by his chastisements Hebrews 12. 11 15 16. from gracious returns of prayers and from beholding the light of his countenance and so from victory over our iniquities and the evil of our temptations Isaiah 1 10 18. Psalm 32. 3 4. Yea the secret and wilfull retaining divers lusts disables from so coming to the knowledge of the truth that we might be saved by it 2 Tim. 3. 6 7. Therefore saith James we have not because we ask not or we ask and receive not because we ask amiss to consume it upon our lust or still secretly retain the purpose desire or idol of iniquity in the heart whence he thus admonisheth Submit resigne or yeeld up your selves to God Resist the Devil and he will flee from you draw nigh to God and he will draw nigh to you Clense your hands ye sinners purifie your hearts ye double minded c. James 4. Oh! That yet we were willing so to discern diligently to look into and consider the Lords body as to examine our selves search and try our wayes in that glass and to see what we see not and judge our selves as there discovered and reproved as we are instructed 1 Cor 11. 28 31. Yea so to remember him in all his wayes as to acknowledg him in all our wayes not leaning to our own thoughts or understanding But as those that call on the father who without respect of persons judgeth according to every mans work to pass the time of our sojourning here in fear The good Lord would yet be merciful and pardon and heal us though yet we be not sanctified after the sanctification of his sanctuary were we but willing in the light and strength of his grace and name in Christ so to prepare our hearts or suffer him to prepare and fix them to him that the iniquities and idols might be discovered and the purpose or desire to hide and hold them fast broken and we made willing to see and part with them for the excellency of the knowledge of him for he doth not onely alwayes prevent with his abundant grace in Christ to humble but will also prepare the heart of the hamble and cause his ear to hear Psalm 10. 17. Isaiah 1. 16 19. 2 Chron. 30. 18 19. James 4. 6 10. Thus have his servants the Prophets that have spoken to us in the Name of the Lord in all their earnest and diligent inquiries after God and for understanding the visions of the times and the things that in both parts of them as to the actual accomplishment bringing forth of them were then yet to come namely the sufferings of Christ and the glory that should follow Humbled themselves to the searching ouâ— and being sensible of and acknowledging their iniquities and the iniquities of their people as discovered in the instructions of his name and written upon the rod See Ezra 9. 6. to the end 10 1. Neh. 1. 6 7 and 9. tot Psalm 32. 5 and 38 and 39. Isa 64. 5 9. Dan. 9. 3. 20. And thus they have instructed us in the way not to be as the Horse or Male c Psalm 32. 8. But to search and try our wayes and turn to the Lord to examine and judge our selves in the true light to humble our selves in the sight of the Lord and under his mighty hand And surely such walking humbly and mournfully before him in the sence of our own vileness and searching out and giving up our iniquities and Idolls in the light and power of Gods name in Christ is found in the right worshipping in which the father is worshipped in spirit and truth in the light of the Spirits testimony given of Christ and so in Christ the truth Yea the way the truth and the life that rejoycing in and giving glory unto Christ Jesus in which the father is truly honoured and worshipped in the spirit hath alwayes in it and is it self found in a taâ—king shame to our selves and relinquishing all rejoycing in the flesh that no flesh may glory in his presence Philipians 3. 3. 4. I might here add in this seeking him after the due Order as to the manner of our seeking that there is in it a joyning and cleaving together in his name and so seeking and striving together for the faith of the Gospel even in the Vnity of the spirit with them that call on his Name in truth that worship him in Christ according to the Gospel The persons with whom we may and are to joyn dwell and walk in the Unity of the spirit and so together with whom we are to be followers of the Apostles they are such as walk as they have the Apostles for an example Philippians 3. 17 20 21. And we are diligently to mark know and distinguish them by considering the end of their conversation Compare this to the Philippians with Hebrews 13. 7 8 9. For there are many other walkers zealous pretenders to godliness mortification holiness that have also much of the form or outward appearance of it in many things who yet are the enemies of the Cross of Christ the very end of their conversation though privily carried on under a fair shew of mortification and holiness with good words and fair speeches to deceive the simple is to deny the Lord that bought them To destroy or cast down him from his excellency to render him undesireable and to corrupt believers from the simplicity of him And the thing thereto worshipped adhered to and magnified by them is their own Belly their own or some private Spirit experiments works mortifications sufferings and the like instead of the person of Christ and the works finished in his body and the grace treasured up and hope set before us in him for this life and that to come as evidenced by the spirit of truth in his testimony given of Christ They glory in their shame mind earthly things things suited to sence and in which they have their portion in this life But as for me sayes David I will behold thy face in righteousness even in Christ the true light and manifestation of the righteousness and glory of God and so in the great and precious promises confiâ—med in him For here we walk by faith that is the evidence of things not seen the confidence of things hoped for and not by sight When I awake sayes he namely in the morning of the resurrection of the just by Christ at his comming then I shall be satisfied with thine image Psalm 17. 15. with 2 Cor. 4. 17. 18. and 5 1 7 9. Hebrews 11. 1. Romans 8. 23 24. So here the Apostles conversation and so theirs that walk as they have them for an example is in Heaven exercised in and about the treasure they have there in the person of Christ with God and the expectation they have in him as now appearing in the glorious presence of God in the Heaven it self for them from whence also they look for the same Saviour the Lord Jesus Christ to
