without him O now the Soul honours God above all By these and such like acts of the Soul God is chiefly honoured therefore turning must of necessity be with the Soul. 3. The Soul must turn because it is the Soul that yields Obedience to the great commands both of the Law and Gospel There is not so much as one Precept either in the Law or in the Gospel kept aright unless the Soul keeps it The summ of the Law is Love but Love must be with the Heart and Soul nay it must be with all the Heart and with all the Soul or else it is but a meer shadow and appearance it is but like the Picture of Fire that hath no more heat in it than the Picture of Snow Heark what our Lord saies to him that asked Him Which is the great Commandment in the Law Jesus answered Mat. 22. 37 38. Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy Heart and with all thy Soul and with all thy Mind And as the Law calls for Love so it requires Spiritual Worship God is jealous of his Worship and he will accept of none but that which is worship in Truth John 4. 24. God is a Spirit and he will be worshipped in Spirit and in Truth Now there cannot be worship in Truth unless it be worship in Spirit All worship is but false and if it be false it must needs be vain that doth not proceed from the Spirit of the Worshipper If you should imploy many hours in a day in pattering over a great many Words that either you don't understand or if you do you don't mind all this would be unacceptable nay it would be abominable Then for the Gospel The two great commands of the Gospel are Faith and Repentance neither of these can be obeyed without the Heart It is the Soul and Heart that believes Rom. 10. 10. With the Heart man believeth unto Righteousness and with the Mouth Confession is made unto Salvation And as for Repentance it is impossible that should be true unless the Spirit be contrite unless the very Heart be broken Tears Complaints walking softly rending the Garments wallowing in Ashes this will not prove the truth of Repentance the Heart must be broken or else you have not truly repented Psal 51. 17. The Sacrifices of God are a broken Spirit a broken and a contrite Heart O God thou wilt not despise And so in Psal 34. 18. The Lord is nigh to them that are of a broken Heart and saveth such as be of a conitite Spirit 4. Lastly The Soul must turn to God because Judgment at the great day will be according to Truth Then the Secrets of all Men will be made manifest when the Lord appears he will bring to light the hidden things of darkness and will make manifest the Counsels of the Heart and then shall every man have Praise of God 1 Cor. 4. 5. At the great Day all things all Persons will be called by their proper Names Hypocrisie will be called Hypocrisie and Saints will be called Saints No Hypocrite will be owned for a Saint at that day nothing that is counterfeit will pass for currant the Judgment of God will be according to Truth In the day of Judgment only Conversion with the Heart Conversion with the Soul will pass for true Conversion Sincerity will be owned and it will be Crowned Hypocrisie will be unmasked and which should exceedingly startle all unsound Professors of Religion Hell is in a special manner called The Portion of the Hypocrite as it is said to be prepared for the Devil and his Angels I have shewed you when the Soul may be said to be converted unto God I have proved till then Conversion can never be sincere I have demonstrated the Necessity of Conversion with the Soul. The Application of this Doctrine remains I shall be but brief upon it There are two Uses that I shall make By way of Information in the first place And by way of Exhortation in the second place From this Doctrine we may be informed concerning several particulars 1. If sincere Conversion be with the Soul hence we may inferr the Souls Capacity The Soul is chiefly receptive of the Grace of God. It is the Soul of Man that doth principally partake of the divine Nature The Soul of Man hath a natural resemblance of God because as God is a Spirit so the Soul of Man is a spiritual and an immortal Substance And then the Soul doth spiritually resemble God when it is renewed in the spirit of the Mind and when true Holiness by the Spirit of the Lord is wrought in it Eph. 4. 23 24. 2. Hence I inferr the Souls great worth and value Gods Eye is upon your Souls all the while you are in his presence and though you do never so much if you deny him your Hearts and Souls you do nothing that he will accept at your hands Thousands of Rams ten thousand rivers of Oyl the first-born for the transgression the fruit of the body for the sin of the Soul as the Prophet speaks Micah 6. 7. What doth all this signifie All this is nothing nay let me tell you it is worse than nothing Souls are of great account with the Father of Spirits How much was done how much was paid that Souls might be redeemed And therefore in all your Services your Souls must be ingaged or else the ingaging is to no purpose The Conversion of one single Soul to God is more pleasing to him than the most laborious and heartless services of all the Hypocrites from the beginning of the World to the very end of it these Services are so far from being pleasing that they are expresly affirmed to be an abomination unto God. 3. Hence I inferr the difficulty of Conversion If the Soul must be converted certainly Conversion is a very difficult thing It is comparatively more easie though hard still but comparatively it is more easie to order the conversation to bridle the tongue But to rule the spirit to bring the thoughts into Captivity to alter the bent and natural inclination of the Will and to raise the Affections towards those things that are above to make them prized and pursued that before were things utterly sleighted this is difficult indeed and really the difficulty would be insupâ—rable were it not for the Resurrection of Christ and the Power of that Resurrection shewed forth by the Spirit of Christ Before a Soul can turn to God it must be new made it must experience the power of Christs Spirit and it must rise with Christ or else it can never in good earnest seek those things that are above Col. 3. 1 2. Lastly Hence I inferr that in Examining whether we are Converted or no a special Eye must be upon our Hearts and Souls We must take our Souls to task and strictly try them and see what is most suitable to them what they love best and what it is that they desire most And if
the flesh Christ has the highest room in every true Converts Heart he counts all things loss that Christ may be gained Phil. 3. 8. And 't is but reason that Christ should be best loved by him whose love to him is greatest and most beneficial and who is altogether lovely Cant. 5. 〈◊〉 Vbi amor ibi oculus where the Love is the Eye is Christ being loved the Convert's eye of Faith is set also upon him and he stayes on Jesus the Author and finisher of his Faith that he may be preserved in a state of Grace and strengthned unto all continuance and perseverance in well doing Let senseless Souls that are without knowledge and experience call this Resting a Lolling on Christ notwithstanding their Ignorance and Blasphemy the Members of the true Church will according as the Holy Ghost by wise Solomon expresses it lean upon their Beloved Cant. 8. 5. in their passage through the Wildernâ—ss of this World that they may be conducted and brought safe unto the heavenly and incorruptible Inheritance Thus much of Conversion with reference to Jesus the Mediatour Sixthly and Lastly Conversion may be considered with reference to the Word of God This Word is the way into which every true Convert turns Psal 119. 59 60. I thought on my wayes and turned my feet unto thy testimonies I made haste and delayed not to keep thy Commandments The Converts Eye is turned to look into this Word of God his Ear is turned to hearken to it his Feet are turned to walk according to it and his very Heart is turned to love it As 't is natural to new born Babes to desire the Mothers or Nurses Milk so 't is spiritually natural to them that are Regenerate and Converted to desire the Word of God 1 Pet. 2. 2. As new born Babes desire the sincere milk of the Word that ye may grow thereby 1. The Converts natural enmity against the Word of God is cured he neither with the Jews counts the Gospel a stumbling-block and matter of offence nor with the Greeks does he esteem it foolishness he does not look upon the Mysteries of the Word as absurd nor upon the strictest Rules as unreasonable He owns the Authority of God in his Word and acknowledges his Wisdom and Goodness in giving such a Testimony of his Will upon record as is so faithful and worthy of all acceptation 2. The Convert approves the whole of the Word of God He prizes Truth and is afraid of Error for there are damnable Errors in Judgment as well as damnable Immoralities in Practice They that are led away with the Errour of the wicked do wrest the Scriptures and that is not without danger of Destruction 2 Pet. 3. 16 17. The Convert sees a need of threatnings to deter him from Sin and to keep his flesh in awe that it become not head-strong against the Spirit He likes the Commands as well as â—he Promises and is perswaded 't is a priviledge to work for God as well as an encouragement that his labour shall not be 〈◊〉 vain 1 Cor. 15. 58. He concludes whatever God has spoken is spoken for his good therefore dislikes nothing he has â—id The Apostle consented to the goodness of the Law and was troubled that so much evil was present with him which â—indred that exact obedience he desired 〈◊〉 yield Rom. 7. 16 21. And the Psamist â—eaks fully Psal 119. 128. I esteem all by Commandments concerning all things to be â—ght and I hate every false way 3. The Convert performs the word of God â—to the end his Faith is not temporary â—or his obedience forced by a present fear â—nishing away as soon as ever the danâ—r is apprehended to be over The righâ—ousness that is as the morning cloud is hyâ—critical and unacceptable The truly â—ghteous man holds on his way and waxes â—onger and stronger Job 17. 9. The entrance of the word gives that light and strength to the Convert as heartens him to go on the more he obeys the greateâ— cause and reason he sees to be still more obedient the greater progress he makes iâ— his course the nearer he comes to the prize the glory of that prize makes him press forward and run the faster Thus have I opened the Nature oâ— Conversion Much is included in it Happy those that have felt what I have spoken But what a Mulâ—itude of Professorâ— are excluded out of the number of sincerâ— Converts To how many a Man may Conscience say Thou hast no part nâ— experience in this matter thy heart is not rigâ— with God. Thy beloved lusts thy idolizâ— gain and pleasures thy unreasonable self-confidence have hindred thy coming to Christ tâ— turning to God and obeying his Word to thâ— day In the third place I am to tell you whaâ— are the Properties of Conversion Here shall observe several things concerning iâ— which will help you the better to understand it and may serve for a trial whethâ— you are indeed converted 1. Conversion is both a duty and a previledge Conscience should take notice oâ— and with authority and vehemency urge â—he Sinner to the duty and the Heart â—hould be forward to Conversion since it 〈◊〉 such a Priviledge The Gospel calls all that hear it to turn to God and layes them under an obligation to do it And Conversion being a Submission to the whole Will of God it is the summ of all the duties which he requires Turning to God is a consenting to do and suffer whatever he commands and continuing a Convert is a standing perfect with â—n evangelical perfection which is Sinceriâ— and compleat in all the Will of God Col. 4. 12. And as the Convert does his duty so the doing of it is beneficial to himself Is it not a priviledge and every â—ay for his truest interest to be near God â—o be received into his favour and to be under the blessed influence of his powerful and special Grace 'T was good counsel that â—liphaz gave though he gave it to a better man than himself Job 22. 21. Acquaint â—ow thy self with him and he explains that by returning to the Almighty and be 〈◊〉 peace thereby good shall come to thee 2. Conversion meets with great oppositiâ— What in the whole World is oppoâ—d more The Children of men go by â—roves in the broad way that leads to Destruction and they can't endure that any should part company if any begin to make a stand and run not with them to the same excess of riot they think it strange and their tongues speak evil of them 1 Pet. 4. 4. if they do not make them feel the violence of their hands also But if Earth is troubled when any are converted Hell is much more moved when a Sinner turns Satan loses an House where he dwelt and an Heart which was a Throne where he reigned And for that proud spirit to lose a vassal nay to be forced to flee from him as the promise is he shall upon resistance Jam. 4.
