. That men are naturally without this Wisdome and understanding even destitute of Wisdome in the knowledge of Christ they are without Christ and all spirituall understanding Ephes 2. 12. A Wisdome indeed they have but such as is foolishness with God they are wise to doe evill and to pursue their drunken
our harvest time I meane to those choice and advantageous opportunites which yet in mercy he is cotinuing to us if we continue in hating knowledge and for such wickedness and then it will be more difficult to seeke Wisdome He may send a famine not of bread or a thirst for water but of hearing the words of the Lord And men may wander from sea to sea and from the north even unto the east and run to and fro to seek the word of the Lord and not finde it and in that day the faire virgins and young men who may have too much neglected the present opportunites shall faint for thirst Amos 8. 11 13. Goe then to the Ant thou sluggard consider herways and be wise which having no guide overseer or ruler provides her meat in the summer and gathers her food in the harvest how long wilt thou sleep ô sluggard when wilt thou arise out of thy sleep Yet a little sleep a little slumber a little folding of the hands to sleep so shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth and thy want as an armed man Prov. 6. 6 11. and 10. 5. O! if God should send such a famine upon us as we have by our iniquities deserved that we may not then have cause to bewaile it with the Prophet and say the harvest is past the summer ended and we are not saved Jerem. 8. 18 20. 4. Yea God may deprive us of all meanes and leave striving with us or deprive us of capacity that no man can be an instrument of good to us for our manifold and long continued in provocations of him if we should deferre seeking Wisdome till the evill dayes come He is not tied or ingaged to us to wait our leisure or pleasure and though he is rich in mercy and abundant in goodness yet it is dangerous to despise the riches of his goodness forbearance and long suffering Rom. 2. 4 5. his spirit shall not alwayes strive with men Genes 6. 3. and if we should provoke him to leave striving wo will be unto us No man can come to Christ except the father who hath sent Christ draw him Joh. 6. 44. doe we then provoke the Lord to anger are we stronger then he Who ever hardned his heart against him and prospered oh that we may then be admonished to walk while we have the light lest darkness come upon us and while we have the light to believe in the light that we may be the children of the light Joh. 12. 35 36. Nay 2. Suppose thou shouldst live to old age and that then thorow the grace of God that brings salvation to all men thine heart should be turned to the Lord yet it is much better now and the present time is the most excellent opportunity for getting Wisdome because 1. The sooner we apply our hearth to finde and get walk in Wisdome the more truly joyous and comfortable will be our life here in the flesh to be spiritually minded in life and peace Rom. 8. 6. Wisdome is sweet to the soule life to the soule and health to all the flesh it doth good like a medicine Prov. 24. 14. and 3. 21 24. and 4. 20. 21. and whatever afflictions such meet withall as are found in this exercise Whatever troubles they have in the flesh and as to the outward man yet they have a mercy heart and thereby a continuall feast Prov. 19 8. and 15. 13 15. When they have tribulation in the World they have peace in Christ who hath overcome the World and such peace guards their hearts as passeth all understanding Joh. 16. 33. in beleiving God fills them with joy and peace and such joy as astranger intermedleth not with Rom. 15. 13. Prov. 14. 8 10. Yea when they are in heaviness thorow manifold temptations yet beleiving what Christ hath done and the hope set before them and so in Christ They reioyce with joy unspeakable and full of glory 1 Petr. 1. 6 8. Whereas the laughter of those fooles that despice Wisdome is but like the crackling of thornes under a pot it makes a great shew but is gone presently it is but for a moment it vanisheth away in an instant All the things men reioyce and trust in besides the name of the Lord and our God Whither they be the more gross lusts of the flesh such as surfetting drunkness uncleaness ease and pleasure or the desires of the mind as covetousness pride the honour of this World the friendships and praise of men Wisdome or our owne workes of righteousness c. they are all but sparkes of our owne kindling they are assoone out as in There is no abiding comfort in them And even in the laughter thereby occasioned the heart is sorrowfull and the end of that mirth is heaviness Eccles 5. 6. Isay 50. 10. 11. Prov. 14. 13. A dreadfull sound is in their eares many times trouble and anguish takes hold of them in Gods awakenings of them and when they are recovered out of the snare of Satan oh what shame is then upon them for their former evill wayes They were unfruitfull to them while they walked in them and now appeare exceeding shame full to them when they reflect upon them according to that what fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed Rom. 6. 