of Christ the power of godliness that creep into houses or gather into companies and societies like the Churches of Christ Then such as Timothy are advised with more diligence to follow their work and design together with them that call on him out of a pure heart 2 Timothy 2. 22. with chap. 3. 1. 6. And all of us to be followers together of the Apostles and mark them which walk so as they have them for an example considering the end of their conversation as afore-said and so knowing and owning them for our companions to strive together with Phil. 3. 17 18 19 20 21. with chap. 1. 27 28. and 2. 1. 6. c. And that in all our acts of seeking and striving for the faith of the Gospel in all our hearing speaking doing suffering yea in our prayers to God as Romans 15. 30. with Ephesians 6. 18. Acts 1. 14. and 12. 12. See the many instructions and earnest entreaties and exhortations to this seeking and striving together in the Scriptures already mentioned and in divers others Surely a good and pleasant thing is this unity of the Spirit and the generation of seekers dwelling together in it For there the Lord hath commanded the blessing even life for evermore Where ever two or three are gathered together in his name there is he in the midst of them rendring them comely as Jerusalem that is compact together and terrible as an Army with Banners Psam 103 Cant. 6. 4. Mat. 18. 20. This last branch of order in the manner of our seeking is fitly added to the latter part of the former branch For onely by Pride commeth Contention Envying and Strife And then follows confusion and every evil work Proverbs 13. 10. James 3. 13. 16. and 4. 1 6 10. Therefore our Saviour thus joyns them in his instruction and exhortation Mark 9. 50. Have Salt in your selves have peace one with another Meaning by Salt the humbling instructions of the Gospel and the reproofs of instruction and signifying that the retaining them and suffering their effecacy each of us on our Spirits is the way to have peace one with another hence also the Apostle instructs with all lowliness of mind to endeavour to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace for there can be no union or perfect joyning together without suffering the desires of vain glory to be subdued and our selves to be broken off from our own purpose and desire in which we are each minding and seeking his own things nor will there be any right submission of the younger to the elder nor of all of us one to another in the fear of the Lord without being cloathed with humility in the hearty acknowledgement of his glorious name Ephesians 4. 2 3 c. Philipians 2. 2 3 4 7 20 21. 1 Peter 5. 5 6. According to these last considerations of the due order in the manner of our seeking after which the Lord is to be sought by us They seek him not after the due order that are not gathered together to him in his name and so seeking him in the instruction encouragement and acknowledgement of it and in the unity of the Spirit in it or thus They that worship not in the spirit in the light teaching and instruction of that one spirit that is in and with the testimony of Jesus taking of his things and shewing them and so teaching all things and leading into all truth For as this is the spirit of prophesie so also of faith and of grace and supplication in which all the true worshippers worship God Rev. 19. 10. They therefore worship not aright that worship not in the spirit and so that have not their rejoycing in Christ Jesus who is the truth with a relinquishing and free giving up all Idols and rejoycings in the flesh for the excellency of the knowledge of him John 4. 23 24. Phil. 3. 3. Particularly thus 1. They that run not into that name of Christ in which is the evidence and demonstration of the spirit with power for their light and instruction what to seek for in him and from him and how to seek but adhere to their own or some private spirit for that which will instruct and lead to seek and wait for in him or from him such things as God hath not put in him for us and therefore not promised to give with him to us as some such private assurances or speakings of peace and liftings up as are more suited to the sensual mind and may a little gratifie the flesh that desires ease or liberty or like things which instructions cause to err from the words of Knowledge and therefore neither can they stay upon or rest satisfied with the incouragement and strength which that spirit in the name of the Lord Jesus giveth to seek him to hope in and wait upon him and so not with that rejoycing which is onely in Christ Jesus because that gives no incouragement or strength to seek hope or wait for such things in him or from him or to seek in such a way as by their own or some private spirit light word or spark of their own kindling they are led to They therefore run to such sparks for light and heat and for a time may walk in the light of them stollen waters are sweet and bread eaten in secret places is pleasant But from all those sparks and rejoycings in them they must lye down in sorrow Nor can these persons while wilfully walking in this way heartily acknowledge his name or give glory to it in submitting and falling down under the discoveries and reproofs of its instruction because their deeds are evil Their principal works and wayes are so contrary to it and reproved by it nor can they be heartily united with those that fear his name and worship him in truth And truly any branches or rellicks of that way of iniquity above-mentioned will have answerable like effects of confusion and disorder upon those that retain and walk in them 2. Nor are they seeking after the due order that though in some good measure right as to the first branch That is as to the things they seek and look for in him and from him seeking according to his will yet are not content with that ground of incouragement and way of approach that is onely in and through his blood and powerful mediation with it and therefore instead of attending principally to seek farther assurance of understanding in that that their hearts might be comforted and strengthned therein are even seeking peeping into corners and waiting for some other private incouragement or ground of assurance in which to seek expect and wait for his righteousness in perfecting what concerns them and so unsatisfifyed if they cannot gather up or kindle something of that nature as if they were without hope in the World as if all that ever God hath done for them in his Son and for and to them through him were nothing to assure them
the earth and in that respect I am made to sit in darkness 1 Sam. 22. 47. and Psal 18. 1 2 3 46. with Mich. 7 7 8 9. even so the true believer of Gods testimony exercising faith in Christ according to it hath yet encouragement in the Lord his God But evil and ungodly men take liberty and rejoyce to do evil as before boasting themselves of their hearts desire and encouraging themselves in hope of prevailing upon the ceasing of faithful men from amongst them for while they were preserved among them They were by the word of life put in their heart held forth in word and conversation unto them and amongst them as a fenced Brazen Wall against which though fighting they could never prevail But they the faithful or upright ones were mighty through God by the power of their word to turn their waters or doctrines into blood that men could not drink them or not find rest and content in them for the Lord was with them as a mighty and terrible One making their witness held forth in word and conversation together so powerfull as was affirmed of Jeremie of old Jer. 1. 7. 10 17 18 19. and 15 19 20 21. with chap. 6. 27 28 29 30. And might not be altogether unduely applyed here 2 Such providences are also as breaches in the hedge wall or sence to such as are left of Gods peculiar people even to the flock of God the Church or Congregation that he hath gathered or redeemed from among men through that excellent price the precious blood of Christ set before them and opened to them by the spirit in the Gospel 1 To the laying them open to be wasted spoiled and troden down by Bores and wild Beasts in the likeness of men who now will enter in amongst them without let or hindrance to corrupt and destroy I know sais Paul that after my departure shall grievous Wolves enter in among you not sparing the flock also of your own selves shall men arise speaking perverse things to draw away Disciples after them Acts 20. 