that has one Dagger thrust into his Heart dyes as certainly as Julius Caesar did of all the Wounds which were given him in the Senate or as Attilius Regulus did who was pierced from Head to Foot in the nayled Barrel 5. A blameless Conversation is also mistaken for Conversion though there be no Care or Observation no Renovation of the Heart and Nature The righteousness of the Scribes and Pharisees was short because only external if they imbrued not their hands in blood they were unconcern'd though their Hearts were full of Wrath and Hatred if free from actual Adultery inward Concupiscence was nothing with them But our Lord rightly expounds the Law shews how being spiritual it reaches the Soul and obliges unto internal Purity and Righteousness and he expressly affirms Mat. 5. 20. Except your righteousness exceed the righteousness of the Scribes and Pharisees ye shall in no case enter into the Kingdom of Heaven The Apostle Paul tells us before his Conversion he was touching the righteousness of the Law blameless Phil. 3. 6. Yet though his Life were free from blame and ordered according to a more than ordinary Pharisaical strictness and severity yet his Heart was void of saving Grace 'till he was beaten off from Confidence in himself and he was turned to the Faith of Christ 6. Bodily Temper and good Nature is mistaken for Conversion Some by reason of their Constitutions are naturally Mild they take this for the Grace of Patience and for the meekness and gentleness of Christ 't is the temper of some to be Liberal and Free-hearted they take this for the Grace of Christian Charity When they behold others of crooked and crabbed Dispositions and perceive themselves of a more even and loving temper they are very apt to be deceived in judging what is the effect of their natural temperament to be the sanctifying work of the Spiâ—it But Oh how much does Converting Grace differ from meer Nature when most resined He that is naturally Patient is not so in Obedience to God but because Nature inclines him not to be otherwise Nature has no regard to the pleasing of God nor to the enjoying of him neither does it desire help from him but is centred in it self and well enough contented without him 7. Another thing mistaken for Conversion is Education and restraining Grace Some that have been brought up under Religious Parents and have lived in places free from Temptation and by this means have been preserved from the Worlds Pollutions they are very apt to call that Renewing Grace which is no more than Grace restraining But when these do change their Place and change their Company how does Corruption discover it self Experience very sad has shewn that they who under their Parents eyes and care have seemed very serious and well inclined when their Parents have been removed by Death all the good Inclinations of the Children have been as it were buried in their Parents graves and with a strange kind of eagerness have they run out to great excess of riot Joash during the Life of Jehoiada the Priest who had saved him from being Murther'd and brought him to the Throne seemed a Prince very well Inclined but after Jehoiada his Death all his Goodness vanished he left the Lord Jehovah and shamefully Apostatized into Idolatry and when he was faithfully reproved by Zachariah the Son of Jehoiada he Commanded him to be Stoned Wicked and Ungrateful Man thus to take away the Life of the Son who was himself preserved by the Father 2 Chron. 24. 17 23. And truly if you observe Education and restraining Grace at the very best when it has most kept Persons within compass yet even then there is a levity of spirit in them that are thus restrained serious Discourses are not so savoury to them as those that are more frothy and vain and upon Self-reflection they may observe in themselves a secret dislike of Religion and strictness which they dare not openly shew 8. Conviction in the Conscience is also mistaken for Conversion When Conscience is thoroughly awakened and the spirit of bondage causes great fear of Wrath when Mercy is implored and Pardon of Sin is begg'd with great earnestness and the force of Conscience produces a reformation of several Miscarriages this may seem Conversion and sometimes ends in it and it often issues otherwise Pharaoh under Conviction cryes out I have sinned resolves to let Israel go desires Moses his Prayers for him yet after this hardens his Heart and that Obduration ended in his Destruction The Children of Israel under Affliction and Conviction together when God slew them then they sought him they returned and enquired early after God they remembred God was their rock and the high God their Redeemer And yet though Conscience compell'd them thus far their Heart remained Unconverted was not right with God neither were they stedfast in his Covenant Psal 78. 34 37. There may be amazing terrour in the Conscience and yet the Heart remain carnal and ill inclined endeavouring to cast the awakened Conscience into a dead slaep again that without any check or trouble it may return to its former perverse and evil way 9. Temporary Faith and forwardness in Profession is likewise mistaken for Conversion Those Hearers of the Gospel whom our Lord compares to the stony ground were forward to hear and received the Word with joy and for a while believed they assented to the Truth of the Word and look'd upon it as worthy of acceptation but it was not so acceptable in their account as to make them willing to lose all for the sake of it thus far thus deeply it had not taken root in them therefore when Persecution arose because of the Word they were offended and in time of Temptation they fell away Luk. 8. 13. These joyful forward Professors seemed Converts but really were not Converted Neither were those that went a degree further who brought forth not only the blade of an external Profession but also some fruit but being choaked with cares and riches and the pleasures of this life did not 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 bring forth any fruit unto perfection v. 14. 10. Spiritual Gifts especially if in some Excellency are mistaken for Conversion When there is a great measure of Notional knowledge and ability to Discourse well of the things of God variety and fluency of Utterance in Prayer these things take with others and are apt to a Est enim superbia non Magnitudo sed tumor quod autem tumâ—t videtur magnum sed non est sanum Augustin Serm. 27. de Tempore puff up those themselves that have them with a great conceit of their great Attainments as if they were spiritually alive and spiritual Worshippers of God who will be Worshipped in Spirit and in Truth And yet these Gifts may be and often are without any true Humility and in them that know not the more excellent way of Love. Gifts are to be earnestly Coveted 1 Cor.
cometh by hearing and hearing by the Word of God and whensoever the Word is effectual to change a Sinner and turn him into a Believer 't is made effectual by no less a Power than His who is Omnipotent Who hath believed our report There 's preaching And to whom is the arm of the Lord revealed there 's the Power of God graciously and gloriously manifested that causes Preaching to be successful In the handling of this Doctrine I shall First Shew you what it is in the Word of God that is made use of as a Means of Conversion Secondly Demonstrate the aptitude and fitness of the Word to be such a Means Thirdly I shall tell you what kind of Means it is Fourthly Whence this Means comes to be effectual Lastly Apply I begin with the first of these What it is in the Word that is made use of as the Means of Conversion 1. The Word layes before Sinners eyes the just the strict the holy Law of God. It leads them to Mount Sinai burning with Fire and to the blackness and darkness and Tempest there Where all the Congregation heard a Voice that put them into a deadly consternation and trembling and so terrible was the sight that Moses said I exceedingly fear and quake Heb. 12. 18 19 20 21. This Law is the Law of the onely living and true God the King eternal Immortal the blessed and onely Potentate the King of Kings and Lord of Lords Who has the highest Authority and full power to impose what commands he pleases upon the Sons of Men and they in all duty and reason are obliged to yield Obedience to them This Law of God is so large so Spiritual and so pure that every evil action every idle word nay every sinful intent desire and thought breaks it Add also that not only the doing speaking and thinking evil but the not doing speaking and thinking what is good causes this 〈◊〉 to be transgressed What fallen Man can reach this Laws exactness Since it curses every one that continues not in all things which are written in the book of the Law to do them Gal. 3. 10. 'T is a certain and one of the great Oracles of God That by the deeds of the Law shall no flesh be justified in his sight Rom. 3. 20. and the reason is added because by the Law is the knowledge of Sin. The Laws Authority and Purity makes Mans guilt and defilement the more apparent and the true sight of these goes before Conversion 2. The Word of God shews how all that have sinned have by the Law the Sentence of Condemnation really past upon them The Sinner that is Unconverted and Unbelieving is said to be condemn'd already Joh. 3. 18. How cold does it strike to the Malefactors Heart when the Judge pronounces the Sentence of Death upon him Bidding him go from the Bar to the Gaol and from the Gaol to the Gallows and there shamefully end his days The Law of God Sentences every Transgressor unto Death not Temporal only but Eternal And though the Execution of this 〈◊〉 is for a while deferr'd yet the 〈…〉 of being thus sentenced should be exceedingly affrighting and amazing The Sentence of Condemnation past by the Law is very big with evils it fills Time with them nay it comprehends evils enough to fill Eternity The Sinners Life is miserable his Death more miserable and after Death he is most miserable because his misery will never have an end The case of a Man is judged very ill and sad who is condemned to be broken upon the Wheel or to be flead alive or to be roasted to death before the Fire But what 's all this if compared with being Sentenced to endure the pains of Hell to dwell with devouring Flames which the angry breath of the Lord as a stream of brimstone doth kindle to inhabit everlasting burnings The hearing of such a terrible Sentence has a mighty tendency to startle and make the sinners in Sion afraid and to cause fearfulness to surprize the hypocrites Isa 33. 14. that they may be no longer secure while unconverted 3. The Word of God warns Sinners to flee from the wrath to come and the very Warning intimates a possibility of escaping it The Word from Heaven reveals the wrath of God against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men Rom. 1. 18. It tells them that the Lord has an Armoury which he can open at his pleasure and bring forth the weapons of his indignation Jer. 50. 15. and there is no Shield for the Obstinate no standing before these weapons Deut. 32. 40 41. For I lift up my hand to Heaven and say I live for ever If I whet my glittering Sword and my hand take hold on Judgment I will render vengeance to my enemies and will reward them that hate me The Lord not only says but swears and that by his own Life which is for ever that Death and Destruction will be the Portion and Reward of them that will not turn but impenitently persist in their rebellion against him Sinners are in time warned by the Word of this Sword that 's coming Ezek. 33. 7. Son of Man I have set thee a Watchman unto the House of Israel therefore thou shalt hear the Word at my Mouth and waâ—n them from me They are warned of the Vials that are filling with wrath as they are filling up the Measure of their iniquities they are warned of the righteous Purpose and Decree that is pregnant before it actually bring forth vengeance Zeph. 2. 1. 2. Gather your selves together yea gather together O Nation not desired before the Decree bring forth before the day pass as the chaffe before the fierce anger of the Lord come upon you before the day of the Lords anger come upon you And in thus admonishing them to flee from the wrath that is without repentance so certainly and justly coming there is much of pity and mercy shew'd them 4. The Word of God encourages Conversion by representing him in Christ as ready to be reconciled to and receive all that turn The elect Angels when they saw God manifested in the flesh admired his good will towards Men and proclaimed Peace on Earth Luk. 2. 14. Mercy is not extorted from God for sinners sensible of their sin and misery but he delights in shewing it Pardon is not hardly gotten at his hand and against his Nature but he is ready to forgive He is not almost inexorable when distressed Souls fear his Power and Wrath and cry for Peace but as they intreat Him so He intreats them to be reconciled 2 Cor. 5. 20. Now then we are Ambassadours for Christ as though God did beseech you by us we pray you in Christs stead be ye reconciled to God. The Word speaks of a Jubilee of an accepted time of a day of Salvation in which the Lord seriously calls Sinners and the very worst of them to turn and whosoever he be that turns in truth shall graciously be received