21. Oh how are they then filled with grife and sorrow both for their owne personall evills and for the injury they have done to others They will then mourne at the last and say how have I hated instruction And mine heart despised reproofe And have not obeyed the voice of my teachers nor inclined mine eare to them that instructed me I was almost in all evill in the midst of the congregation the great congregation to which the Scriptures in the records of them are vouch safed and amongst which continued read every Sabbath and upon which the name of Christ is called and in the midst of the assembly of the upright that have been taught of God as the truth is in Jesus and love him and without hidden things of dishonesty hold forth the word of life and speak often thereof one to another in their frequent assemblings of themselves together Which aggravates the evill of any that have such advantages to despise Wisdome Prov. 5. 11 13. with Psal 111. 1. but contrariwise the sooner we search for Wisdome and seek for understanding the more comfortable will our lives be here hence that come ye children hearken unto me I will teach you the feare of the Lord which is the beginning and instruction of Wisdome What man is he that will love life and see good dayes keep thy tongue from evill and thy lips from speaking guile depart from evill and doe good seek peace and pursue it for the eyes of the Lord are upon the richteous c. Psal 34. 11 15. with 1 Petr. 3. 9 14. 2. And the earlier we seek Wisdome it will probably tend to more happiness or
and 8. 33. and 19. 2. 2. There is diligence and industry especially of the soule to be used and exercised that we may get and be made partakers of it to wit an exercising our selves in the law of the Lord day and night as is said of the vertuous and wise Woman she girdeth her loines with strength and strengthneth her armes when she perceiveth her Merchandise is good her candle goeth not out by night Prov. 31. 17 18. so there is requisite hereto and contained herein a diligent seeking and serious searching for and earnest drawing out this sound Wisdome and a safe laying it up and keeping it when we have found it and thereto reading and searching the Scriptures of truth meditating therein praying unto God to open our eyes and give us Wisdome and as we finde his words to eat them that they may be the joy and reioycing of our hearts Matth. 13. 45. Joh. 6. 27. Matth. 6. 33. Prov. 8. 17 18. 2. Now this spirituall exercise may be called and compared to Merchandise 1. To signify to us that this excellent commodity of Wisdome and understanding is not in our selves as is before noted we must seeke it elsewhere even without us in Christ Jesus as declared to us in the gospell As those things that merchants seek after they have them not of their owne but the merchants ships bring their commodites from a farre Prov. 31. 14. so this Wisdome is above and farre of from us and the tidings of it is good newes from a farre countrey Prov. 25. 25. in us that is in our flesh dwelleth no good thing we have no sound wisdome or understanding in us there is none that understandeth Rom. 3. 10 11. and 7. 18. but these treasures are hid in Christ and yet they are brought nigh to us in the word of faith and in the preaching of it they are in our mouthes and in our hearts that we might receive them they are brought to us in the Scriptures and in the opportunities we have to heare the gospell as commodities are brought nigh to men in a mart or market But we are without this Wisdome naturally and from our first by th Those are ungodly and antichristian spirits who say the true light Christ is in every man for Christ is in heaven and no otherwise had but in receiving him even in beleiving on his name Joh. 1. 12. and he that heareth and learneth of the Father cometh unto him and therefore he is naturally at a distance from him John 6. 45. 2. It is called and compared to Merchandise to instruct us that we must part with somewhat that we may have this excellent pearle as also before is said Commodities are sold to and therefore must be bought by the Merchants before they have them or somewhat must be parted with by the Merchant for them Prov. 31. 24. The Kingdome of Heaven is like unto a Merchant man seeking goodly pearles a good heart good frames and qualifications who when he had found one pearle of great price Christ in the gospell in whom dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily and in whom is all good he went and sold all that he had all his former riches righteousness confidences hopes for Heaven markes signes c. and bought it Matth. 13. 45 46. Indeed herein also is a difference between the earthly and heavenly Merchandise The Merchants of this World part with somewhat usually that is in some measure worthy or judged worthy of the commodity But we have no worth nor worthiness and therefore can parth with nothing which may in the least be of like value with Wisdome And therefore he that hath no mony is invited to buy and to buy without money and price Isay 55. 1. Yet we must buy Wisdome and understanding Prov. 23. 23 and to that end we must forsake all that we have Luk. 14. 33. 3. This spirituall exercise is likened to Merchandise also because as in the earthly Merchandise a man meets with many troubles and stormes Their trading being much upon the sea and they being placed neare the sea Ezek. 27. 3. They meet with many boisterous windes and troublesome seas which many times doe affright them and threaten danger to them So also in seeking after this sound Wisdome Many are the afflictions of the righteous Psal 34. 17 19. They have many contrary windes of evill doctrines annoying them and hindering them in this pursuit and indeavouring to corrupt them and draw them off from listening to Wisdome and seeking and getting understanding Prov. 9. 1 6. 13 17. They are indeavouring to toss them to and fro Ephes 4. 