29 30. While such powerfull and faithful instruments are continued with and amongst the flock they are mighty through God to the keeping out and driving away such hurtfull Wolves and false brethren that come to bring into bondage to whom they will not give place by subjection to them no not for an hour that the truth of the Gospel may continue with the flock of God over whom the Holy Ghost hath made them overseers and that it may therefore and so remain with them that it may be held forth by them for the good of others They being furnished with that faithful word the word of reconciliation the preaching peace by Jesus Christ he is Lord of all with which they are able through God to stop the mouths of gain-sayers and of such vain and unruly talkers and so to hinder them in their enterprize of subverting whole houses being thereby fully instructed and strengthned to every good word and work Their removal therefore is an evil breach to the letting in such to waste and destroy this Vine Psalm 80. 13. Isaiah 5. 2 Also to the letting out or administring occasion of disheartning to the weak and wavering leaving them as without watch or guard to their aptness to take offence and stumble at they know not what and so to turn away their ears from the truth and be tumbled aside to fables such as did watch over them and seek to heal help and strengthen them at all occasions being removed and failing from them Many will be easily enticed to follow the pernicious wayes of the spirit of Antichrist by reason of whom the way of truth will be evil spoken of and the enemy will more rejoyce 2 Tim. 4. 2 3 4 6. 2 Pet. 1. 13 14. with chap. 2. 1. 2. Acts 20. 30. Psal 12. Mich. 7. 2 Such providences are like a breach in the natural body as the cutting off an usefull member until the making up or healing of which there can be no profitable or cheerful progress in the work for if all the members suffer in the suffering of one their suffering and affliction must needs be greater in the loss of one by its being broken or cut off from being any more usefull or serviceable to or in the body in this time of temptation Whence Paul speaking of Epaphroditus as his brother and companion in labours and fellow-souldier and their messenger signifies that his being taken away by death as was threatned would have been not onely to the Philippians but to himself also a very great affliction adding sorrow upon sorrow Yea 3 Being breaches of such a nature they must needs occasion a present breach in and stâ—â—ppage to the good work the work of the Lord to be carryed on by the Church in the world until it be made up or healed as Vzzah's being thus cut off by a sudden stroke chiefly procures by their iniquities occasioned a breach in and put a stop to their work of bringing home the Ark of God for the present and till they had searched and sound the iniquity reproved and their hearts were prepared to seek the Lord after the due order as we see by comparing the 13. chap. With this we may fitly apply what hath been said to our present occasion of lamentation The taking away of this our Jeremy in the midst of his dayes depriving him or rather us of the residue of his years and at such a time in the midst or rather in the beginning of his zealous indeavours to the promoting of so glorious a work as the Publishing and Proclaiming the glorious name and grace of God in Christ to man-ward and earnest pressing and stirring up the people of God to joyn as one man with full purpose of heart to cleave to the Lord striving together in his name after the due order for the faith of the Gospel and in nothing terrified by their adversaries his being taken from us being also in such an evil time when so few like minded not seeking their own things but the things which be Jesus Christs This is surely a very great and grievous breach made upon us in all the forementioned considerations something near to that Lamentations 2. 13. Vse It presents us with abundant cause and matter of lamentation and bitter weeping for our selves and the miseries that are like to follow upon us if not timely prevented by turning to him that smites us with whom onely is healing 'T is a day of trouble of treading down and of perplexity by the Lord God of hosts in the valley of Vision breaking down the wall c. He hath made us to see the breaches of the City of David Isaiah 22. 5 9. 'T is a day in which the Lord calls to mourning and weeping to astonishment and humbling under his mighty hand Take heed least there be in any of us a spirit lifted up or carried away from the sense of the affliction as
of the truth of his love and faithfulness for the carrying on his work in what remains in giving with his Son whatever is needful to the finishing his work unto the Day of Christ And therefore seeking at least to perfect that hope confidence rejoycing and strength to wait which was begun by the Spirit in and through the Testimony of Jesus seeking to perfect it by the flesh or according to its wisdome or desire and not waiting through the spirit for the hope of righteousness of faith 3 Nor yet are they seeking the Lord after the due Order who though in some measure comming in this incouragement and name having their boldness by the blood of Jesus to approach by that new and living way consecrated through his flesh yet are not found so drawing near with a true heart as in that full assurance of faith they are instructed and strengthned Hebrews 10. 19. 22. James 4. 8. But still secretly hideing retaining or regarding some way of iniquity or Idol discovered and reproved If any man of the house of Israel do so God will answer them according to their Idols Ezekiel 14. 4 5. If David do so God will not hear him Psalm 66. 18. Yea whosoever hides his sin shall not prosper but he that confesseth and forsaketh findeth mercy Proverbs 28. 13. Psalm 32. 3 4 5. Yea this hiding of our sin and secret holding fast any deceit unwillingness to be made sencible of it and have it discovered and purged it hinders of profitable and orderly fellowship one with another and so of the advantage and benefit of that and to be met with in that way for cleansing us from all unrighteousness See 1 John 1. 7. 