mock at that glorious Redemption which Believers at Christs second appearing do expect and they laugh at till they feel the Flaming Vengeance that is to be executed upon themselves But the Word shews the Worlds end and how 't is reserved unto fire against the day of Judgment and Perdition of ungodly men 2 Pet. 3. 7. The day of the Lord will come as a Thief in the Night sadly surprizing the most of men in which the Heavens shall pass away with a great noise the Elements shall melt with fervent heat the Earth also and the Works therein shall be burnt up Oh dreadful spectacle to behold the whole World in a Flame the serious and believing consideration of this conduces very much to Repentance Conversion and amendment of our wayes 'T is the Apostles own inference Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved what manner of Persons ought ye to be in all Holy Conversation and Godliness 2 Pet. 3. 10 11. 3. The Word is an Hammer to break the Heart Contrition and brokenness of Heart is one constant Ingredient in Conversion No less than Salvation is Promised to the contrite ones Psal 34. 18. The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken Heart and saveth such as be of a contrite Spirit Now the Word is the Hammer which breaks the Stony the Rocky Heart to pieces Those Hearers who derided the Miraculous Gift of Tongues the Apostle Peters Sermon reached and pierced their very Hearts and made them cry out Men and brethren what shall we do Act. 2. 37. Now Sin was set in order before their eyes and charged home upon their Consciencos now they tremble and are afraid of deserved Wrath now their stubborn spirits begin to yield unto God. They desire to know upon what terms they might be saved being willing to consent to any terms rather than miss of Salvation and perish everlastingly 4. The Word is a Fire to melt and purifie and so a proper means of Conversion which is indeed a turning from Sin to Holiness 'T is the Nature of Fire to separate the Mettal and the Dross Gold and Silver are refined by being put into the Furnace Thus the Word also separates between the Heart and its vicious and evil Habits and Qualities it separates between the Soul and its fleshly and worldly Lusts Now are ye clean says Christ through the Word which I have spoken unto you Joh. 15. 3. This Word is very Pure in it self and Pure in its Operation and Effects It severely forbids all filthiness of the Flesh and Spirit and in this Word we find as a Precept concerning Holiness that 't is our Duty to perfect Holiness in the fear of God so a Promise wherein God has said he will work this Holiness in them that seek unto him and desire it Ezek. 36. 25. Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you and you shall be clean from all your filthiness and from all your Idols will I cleanse you The Word is a Fire to Melt and Purge the Soul and then 't is a Mould also into which the Soul is as it were cast so that it has another an excellent form being conformed to the holy Nature and Will of God himself 5. The Word is as Seed of which the New Creature is begotten God himself is he who does regenerate all that are Converted and he does it of his own meer good Will and Pleasure but the Word is the Seed by which he does it Jam. 1. 18. Of his own VVill beg at he us with the VVord of Truth that we should be a kind of First-fruits of his Creatures So 1 Pet. 1. 23. Being born again not of corruptible Seed but of incorruptible by the VVord of God which liveth and abideth for ever From this Seed comes the New Man which after God is created in Righteousness and true Holiness This Word is quick and powerful 't is powerful to quicken and enliven so that the Soul has a new Life and lives to God which before was dead in trespasses This Seed is effectual to a new formation of the Souls faculties and powers New Eyes there are in the Mind a new Disposition and Inclination in the Will the Affections also are new and of low and carnal they become high and holy and heavenly The Preachers of the Gospel are the sowers of this Seed of the Word and how should they be in travel till a New Creature comes on 't till Christ be formed in them that receive it Gal. 4. 19. My little Children of whom I travel in birth again till Christ be formed in you 6. The Word is a proper Means of Conversion for 't is the unerring Rule which shews both good and evil Evil that there may be an Aversion from it Good that there may be a Conversion to it The Scripture calls things by their deserved Names what that pronounces bad will be found by the most Unbelieving to be bad indeed and what that affirms to be good is really good at present and proves best at last Here are the Commandments in conformity to which true Goodness lies and Sin is defined 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a transgression of them heark to the Prophet Mic. 6. 8. He hath shewed thee O Man what is good and what does the Lord thy God require of thee but to do jâ—stly to love mercy and to walk humbly with thy God All this is good in its own Nature pleasing to God profitable and pleasant unto Man The better this is understood the more likely 't is that evil and dangerous wayes should be forsaken and those Paths chosen and turn'd into that are safe and holy The Word shews what God approves and what he abhorrs It shews Mans Duty which is his Priviledge and that Sin is Mans Prejudice and Plague And he is a good Scholar indeed who has learnt to do well and ceased to do evil 7. The Word is a fit means of Conversion because it is the Ministration of the Spirit 2 Cor. 3. 8. How shall not the Ministration of the Spirit be rather glorious The Word of God is of the Spirits Inspiration and his own Word he is pleased to accompany he moves and breaths and acts in it so that Miracles of Grace are wrought thereby He says to the blind Mind Receive thy sight and know the things that concern thy Peace to the Deaf the Spirit says Hear my Voice and yield Obedience to the Dead he says Arise out of thy Sins and from the Earth in which thou hast layn so long buried and live the Life of God from which thou hast been so long alienated And as the Spirit thus speaks so he speaks with efficacy He can work so that none shall hinder O blessed Word in which we find that exceeding great and precious Promise of the Spirit 't is but asking him and having him and where the Spirit of the Lord is there is liberty 2 Cor. 3. 17. The Captive Sinner is freed from the
bondage of Corruption the cords of Vanity the snare of Satan and has both a Will and Power given him to Convert to God and to continue and abide with him 'T is manifest upon all these accounts that the Word has a fitness to be a means of Conversion In the third place I am to tell you what kind of Means the Word is 1. The Word is a Means of Gods own appointing Divine Institution is a thing of very great significancy God indeed can work without means and against them but if he is pleased to appoint them they deserve to be used and shall not be used in vain if they are used seriously God appointed seven Trumpets of Rams horns to be blown and at length the blast is more powerful than a battering Ram the Walls of Jericho fall down to the ground and the City is delivered into the hand of Israel Josh 6. 4 20. God has appointed the Ministers of the Gospel to lift up their Voices like a Trumpet to shew the Transgressours their Iniquities to cry to them to turn The Word is with Power the strongest holds of the Prince of Darkness fall down before it he is cast out his works destroyed where before he had the surest Possession The Word is ordained of God as the Means of Conversion 't is dangerous and a great Contempt of God himself to neglect it and truly after a careless manner to attend upon it is the way to grow more hard-hearted and dead in Sin under it 2. The Word is usually most Powerful when Preached Reading of the word must be granted an Ordinance of great use 〈◊〉 When our Lord was asked by a man what he should do that he might inherit Eternal Life He answers What is written in the Law how readest thou Luk. 10. 26. He that would inherit Eternal Life it concerns him diligently to read the Word which instructs him in the way thither Not only those of a lower condition but those of the highest Estate are to read the Word all the dayes of their lives the Word of God is the best Counsellour even of King◠themselves Deut. 17. 18 19. The way to Heaven is one and the same both for the High and Low. The Word is to be read not only Privately but Publickly such publick reading has a warrant in the New Testament as well as the Old 1 Thes 5. 27. I charge you 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 I adjure you by the Lord that this Epistle be read unto a◠the Holy Brethren And publick reading is mentioned no less than three times in one verse Col. 4. 16. And when this Epistle i◠read amongst you cause that it be read also in the Church of the Laodiceans and that ye likewise read the Epistle from Laodicea Certainly the Scripture is not so obscure but that it may be read before the Congregation to their Spiritual Benefit Yet the Preaching the opening and applying of the Word of God has a special Honour put upon it as to the working of Conversion and Faith Rom. 10. 14 15. How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed and how shall they believe on Him of whom they have not heard and how shall they hear without a Preacher and how shall they Preach except they be sent as it is written How beautiful are the Feet of them that preach the Gospel of Peace that bring glad tidings of good things They that are sent of God scripturally qualified separated and set apart to the work of the Ministry 't is their great business to Preach the Word to be instant in season out of season to reprove rebuke exhort with all long-suffering and Doctrine 2 Tim. 4. 2. And when in Sincerity with an earnest desire to win Souls they make the Truth manifest and endeavour to commend themselves to every mans Conscience in the sight of God 2 Cor. 4. 2. the Word of God is the more likely to reach the Conscience and to touch and turn the Heart to Him. Glorious things have been done by Preaching The twelve Apostles and if you will add a thirteenth the Apostle Paul how powerful was the Word in their Mouths to the Worlds Conversion They did not as they were slander'd turn the world upside down but were blessed Instruments to turn it to God and to deliver it out of that Idolatry Superstition Ignorance and Wickedness in which it had lain buried for many ages 3. The Word of God is the highest means of Conversion Psal 138. 2. Thou hast magnified thy VVord above all thy Name Here chiefly thou doest make thy self known in the powerful Effects of thy Grace and Spirit and in the accomplishment of the Promises which thou hast made The design of Mercies is that this VVord may be more minded Rom. 12. 1 2. I beseech you therefore Brethren by the Mercies of God that ye present your Bodies a living Sacrifice holy acceptable which is your reasonable service And be not conformed to this VVorld but be ye transformed by the renewing of your minds that ye may prove what is that good that acceptable and perfect VVill of God. Mercies are cords of love to draw us to the Lord and to constrain us to keep his Word and Commandments The end of Affliction is to turn our Eyes and Hearts and Feet into the way of Gods Testimonies The Psalmist tells us Before he was afflicted he went astray but after he kept the VVord with greater care Psal 119. 67. and he adds v. 71. 72. It is good for me that I have been afflicted that I might learn thy Statutes the Law of thy Mouth is better unto me than thousands of Gold and Silver Affliction is sent to humble for Transgression to reduce the wandring Soul and to bring it back to the Word of God and when this Word is truly heeded received and highly prized then the Soul is indeed Converted The Word declares the meaning of Mercies the Word is the Tongue that utters the voice and message of the Rod The Word directs what to pray for and how to pray so as to speed and instructs about every other Ordinance 4. If the Word be ineffectual to Conversion alas what is likely to become efficacious When Wisdom had cryed long and upbraided foolish Sinners with their hating Knowledge when they had been called to turn with a proffer of the Spirit to be poured out but they refused still their case is set forth as desperate because the Word being rejected hated and cast behind their back nothing was likely to do or to make them good dreadful and utter Destruction is threatned and instead of being pitied they are told they shall be derided and laught at in their ruine Prov. 1. 20 30. When the Rich man in Hell intreated that One might be sent from the dead to warn his sive secure impenitent Brethren lest they should also come at last into the Place of Torment The Answere first is They have Moses and the Prophets
