entertained not loved it not no man very few that is whence observe Doct. That it is but a very small number that doe faithfully savingly embrace and firmly build upon the doctrine of salvation Of four grounds in Matth. 13.24 but one savingly received the doctrine of salvation This the Prophet complained of Isa 53.2 Isa 65.2 Jer. 8.6 We read of a few Pearles a few Vines Reas 1 In regard of the Election Matth. 20.16 now onely those are capable of wisedome Matth. 11.19.13.11 Reas 2 In regard of the strong sway of corruption Reas 3 In regard that the natural man cannot see into Christ or the Gospel Job 21.14 Isa 53.2 Reas 4 Because there is an Antipathy between carnal soules and Christ as between light and darknesse 2 Cor. 5.14 Saul and David Reas 5 In regard of the hardnesse of the leaving of all things for Christ and the Gospel all must be rejected every false way that is cleare but this hard therefore many men embrace not the Gospel Reas 6 In regard of the strong engagement of the hearts of men to the world Matth. 6.24 1 John 2.15 Matth. 8.34 Vse It shewes that few partake of Christ because few partake of grace and the Gospel the number is but few they are called a little flock few entred into the Ark the Text tells us few came into Canaan and but few embrace the Gospel and receive it Not to leave the way of life because few embrace it It is no wise project for men to lodge among Tombs because mad men did as the Scripture mentions or to forsake meat because sick men doe Nor is it any wisedome for men to leave the way of life Christ Jesus and his Gospel because the generality of men in the world do 3 This must cause to try what entertainment we give unto Christ whether our hearts be open to receive his testimony or shut against it whether it be to us as the dew to the dry earth or to the hard rock as Musick to the hearing or to the deaf ear as a friend or a stranger as a Physitian or a wounding enemy and this will be discerned 1. By the abandoning and exiling of sinne no man giveth credit to the testimony of Christ no man giveth entertainment unto Christ but he thrusteth sin out of the doores of his heart No man entertaineth his Soveraign into his house but he cleanseth his house beautifieth and adorneth the several roomes thereof the woman that wiveth her selfe in wedlock putteth off her menstruous and unseemly rayment the Sun appearing in the Horizon the darknesse clouds misty and filthy fogs are dispelled no man entertaineth Christ the Lord of life the Prince of glory but he purgeth his soule 1 John 3.3 Departeth from iniquity 2 Tim. 2.19 No man joyneth himselfe in wedlock with Christ but is Psal 45.13 Ezek. 16.9 10. The Sun of righteousnesse ariseth and shineth in the horizon of no mans soule but with healing in his wings he healeth their spiritual diseases endoweth them with strength of grace and maketh them fly from sin as Moses fled from his rod when he saw it turned into a serpent though before it was alwayes in his hand he made continual use of it so when men entertaine Christ once with their soules though sinne were never so pleasant delightfull profitable to them yet now they hate it as the onely enemy of their soules complaine of it as the heaviest burthen labour to root it out as the most noysome weed 2. By the neglect despising rejecting of the world When the Sun appeares the candles are extinguished when the Prince cometh the fellowship the presence of beggars is not regarded when Christ is once entertained into the soule such is his Beauty Fulness Majesty Glory that then the world though before very glorious yet now it is as dung Phil. 3.8 As withered grass Isa 40.8 As a dead thing void of life beauty profit Gal. 6.14 As a thing of nought Amos 6.13 This maketh them sell all for this pearle leave all to entertaine him to forsake goods Heb. 10.3 4. Friends Matth. 