9. Comparing the Verses we shall find That walking in the Light as he is in the Light hath in it a confession of our sins in the belief and acknowledgement of his Name in Christ the true light as he is in the Revelation and opening of it discovering and reproving them And that this is the way to have hearty and profitable fellowship one with another and so to injoy together those special influences of the vertues of his Blood cleansing us from all unrighteousness Yea 4. The want or wilfull neglect of this last viz. fellowship together in the Gospel is disorder enough to fill us with confusion and make all our seekings unprofitable If we should think to seek the Lord with a full Spirit in the instruction encouragement and acknowledgement of his name in truth and yet forsake the assembling of our selves together as the manner of too many is or neglect the advantages we might have in the fellowship and help of our brethren out of an imagination that we stand no need of such help or can receive no increase by or through them or are able to stand alone and manage our affairs in the Gospel that concern our selves and other as well of our selves and without such advice and help of brethren as we might enjoy and can or may as well understand the wondrous things of Gods law contained in the Scriptures by our selves as together with the the helpfulness of our brethren that are one with us in the faith and patience of Jesus If I say we should any of us entertain and listen to any such vain thoughts we deceive our selves For two is better then one because they have a good reward for their labour if they fall the one will lift up his fellow Bnt woe to him that is alone c. Again If two lye together there is heat But how can one be warm alone And if one prevail against him two shall with-stand him and a three fold Cord is not easily broken Eccles 4. 9. 12. For where two or three are gathered together in his Name there is he in the midst of them Matthew 18. 20. And God hath so set the members in the Body that the chief strongest or most eminent cannot say to the more feeble or inferiour oves I have no need of you that there should be no Scisme in the Body but that the members should have the same care one for another and that the whole body being fitly joyned and compact together from him who is the head even Christ might by that which every joynt supplyeth according to the effectual working in the measure of every part make increase unto the edifying of it self in love 1 Cor. 12. 12. 25. Ephes 4. 7. 15 16. We shall here add a word or two by way of particular application to our selves of what hath been hitherto spoken to this point That the Lord hath made a sad and very grievous breach upon us we have seen before and now have taken a view of some of those ways of iniquity that are the procuring causes of such judgements as they are expressed in this acknowledgement For that we sought him not after the due order Let us then search and try our wayes desiring God to teach us what we see not and make us willing to be sensible wherein we our selves have been and are polluted with any of these wayes of iniquity which indeed are such crooked pathes as in which who so walketh shall know no peace What I shall say in this application I shall rank under these three heads I Hath not such folly and iniquity been found too generally with us As when a price hath been put in our hands to get wisdome we have had no heart to prefer and prize it according to the nature and worth of it to accept and improve it with earnestness and diligence to the end for which it was put in our hands even to the provoking the Lord to take away what we had because in having we had it not And who can say his heart is clean How have we foolishly preferred things of least concernment Yea even for lying vanities the appearing beauty of which we have observed and let our eyes fly upon have we not even for them by such observing them neglected despised and forsaken our own mercies Yea even such as to whom the speaking of God by his Son through the ministration of this and other his servants hath been as a pleasant Song Yet have not they even while with their mouth they have shewed much love let their heart run after their covetousness pleasures and other lusts And even loved and preferred the praise of men before the praise of God Yea though Gospel convictions have been many times on our spirits yet how have we shunned the light Because our deeds were reproved by it smothering the truth of God in unrighteousness choaking the saving effecacy of it in our hearts with the deceitfulness of riches the cares of this life and the lusts of other things till we have it is to be feared many of us hardned our hearts to a hating instruction despising reproof not obeying the voice of our teachers nor inclining our ear to them that instructed us Yea even to a secret murmuring and indignation against
BREACH upon BREACH OR AN ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF Judiciall Breaches MADE UPON US PROCURED BY SINFULL BREACHES FOUND AMONGST US With Instruction Admonition and encouragement yet to turn to him that smites us and the sum of it was delivered at the Funerall of Mr. Jeremiah Colman late Preacher of the Gospell at Hetherset in Norfolk February 18. 1658 9. By Tho. Moore Junior If they shall confesse their iniquity And that they have walked contrary to me and I also have walked contrary to them Then will I remember my covenant and I will remember the Land Levit. 26. 40 41 42. If any say I have sinned and perverted that which was right and it profitted me not he will deliver his soul from going downe to the pit and his life shall see the light for he hath found a Ransome Job 33. 24. 27. 28. For this cause vide not so discerning the Lords Body that was broken for us as to examine and judge our selves in the light thereof many are weake and sickly among you and many sleepe for if we would judge our selves we should not be judged c. 1 Cor. 11. 28 29 30 31 32. LONDON Printed by J. B. for the Author 1659. The Epistle to the Reader THis our beloved Brother deceased had his conversation in times past among a people zealous about some lighter matters of the Law as to outward order and discipline in the worship of God while yet neglecting the weighty matters as judgement and the love of God ernest in building Churches but slighting if not as there is too much cause of jealouâ—y of many of their builders refusing that stone for the foundation and head of the corner which God hath laid in Sion for that purpose too much like though it may be hoped not so much out of order as Israel of old who when forgetting his maker And counting the great things of his Law even Christ the end of the Law and the knowledge of God in Christ and his righteousnesse the things witnessed in the Law and Prophets as a strange thing were yet zealous in building Temples and multiplying Altars and sacrifices Hos 8. 11 12 14. with ch 6. 6 7. Psal 118. 22. Math. 21. 42. and 23. 23. Luk. 11. 42. Act. 4. 11. with Isa 28. 12. 16. and 29. 