let them hear them And after 't is answered further If they hear not Moses and the Prophets neither will they be perswaded though one rose from the dead Luk. 16. 27 -31 A Sinner whose Heart is all Adamant and Sermon-proof the terrours of the Lord don't affright him the inestimable Treasures of the Gospel don't take him the Mediatours Vengeance for neglecting great Salvation is not at all dreaded Suppose a command should be given to unlock the gates of Hell and a damned Spirit that has been for some time tortur'd in the slames there and was once well known to this stupid Sinner should at Midnight appear to him and the Curtains being drawn aside and that Soul out of the midst of fire with a ghastly horrour in its looks should thus speak to Him Awake hard-hearted Wretch awake awake What sleep and lye secure in Sin that art in danger of dying in Sin every moment VVhat take thine ease who art so near to endless pain and Torment Thy time has both Feet and VVings and is with great haste both running and flying away from thee and as thy time in Sin and folly spends so thou daily and hourly approache◠nearer to a miserable Eternity Thy Judgment lingers not thy Damnation does not slumber while thou refusest to awake to Righteousness Once I made a mock of Sin as much as thou dost was mad to destroy my self as thou art I made a meer Jest of Hell but now I know I feel and wo wo is me I shall to my Sorrow feel for ever what 't is to be damn'd in earnest Sin 's thy worst Enemy Oh cast it away before it undoe thee past remedy Divine wrath and jealousie is in the other World found a hotter and heavier thing than ever could be conceived in this 'T is really a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. But I have leave to stay no longer be sure to take this warning I have given thee I must again to the Lake that burns with fire and brimstone where there are no such things as Help or Hope or Happiness but Pain and Misery are extream and endless Suppose I say a damned Soul should speak such language to a Sinner that has all along been deaf to the call of the Word and resisted the Spirit of the Lord he might perhaps be exceedingly amazed and possibly be frighted out of his VVits but he would not be scared out of his Sins nor ever by such an Apparition alone be turned unto God. If Gods own Word will not make thee a Convert O Sinner thy disease is obstinate against the likeliest remedy and what means will 5. The Word is a Means which Thousands and Millions in the VVorld never were so much Priviledg'd as to enjoy An Hallelujah is justly deserved and expected from the People of God of old because he shewed his Word unto Jacob his Statutes and Judgments to the Children of Israel whereas He had not dealt so with any Nation and as for his Judgments they had not known them Psal 147. 19 20. How great a part of the World is Satans Common how little comparatively is so much as the visible Inclosure of our Lord Jesus It is the observation of a Learned man that if the World were divided into thirty parts Nineteen would be found still Pagan six Mahometan and but five Christian take in all of all Perswasions But alas how much darkness is there even in Nations that are called Christian Ignorance is affected the Word of God and the Knowledg of it is taken away though the Scripture says that for lack of it people are destroyed Hos 4. 6. How Happy would you be that in this City enjoy the light of the Word of Truth if you would but thankfully and fruitfully improve it It is as it were Noon day with you whereas in other places it is but a dark down and in most parts of the Earth a black midnight In the fourth place I am to tell you whence this Means the Word of God comes to be effectual to Conversion 'T is made effectual by the Power of God and this Power he exerts by his own Spirit 1 Thes 1. 5. Our Gospel came not unto you in word only but in Power also and in the Holy Ghost and in much Assurance the wonderful effects of Divine Power wrought by the Holy Ghost in the Preaching of the Gospel was an Evidence and Assurance that this Gospel is not the Word of Man but of God Himself Now the manner of the Spirits working when he makes the Word effectual to Conversion I shall declare in these particulars 1. The Spirit impresses upon the Sinners Heart the Divine Authority of this Word 'T is indeed 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 given by inspiration of God 2 Tim. 3. 16. When the Lord Himself is eyed and own'd in his Word then it shews it self mighty If the Messengers and Publishers of the Word only are regarded and there is not a looking beyond them they being but earthen vessels the Word though a Treasure will be trampled under foot But when Sinners are Converted the Spirit makes it evident that the Word is really of God. The demonstration of this is styled the demonstration of the Spirit He does demonstrate the Words divine Authority several wayes By Signs and VVonders wrought for its Confirmation Heb. 2. 4. God also bearing them witness both with signs and wonders and divers miracles and gifts of the holy Ghost according to his own will. That these Miracles were done 't is plain for the Word of God pretending to Miracles done so openly so often by and upon so many persons in the midst of cunning and malicious Adversaries who were watchful enough to have espied the deceit if there had been any if such Miracles really had never been wrought this Word and the Religion it teaches would never have been received Our Lord Jesus though the Son of God when upon Earth was humbled in the form of a Servant yet affirms himself to be the Saviour of the VVorld preaches a Doctrine contrary to Flesh and Blood tells all that will be his Disciples they must deny themselves and forsake all that is dear to them in this World whenever they are called to it for the sake of a Treasure and Kingdom in Heaven And often he appeals to his working Miracles as a Confirmation of his Doctrine that it was from Heaven Now if such Miracles had never been wrought the Imposture would have been so apparent that the Christian Faith would never have been embraced by any of common sense and understanding And 't is evident also that these Miracles were done by the power of God. Wonders indeed were wrought by the Egyptian Magicians but outvied by greater Wonders effected by Moses Gods Servant These Miracles were beyond the Power and Ability of second Causes Who could make the blind to see and the deaf to hear and the lame to walk but that God who formed the Eye
planted the Ear and curiously fashioned the other Members Who would raise the Dead but the Lord of of Life himself The Spirit further also demonstrates the Words Authority from the accomplishment of Scripture Prophesies as concerning Cyrus building of the Temple Isa 44. 28. The King of Grecia his ruining the Persian Monarchy which was verified in Alexander the Great Dan. 8. 21. The calling of the Gentiles Isa 42. 4. Zeph. 2. 11. How many false Gods do we find famished and the Lord Jehovah worshipped in the Isles of the Heathen It was also fulfill'd which our Lord spake concerning his Death that after his being lift up from the Earth he would draw all men to him which was rather likely to drive all men from him He also said he would have a Church to the end of the VVorld Mat. 28. ult and notwithstanding all that Earth and Hell can do he has had one to this very day The Spirit also shews the divine Matter of the Word the admirable consent and agreement of all its parts and the design of the whole which is to give Glory to God and to represent him as most worthy of Admiration Praise Faith Fear and Love and Service Its Precepts are so excellent and pure that if the Professors of Religion would but live according to them the World might quickly be convinced of the unreasonableness of Infidility A thorow perswasion of the Words Authority is from the Spirit and has a mighty force to startle the Conscience and awe the heart of a Sinner And to make it stoop unto God which was before rebellious 2. The Spirit causes the Word most firmly to be believed as that which is of most certain verity and truth this follows upon the former If it be the Word of God who cannot lye there is nothing false or uncertain in it Ever since Man first harkned to the Father of lies he is very prone to embrace falshood He is not to be trusted as a Guide any further than God guides him because so apt himself to err and mistake But let God be true saies the Apostle though it follows and every Man a Lyar Rom. 3. 4. God cannot be deceived because he is Omniscient and his understanding is Infinite Psal 147. 5. And he will not deceive any because he is the God of Truth Whatever has proceeded out of his Mouth its certainty is not to be doubted of Faith therefore which believes whatsoever God speaks and because he speaks is indeed the highth and very â—lower of Reason We read of a Door of Faith Act. 14. 27. They rehearsed all things that God had done with them and how he had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles The Word of God has entrance by Faith as by a Door into the Heart and Faith as a Door shuts it in then how powerful is it in working The Commands being lookt upon as indeed the Commands of God will no longer presumptuously be broken the Promises being believed â—â— be the Promises of God who keeps Truâ—â— for ever will be embraced A firm belief of the Words truth is at the bottom of all true Conversion to God and 't is Infidelity that is the great reason of departing from him 3. The Spirit powerfully convinces the Sinner how evil a thing Sin is which the Word of God so severely and strictly forbids Sin is that which of all things in the World is most of all mistaken If it were rightly known by all not one in the World could love or like it But most are ignorant what 't is and whither it tends and securely and unconcernedly remain under its guilt and power Mens lusts are styled 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 deceitful lusts Eph. 4. 22. they seem to consult their gain and pleasure but indeed war against their Souls and yet this War is so carried on that 't is not perceived Souls are kept stupified and intoxicated till they are utterly lost and ruined 'T is the work of the Spirit to discover what Sin is He shews how contrary 't is to God how evil and provoking in the eyes of his Holiness and his Glory how contrary 't is to the Law of God which is most exexcellent all whose Precepts are most profitable and pleasant to those that love and keep them He shews likewise how contrary Sin is to Man himself It loads him with Curses of various sorts it makes every thing he has to be cursed to him It does defile debase and wound him and unless he turn from it it will for ever destroy and damn him 'T is one thing to be told of all this by Man and another to have a powerfull discovery and Conviction of all this by the Spirit He shews the Vanity of all sins excuses pretences and promises of Impunity Peace and Safety The Spirit speaks very home to the Conscience and particularly and causes the Sinner to whom he speaks to hear and heed and tremble Thou art the Man that hast offended God! Thou art the Soul that hast sinn'd and dost deserve to dye Thou art the Fool-hardy Wretch that hast engaged the Almighty to be thine Enemy Against thy ungodliness and unrighteousness in particular his wrath is certainly revealed from Heaven And how soon if thou refusest to forsake thy impious and unrighteous ways may this wrath fall upon thee and sink thee into the bottomless pit of Wo. If thou resolvest still to go on in thy trespasses thy very next step may take hold of Hell 4. The Spirit reveals Christ in the Word and draws the Sinner to him The Holy Ghost does testifie concerning the Lord Jesus Joh. 15. 26. The Spirit of truth which proceedeth from the Father he shall testifie of me And what a Glorious Testimony does he give him Christ is the summe and substance of all Supernatural Revelation All the lines both of the Old Testament and of the New do meet in this Center The design of the Old Testament was to forshew him as the Peace-maker between God and Man who was to be wounded for transgression to make his Soul an offering for Sin to bring in everlasting righteousness and to be the Author of plâ—nteous and eternal Redemption and Salvation The New Testament which is the accomplishment of the Old does more fully declare Christ Here the Spirit more plainly tells us of his Godhead of his fulness of his Manhood of his Mercifulness what power he has to save what Bowels of Pity towards them that see they are lost without him And in shewing all this how does the Spirit shew himself a Comforter And as the Spirit discovers Christ so he draws the Sinner to him he causes the Word to reach the Heart and to subdue it so that the Heart gladly surrenders and freely opens to receive Jesus which before by ignorance prejudice and unbelief was very fast Bolted and Barr'd against him There can be no turning to God but as he is in Christ for how can guilty and defiled Man draw
will he guide in Judgment and the meek will he teach his way And while Christians are using the Word of God if they cry to the Father of Lights that gives wisdom liberally without upbraiding they shall have a Heart to know him that he is the Lord Jer. 24. 7. and they shall return to him with the whole Heart 9. Hence I inferr That we should be such lovers of Mankind as to wish the whole World did enjoy the Word of God the great means of Conversion It should be a sadning thought to our Hearts that though all mankind have sinned and are in a lost estate the Word of God that informs concerning the only Saviour is known to so very few The Jewish Church of old for hundreds of years did put up that Prayer and at length it was answered in the Vocation and calling of the Gentiles Psal 67. 〈◊〉 That thy way may be known upon the Earth and thy saving health among all Nations Christians should Pray in the same strain that this Petition may be heard further Christians should be compassionate Intercessours for the poor World that lyes in darkness and wickedness that the Light of the Gospel may come wherever the Sun in the Firmament shines that so whole Kingdoms and Nations by thousands and by millions may not thus throng the way to Hell for want of Saving Knowledge and Converting Grace And as we should pity and pray for the Infidel VVorld so we should pity and pray for poor Posterity that they when they come to be born into England may find this a Land of Light for if we should leave them without the glorious Gospel of the blessed God we should leave them under Sathans Power and in the Conâ—lâ—es of Hell O let us put on Bowels and pray hard that those that shall be born twenty forty a hundred years hence and more may find England the Land of Immanuel and may be priviledged with the Word of God that may be a means of their being regenerate and born again 10. Lastly Hence I inferr How inexcusable those are that turn the VVord of God the great means of Conversion and Salvation into a deadly savour to themselves O the evil Nature of that Sin of unbelief the evil Heart of unbelief doth make the greatest Blessings to become Curses To grow more blind under the Light to grow more deaf and disobedient the louder God calls to grow more barren and unfruitful notwithstanding all advantages to make you thrive in Grace and Goodness what excuse can be brought for this To receive the Grace of God in vain is a very great folly but to turn the Grace of God into wantonness to Sin because Grace doth abound this is to turn the very Remedy and Antidote into Poyson and to perish the more certainly the more fearfully The Apostle Paul 2 Cor. 2. 