10 37. Life Rev. 12.11 This maketh the grapes of the choicest worldly Vine be full of sourenesse the cup of her sweetest wine to be full of poyson the purest manchet full of gravel 3. By the holy fellowship and communion we have with Christ as many as receive him put their confidence in him have felowship with him as the Scholler with the teacher they sit at his feet they heare his voice as one friend with another communicating their mind to him he imparting his councels unto them shedding the warm shining beames of his love into their hearts and their hearts reflecting with love againe to him as the spouse with the Husband after a more entire manner then with any thing in the world as the servants with the Master of the family as the members with the head of the body his presence with them his dominion within them his love to them is vouchsafed and apprehended after a manner unknowne to the unregenerate world hee is to the world a sun under an Eclipse Psa 53.2 to true beleevers as the Sun in a clear day Mal. 4.2 to sinfull men as a stranger Ephes 2.12.1 Jo. 1.6 to others as a brother a man well known Cant. 8.1 4. By the comforts wee finde in him hee refresheth and receiveth the soules of all such as entertaine him comforteth and delighteth their hearts more then all the pleasant things of the world Cant. 1.2 he is to the soules of beleevers as the starre to the wise men Math. 2.10 As a feast to the hungry Rev. 3.20 as the shadow of a great rock to the weary Jsa 32.2 as a precious pearle to the poore Math. 15.44 when all the world like Baal is dumbe and cannot utter a word of comfort then doth Christ rejoyce the hearts of his servants Ro. 3.5 when the world is like an empty pit then is Christ as a fountaine of living waters refreshing the soules of his children when the abilities of the earth are as a candle extinct then is Christ to his servants a glorious Sun Psa 5.6 when the world is like a dry breast then Isa 66.10.11 God doth give comfort to all true beleevers 2 Thes 2.16 making their joy answearable to their sorrowes 2 Cor. 1 5. he will speake unto them when their consciences are perplexed as once he spake to the disciples Mat. 14.26.27 as Iohn 14.1.18 Acts. 18.9 and 23.11 5. By the spirituall liberty and freedome wee gaine by beleeving in him by opening our hearts to entertain him though wee are oppressed reproached assaulted within and without burthened with variety of corruptions ladden with manifold afflictions yet entertaining Christ into our hearts by faith we shall 1 Jo. 5.4 and Ro. 8.36 37. bee like Cyrus Isa 5.1.2 so 1 Jo. 3.8 Heb. 2.14 so that all that give credit to Christs testimony do feele the fetters of sinne smitten off the burthen of
seed took occasion to speak of the word sown in the hearts of men This is a blessed use of things earthly it sweetneth our Meditation it plainly informeth the weakest understanding it strongly convinceth it deeply in presseth upon the memory we find like Sampson a hony combe in the Lyon and fetch water from the rock 2. Let us be well acquainted with the sacred Scriptures let us get the word of God to dwell with in us plenteously Coll. 3.16 and then as a full fountaine sendeth forth waters a full cloud poureth out the raine so shall our lips drop down knowledge when there is much fewel in the fire it giveth heat to al that come nigh to it if the Word of God be as a fire in our bones it will make us that we shall not be silent see it in Iob in Iob 32.18 19 20. in Jeremiah Ier. 20.8 in David Psal 40.10 11. 3. Let us get our hearts inflamed with love to God his word his wayes we easily break forth into a large and full discourse of the persons and things we entirely love the worldly man of his wealth the voluptuous man of his pleasures the ambitions man of his honour every mans tongue is ready to discourse of the object of his love so David the commandments being his love see what he saith Psa 119.46 47. I will speak of thy testimonies also before Kings and will not be ashamed and I will delight my self in thy commandments which I have loved This will make us with the spouse to enter into a large discourse of the diety of her Saviour Cant. 5.11 of his judgement and understanding in all things vers 12. of the sweet manifestation of himself in his ordinance vers 13. of the excellency of his actions depth of his councels vers 14. of the stability of his proceedings of the amiablenesse and uprightness of his carriage towards his chosen vers 15. of the sweetnes of his voyce and the singular comforts which flow from him reside in him vers 16. 