11. But God who is rich in mercy for the great love wherewith he loved us even when we were dead in sins and â—respasses and that he might thereby shew the exceeding riches of his grace to others inclined his heart more dilligently to enquire into the great things of his Law or doctrine summed up in the testimony God hath given of Christ and gave him to perceive the faithfulnesse of that saying that Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners By the light of which he karned to relinquish the former apprehensions he had of Christ and so of other persons and things after the flesh or as that teacheth and to account losse and dung for Christ and for the excellency of the knowledge of him such things as before were gain to him that he might farther win him and be found in him And so in receiving his word as the word of God and not of men Christ as testified in the scriptures the son of God the Saviour of the world became precious to him And having tested that the Lord is gracious to whom comming as to a living stone disalowed indeed of men but chosen of God and precious he also as a lively stone was therein built up in him and so made of the spirituall house and holy Priesthood to offer up spirituall sacrifices acceptable to God by Jesus Christ the love of Christ constrained him with much earnestnesse to perswade and beseech others to be reconciled to God and to seeke help in the name of God in Christ to warne the unruly comfort the feeble-minded support the weake to be patient towards all men in meeknesse instructing them that oppose themselves and to encourage and stir up such as had believed through grace to abide in him as they had received him and to provoke them to love and good works and so to help forward and strengthen the hearts and hands of the fellow-helpers to the truth As one that had his heart seasoned with those principles of certainty and truth that one died for all so effectually with the father that all have died in that death of one as all have sinned and death passed on them in and by the sin of one And that he therefore died for all that they which live in their severall ages by the grace of God bringing salvation to them as it doth to all men in due time should not henceforth live to themselves but to him that dyed for them and rose again knowing also in this knowledge of the greatnesse and truth of Gods grace in Christ to manward the unspeakable terror of the Lord against those that will not know him but are contentious and do not obey the truth or by an evil heart of unbelief depart from him and go on in their trespasses and backslidings till the day of grace pass and the master of the house be rissen up and have shut to the dore And in this his earnest seeking the good of all and the edifying of the Body of Christ he was much stirred up espâ—cially in his latter days to press for more fellowship in the Gospell with them that did know and acknowledge the grace of God in truth and so callon the Lord out of a pure heart And that such should joyn together as the heart of one man for the promoting that designe To which purpose he moved it as of great advantage and very necessary that brethren in the Gospell should often gather together as they might have opportunity frroâ— divers parts to consult one with another and together with the Scriptures and the testimony of God concerning Christ as contained in them how they might walk and strive together in more joint order for for the faith of the Gospell This though much upon his spirit to his latter end Yet was too little considered by us Our generall dulness and loss of our first love by wandering out of the way of understanding made us insencible both of the advantage to be sâ—â—â—net within such endeavouring to keep the unity of the spirit in the bond if peace and so seeking the Lord and his things and therein the things and good of others after the due order and also of the necessiry of it especially in these evill times It seemed to me that Gods removing this instrument in the midst of his days and while his spirit was so earnestly set for the promoting and carrying on so good a worke and yet it was so little apprehended or considered by us had in it a great reproofe of our dulnesse and a loud voice signifying necessity of timely listening to it to awaken us to righteousnesse in this particular that standing up from the dead Christ
him as the principal thing the merchandize of it better then of silver and the gain thereof then of fine gold she is more precious then Râ—biâ—s and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared to her And therefore we are exhorted so to seek after it and get it with all our getting to buy the truth what ever it cost us or we must part with for iâ— and not to sel or part with it whatever advantage we might have in lieu of it Proverbs 3. 14 15. and 4 5 7 c. and 23. 23. To seek first the Kingdome of God and his righteousness so as with a neglect of all other things even things needfull as to the natural life for it leaving it to â—hâ—m without carefulness to dispose of them and add them to us as he sees good Matthew 6. 19 32 33. c. Yea even those things that are of all the things in this World most to be esteemed loved and respected in their place and in subordination to him yet are to be hated by us for him and in comparison of him If any man come to me saith our Saviour and in comming hate not Father and Mother Wife and Children Brethren and Sisters Yea and his own Life also he is not worthy of me he cannot be my Disciple Matthew 10. 37 39. Luke 14. 26 33. They sought not the Lord after the due order that with their mouth shewed much love but their heart went after their covetousness Ezekiel 33. 31. Nor they that loved the praise of men more then that which comes of God alone John 5. 44. and 12 43. That rather then part with or hazard the loss of the one would let go the other or put or keep themselves out of the certain way or meeting with it and so for lying vanities forsake their own mercies As also he that would first go bury his Father that so he might keep the good will of such relations while they lived and so make sure the Inheritance Portion or Advantage he might have from them at their death then promising to himself to follow him with a more full Spirit And likewise he that would first go bid them farewell that were at home at his house that in a designe to keep the friendship of the World and worldly relaâ—ions and friends would seek their consent or a fair and possible come off That he might not incurre hatred and reproach from them and be as the filth and off-scouring of the World to them not willing for the excellency of the knowledge of him to goe out of the Camp beaâ—ing his reproach Luke 9. 58. 61. Yea whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath even to his own natural Life if he lay not that at the stake for him or be not willing to let it goe and part with it oâ— any thing pertaining to it when it stands in the way for his sake and the Gospels or in his seeking to know him and winne him that he may be found in him do not neglect and hate it in comparison of him he is not worthy of him he seeks him not after the due order he cannot be his Disciple for no man can serve two masters the mind and affections cannot be fixed on â—â—ings below and on the things that are above together Therefore lâ—â—t seek we the Kingdom of God and his righteousness so as with a neglect of all other things for it and in comparision of it There is an order in the time and causes of the things that are to be preferred and earnestly and in a sense equally to be sought for by us After which somethings are to be sought first that other things which are also to be preferred and sought may be found in them and attained through them with other things are not otherwise to be sought but in the first things And so to seek the Lord after the due order as with reference to the things of the Lord and to be sought in in him as wisdome righteousness and strength Yea all things pertaining to life and godliness are in him and to be sought in him I say To seek him after the due order as with reference to those things Is First And as the first thing unto all to seek after wisdome in the knowledge of him in what he hath done and is become for us in Christ and the hope set before us in him that through the knowledge of his Grace towards us rich provision for us in Christ even while we were yet dead in sins and trespasses we may be strengthned to believe in him love and trust in him before the sons of men for his name in Christ known by us instructs and strengthens us to trust in him Psalm 9 10. to desire after him John 4. 