16. telleth us that his Ministry was a savour of death unto death to some they grew more dead more estranged from God and Holiness even while they heard the Gospel that is a Doctrine according to Godliness preached to them and growing more dead 〈◊〉 a spiritual sence eternal Death did prove the sorer to them That man that under the Word of God grows worse and worse comes daily to hear but goes away more vain more filthy more wedded to his will and to his hateful and hurtful lusts this Man is indeed desparately wicked this man doth fix himself under the Laws Curse he pulls down upon his own Head the Mediators Vengeance and after his hardness and impenitent Heart treasures up unto himself wrath against the day of wrath and the Revelation of the righteous Judgment of God. The second Use is by way of Reproof If the Word be the great means of Conversion several sorts of Persons are sharply to be reprehended 1. Those that dislike and hate the VVord of God these are Fools in the worst and most dangerous sence that hate Instruction and cast the Laws of God behind their backs Psal 50. 17. These are bruitish that can't endure to be reproved for doing harm to themselves they are certainly bewitched that will not obey the Truth Gal. 3. 1. As Christ says For which of my good works do ye stone me so say I For which of the good Effects of the VVord of God do you hate it It is Light in darkness a means of conveying Life to the dead Food to the hungry a Cordial to the fainting a Sword to secure you against and to conquer your spiritual Enemies And therefore if you dislike this Word of God you are even unto sottishness without understanding It is a Scripture phrase Jer. 4. 22. My people are foolish they have not known me they are sottish Children and without understanding they are wise to do evil but to do good they have no knowledge 2. Those are sharply to be reproved who endeavour to hinder the Efficacy of the VVord of God upon others this they do by ill Counsel and by worse Example This they do by being Contentious against the Truth and by pleading for unrighteousness This they do by promoting prejudices against the Word of God as if the embracing of it were the way to Melancholick sadness sorrow and scorn which is indeed the way to the truest Gain and the surest Peace They that are troubled to see others minding Heaven are strangely degenerate and are become Factors for Hell and discover a most diabolical Disposition But whatsoever Persons speak against Grace and Holiness whatever they say for the continuance in a wicked way all their words are but vain words and every eaâ— should be deaf to them Eph. 5. 6. Let no man deceive you with vain words for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the Children of disobedience 3. Loose Professours of Religion are to be reproved who are indeed a discredit to the Word of God they come and hear the Word of God but what are they in their Families what are they in their Closets what are they in the whole course of their Lives Filthiness greediness after Gain excessive Drinking Impurity Covetousness these things indeed they can shew but too much of But any thing of true Holiness of Humility of Strictness of Contempt of this World of Delight in minding another World they are utter Strangers to Will you remember one Truth The Conversion of the prophane is very much hindred by the licentiousness of the Hypocrites the former won't be prevailed with to turn into the way of Truth because the latter by their evil Courses do make this way of Truth to be evil spoken of 2 Pet. 2. 2. I shall conclude with a Vse of Direction How may the Word of God be heard so as that it may be effectual to the Conversion of the hearers 1. Consent that all the Impediments of the Words efficacy should be removed Be unwilling that your hearts should be like the high-way ground utterly careless grossly Ignorant of the Truths you hear My
which indeed is not this is a daring this is a wicked addition unto the VVord of God but to expound the Scripture by it self to compare the VVord of God with it self that so we may attain to the better understanding of it this is very allowable nay it is a very needful Duty The Apostle Paul doth deliver to us an excellent Rule of Prophesie Rom. 12. 6. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us whether prophesie let us prophesie according to the proportion of Faith 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 In our expounding of Scripture this Analogy and proportion of Faith is very much to be observed Now this Analogy or proportion of Faith doth imply the constant mind of God in the more plain parts of the Scripture and therefore contrary unto this a sence of the more obscure parts is in no wise to be admitted The Apostle Peter tells us 2 Pet. 1. 20. That no prophesie of Scripture is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of private interpretation or of Mens own interpretation which I think it had better have been translated This interpretation it may have a double reference either to the inspired Pen-men of Scripture themselves who were the Interpreters of the Mind of God unto the Church and unto the World and they spake nothing that was private they spake nothing that was their own but all that VVord delivered in inspired Scripture it was from God. Or Secondly This Interpretation may have a reference unto the Expounders of Scripture and whosoever they are at this day that do expound the Scripture that Exposition it must not be their own Suppose there was never so great a Council assembled together suppose it was a General Council yet if they deliver any thing that is their own it would be a private Interpretation and it is in no wise to be admitted The VVord of God is a perfect VVord and by it self alone it is to be Interpreted Shall I give you three Rules I wish they were observed The Rules are these In Mans corrupt and fallen state Sin is all in all In Mans renewed state Christ with his Grace and Spirit is all in all And hereafter in Glory God will be all in all If these three Rules were observed it would help you the better to understand the whole Word of God. Thus much be spoken by way of Negation 2. I am to speak by way of Position and in several Propositions I shall tell you in what sence the VVotd of God is perfect 1. The VVord of God is perfect as a Moans and therefore in the using of it your Eye must be unto him who is the Fountain and principal â—â—ficient of all that is truely good Natural means as Food to sustain Nature Physick to recover it when it is decayed have their Efficacy from God therefore you read Mat. 4. 4. That man doth not live by Bread alone But now the VVord is a Moral means and consequently the Efficacy of it is not so common and ordinary as the Efficacy of Natural means Nature doth like that which is for its own Preservation but the Souls of men are so corrupted and besotted by sin that they utterly dislike what is for their own benefit Therefore God is seriously to be sought unto that he would bless this Means with success that of his own will he would accompany his VVord and make it effectual to Regeneration James 1. 18. Of his own will begat he us by the Word of Truth Brethren the Means of Grace are to be used as Means and in no wise are they to be advanced higher as if their Efficacy was of themselves Being satisfied in the work done O how many thousands hath it hindered from working out their own Salvation and they have perished for ever because they have thought that bare using of the Means of Grace was sufficient to save them God is very much provoked to Jealousie when we place confidence in our own Endeavours or in the Means of Grace which he hath instituted You are forward to hear the Word of God but you must remember that the Word of God will never be effectual unto your enlivening unto your eternal Happiness unless God work like himself along with it You must hear but your Hope must not be in the Word it self consider'd alone by it self but your Hope must be in God whose Word it is For he hath said Look unto me and be saved all ye ends of the Earth 2. When the first Part of this Word of God was written and given as a Rule of Faith and Worship and Life it was perfect considering the Churches present State. When Israel had no more than Moses's writings that Revelation was perfect and sufficient concerning the will of the God of Israel considering the present state of Israel therefore you read Num. 10. 7. That Moses was faithful in all the House of God. God himself gives him this Testimony He set before Israel life and death and told them the way how the one might be escaped and how the other might be obtained Deut. 30. 19. Moses did faithfully deliver the Moral Law that was first spoken by Gods own Voice and afterwards writ with his own Finger and which is indeed of perpetual Obligation He likewise did faithfully deliver the Ceremonial Law and the Ordinances of it which was a Pre-signification of Jesus Christ what he was to doe how he was to suffer and to dye that he might make an Atonement for Sin and that he might sanctifie and cleanse his Church and People The Apostle Gal. 3. 24. sayes That the Law was our School-master to bring us unto Christ The Moral Law doth force sensible Sinners unto Christ because from the Curse of it they can be delivered no other way but by a Mediator But the Ceremonial Law doth instruct concerning Christ and doth notably display his Sufferings his Satisfaction that he made to the Justice of God and the Benefits of his Crucifixion and so it is our School-master to bring us unto Christ And Moses added the Judicial Law which concerned Israel as they were a Theocracy as they were a Common-wealth of Gods own Ordination and contrivance Thus the Word as a Rule of Faith and Life was perfect and by this Word of God the Elect were instructed to turn to God and at last brought safe to Glory 3. When the New Testament was added to the Old then the Church had the most perfect the most large and compleat Edition of the Word of God. And this was suited unto the Churches Age of greater maturity Heb. 1. 1. God who at sundry times and in divers manners spake aforetime unto our Fathers by the Prophets hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son. And truly the Son who is in the bosom of the Father hath made the fullest Declaration of the Father and of his Will unto the Children of men Christ telleth his Disciples how they were Priviledged in seeing him the
Messias and in hearing the Gospel from his Mouth Matth. 13. 17. Many Prophets and righteous men of old desired to see the things which ye see and have not seen them and to hear the things which ye hear and have not heard them Indeed that Light that did shine in the days of Moses was a perfect Light in a sence that is it was a Light converting and saving those that did receive it and that did walk according to it but yet you must understand that since the Sun of righteousness is actually risen there is a greater light that shines now than ever shined before since the Fall of Man. Those things that were hid from Ages and Generations are revealed by the Gospel That vail that was upon the face of Moses signifying the obscurity of the Mosaick Dispensation that vail is done away in Christ 2 Cor. 3. 12 13. And in this Word consisting of the Old and New Testament the Lord Jesus Christ is set forth before you all as full of Grace and Truth and as the only Hope of Glory Understand your Priviledge it is such a Priviledge that you enjoy this day that was not afforded to the World till it was about four thousand years old 4. The Word of God is so perfect that a further Revelation is needless and not to be expected That Faith that was once delivered unto the Saints it is to be held fast by Saints in all subsequent Ages That you earnestly contend saith the Apostle Jude ver 3. of his Epistle for the Faith which was once delivered to the Saints This Doctrine of Faith ought to be held fast and it is a compleat Doctrine Let this go and really you are without God without Christ without well grounded hopes of Heaven Look into the Second Epistle of John ver 9. Whosoever transgresseth and abideth not in the Doctrine of Christ hath not God he that abideth in the Doctrine of Christ he hath both the Father and the Son. This Word that you find in the Bible containing the Old Testament and the New doth deliver all to you that God requires you to believe in order to your Salvation and nothing is to be received as an Article of Faith but what the written Word of God doth propound to you And as it informs concerning mysteries of Faith so concerning Duties that are to be practised and â—he Rule is so compleat that whosoever walk according to it Peace and Mercy shall â—e upon him Gal. 6. 16. In the Word of God are the Credenda Agenda Petenda Truths to be Believed Commands to be Obeyed and Blessings to be Desired Niâ—il debet addi verbo quoad quantitatem nihil â—eprehendi quoad qualitatem Nothing is to â—e added as to quantity nothing to be â—eprehended or found fault with as to â—uality We are not to look for a further Reâ—elation from Heaven it self If an Angel â—om Heaven should preach another Gospel â—e were bound to conclude he were turned Apostate from the Truth and were to call â—im accursed Gal. 1. 8. To talk of Evanâ—elium Spiritus the Gospel of the Spirit which is to justle out the Gospel of Christ and the Ordinances of it is to talk of a pernicious delusion The true Spirit glorifies Christ inspired the Apostles infallibly to deliver the Doctrine and Ordinances of the Gospel Therefore says the Apostle John 1 Joh. 4. 6. He that knoweth God heareth us he that is not of God heareth not us hereby know we the Spirit of Truth and the Spirit of Errour The Ceremonial Law was abrogated the Jewish Church State was shaken and broken but the Gospel Church-state is to remain unalterable unto the very end of the World Heb. 12. 