14. that they might drive them back or cause them to come into their pretended harbour which will not indeed secure them Gal. 5. 7. Prov. 7. 1 18. and many stormes they meet with from violent dealars and profane ones many frownes and flatteries many scoffs reproaches and derisions many threats and actuall troubles and bodily persecutions also imprisonments spoilings of their goods loss of liberty name yea and life also when their enemies have permissive commission given to them Matth. 10. 38 39. So that as it is needfull for us in coming unto and following Christ Jesus to deny our selves and sell all that we have So also it is needfull to take up our cross daily and follow him Luk. 14. 26 27. Matth. 16. 24. Such as use this Merchandise must exspect to meet with manifold stormes and tempests The flouds of the ungodly lift up they lift up their voice they lift up their Waves Psal 18. 4 5. and 93. 3 4. They shall be hated of all men and suffer Persecution who will live godly in Christ Jesus Matth. 10. 22. 2 Tim. 3. 12 13. Yea and their Lord and Master will be more abundantly trying correcting and chastening them not to discourage them in their way but to purify them and try them and make them white to the time of the end The raine will descend upon them and the floods beat and the windes blow and it is good and needfull for them to know this who resolve to exercise themselves in this Merchandise that when persecutions afflictions arise for the gospell sake they may not be offended or count it strange concerning the fiery triall as if some stronge thing happened unto them Luk. 14. 25 26-33 1 Peter 4. 12. Matth. 7. 24 25. 4. This is Merchandise because gaine is aimed at and may lawfully be proposed by us Those that use Merchandise in this World doe it to this end that they may inrich themselves by their traffique and trading Ezek. 27. 12. and 28. 5. in all labour there is profit aimed at and sought after Prov. 14. 23. and indeed this is the great thing the Merchants of the earth propose to themselves that they may inrich themselves and therefore they willingly adventure and indure many stormes and goe thorow much foule weather Revelat. 18. 11 17. 23. So also those that trade for and
gospell is plainely declared as come unto and beleive on him If ye know that he is righteous ye know as included in the knowledge of him that every one that doth righteousness is borne of him 1 Joh. 2. 29. To Christ coming the living stone disallowed indeed of men yea of the builders land leaders of the people but chosen of God and precious ye also as lively stones are built up a spirituall house Ye are an elect and chosen generation a royall priesthood though not owned by men as Gods clergy aen holy nation a peculiar people c. Which in tim past were not a people but now are the people of God which had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy 1 Petr. 2. 4 5 9 10. And here we may also see who are rejected and reprobated of God not any man in a personall consideration or before he was borne but those that disallow and reject Christ Jesus and persist in refusing and rejecting him till the day of grace and patience be ended 1 Petr. 2. 6 7 8. Whosoever shall fall on this stone though they be builders shall be broken but on whomsoever it shall fall it will grinde him to powder Matth. 21. 42 44. God so infinitely loveth his son the son of his love that whosoever kisseth him not but refuseth him and will not have him to reigne over them his wrath will be kindled against them and they shall be destroyed with an everlasting destruction Psal 2. 10 12. Joh. 3. 36. In knowing Christ the Wisdome of God we may come to have an usefull understanding and knowledge of all the scriptures of truth otherwise not he is the interpreter and opener of them to us in his cross and testimony hence our saviour intimately instructs the Jewes in searching the scriptures to come unto him and faults and reproves them for not coming unto him in them that they might have life even the light of live Joh. 5. 39 40. our saviour in shewing unto his disciples in the scriptures the things Concerning himselfe thereby opened the scriptures to their understandings and their understandings into the schriptures and unless we come unto and know Christ Jesus we shall remaine ignorant of the scriptures though we read them and heare the voices of the Prophets and Apostles read to us if we come not to Christ as the rest we shall have the word of the Lord to our selves precept upon precept line upon line here a little and there a little and not see the harmony and agreement of the scriptures nor receive the use fullness of them Luk. 24. 25 27 32 44 46. Isay 28. 12 13. Yea in a word they that seeke the Lord to know him win him and be found in him understand all things Prov. 28. 5. the knowledge of this one this excellent object of Wisdome is that which will make us wise to salvation hence the Apostle determined to know nothing else save Jesus Christ and him crucified 1 Corint 2. 2. and to the end Timothy might have an understanding in all things he exhorts him to remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to his gospell 2 Tim. 2. 7 8. and the way whereby the Ho Ghost teacheth all things and leadeth into all truth is to glorify Christ and take of his things and shew unto us Joh. 14. 26. and 16. 13 14. oh that this were seriously and heartily considered by us that our hearts may be fixedly set to know Christ in and unto all things Philip. 3. 8 10. 4. And he is called Wisdome because he is the giver and dispenser of it the Lord giveth Wisdome Prov. 2. 