4. Let us get our Souls filled with the knowledge of the Lord and of his wayes We must first inform our selves before we can well inform others the Lamp can give no light unless it self be first filled with Oile the blinde man is not fit for a guide therefore David prayes Make me to understand the way of thy precepts so shall I talk of thy wondrous works and that of the Prophet in Isa 50.4 The Lord God hath given me the tongue of the learned that I should know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary c. We must be skilfull like Physicians to apply our exhortation aright it is not enough to speak but it must be to edifying to good purpose so as it may minister grace to the hearers therefore Prov. 15.2 The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright c. 5. Let us labour to be thoroughly affected with the goodness of God towards our Soul to be assured of the forgiveness of all our sins to have a lively feeling of Gods love and the joyes of his spirit and this will make us ready and cheerfull in teaching others as we have mentioned in that of David Psal 51.12.13.14.15 Restore me to the joy of thy salvation and uphold me with thy free spirit Then will I teach transgressours thy wayes and sinners shall be converted unto thee c. And that Psal 66.16 6. Let us strive to be truely good and gracious sanctified throughout both in our Souls and also in our bodies let grace be as a fountain of living water in the heart and the speech shall be as many gracious streams issuing from it As waters to the citie as silver to the needy as food to the hungry so shall be the speech of a gracious man Prov. 10.11 20 21 32. If these things be in us we shall not be idle nor unprofitable but we shall communicate of what we have received impart what we know stirre up others to attain the like measure of grace and assurance with us And let not any say like the sluggard there is a Lyon in the way if we seek the good of mens Souls we shall be hated reproached say not they are dissolute or wordly businesses shall be hinderers for as Solomon saith Eccl. 11.4 He that observeth the wind shall not sow and he that regardeth the clouds shall not reap But look upon Christ the Prophets Apostles Gods precept bretherens wants Gods blessing Gods acceptance clearing of thy owne conscience joy which will accompany the due performance and so go forward in it without fainting So much for the first point We have seen the connexion next we are to take notice of the words and therein first of all the place whereunto he journied namely into the Land of Judea that is into that part thereof which was nigh unto the city Aenon a city situate in the Tribe of Manasses thither he came to shew himself a Saviour to them to tender life and salvation to declare Gods counsell he did not stay altogether in one place but went from place to place to publish the tidings of life Thereby shewing thus much Doct. That some of all places and of all nations are appointed to eternall life by Christ Jesus As the Sun in the Firmanent though not all at once yet by succession doth cast his light and heat upon all the parts of the earth more or lesse So the Son of righteousnes sooner or later bringeth some out of all places and nations from darknes to light from death to life from ignorance to the knowledge of the truth This was shadowed as some conceive by the four corners of the Altar and sprinkling of blood round about it Exod. 27.6 7 8. nothing the all-sufficiency of Christ's death the plenty of his bloodshed the manifestation of him to the four corners of the world by the ministry of the Gospell This was Prophesied Zzech 14.8 And it shall be in that day that living waters shall go out from Jerusalem half of them towards the former sea and half of them towards the hinder sea in Summer and in Winter shall it be As the sea sendeth her streams to all the corners of the earth as the King swaying over the parts of his Kingdom Psal 72.6 7 8. He shall come down like rain upon the mowen grasse as showers that water the earth In his dayes shall the righteous flourish and abundance of peace so long as the moon endureth he shall also have Dominion from Sea to Sea and from the river unto the ends of the earth Therefore he gave his Apostles a large commission Math. 28.19 Go teach all nations c. and long before he told the people Math. 8.11 I say unto you that many shall come from the East and West and shal sit down with Abraham Isaac and Iacob in the Kingdom of God and this was the tenure of their song Rev. 5.9 And they sung a new song saying thou