10. to delight in and rest satisfied with him verse 14. Whence the Apostle prayes for the Ephesians that God would grant them the spirit of wisdome and revelation in the knowledge of him the eyes of their understandings being enlightned that they may know what is the hope of his calling c. Ephesians 1. 17 18 19. And the great conflict he had for the Collosians was that their hearts might be comforted being knit together in love and unto all riches of the full assâ—rance of understanding to the acknowledgment of the mystery of God and of the Father and of Christ and in whom are hid all the treasures of wisdome and knowledge Yeâ— this he signifies to be that order of their faith in which it became stedfâ—st which he joyed to behold and according to which he exhorts them to go on walking in him as they had received him even according to this rule or order being rooted and built up in him and so stablished in the faith as they had been taught In their receiving him they were baptized into the knowledge and acknowledgment of his death and so taking root down-ward believing minding and considering what he had done and was now become for them through the blood of his Cross They were thence built up in him and upon him and after the same order might profitably go on to farther growth and stability in him Col. 2. 1 2 5 6 7. And so the way to grow in grace is signified to be in growing in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ 2 Pet. 3. 8 18. Also that the mind or soul be without knowledge it is not good nor safe for without it it cannot be made good There is no other arm or power to reconcile the heart to God but the knowledge of his reconciliation in Christ or of â—hat goodness of God that is in and through Christ it s the goodness of God that leades to repentance Therefore the first thing to be sought always and in all oâ—â—â— seekings of the Lord and of righteousness and strength in him is that we may win him in the understanding and knowledge of him that is true
that so we may be found in him for the knowledge of him in what he hath done and is become for us while we were yet out of him being heartily imbraced leades the heart and mind into him and to be stayed in him See Phil. 3. 8 10. 1 Joh. 5 20. And to that purpose the first thing in all the commandements as brought to us by the glorious Gospel is to hear that word or doctrine of faith that presents the Lord our God to be one Lord as evidenced in that one Mediator between God and men the man Christ Jesus who gave himself a ransome for all a testimony in due time which shews him to be light and in him no darkness at all See and compare Mark 12. 29. 1 Timothy 2. 4 5 6. 1 John 1. 5. Whence also we are exhorted to be swift to hear that word of truth in what condition so ever we be come as we are to it listen to and receive it with all acception as a faithful saying full of truth and goodness for us at all times that Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners To hear alwayes before we speak or do that thence we may be rightly taught strengthned and qualified so to speak and do as those that shall be judged by that royal law of liberty Be more ready to hear then to offer the Sacrifices of Fools James 1. 19. Eccles 5. 1. Prov. 22. 17 21. And so the way to seek righteousness profitably that we may attain it is to seek it by faith in Christ Romans 9. 30 32. To believe in him that we may be justified by the faith of him Gal. 2. 15 16. For as by his knowledge or skill so also through the knowledge of himself through his name he gives the forgiveness of sins and justifies the believer Isaiah 53. 11. with Acts 10. 43. and 13 38 39. And so likewise if we would get victory over sin and Satan cleanse our hands from sins our hearts from guile be made partakers of his holiness without which no man shall see him The way to seek it is also in the knowledge and faith of him and to that purpose to be exercised in beholding the glory of the Lord as shined in that glass even in the face of Christ through the glorious Gospel 2 Cor. 3. 18. with chap. 4. 6. Whence the Psalraist tells us That they that have clean hands and a pure heart are onely the Generation of them that seek his face and so seek righteousnes and strength there Psalm 24. 4 6. with Isaiah 45. 24 25. And therefore also calling upon us to seek the Lord and his strength leads us to this as the way to it in his fundamental instruction seek his face evermore Remember his marvellous works that he hath done his wonders and the judgments of his mouth Psam 105. 4 5. They then seek him not after the due Order that first seek to frame or work up their own hearts to a belief or hope in God or confident expectation of good from him before they hear or dare receive and consider the word of faith as true for them but seek to find the act or grace of faith first in their own hearts that from thence they may conclude the truth of the word of faith to themselves that first seek to work up their own hearts to love God before they will know or believe his love to them in Christ as and while sinners and enemies which onely is fit and able to get true love and good affection to him that so from the imagination of their love and good affection to him they may conclude his love and good affection in Christ â—o them Now herein is not love saith the Apostle that we have loved God herein Gods love is not rightly perceived But in this that he fiâ—st loved us even while enemies and sent his Son the propitiation for our sins And therefore and from thence we indeed love him because he fiâ—st loved us and from thence also that being first known and believed springs true love one to another 1 John 4. 9 10 19 and 3 16. They therefore do greatly err as likewise in seeking to get victory over sin and strength against their corruptions before they dare receive the report of his comming into the world to save sinners and the victory and conquest obtained in his resurrection over sin and Satan as faithful and true for them And then from what they imagine they find in themselves they conclude the truth of that done in him for them In this preposterous and disorderly way of seeking the Lord men make iâ— their first and great inquiry whether they be elected or in a good condition before God which they strive to guess and to conclude to themselves from some imagined gracious frames good affection victory over sin or the like or from some particular assurance that hath no better ground for the bottom of it then some testimony of their own or some private spirit before they will believe Gods testimony of his sending his onely begotten Son by his grace to taste death for them and giving him glory that their faith and hope might be in God And then gather up conclusions of the truth of that for them from their imagination