27. and shall continue in despight of all Enemies and Opposition 5. The Word of God is so perfect as tâ— bring Man home to God though by Siâ— and Unbelief he is departed and run faâ— away from Him. God calls in his Word to this very end that Man might hear anâ— turn to Him. And as to thousands anâ— millions of Souls this Word has a probâ—tum est Testimony that it has been trieâ— and found an effectual means of Conversion If we were caught up to the thirâ— Heaven and could converse with the glorified Spirits of the Just they would as knowledge they were redeemed unto God 〈◊〉 the Blood of Christ and that they weâ— drawn to Christ by the Word of the Gospel while they were hearing this the Spirit entred into them and made them true believing Converts How many whose case seemed desperate has this Word been a means to cure Although the Miracles in Nature are ceased which were necessary at first that the Gospel might take root in the World yet Miracles of Grace are still produced The Spiritually Blind are made to see the things that concern their Peace The Spiritually Deaf are made to hear the Voice of the Lord Jesus The Spiritually Lame are made to walk nay to run the ways of Gods Commandments Nay the Dead in Sin are made to rise with Christ and to live to Righteousness How perfect is the Word which Works such notable effects as these Christ tells his Disciples whom he had impower'd to work Miracles that in time they should do greater works than those Joh. 14. 12. By these greater Works Origen and the Fathers understand the Conversion of Kingdoms and Nations to the Christian Faith to the true and living God. To raise a World that had been so long dead in wickedness to cast Sathan in so many places out of his Temples and â—hrow down his Worship to bring those Souls to the Knowledge and Love of God. that were so grosly ignorant and utterly estranged from him this was a wonderful work indeed Those that are far from God shall perish Psal 73. 27. to be brought near to Him is good for 't is to be secured from ruine and to have the Lord to be our God and Blessedness that 's a perfect Word indeed which brings us home to Him. 6. The Word is so perfect that it directs us how to walk with God and to keep our selves in his Love. To obtain the favour of God is much to continue in his favour is more desirable The Word both brings and keeps man near to God This Word does very much press Perseverance and shews the way how we may continue in well doing to the end It requires us to be stedfast unmoveable and always to abound in the Work of the Lord 1 Cor. 15. 58. It bids us to look to our selves that we losâ— not the things we have wrought that we may receive a full reward 2 Joh. v. 8. It commands us to hold fast that which we have that no man take our Crown Rev. 3. 11. The Apostle propounds himself as an example to be followed and tells us Phil. 3. 13. 14. This one thing I do forgetting the things that are behind and reaching forth to those things that are before I press towards the mark
not corrupt themselves Moses knew how prone the Children of Israel were to do thus therefore he wrote the Words of the Law in a Book that they might be a witness against them and hinder their growing stiff-necked and rebellious against the Lord Deut. 31. 24 26 27. Finally the Word was written that Religion it self might not be corrupted nor that go under Gods name which is none of his Were it not for the Holy Scriptures how easily might falshoods and fables and humane inventions be imposed upon us and called the Mind of Christ by men of corrupt minds and dostitute of the Truth Now certainly the Lord has caused so much to be written that may be sufficient to attain his end in writing and if so then it follows that all Doctrines of Faith and Precepts both for the ordering of our Hearts and Lives are sufficiently declared in the Scripture If the Scripture is given to prevent Corruption in Religion the Scripture is perfect that that Corruption may be prevented If we should suppose part of the Doctrines and Precepts of the Gospel never to have been written why was less care taken of these than of the other How easily would these be forgotten and corrupted and how could we be satisfied in their being truly and sincerely conveyed to us 3. Adding to the VVord of God is most severeby forbidden therefore the VVord is perfect Prov. 30. 6. Add thou not unto his VVord least he reprove thee and thou be found a liar Those that are thus presumptuous to add are liars and therefore not to be believed by others and they have reason to be afraid themselves for the Reproof and Rebukes of the Almighty are terrible To instamp the Kings Head upon counterfeit Coyn is no less than Treason VVhen Doctrines and Ceremonies which make gain to be godliness and are inventions of Men shall have Divinity stampt upon them and pretend to be from Heaven this is a daring Treason against the highest Potentate the great Lawgiver who has Power to save and to destroy In the last book of Canonical Scripture just at the close plagues are threatned to be added to any man who shall add thereto and he that shall take away from it God says he will take away his part out of the Book of Life Rev. 22. 18 19. 4. It is another proof of the VVords perfection that all Spirits are to be tried by it Satan himself can transform himself into â—â— Angel of light and his Ministers can look like the Ministers of Righteousness There is great need then of Caution 1 Joh. 4. 1. Beloved believe not every Spirit but try the Spirits whether they are of God. Now 't is the VVord they are to be tried by The Spirit of Truth and this VVord always agree 't is not a subjecting the Holy Ghost to the Scripture when we observe the agreement between his Instructions his Motions and the Scripture but we follow his own Direction in the case It would not be a subjecting a Prince unto those general Instructions which he himself has given whereby his mind might be known but to examine messages even from the Prince by those Instructions would be VVisdom and Obedience in the Subject The Spirit of errour and falshood may seem to agree with the VVord but if the VVord be diligently heeded the difference will be apparent If the VVord were not perfect but much of the Mind of God were really unwritten the written VVord would be insufficient to be a trial and standard of right Doctrine and it would not have been said To the Law and to the Testimony if they speâ—â— not according to this VVord it is because there is no light in them Isa 8. 20. 5. The Word of God is perfect for wisdom to eternal Salvation is derived from it Indeed the Wisdom is from the Father of Lights but the written Word is the Means of conveying it 2 Tim. 3. 14 15. But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of knowing of whom thou hast learned them And that from a child thou hast known the holy Scriptures which are able to make thee wise unto Salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus What the Apostles taught was committed to writing the great Doctrine of Faith in Christ Jesus is here mention'd and this written Word must needs be perfect which was able to make those that received it wise unto Salvation The Wisdom in the Gospel is so accounted by them that are perfect for this VVisdom excells the policy of Princes that come to nought and is ordained unto the Glory of Believers 1 Cor. 2. 6 7. Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect yet not the wisdom of this World nor of the princes of this World which come to nought but we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery even the hidden wisdom which God ordained before the VVorld to our Glory 6. The Effect of the VVord of God proves its perfection for it makes us perfect throughly furnished unto all good works here is right Doctrine to inform the Judgment of what is true here is reproof and conviction of what is errour and falshood Here is correction for miscarriages in practice and instruction in the way of righteousness 2 Tim. 3. 16 17. All Scripture is given by Inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine for reproof for correction for instruction in righteousness That the Man of God may be perfect throughly furnished unto all good works If by the Man of God you mean the godly Man the Scriptures Perfection is evident in being a Means so throughly to furnish him with Light and Grace to do all the good works his Lord requires If by the Man of God you understand the Minister of Christ the Perfection of the Scripture is the more evident For those that are called Stars in Christs hand Angels of the Churches Labourers in the Lords Vineyard may from the written word be throughly furnished both to teach and to do what is required to save themselves and those that hear them In the third place I am to give you the Reasons why the Perfection of the Word is mentioned when Conversion is spoken of 1. To intimate the Imperfection of the Light of Nature This Light discovers many things and to do those things which are contrary to the Light of Nature is to do very wickedly but can it be said that this Light of Nature is perfect working Grace and converting the Soul The Heathens that had onely this Light and were without Supernatural Revelation did speak several things excellently concerning God they had a Notion of another World of the Souls Immortality and of Rewards and Punishments hereafter and they give remarkable Counsels as to Wisdom and Folly Vice and Vertue But those of them that had the greatest Parts and Learning the sharpest and most piercing eyes to see most they saw nothing of God manifested in the Flesh they understood nothing
of Redemption by Price of Gods purchasing his Church with his own Blood Act. 20. 28. The Light of Nature is insufficient to shew the way to Heaven How God will deal with these Heathens 't is hard to determine Zuinglius indeed asserts That when we come to Heaven we shall see utrumque Adamum Redemptum Redemptorem both the Adams the Redeemer and him that was redeemed the Prophets the Apostles And then he adds That Aristides the Cato's and the Scipio's and such vertuous Men among the Heathen will be found in Heaven also Calvin calls this prâ—â—posterum misericordiam a preposterous Mercy because the Apostle tells us those who have sinn'd without Law shall also perish without Law Rom. 2. 12. What is to be said in this case To affirm that any of them are saved who never heard of a Saviour is to affirm what is hard to prove to say that they are all damned will be a bold Sentence The Apostle tells us that those who are without God judges 1 Cor. 5. 13. and to Gods Judgment we must leave them 2. The Perfection of the Word is mentioned in the work of Conversion to shew that the Works of God do need his Words exposition upon them 'T is the Word which rightly discovers God in the Works of Creation Heb. 11. 3. Through Faith we understand that the Worlds were framed by the Word of God so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear The Scripture shews how the Lord is the Alpha and the Omega The whole Volume of Nature would signifie little to Man were it not for the Scriptures commentary upon it the Beginning and the End of all things that per scalaâ—â— creaturarum by the Ladder of the Creatures we may ascend unto the Gracions and Alsufficient Creator The Word expoundâ— the Works of Providence it puts such a Language into Mercies that these Demonstrations of divine goodness lead unto Repentance And the Word makes the Rod to utter such a voice that the Vncircumcised heart is humbled the Sinner accepts of the punishment of his Iniquity Lev. 26. 41. and turns unto that God that smites him 3. The Perfection of the Word is mentioned in the Work of Conversion that Sinners may use and value the Word as a Means sufficient He that is sick of the Plague how willingly does he use a Remedy that is sufficient for the cure of the Pestilence and which has cured thousands and that never failed to heal any that would but take it Never was there a Plague in the World so universal so contagious so deadly as Sin is O all ye sinful diseased and lost Souls hear and with all seriousness apply the Word of God that ye may be healed and that being healed ye may live and not dye for ever The remedy is perfect it certainly works for life if it be but received he that believes and yields subjection to the Gospel shall be saved Mar. 16. 16. I confess the refusing of the remedy will highten the disease and make the death more dreadful He that believes not shall receive the greater damnation 4. The Perfection of the Word is mentioned in the work of Conversion that the Preachers of the Word may be encouraged Were this Word a weak imperfect thing the Dispencers of it would have the less heart to labour but they have no reason to be ashamed or discouraged but to glory in the Gospel of Christ since 't is the Power of God to Salvation And let him be Jew or Gentile high or low a less Sinner or the greatest if he receives the Word with Faith the Preachers pains will be to good purpose The Apostle insults over all the VVisdom of this VVorld as that which is poor and foolish and helpless as to a better World 1 Cor. 1. 20. Where is the wise where is the Scribe where is the disputer of this world The Jewish Synagogue where Moses was trusted in and Christ rejected the Greek Academy could neither of them shew the way of Salvation hath not God made foolish the VVisdom of this VVorld But then he magnifies the Word of God that reveals Christ Jesus because herein the Power and VVisdom of God were savingly made manifest 1 Cor. 1. 23 24. VVe preach Christ crucified to the Jews a stumbling-block and unto the Greeks foolishness but unto them that are called both Jews and Greeks Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 5. The Perfection of the Word is mentioned in the Work of Conversion that Saints may still be improving it unto a further turning Where 's the Convert in whom and for whom the Word of God has wrought so much that it can work no more You that have most experienced its power and goodness may still feel a further efficacy The Word is perfect and you should be pressing forward to be perfected by it still your Light should grow clearer your Faith stronger your love more abundant and patience should have a more perfect work in you that you may be perfect and entire wanting nothing Jam. 1. 4. Still you should be more low in your own sight the Grace of Christ more glorious in your eyes the World should be more under your feet and Heaven be the matter of your thoughts and hopes and joy You that are weak should resemble David you that are strong as David should be like the Angels of God aspiring unto not only Evangelical but an Angelical and heavenly Perfection I come in the last place to the Application The Uses are these following VSE I. Of Caution The Perfection of the Word of God should make you 1. To take heed of that Enthusiastick Spirit that pretends not to need this VVord That Light within which makes the Light of the VVord to be contemned is certainly Darkness and if the Light within you be darkness how great is that darkness Mat. 6. 23. Solomon tells us plainly that the Commandment is a Lamp and the Law is Light and the reproofs of instruction are the way of Life Prov. 6. 23. You will miss the way of Life unless this Light be followed He is most unreasonably wise in his own eyes who imagines he knows so much that God himself by his Word can teach him no more the truth is he knows nothing as he ought to know his Knowledg is but a delusive dream his ignorance real and destructive Heed not but resist the Spirit that injects undervaluing thoughts of the Word of God for that cannot be the true Spirit which did endite it If once you reject the VVord of the Lord alas what understanding is in you Jer. 1. 9. The grossest and most damnable errours will impose upon you as truths the most carnal licentiousness which is the bondage of corruption will call it self Christian liberty Sins will be made no Sins and Duties no Duties you will allow your selves in the omission of Gods Ordinances as things below Saints of so high a Stature as