6. hence tho Apostle prayeth for Timothy that the Lord would give him an understanding in all things even the Lord Jesus 2 Tim. 2. 7. this is his gift God hath given him power over all flesh that he might give eternall life to as many as the father hath given him and this is life eternall that they know thee the onely true God and Jesus Christ whom he hath sent Joh. 17. 2 3. And himselfe saith to his disciples I will give you a mouth and wisdome which all your adversaries shall not be abele to gainsay nor resist Luk. 21. 15. Ephes 4. 7. 2. By Wisdome and understanding is meant also the gospel of Christ which holy men of God have declared as they were moved by the Ho Ghost even the gospell as testified by the Prophets in whom the spirit of Christ did signify before hand the sufferings of Christ and the glory that should follow 1 Petr. 1. 11. and as the same gospell is now reported to us by the Apostles with the Ho Ghost sent downe from heaven vs 12. Which is recorded and preserved to us in the records of it in the scriptures of truth thorow the greatness of God goodness and wonderfulness of his working the summe and first things whereof are that Christ died for our sins even for the sins of Jews and Gentiles according to the scriptures and was buried and rose againe the third day according to the scriptures 1 Corint 15. 1 4. Rom. 1. 1 4. this is called the word of Wisdome 1 Corint 12. 8. and the gospell or preaching of the cross is said to be the Wisdome of God 1 Corint 1. 17 18 23 24. Prov. 5. 1. and 7. 1 4 5. and this is called Wisdome and understanding 1. Because Christ who is Wisdome and understanding is herein evidently set forth unto us before our eyes even the eyes of our understanding Galat. 3. 1. here though now we see him not as the first trusters in Christ did yet we may see him in the evidence and demonstration of the spirit and so in this word of faith which is the evidence of things not seen As Moses by faith saw him that was invsible Hebr. 11. 1 13 27. in which gospell we may looke upon things that are not seen 2 Corint 4. 18. So here we may see the great sufferings and Wonderfull a basement of Christ and for whom he tasted death and was raised againe even for all mankind Hebr. 2. 9. and here in this glass we may with open face behold the glory of the Lord 2 Corint 3. 18. and therefore because this gospell testifieth of Christ and discovers him to us who is Wisdome and understanding therefore his name is named upon it 2. Because here in especially as now preached according to the revelation of the mystery God hath a bounded in all wisdome and prudence unto the first trusters in Christ and by them to us having made knowne to us the mystery of his will c. Ephes 1. 8. 9. herein the manifold Wisdome of God is made knowne that all men may see it in this gracious and blessed meanes which he hath devised that his banished be not utterly expelled from him Which is discovered to us in this Wisome Ephes 3. 9. 10. here in God hath wrltten to us excellent things in
the Man c. and that men any man that is come to yeares of capacity may finde and get it in Gods opportunity appeareth 1. Because all the treasures of Wisdome and knowledge are hid in Christ for men Colos 2. 3. all things are delivered to him of the father and on this ground he inviteth and calls all that labour and are heavy laden and are seeking Wisdome were it is not to be found to come unto him Matth. 11. 27 28. Jesus Christ who is the Wisdome of God as is declared to us in the words which the Holy Ghost hath thought took upon him the nature of mankind and therefore when he was borne the Angell saith Behold I bring unto you good tidings of great joy which shall be unto all people Luk. 2. 10 11. and he had the trespasses of the world imputed to him even tho guilt of mankinds first sin and sinfullnes and he bare the sin of the world in his owne body 2 Corinth 5. 19 21. Joh. 1. 29. And was delivered for their offences he died for all even for all that were dead and by the grace of God tasted dead for every man and is raised againe for their justification Rom. 4. 25. 2 Corinth 5. 14 15. Hebr. 2. 9. and hath redeemed all mankind in himselfe from the curse of the law and delivered them from the necessary slavery of satan he is ascended up on high who descended first into the lower parts of the earth and hath led captivity captive and hath received gifts of forgiveness Wisdome and understanding for men yea for the rebellious also that the Lord God might dwell among them Galat. 3. 13. and 4. 4 5. with Rom. 3. 19. Psal 68. 18. God hath prepared Wisdome for us he hath prepared his dinner even a feast of fat things for all people his oxen and fatlings are killed and all things are ready and prepared for Jewes and Gentiles even for all men Matth. 22. 2 4 8. Isay 25. 6. Job 28. 27. this is the record that God hath given of his son that he hath given to us mankind eternall life and this life is in his son 1 Joh. 5. 10 11. He is the second man the last Adam of whom the first was a figure Rom. 5. 14. and as God did in blessing the first man bless us all in him and there create us in his owne image after his owne likeness even in knowledge and understanding so now there is blessing in this seed of the woman who hath broke the head of the serpent for all the families of the earth in him we are againe created after the image of God in a more glorious manner then ever we were in the first publick man he hath by his blood obtained eternall redemption for us even a recovery of what we lost and forfeited by our sinning against and departure from God in him there is perfection and compleatness for every man and he is in our nature and for us become Wisdome and counsell is his and sound Wisdome he hath understanding and strength 1 Corinth 15. 