night season Psal 16.7 As Hanna celebrated God for the birth of a Sonne So let every regenerate Soul praise God for his new birth and say 1 Sam. 2.1 2 8. He raiseth us from the grave of sin from the dust of iniquity He lifteth up the poor Souls from the dunghill of sin to set us among them that are Kings and Princes unto our God Vers 23. And John also was Baptizing in Aenon neer to Salim because their was much water there and they came and were Baptized FRom the practice of our Saviour descend we to the labour of the Baptist wherein we may take notice of 1. His constant practice in his calling notwithstanding Christ had now manifested himself 2. The quality of his imployment 3. The place where 4. The reason why 5. The concourse of the people to him 1. Christ began publickly to teach to shine like a glorious Sun yet the Baptist did not therefore cease from his calling but continued constant not saying that Christ is come therefore I may be silent hence marke Doctr. That we may not at our owne pleasure leave our callings but follow them while God doth give us ability to performe them Like Noah who as he went in so he would not come forth againe but by the Lords commandement Vse A sharpe taxation for such as take every occasion to neglect their calling But I passe by this and come to the second namely 2. The quality of the Baptists worke he baptized This baptisme administred by Iohn and that administred by our Saviour was the same In regard of the Author authority Iohn 2.33 2. In regard of substance and thing signified Remission of sin in Christ 3. In regard of the signe Water 4. In regard of the Ceremony Washing the body 5. Inregard of the efficacy and effect Offering forgivenes of sin to all true believers Acts 19.4 thus they agree They differ In regard of time the Baptisme of John was before Christs Baptisme The Baptisme of John sealed up remission of sinnes to beleevers in Christ to come The Baptisme of Christ is extended to all people Johns Baptisme extended onely to the Israelites The Baptisme of our Saviour hath greater measure of efficacy than the Baptisme of the Baptist because the Spirit after Christs passion and ascension was more plenteously given Bellarmine contendeth that the Baptisme of the Baptist was not the same with Christs that such as were baptized by him were againe to be baptized by Christs Baptisme But this is not so for otherwise we should not have the same baptisme with Christ for he was baptised by Iohn And as by his circumcision he sanctified the circumcision of the Fathers so by his baptisme he sanctified ours otherwise their should be two baptismes which the Scripture contradicts Eph. 4.5 One baptisme Baptisme thus administred by our Saviour by the Baptist it sheweth Doctr. That the Sacrament of Baptisme must be carefully administred to such as are capable of it This is the first Sacrament of the new Testament by the washing of water representing the powerfull washing of the blood and Spirit of Christ and so fealing our new birth and enterance into the Covenant of grace read these places Ephes 5.26 1. Cor. 6.11 Heb. 10.22 Iohn 3.5 Tit. 3.5 As the benefit represented and sealed by it to the faithfull is great So the authority of it is not humane but divine it was brought into the church by the commandement of God by the Ministry first of Iohn therefore called the Baptist after sanctified and confirmed by our Saviour himself being baptized of Iohn and giving commission to his Apostles and Ministers to continue the same in his Church unto the end In this Sacrament there are two parts The outward Element of Water Iohn 1.31 With the action of washing Eph. 5.26 In the name of the Father Sonne and Holy Ghost That which is signified by this is the blood and Spirit of Christ Heb. 9.14 1 Cor. 6.11 Washing away both the guilt and filthines of sin Acts 2.38 Ezek. 36.25 Yet this spirituall and inward doth not alwayes accompany the outward washing for how ever God by his Minister offer unto all yet the elect onely are effectually partakers of the benefit thereof and that not alwayes as soone as they be baptized but after they be once converted and ingraffed into Christ Gal. 3.27 Then Baptisme doth ever after become a fountaine for sin and for uncleanenes Zach. 13.1 And this doth wash from all sin originall actuall sinnes before sinnes after Baptisme and that perfectly in respect of the guilt Isa 1.18 Though inperfectly and by degrees in regard of the pollution and power of sin Iohn 13.10 Psal 51. Thus you see the authority and benefit of the Sacrament Let therefore every one that hath participated of it be carefull as he is thereby received into the number of Gods people brought within the Covenant of God So 1. Let him live as one of Gods Family and not as a stranger as a friend and not as an enemy 2. Let him strive to find that Union wrought between him and Christ which is represented by Baptisme Gal. 3.27 3. Let him be sure that as his body so his conscience be baptized the inward man be renewed Tit. 3.5 1 Pet. 3.21 4. Let