of the truth of the former Namely that Christ by the grace of God tasted death for them because they find themselves such as before Hence it is that the way men too generally walk in to comfort themselves and others in distress is to labour to perswade them that they are in a better condition then they think they are Their sins less their Hearts Desire Frames and Works better or else from some signs or testimony of their owne spirit or of others that they are of the Elect and that therefore Christ and all his things belong to them Behold a more excellent way then any of these crooked paths in which who so walketh shall know no true or lasting peace First inquire in the light of Gods testimony and consider diligently what Jesus Christ by the grace of God hath done and what an infinite rich provision of all things pertaining to life godliness is in him for such vile sinners and wretched ones as at the worst thou mayest suppose thy self to be even for such as yeâ— are not of the Elect or chosen Generation that through him they might be saved and in finding him find Life Election Sonship and priviledges of Sons in him and so be made of that Generation that were chosen in Christ from the beginning of the World to be his peculiar treasure even of the chosen generation the Holy Nation Beloved with peculiar manner of love who before were not so as Rom. 9. 24 25. 1 Peter 2. 9 10. Instead then of striving to conclude thy self in a good or safe condition see and consider in the testimony of Christ what there is for such as are in a bad and lost condition like
of his grace And so the fountain of that Water of Gods grace and Spirit and so the testimony of him that anointing by the pouring out and shedding abroad of which we in receiving and attending to it shall be washed inlightened healed strengthned and made meet for service Yea that one offering by which all our Sacrifices brought and offered by him shall be made acceptable and to his praise It s not any other Sanctification Separation or consecration that makes meet for this inheritance of the Holy Priesthood or of the Saints in light not the outward and tipical sanctification that was but to a tipical service in the flesh and in the letter Nor any such as may be by the works of the law Nor any such redeeming from any part of the vain conversation as may be effected by corruptable things as silver and gold or by any other Wisdom Strength or Motions onely in the Lord in whom they have righteousness strength In the Lord shall all the seed of Israel be justified and shall glory 2. As to the nature of the work or effecacy of this one Spirit through the Gospel on the subject needfull to go before to make meet for this service and inheritance of the Saints It is such as in which through the righteousness of God our Saviour they are made partakers of like precious faith with the Apostles through this sanctification of the Spirit fore-mentioned they are chosen out of the way and condition of the World that lyes in ignorance of God in Christ and enmity to him and so under the power of the Wicked one unto obedience the obedience of faith so to understand and know him that is true that therein the soul is brought into him and united with him by faith 1 Peter 1. 2. 2 Peter 1. 1. with 1 John 5. 19 20. They are begotten by the word of truth to such an unfeined belief of the truth as now come forth in Christ as in which it s believed and received not in vain but to purpose even to the same purpose to which it is discovered and given to them viz to the saving of the soul bringing it out of the World and worldly wayes of seeking rest righteousness wisdome strength c. into Christ for all such as in which they are redeemed from among men and from their vain conversation received by tradition from them and so washed in the Spirit of their minde from the errours and pollutions of the World in which men are vainly seeking rest peace wisdome righteousness c. where it is not unto God in Christ to seek all in him by an exercise of faith in him in what he hath done and is become for them in his own body and in the hope set before them in him Such it is as in which their minds or souls are purified to unseigned love of God of Men brethren in obeying the truth They are principled with those principles of truth that naturally lead so to trust in him and seek all in him and so to love that they may thenceforth walk in that newness of life They are so baptized into Christ euen into his death that as to the Spirit of their minde they are subdued and made willing to put on Christ for all and be devoted to him and to that purpose for the excellency of the knowledge of him to let go all other excellencies as loss and dung that they may win him and be found in him yea herein to hate Father Mother Brethren Sisters Wife and Children yea and their own life also for his sake and in comparison of him for they have obeyed his word and kept his covenant Answerable to that Exodus 32. 6. 29. Deut 32. 9. 1 Cor. 15. 1 2. with 2 Cor. 6. 1. Hebr. 10. 39. 1 Peter 1. 18 22. and 2 Peter 1. 4. and 2. 18. 20. Romans 6. 3. 4. Gal. 3. 26 27. James 1. 18. Luke 14. 26 27. 33. Phil. 3. 3. 10. 2 Tim. 1. 5 6. with 1 Tim. 1. 5. There may be among them many feighâ—ned or halting believers That have yet believed but in vain still halting between two opinions or have not yet so crucified the flesh with its affections and lusts as to be renewed and purified in the Spirit of their minde from double-mindedness to have the heart fixed to seek rest wisdome righteousness and strength onely in him by an exercise of faith in him yea there may be many daughters and attenders who though in some good degree of simplicity waiting yet are not so of them of his Spiritual house and holy Priesthood Yet let all that hear say come Revelations 22. 17. 3. Aâ— to the seal and confirmation of the truth of this washing effecacy of the Spirit through the Gospel making meet for this inheritance it is such as in which they are sealed with the holy Spirit of promise even the same which is the earnest of the Apostles inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession by which fealing they are marked out and approved by God as unto the day of redemption so also as a peculiar people unto this service Ephes 1. 13 14. and 4. 30. By this manifesting himselfe unto them powring out abundantly of the Spirit of his Son into their hearts making known his words and so teaching and leading into the Spiritual injoyment and usefulness of the truth making Christ unto them all that which by the power of his word they are instructed and led to seek for in him even wisdome righteousness sanctification and redemption and so filling them with peace and joy through the power of the Holy Ghost in the belief of the truth quickning them to a lively hope by the resurrection of Christ Giving them access with boldness and confidence in him strengthning them to cry Abba Father by that Spirit of his Son opening the testimony of his Son believed and so spiritually sprinkling the blood of Christ and shedding abroad his love therethrough in their hearts making it usefull and powerfull to all those ends and purposes Also inriching them with some usefull understanding and gifts for the profit of others even as the testimony of Christ is confirmed in them so anointing and fitting them for ministring to him and in his name that through them others may be saved turned from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God that in turning they also may receive forgiveness of sins and inheritance with them that are sanctified by fiath that is in Christ John 14. 21. 23. and 17. 20. 23. 1 Cor. 1. 30 31. Rom. 5. 1. 11. and 15. 13 14. 1 Peter 1. 3. Ephes 3. 12. Romans 8. 15. Galatians 4. 6. 1 Corinthians 1. 5. and 12. 4 5 6 7. Acts 26. 17 18. A man may say he hath faith in Christ and so fellowship with the light and in so saying lye and deceive himself but if indeed he have it will be manifested by these works and fruits of it If