45. Hebr. 9. 12. Jam. 3. 9. Coloss 1. 28. Prov. 8. 10 14. Wisdome hath builded her house she hath hewne out her seven pillars she hath killed her killing she hath mingled her wine she hath also furnished her table she hath made a rich and large provision and prepared for all even for all that are simple and want understanding before she sends forth her maidens and servants and invites them to come into the house and to eat of her bread Prov. 9. 1 2 3 5. there are waters wine and milke bread good fatness and whatsoever will give satisfaction prepared for every thirster not onely for gracious thirsters such as thirst out of a former taste of the sweetness and excellency of this provision but also for such as have no money such as have no worth or worthiness in them such as labour for that which is not bread and spend their money for that which will not satisfy and this is certainly prepared for them before proclamation is made and invitation given unto them and he that is athirst may come and whosoever will may take of the water of life freely Isay 55. 1 2 3 4 7. Revel 22. 17. this is a first and fundamentall Demonstration that any man may find and get Wisdome and understanding because it is prepared in Christ Jesus who gave himselfe a ransome for all men for every sinfull soule of mankind without which it were altogither impossible for them to have this rich and inriching commodity But. 2. Not onely hath he thus provided of his goodness for poore mankind but also he giveth Wisdome to men and brings it nigh unto them in due time especially to us upon whom the name of Christ is called and unto and amongst whom the scriptures in the plaine records of them are vouch safed and preserved thorow the wonderfullness of Gods goodness God by his spirit calls and cries to men and tells them where Wisdome is to be had and gives unto them both some discovery of this excellent object of Wisdome in knowing when they might be made wise and some opening of the eye of the understanding that they might behold Christ Jesus as discovered and live Christ Jesus is found of them that sought him not and made manifest to them that asked not after him and saith behold me behold me unto a nation that was not called by his name Isay 65. 1. with Rom 10. 20. and he who is a just God and a saviour and there is none besides him saith look unto me all the ends of the earth and be ye saved and he who thus speaks and calls is mighty to save for he is God and there is none else Isay 45. 21 22. Now he calls not to men to look unto him or heare what he saith untill he first manifests himselfe unto them and speakes of excellent things according to that all ye inhabitants of the world and dwellers on the earth se ye when and not before he lifts up an ensigne on the mountaines even Christ Jesus in the glorious gospell and testimonies of his goodness and when he bloweth a trumpet to proclaime and preach good newes to you heare ye Isay 18. 3. with Chap. 11. 10. and 40. 9. He that hath searched Wisdome out and prepared it doth also declare it to us and shewes forth its excellency that we might be allured there with to get and obtaine Wisdome Job 28. 27. God hath glorified and doth in mens proper ages glorify Christ Jesus by his spirit especially in the gospell as declared in the scriptures of truth and in the plaine and faithfull declaration thereof that men might run unto him from all other things for all Wisdome understanding righteousness and strength Isay 55. 5 6 7. And also in due time Christ is opening the blind eyes of men thath they might look unto him and be inlightned and made wise by him and that
men gather them and they are cast into the fire and burned Joh. 6. 35. and 15. 1. 8. such an one then is the subject of this happiness even every one that cometh unto and abideth in Christ And every such an one is pronounced happy not by the men of the World the World knoweth not owneth not approveth them not but looketh upon them as miserable ones But by Wisdome who is infinite in love as manifested in that she hath built her house and furnished her table and invites all to heare to come and be wise and loves them with peculiar manner of love that from the discovery of her love love her and seek her early Prov. 18. 17. and 9. 1 5. and she is infinite in power as evidenced in that she made the heavens and hath grapled with and overcome all our enemies and all power is given to her and therefore not onely saith happy But makes happy with her word he is blessed whom she blesseth and shall be blessed for ever 1 Chron. 17. 27. Yea and she is faithfull the opening of her lips are right things for her mouth speakes truth and wickedness is an abomination to her lips all the words of her mouth are in righteousness c. Prov. 8. 