the righteous he is a Buckler to them that walk uprightly 3. You that live under the New Testament Dispensation be very thankful that the written Word is so very copious and so large To have such a compleat Declaration of the Mind of God by his own Son was a Priviledge which the Old Testament Believers wisht for but did not enjoy What Moles are they who are onely busie and working in the Earth and for Earthly things and regard not the clear shining of the Sun of Righteousness To be deaf and regardless when God speaks so much to us not to understand when he speaks so fully and so plainly is inexcusable but to have Knowledg and to sin against it and to detain the truth in unrighteousness is inexcusable much more here is Ingratitude and Presumption together and the more stripes are threatned and deserved Luke 12. 47. And that Servant that knâ—w his Lords will and prepared not himself neither did according to his will shall be beatâ—◠〈◊〉 many stripes Search the VVord of God be much that you may be mighty in the Scriptures By this weapon you may defend your selves against the subtilest Enemies of the truth nay against the old subtle Serpent himself It was not an unwritten but a written word that Christ produced when he was assaulted by the Tempter Mat. 4. 4 7 10. It was an Injunction of our Lord himself Joh. 5. 39. Search the Scriptures for in them ye think ye have eternal Life It was a right thought that the Scriptures direct unto Life Eternal but it was a presumptuous thought in the Pharisees to imagine Eternal Life was theirs since instead of building upon the Foundation Stone in Sion they stumbled at it But the Injunction it self is of great Moment The Scriptures are Gods own Books and the onely Books he has in the World. Longâ assiâ—uâ meditatione Scripturaram prâ—tus suun fecerat Bibliothicam Chriâ—â—â— Hyeronym de Nepotiano Every ones Breast should be like Nepotian's Bibliotheca Christi A Library in which these Books should be kept safely To be acquainted more intimately with the Word is the way to be better acquainted with God and the consequent of this acquaintance is Peace Job 22. 21. Acquaint now thy self with him and be at peace thereby good shall come to thee By Searching of the Scriptures the Understanding is improved the Heart is purified the Life is regulated This Book is indeed the thankful Glass that mends the Eyes of all that rightly look into it It was an honest Distich of one Ex aliis paleae viles hinc grana leguntur Aurea tu paleas linquito grana lege Which another thus Englishes Mens Books with worthless chaff are stor'd Gods Scripture Golden grains afford Reject the chaff and spend thy pains In gleaning up these golden Grains 5. Pray for the Spirit who endited the Word that he may interpret it and lead you into the understanding of it He is called the Spirit of wisdom and Revelation Eph. 1. 17. He reveals the Gospel he enlightens the eyes of the Understanding True Wisdom is the special Gift of the Holy Ghost It is an encouragement in Prayer that the best things may be asked with the greatest confidence The Gift of the Spirit comprehends the best things of all doubt not of Gods willingness to bestow it Luk. 11. 13. If ye then being evil know how to give good gifts to your Children how much more shall your heavenly Father gave the holy Spirit unto them that ask him It is not a notional Knowledge which many Hypocrites excell in that you should content your selves with Such Knowledge being alone puffs up him that has it 1 Cor. 8. 1. and disturbing Strife and contention follows upon Pride and High-mindedness such Knowledge aggravates Sin in the careless and carnal Professor and will exceedingly inflame his Reckoning in the day he must give account of himself to God. It is true wisdom a Spiritual understanding of the Scriptures that you should cry for When the Spirit of God discovers a truth to you with what Satisfaction will your Mind receive it When the Spirit shews you your Duty how Righteous how reasonable and what a Priviledge does it appear The Spirits Light and Strength go together so that the Will is inclined to a compliance when the enlightned Soul does understand the Will of God. When the Spirit applies a Promise to you how will your Faith be confirmed how will you abound in Hope and how full of sweetest peace will your hearts be while you securely rest on the God of Truth whose VVord will endure when Heaven and Earth shall pass away Isa 26. 3 4. Thou wilt keep him in perfect Peace whose mind is stayed on thee because he trusteth in thee Trust ye in the Lord for ever for in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting Strength 6. Let your Knowledge of the Word of God be more perfect Alas how little do we know of what may be known and what we do know how much better may we know it Though the Children of God are Children of Light and Children of the Day yet there are great remainders of darkness in some of them and some remainders in all This remaining Ignorance is both their Sin and Misery by reason of which Satan their subtle enemy has many times great advantage against them Labour after a more perfect Knowledge of God his Son his Truth his Will his Word informs you of all If the Happiness of Heaven lies so much in a beatifical seeing Oh use all possible intention of mind that you may see more and more even while you are here on Earth True Knowledge will debase the idolized World and make it nothing in your eyes and it wil humble you and make you perceive that really you are worse than nothing How does a clearer Knowledge of God make holy Job much more humble than ever Job 42. 5 6. I have heard of thee by the hearing of the Ear but now mine Eye seeth thee wherefore I abhorr my self and repent in Dust and Ashes The better you know the Lord the more you will Love and Fear and Praise him The better you know his Christ you cannot chuse but still more highly prize him and your Hearts will cleave to him with the fuller purpose The 〈…〉 er you know his Commands the more they 〈◊〉 be your Counsellours your longing your delight and your Songs in the house of your Pilgrimage The better you know the Cross of Christ you will be the less offended 〈…〉 heaviest Afflictions will be made light of 〈◊〉 compared with a far more exceeding and eternal weight of Glory 2 Cor. 4. 17. 7. Let your Love be greater and more perfect to this perfect VVord of God. The World indeed hates this VVord because it testifies against them that their works are evil and will have an ill end True love to it will argue spiritual Life by it and that it has been effectual to turn and
change our very Hearts Love to the Word distinguishes the true Church from the Antichristian Society Of these 't is said because they received not the love of the Truth that they might be saved God shall send them strong delusion that they should believe a lye that they all might be damned who believed not the Truth but had Pleasure in Vnrighteousness 2 Thes 2. 10 11 12. All the excellent properties of the Word and the wonderful effects of it should take your Hearts and still be increasing your affection to it and the stronger your love is the greater will be your care to keep it Psal 119. 167. My Soul hath kept thy Testimonies and I love them exceedingly Love will make you labour hard in the work which the Word commands and yet it will so overcome the difficulty that hard labour shall become easie It was a saying of Bernard Is rectè divinas Scripturas legit qui verba vâ—rtit in opera He rightly reads the Holy Scriptures who turns VVords into VVorks Love will mightily constrain you to this 't will make you doers and blessed in your deed Love the Word of God as a Malefactour would love to read his pardon after the Sentence of Death has been past upon him Love the Word as a Debtour would love to read his general and full discharge which delivers him out of Prison and secures him from the danger of being arrested any more Love the Word as a Sick man would love to read a Receipt prescribing a medicine that would certainly cure his distemper and save his Life Finally love the Word as an Heir would love to read over a Testament in which is left him a rich Estate a most plentiful Inheritance In the VVord of God you find a pardon a discharge from all debts by your great your sufficient Surety here is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Souls universal remedy And the Psalmist says Psal 119. 111. Thy Testimonies have I taken as an heritage for ever for they are the rejoycing of my Heart 8. Never be ashamed of this Word of God which is so perfect and worthy to be owned VVith your Hearts believe it unto Righteousness with your Mouths Confess it to Salvation Be not concerned that the VVorld accounts the VVord foolishness fear not either their reviling or their rage their hands are weak considering how strong your helper is and their Judgments weaker Stand fast in the Faith and quit you like men be strong 1 Cor. 16. 13. Your Lord will be much pleased to see you valiant for the Truth and no less than a Crown of Life shall be the reward of Faithfulness unto the Death But if you are ashamed of Christ and of his word before Men he will be ashamed of you before his Father and all his Holy Angels Mar. 8. 38. And how great and everlasting then will your shame and confusion be VSE III. Of Exhortation Since the VVord is perfect let me exhort you all unto Perfection The legal Perfection of Adam in Innocency you cannot reach since the fall keeps all his Posterity short of it hear the Apostle confessing and bewailing Not as though I had already attained either were already perfect Phil. 3. 12. But evangelical Perfection is possible 't is necessary 't is actually found in all true Converts In legal Perfection it may be said 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 there is no Sin. In evangelical Perfection it may be said 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 there is no predominant Hypocrisie In the former there is no sin at all in the latter there is no Sin loved and allowed In the one every command is kept in the other there is grief when any command is broke and a true Desire after Grace to keep every Commandment better When I exhort you to Perfection I mean three things That you would be of a perfect Heart That you would walk in a perfect way That you would stand perfect and compleat in all the will of God. 1. Let your Hearts be perfect The Heart is the very Seat of Sincerity if it be not here 't is no where 't is not in the eye or tongue or hands or feet if the Heart remain as it was by Nature without a change and is still wicked sensual and earthly the VVords and actions though never so good signifie and avail nothing nay the better the VVords and Actions are the greater is the Hypocrisie and Dissimulation There are several excellent ingredients in this Perfection of Heart which I would press upon the Hearts and Consciences of All. 1. Let your Hearts shew themselves perfect by setting God alwaies before them Walk before me says God to Abraham and be perfect Gen. 17. 1. The perfect Heart is sensible that Gods eye looks into it and sees all that is in it therefore its eye is also upon God and as there is an holy awe of God upon it so 't is not satisfied without his approbation Upright David cryes out O Lord thou hast searched me and known me thou understandest my thoughts afar off Psal 139 1 2. Thoughts include all the affections workings and inclinations of the Heart all these were open and naked unto the Eye of Gad. And David looks to his Heart accordingly and he begs that the evil of his Heart might be more plainly discover'd to him that his Heart might be more throughly cleansed 2. Let your Hearts be perfect in being truely willing and very studious to please that God with whom you have to do The perfect Heart sees 't is highly reasonable that Mans Will in all things should be obedient unto Gods since the VVill of God is so righteous good and holy since He cannot be tempted with evil neither tempteth hâ— any man to any thing that is hurtful Jam. 1. 13. to please the Lord should be the Pleasure of your very Souls You should hate every abominable thing which he hates and what he delights in should always be chosen 3. Let your Hearts be perfect in refusing to have a liking respect and regard to any iniquity David manifested his uprightness and as a perfect man he was regarded and his Prayer heard because he did not regard iniquity in his Heart Psal 66. 18 19. Iniquity in the Heart is to be regarded so as to be humbled for it weary of it and bewail it and to endeavour by all means to mortifie and purge it away 't is not to be regarded so as to cover and excuse it so as secretly to delight in it and resolve to spare iâ— Especially let your Hearts set themselves with full bent against that which may be called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Sin that does most easily be set you Heb. 12. 1. from hence is the greatest guilt defilement danger the Sin that by reason of your Constitutions Callings Age and the bad Customs of the Places where you live have been most insinuating into your Affection and aptest to prevail should be abandon'd with a special and peculiar