by himselfe Noe man not any of the Fathers are to cover or put vailes upon any thing which they have opened or to open any thing otherwise then as they have opened and delivered the same unto us nor to adde any mixtures which mans wisedome teacheth in the building such mixtures or additions will occasion the losse of our work by the fire that comes from that foundation the fire of the Altar or by the fiery triall Yea we our selves cannot be saved otherwise then so as by fire suffering that to burne up our mixtures and so we may be saved by it 1 Corinth 3. 10 13 15 18. Whereas Nedeb and Abibu Leviticus 10. 1 2. And those Numbers 16. 35. were consumed by the tipicall fire so exceeding in glorious grace is this dispensation of the fullnesse of times and the administration of Gods Government by Jesus Christ under it But take heed when saved and converted from such polutions of turning againe to folly Inâ—quities of this nature are like that of Korâ—b And very much to the defiling Gods Temple and so to the procuring speedy dâ—struction For if any man defile the Temple of God him shall God destroy see the sorementioned 1 Cor. 3. 16 17 18. According to these considerations they seek not the Lord after the due order 1. That are ready to be offering Sacrifices before they heare the word of truth the Gospell of our salvation or have so heard as in some measure to be reconciled by it and so brought into or made of his house or while they are entering 〈◊〉 not still more ready to heare then to offer the Sacrifices of fooles nor are they yet capable of considering the evill they do in such hastinesse of spirit Whence James exhorts even such as are beloved brethren yet to be swift to heare flow to speak slow to wrath for the wrath of of man the hastinesse of the spirit of a man to be speaking and offering sacrifices so as for or on the behalfe of others worketh not the righteousnesse of God wherefore laying apart all filthinesse and superfluity of naughtinesse receive with meekness the ingrafted word which is able to save your soules James 1. 19 20 21. 2 Nor they that having tasted that the Lord is gracious and proved the powerfull efficacy and force of that living stone drawing to him building on him delivering from the errors and polutions of the world consecrating and devoting them to him and his yet do not diligently mind or regard their charge and the end of their calling But either are slothfull cleaving to and embracing the things of this present world preferring profane and common affaires before these great affaires of the Gospell and so taken off and hindered from earnest striving together with them that call on him in truth for the faith of it loving and preferring Fathers Mothers Lands Livings or their own life before him or not haâ—ing them in comparison of him and for his sake and the Gospells They are not worthy of him nor demeane themselves worthy of or suitable to such a vocation as wherewith they are called yea this their dulnesse neglect and slothfulnesse may occasion errors of rashnesse in others as the like did in Vzzah 1 Chron. 13. 9. with chap. 15. 12 13. Or else retain some other Idol or way of iniquity in their hearts though oft discovered and reproved and seek to excuse and hide it from the light as some desire of vain glory or any other fiilthinesse of flesh or spirit and yet appear and stand before him in their uncleannesse yea hiding it under their tongue or setting it up in their hearts as if by him they had a dispensation or were delivered to it or might be conived at or allowed in it more then others because of their peculiar service or usefulnesse in the Church more then others something like that Jer. 7. 8 9 10 11. Be we admonished of these wayes of iniquity and confusion for he the Lord that sanctifies us is holy be ye therefore cleane ye that beare the vessels of the Lord. 3 Nor yet are they seeking after the due order that are not content with their place and service in the body in which they might be usefull but either they must do as others do or undertake the exercise of such a gift as they have not almost like them that intrude into things they have not seen vainly puft up with their fleshly mind or else sit down in a peevish discontentment as if they were none of the body because not such a principall member or might be no way usefull yea refuse to be usefull and seek their own good and the good of others as they might of they may not or cannot be usefull in such a gift or manner of administration as another 4 Nor they that are headily running on in the exercise of any gift or setting themselves apart or being set apart by some others to any peculiar service in the Gospell or undertaking any speciall charge in this Ministry to which they may think themselves meet and some others like them or weaker and younger ones in the faith that are therein out of their place may put them forward before they be called and thrust forth by the Lord and by such of his servants especially the Elders among them to whom they are given as a gift from the Lord to be loâ—ked too watched over and ordered by them in the Lord Or go an end in such exercises and in the management of such affaires as to which they may have had some previous fitnesse and due encouragements yet so as alone and in the hastinesse of their own spirit before and without the advice helps prayers and blessings out of the house of the Lord. Oh how needfull is that admonition of the Apostle to every one amongst us not to think of our selves more highly then we ought to think but to think soberly according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith with all lowlynesse and meâ—knesse to endeavour to keep the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace not to be desirous of vain glory nor to let any thing be done through it but in lowlynesse of mind each to esteem other better then themselves the younger submitting to the elder and all of us one to another in the feare of the Lord Romans 12. 3. Ephesians 4. 1 3. c. Phillippians 2. 1-5 with 1 Peter 5. 5 6. 5 Yea faulty and out of order are they that are over such in the word of the Lord unto whom they have been or are given as a gift from the Lord to minister to and with them according to their capacity if they take not speciall notice of such disorders to warn the unruly as well as encourage and support the weak and timerous And although if the instructions and admonitions of sound doctrine will not prevaile to rectifie or stop the mouths of such unruly and vain talkers they cannot so well