6 10. all which are powerfull motives to listen to and receive her instruction and take fast hold thereon And what the happiness and blessedness of every such an one as findeth Wisdome and gets understanding is and shall be we shal give some account of in speaking to the gaine thereof Thus though with much weakness I have spoken to the affirmation of the Ho Ghost which was the first thing proposed to be considered in the beginning and now come to speake to the second Viz. 2. We have also in the words a generall demonstration and evidence of the happiness of such a man as findeth Wisdome and getteth understanding And a commendation of the exercise of finding and getting Laid downe as a motive and argument to ingage us to seeke that we may finde and get it For the Marchandise of it is better then the Merchandise of Silver and the gaine thereof then fine gold Vers 14. In which Demonstration and Commendation is signified to us in generall 1. That that which renders a man happy in the account of Wisdome is somewhat that is more excellent then silver or gold or any thing included therein or to be had and injoyed thereby therefore it is not said happier or happiest is the man but positively happy the man For the Merchandise of Wisdome is better c. it must be somewhat better then gold and silver that will make a man happy Though money answers all things here Eccles 10. 19. Yet it will not make a man truly happy nor all the things besides this excellent Wisdome we can desire Prov. 3. 15. a man may be and is an unhappy miserable piteous creature though he should gaine the whole world if he be without Wisdome for he will lose his owne soule Matth. 16. 26 27. Prov. 19. 8. Silver and gold is so farre from making a man happy and blessed indeed that the abundance of it which he possesseth will not make the naturall life comfortable nor continue it Luk. 12. 15. Deut. 30. 20. It is Christ Jesus the Wisdome that is from above in whom there is blessing for all the nations and families of the earth in whom are treasured up all spirituall blessings in heavenly things Genes 22. 18. Act. 3. 25. Ephes 1. 3. and he that hath and findes him is blessed indeed and shall be blessed Prov. 8. 33. 34. Israel who have the God of Jeshurun for their help who are justified and glory in the Lord are an happy people and there is none like unto them herein namely none besides them happy though others may have an abundance of the World in their possessions yet he that beleiveth not the son shall not see life but the wrath of God abideth on him Deut. 33. 26-29 Joh. 3. 36. Prov. 29 18. Psal 144 15 and 146. 5. there is as before is said blessing in Christ for all nations that which will make a man happy but this is onely received in receiving him which any man may doe while God is calling and stretching forth his hand but though a man had all the silver and gold in the World yet if he sinneth against this Wisdome and hates her he wrongs his owne soule and loves death And is therefore a most miserable man such an one is opposed to the blessed and happy man Prov. 8. 36. with vers 34. And this consideration might be usefull to us 1. To shew unto us the folly of such as labour for silver and gold as if happiness consisted therein and account themselves and others happy in the injoyment of it The covetous man blesseth himselfe but the Lord abhorreth him Psal 10. 3. indeed our Wisdome which is earthly leades us to labour to be rich in those uncertaine and deceitfull riches as if they would render us blessed in the possessing of them Prov. 23. 4. and causeth them that have the riches of this World to say blessed be the Lord for I am rich as is they were therefore happy or as if this were an undoubted evidence of Gods peculiar love to them Zach. 11. 5. but they are miserably Mistaken he that had such an a bundance of this Worlds good that he wanted roome where to bestow it was yet but a foole and so is every one that layeth up treasure for himselfe and is not rich toward God Luk. 12. 16 20. 2. It may help us to take heed and beware of covetousness and not to love the World nor the things that are in the World for whosoever so doth the love of the father is not in him 1 Joh. 2. 15 17. why should we set our affections upon and lust after those things in which happiness consisteth not this argument the Apostle useth to take off the beleivers from covetousness If ye then be risen with Christ seek those things which are above where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God set your affection on things above not on things on the earth for ye are dead and your life your happiness is hid not in the things on the earth but with Christ in God When Christ who is our life shall appeare then shall we appeare with him in glory Mortify therefore your members on the earth Covetousness Colos 3. 1 3 5. 3. It may make us sober in our exercise about the things of this world and let the Moderation of our mind be knowne to all men in all these things Philip. 4. 5. and especially seing the end of all things is at hand it may cause us to be sober that we may watch unto prayer and attend upon the Lord without distraction for the things here below will not make us happy 1 Petr. 4. 7. 1 Corint 7. 29 35. the things here below may cumber and distract us
but one thing is needfull for us to be fervently sought after by us even this sound Wisdome and excellent understanding Luk. 10. 39-42 4. Seing silver and gold will not make us happy and that Wisdome will onely doe so even this heavenly Wisdome it may ingage us to get Wisdome and with all our gettings to get understanding 2. In this Demonstration and Commendation is also in generall signified to us that the way of the Ho Ghost for taking us of from those things that are uncertaine and unprofitable is to set better things before us He doth noth simply forbid us to love the World and things that are in and of the World But to redeeme us from them and from our vain conversation he proposeth to and sets before us the precious blood of Christ and what thereby he hath effected and obtained and is become that he might out bid all other things 1 Petr. 1. 