or other provide for the Sheep of his Pasture 2. This Church shall have the Spirit along with the Word We may as well suppose a living Body without a Soul as a true Church of Christ without his Spirit The Spirit is promised and given to the Church to abide there for ever Joh. 14. 16 17. I will pray the Father and he shall give you another Comforter that he may abide with you for ever even the Spirit of truth whom the World cannot receive because it seeth him not neither knoweth him but ye know him for he dwelleth with you and shall be in you Now where the Spirit of the Lord is how effectual is the Word what Light what Liberty what Power what Peace is there The Spirit makes the Means of Grace to attain their end He fills Ordinances with an Heavenly vertue he quickens the Dead enlarges the straitned Heart causes fruit to be brought forth plentifully he comforts the true Converts and stablishes them in every good word and work 3. It 's matter of Consolation that in this perfect Word of God there is wisest and safest counsel given Prov. 6. 22. When thou goest it shall lead thee when thou sleepest it shall keep thee when thou awakest it shall talk with thee So Prov. 3. 23. Thou shalt walk in thy way safely and thy foot shall not stumble This Word counsels Converts against evil Men evil Women evil Angels an evil World and against every evil work It never gave bad counsel unto any The Counsels of the Word are best with reference to Eternity and with reference to Time also It bids us pass the time of our sojourning here in fear to live as Strangers and Pilgrims on the Earth that we may be less concerned and disturbed and keep more unspotted from the World. It bids us to walk uprightly that we may walk surely It informs us that all carnal Policy which is joyned with a contempt of God and Religion is onely a cunning contrivance to undo our selves but 't is the fear of the Lord that is the beginning of Wisdom and the Knowledge of the Holy is understanding 4. In this Perfect Word of God a compleat Armour is found to secure Converts against the Enemies of their Salvation Eph. 6. 13. Wherefore take unto you the whole Armour of God that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day and having done all to stand This Armour is to be valued indeed which is Armour of proof which secures us against the worst and most powerful Adversaries which certainly defends and makes us victorious when sighting for Eternal life when those against whom these Enemies prevail will surely dy the everlasting Death The Apostle speaks at large of the pieces of this Armour We are furnished with the Girdle of Truth sound Doctrine must be held fast our Judgments well settled against errour Here is the Breast-plate of Righteousness Sincere Holiness must be in the Heart if the Spirit be not right if the Heart be not clean there can be no safety Here the feet are shod with the preparation of the Gospel of Peace The Gospel that is the Word of Reconciliation with God and that speaks Peace to the Conscience does prepare and fit us to walk in the way of Holiness and the difficulties of that way are endured with patience Here is the shield of Faith Believing on Jesus resting on the Promises that in in Him are Yea and Amen quenches the Fiery Darts of Satan so that true Converts are not sunk into an Hell of Despair by the remembrance of their past Sins which the Blood of Jesus has made an atonement for neither are they discouraged by fiery Trials by the siercest Persecutions Here is the Helmet of Salvation that is the Hope of Salvation This Hope is lively well grounded will never make ashamed and causes the Convert to lift up his head with courage because Redemption and Glory are aproaching Here is the Sword of the Spiâ—it the Word of God rightly used and applyed And unto these pieces of Armour Preces Lacrymae arma Ecclesiae Prayers and Tears which are the Churches Weapons must be added because we need not onely Armour but skill and strength to use it from above then we shall prevail indeed when we are strong in the Lord and in the power of his might How strong may be the Consolation considering how compleat and strong the Armour is how strong the Helper of a Christian Eph. 6. 10 -18 5. In this Perfect Word of God the Convert finds Promises that may serve to support and encourage him in every condition Is he afflicted 't is in faithfulness and love not in wrath and hatred Prov. 3. 12. Whom the Lord loveth he correcteth even as a Father the Son in whom he delighteth And affliction shall be profitable because it shall be purifying Heb. 12 10. He that is the Father of Spirits chastizeth for our profit that we may be partakers of his Holiness Is the Convert poor and destitute He may cast all his care on God who cares for him 1 Pet. 5. 7. The young Lions lack and suffer hunger but those that seek the Lord have him to be their Shepheard and shall not want any good thing Psal 34. 10. Is the Convert tempted His merciful and faithful High-Priest was tempted before him and knowes how to succour him Heb. 2. ult When the Apostle was sorely buffered by Satan and cries for help what answer has he See be encouraged when you see 2 Cor. 12. 9. And the Lord said unto me My Grace is sufficient for thee for my strength is made perfect in weakness Is the Convert deserted and troubled because God hides his face He has the Name of God and his everlasting Covenant to trust in and the Face that is now hidden will be shewn again and dry up the Tears of the deserted Isa 54. 7 8. For a small moment have I forsaken thee but with great mercies will I gather thee in a little wrath hid I my Face from thee for a Moment but with everlasting kindness will I have mercy upon thee saith the Lord thy Redeemer 6. 'T is matter of Comfort unto Converts that this Perfect word endures for ever 1 Pet. 1. 24 25. All Flesh is grass and all the glory of Man as the Flower of the field the Grass withereth and the Flower thereof falleth away but the Word of the Lord endureth for ever and this is the Word which by the Gospel is preached unto you The Word is an everlasting truth never did any never shall any find it false 'T is a means to Convert the Soul to make the Heart new and 't is written in the new heart in Characters that are indelible and abiding 't is a Sustentation to the New Creature and cherishes it unto that Life which is Eternal The New nature is Immortal true Grace never dies but at Death is perfected in Glory that fadeth not away The CONCLUSION THus have
What dismal Noyses will fill their Ears how fierce and unquenchable are the Flames that they shall feel all their parts shall be in pain not so much as one free The whole Body was defiled and at Sins service all the Members were yielded as instruments of Vnrighteousness 't is but righteous that all should be Punished Why are the Bodies of the Wicked raised at the last day surely that they may bear their part in the Condemnation which the whole Man by Sin has deserved This Resurrection is certain but 't is a dreadful Resurrection which is a Resurrection to Damnation Joh. 5. 29. In these Torments you may well suppose that Death will be wisht for and that the Damned would rejoyce if they could find a Grave but alas after the Resurrection the first Death is no more The Damned in a sad sense do put on Incorruption and Immortality they can never dye and cease to feel their Pains they must always live a Life ten thousand times worse than Death and there is no remedy O you Wicked Men where 's your true Love to your Bodies that you seem to be so tender of I beseech you mind your Souls and love your Bodies better than by Sin to expose them to the Vengeance of eternal Fire You see how in Hell there is a Deprivation of good an Infliction of evil pain and torment I add 3. In Hell there is an Eternity of both the deprivation will be without Hope of Restitution and the Torment will be without any end without the least Mitigation Eternity is an amazing word the thing it self much more amazing Who can see to the end of Eternity who can see half way into Eternity Time is continually passing but Eternity never in the least spends 't is not capable of any diminution after myriads of Ages 't is still as bulky and whole as ever If Hell were Ten thousand times hotter than it is yet were it but a Temporal Punishment and at last to end 't would be Nothing in comparison But since those that are thrown into it must lye in it for ever Hells Eternity is the very Hell of Hell. In Eternity whether of Joy or Woe there is tota simul perfecta possessio the whole of it perfectly possess'd at once Hell is not parcel'd out unto the Damned but they continually feel the whole of it This is terrible there is not the least part of the punishment that ever they are exempted from undergoing but 't is much more terrible that their Suffering must be always and never have a Conclusion Divines have stretch'd their Wits to represent Eternity that apprehensions of it might be more suitable and affecting but were never able to reach it We can no more comprehend Eternity than a Nut-shell can contain the whole Ocean Suppose that all this World were fill'd with Sand from the Earths Centre round and up to the highest Heaven and once in a Thousand Years one single Sand should be taken away How sad would it be to lye in Torment till the whole vast heap were gone But after so many Millions and Millions of Years for the Damned to be every whit as far from the End of their Misery as they were the very first moment they began to feel it here all words fall short and I must conclude in Astonishment Do not think that these are frightful things invented by Vs to scare you into better manners When we warn and tell you of the Eternity of Hells punishment we speak the certain Truth of the Eternal God. In the second place I am to prove the Doctrine That they who will not turn to God shall most certainly be turned into Hell. The Arguments to prove this are these 1. The first shall be drawn from the Wrath of God. This is revealed from Heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteouness of Men Rom. 1. 18. They that are called to turn and yet refuse that Wrath abides upon them still unbelief and impenitency bindes as it were all their Sins fast upon them and they must needs remain under Wrath also Joh. 3. ult He that believeth not the Son shall not see life but the Wrath of God abideth on him Nay Wrath instead of being appeased is increased by contemning the Gospel-offer of Gods favour and mercy in Christ And where will unpacified Wrath at length issue See Deut. 32. 22. A Fire is kindled in mine Anger and it shall burn to the lowest Hell. 2. A second Argument shall be drawn from the Truth of God. He has threatned Hell for the punishment of unconverted Sinners Psal 9. 17. The Wicked shall be turned into Hell and all the Nations that forget God Let there be never so many of them Hell has room enough to hold them and their multitude will not be any Security The Truth of God is engaged to make good all his promises to the Faithful and also all his threatnings to the Wicked A man must believe the Promises in order to the accomplishment of them But tho the Threatnings are dis-believed they will be fulfilled and the greater the unbelief the more certainly and sorely will they overtake and lay hold on the Vnbeliever The Lord is to be credited when he speaks because he is a God that cannot Lye but when he adds his Oath to his word what he sayes is the more firmly to be assented to His Covenant of Grace is confirm'd by an Oath and when he could Swear by no greater he Swore by himself And his Oath also confirms his Threatnings of Wrath Heb. 3. 18 19. And to whom Swear he that they should not enter into his Rest but to them that believed not So we see that they could not enter in because of Vnbelief 3. Another Argument to prove that unconverted Sinners shall be turned into Hell shall be drawn from their present Impunity Escaping now scot-free we may conclude the greater certainty of a future reckoning They that will not turn to God we see that many of them are in Health at ease enjoy peace and plenty and Sentence against their evil works being not now executed and they hereupon being fully set to do Evil 't is reasonable to believe there will be and 't is very Righteous there should be a terrible Sentence of Condemnation and that Sentence put in Execution upon them in the other World. 4. They that will not turn to God at the Gospel call shall be turned into Hell for they slight the only Saviour Christ calls himself a Door so he has been from the beginning of the World so he will be to the End of it There is no Door through which Hell can be escaped but this Unconverted Sinners will not come to Him that they may have Life Joh. 5. 40. therefore they are unavoidably Siezed by eternal Death Corruptible things as Silver and Gold they know how to value but the precious Blood of Christ is not prized and not being Sprinkled with the Blood of Christ our Passover who