18 19. Wisdome had before admonished us not to leane to our owne understanding Vers 5. Now that she might prevaile with us to receive that admonition and cease from our owne Wisdome she here proposeth to us a Wisdome and understanding that is infinitely better more rich and inriching So when the Apostle had been crying downe the Wisdome of the wise and understanding of the prudent that no flesh might glory in Gods presence but be willing to become fooles he saith Christ is made of God Wisdome And saith he how be it though we come not with excellency of speech or of Wisdome but have shewne that God hath made foolishness the Wisdome of this World Yet we preach Wisdome c. 1 Cor. 1. 17 31. and 2. 1 8. to the end that we might in beholding and considering that better and more precious and profitable Wisdome part with and cease from our owne which is bruitish and not onely unprofitable but hurtfull In like manner that we might be broken off from our covetousness from affecting and lusting after the riches of this World and from seeking after the honour of this World the Wisdome of God assures us that riches and honour are with her yea durable riches and righteousness that her fruit is better then gold yea then fine gold and her revenue then choice silver That in her left hand are riches and honour that we might hearken unto her and be crucified to the World and come unto her to be inriched by her and in a patient continuance in Weldoing seek for glory honour and immortality That honour which hath immortality joyned with it which the honor we may receive from men hath not Prov. 8. 10 18 20. and 3. 16. Rom. 2. 7. so to take us off from rejoycing or trusting in our owne workes of righteousness Christ Jesus by his spirite sets before us the righteousness of God without the law or without the works or sacrifices thereof even that righteousness which is manifested by the faith of Christ to be for and unto all and upon all them that beleive that we might count all our owne righteousnesses as filthy raggs and as loss and dung for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ that we might win him and be found in him Rom. 3. 20 22. Gal. 2. 15 16 21. Philip. 3. 7 9. Hebr. 10. 32 34. Prov. 16. 16. and 8. 18. 1. This consideration then shewes unto us the willingness and cordiallness of Christ that we might be partakers of him and of that excellent provision treasured up in him for all mankind 2. It shewes the bruitishness of those men who spend their money for that which is not bread and labour for that which satisfieth not seing God hath prepared for us and sets before us that which is good and fatness and which will give to us reall satisfaction and render us truly happy Isay 55. 1 3. O that we may none of us by following lying vanities forsake our owne mercies Jonah 2. 8. More particularly in this Demonstration and evidence of the happiness of the man that findeth Wisdome and getteth understanding and commendation of the exercise therabout is signified to us 1. That to the end we may finde and get Wisdome as referring to the former verse and have the gaine of it as referring to the latter end of this verse We must first use Merchandise 2. That the Merchandise of Wisdome is better then the Merchandise of silver and the gaine thereof then fine gold 1. That to the end we may find and get Wisdome and have the gaine of it we must first use Merchandise This excellent and beneficiall treasure is prepared for us and declared to us without and before any thing be required of us as is before shewne But that we may partake of it and its benefit somewhat is required of us as God is enabling us There is first good prepared for men and shewed to them before any thing be required of them Mica 6. 8. But then there are commandments given to us by the Lord Jesus The husbandman must first labour saith the Apostle before he be partaker of the fruit Consider what I say and the Lord give thee an understanding in all things 2 Tim. 2. 5 7. Hence our Saviour saith Labour not for the meat that perisheth but for that which indureth unto everlasting life which the Son of Man will give unto you in thus exercising your selves Joh. 6. 27 29. It is in this also and most certainely true The diligent hand maketh rich and the soule of the diligent shall be made fat but the soule of the sluggard desiretb and hath nothing the idle soule shall suffer hunger Prov. 10. 4 5. and 13. 4. and 19. 15. and 20. 4. Hence such precepts are given to us Prov. 4. 5 7 and 6. 6 11. In this instruction then we shall briefly inquire and consider 1. What is this Merchandise here commended to us 2. Why it is called and compared to Merchandise 1. What is this Merchandise here commended to us and what is needfull hereto to this we have spoken already and shall therefore breifly say 1. There is contained in it and needfull to it an hearing and learning of the father that we may know where it is and is to be had by us and the excellency of it that we may seek it and in the right place how shall we beleive on him of whom we have not heard Rom. 10. 14 17 18. that the soule be without knowledge it is not good and we canoot know unless we heare and learne of God naturally we are ignorant and know not Gods name or his Sons name but every word of God is pure Prov. 30. 4 5. let every man therefore be swift to heare the word of truth and to heare in hearing to learne of Christ to know him who is made knowne to us in the holy scriptures and in his ordinances and in the assemblies of his people let us then bow downe our eares and heare the words of the wise Jam. 1. 18 19. Prov. 22. 19.
increase their earthly substance and meane time when a price is put into their hands for getting Wisdome they have no heart thereto they can neglect opportunities for getting this spirituall commodity and then cry there is a lion in the way I shall be slain in the streets they are not valiant for the truth upon the earth Jerem. 9. 3. but are fearfull and afraid of sufferings shame and reproach for Christs sake ashamed of him and his words in an evill and adulterous generation What will become of such in the end Christ will be ashamed of such when he cometh in his owne glory and in the glory of his father and in the glory of his holy Angells Luk. 9. 23 16. with Mark 8. 34 38. this is that whiâ—h is greatly provoking to God he was wroth with those who when they were invited to come into Wisdoms house and eat of her provision made light of the invitation and went one to his farme another to his merchandise Yea protests that none of them shall taste of his supper Matth. 22. 4-7 with Luk. 14. 16-24 oh that we may so consider it that we may walke circumspectly not as fooles but as wise redeeming the time for-getting Wisdome because the dayes are evill Ephes 5. 15 17. 2. And let us all be exhorted seeing Wisdome is the principall thing to get it and with all our gettings to get understanding And to move hereto consider further The gaine of Wisdome and understanding is better then that of fine gold of the choicest and most refined gold and so better then the gaine of all earthly riches though the gaine of gold if it be honestly gotten and to a good end laboured for that we may honour the Lord with our substance and with the first fruits of our increase and live to him that died for us and rose againe is good Yet the gaine of spirituall Wisdome is better and more to be desired then gold yea then much fine gold and better then all the gainfull things here below and so have wise men accounted it Philip. 3. 7 8 9. It is admirably and inexpressibly better Prov. 16. 16. it is profitable unto all things having the promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come as is said of godliness And indeed this Wisdome and Godliness are the same The root and foundation of Godliness is God was manifest in the flesh justified in the Spirit the meanes and medium for making it knowne and manifesting it and giving and dispensing it is the gospell especially as preached by the Apostles The exercising our selves to godliness is beleiving with the heart on Christ as delivered to death for our offences and raised againe for our justification and glorified as this t s declared to us in the gospell 1 Tim. 4. 8. with Chapt. 3. 16. 1. The gaine of it is better now by it there is profit to them that see the sun Eccles 7. 11. For 1. It gives all things that pertaine to life and gives life to them that get it even spirituall and eternal life now by faith and a first fruits of the Spirit and all contained therein which silver and gold cannot doe Wisdome is a defence money is a defence but the excellency of knowledge is that Wisdome giveth life to them that have it Eccles 7. 12. hereby the Holy Ghost doth evidence that the gaine of Wisdome is better then fine gold and therefore proposeth it as a motive to move and prevaile with us to seek and get it She is a tree of life to all that lay hold on her Prov. 3. 17. And this is contained in the blessedness they meet with and partake of that seek and finde her Whoso findeth her findeth life Prov. 8. 32. 35. As 1. It giveth unto those that finde Wisdome the forgiveness of sins by Christ all that beleive are justified from all things from which they could not be justified by the law of Moses Act. 13. 39. And this forgiveness of sins is included in eternall life and therefore eternall life is opposed to condemnation and in having that a man passeth from death to life Joh. 5. 25. and being justified from their sins by the blood of Christ much more shall they be saved from wrath even from the wrath of God thorow him Rom. 5. 9. Hereinits gaine is greatly preferred before fine gold and all the riches of this World riches profit not in a day of wrath but righteousness delivereth from death Prov. 10. 2. and 11. 4. Neither mens silver nor their gold shall be able to deliver them in the day of the Lords wrath Zephan 1. 18. their riches will not procure them a pardon from God though they may from the Man of sin nor deliver them from his anger and the dreadfull and direfull effects thereof their money will not obtain the remission of their sins when they come to dye nor give them peace with God nor will this deliver in the day of wrath But men shall then cast their idolls of silver and gold to which they have given their loves and worship to the moles and to the bats to goe into the clefts of the rocks and into the tops of the ragged rocks for feare of the Lord they shall then cast their silver into the streets and their gold shall be removed or shall be as uncleaness their silver and their gold shall not be able to deliver them in the day of the Lords wrath Isay 2. 19 21. Ezeck 7. 19. But this is the gain of Wisdome In finding and winning Christ a man also receives remission of sins and deliverance from Gods wrath and the feares thereof So as being justified by faith he hath peace with God thorow our Lord Jesus Rom. 4. 25 and 5. 1. To him give all the Prophets witness that thorow his name whosoever beleiveth in him shall receive the remission of sins Act. 10. 43. 1 Joh. 5. 11 12. And oh what a blessed priviledge is this It is even the summe of all blessedness Even as David describeth the blessedness of the man to whom the Lord imputes righteousness without works saying blessed in the Man whose iniquities are forgiven and whose sin is eovered Psal 32. 1 2. with Rom. 4. 5 7. And it is also the inlett unto all Salvation He giveth the knowledge and injoyment of salvation thorow the forgiveness of sins Luk. 1. 77. Psal 103. 1 3. Herethorow they receive salvation and deliverance from his anger the power whereof who knoweth Psal 90. 11 12. The wrath of this King of Kings is as messengers of death but a wise man will pacify it How not by fine gold but to this end how much better is it to get Wisdome then gold Prov. 16. 14-16 2. It gives to men the Spirit of life even that living quickning Spirit which is Wisdoms Spirit this money wil not get or give It was an heinous provoking iniquity in Simon Magus to offer money for the Holy Spirit and