him get the assurance of the pardon of his sinnes Acts 2.38 Cease not till by the best testimony of Gods Spirit the witnes of thy own conscience and the saving fruit hereof thou be assured of the same 5. Ever remember the obligation wherein thou art hereby bound to believe and obey Rom. 6.34 6. Ever keep thy conscience sincere and unspotted 1 Pet. 3.21 And then in the deepest affliction thou maist find much comfort for as the rising out of the water of Baptisme may assure thee of the comfortable passage thorough the waters of all afflictions of a future resurrection to glory and happines 2. Since the authority and benefit is so great we are much to blame that deny our presence at this Ordinance for 1. It is a parcell of Gods worship 2. We should pray for a member more received into the Church 3. Give thanks that God vouchsafes this grace and favour to him 4. We might be put in mind of our owne covenant A shame it is that we cannot a little while afford our presence to a duty so behoofull so comfortable 3. The place where the Baptist did Baptice was in Aenon a city neer unto Salim whereof is mention 1 Sam. 4. Two cities nigh unto Jordan The Baptist remained not still in one place he baptized our Saviour in Jordan now he Baptizeth in Aenon hence learne Doct. That we must according to the utmost of our abilities communicate the means of salvation to the people of all places The more largely the meanes of salvation are divulged 1. The more the goodnes of God is commended 2. The more the name of God is honoured 3. The more Souls are converted 4. The more Sathans
Kingdom is weakned 5. The more excuseles men will be in the day of judgement Vse A great incouragement to all Gods people specially to Gods Ministers to be industrious in all places not at any time hiding their light under a bushell but setting it upon the Candlestick that all that will not shut their eyes may see by it not being as a sealed fountaine but as a flowing streame to refresh the thirsty Souls of our bretheren Learning by our Saviours Example to do good in all places where we come going up and down seeking whom to save as Sathan compasseth the earth seeking whom he may devour compassing Sea and Land to turne men to God as the Pharises did to make a prosylite an embracer of their superstition Were our care and diligence thus manifested were our time thus redeemed our abilities thus exercised then 1. We should leave in all places a sweet savour behind us 2. We should prevent the commission of many evills 3. We should take from Sathan much advantage which he now hath against us 4. We should enlighten many blind understandings 5. We should revive many dejected Spirits 6. We should make fruitfull many barren Souls 7. We should reclaime many wandering sheep 8. We should replenish the fold of Christ Jesus 9. We should make the Gospel glorious 10. We should multiply our owne graces 11. We should make our appearance at last very comfortable before Christ Jesus Thus of the place 4. The reason why he baptized there because their was much water there other places afforded not so much water as this place did therefore he made choise of this where you may see 1. That the Sacrament of Baptisme ought to be administred in pure water without any mixture 2. That in antient time the whole body of the baptized did use to be washed 3. That Ministers ought to make choise of the most convenient places for the execution of their office of each of these a word or two Doctr. 1 The Sacrament of baptisme must be administred in pure water without any mixture As Naaman washed in the River of Jordan without any thing mingled with it and was healed So must we in this Jordan For so was Christ himself baptized Math. 3.16 So was the Eunuch baptized Acts 8.38 39. Therefore called washing Eph. 5.26 Acts 8.36 Acts 2.41 Math. 28.19 Thus they 1 Cor. 10.2 This answereth the water flowing from our Saviours side as the Wine in the Lords supper doth answer the blood which our Saviour shed and this doth represent the thing thereby signified the washing away of our sinnes Therefore Augustine Tolle aquam baptismus non erit Where by the way we may see the Manichees refuted refusing to use water in baptisme because as they fondly conceived the devill and not God had made the water Their errour discovered who would not baptize with water because Iohn baptized with water but Christ baptized with the Holy Ghost Their practice confuted who insteed of sprinkling water did impresse the forme of a crosse with a hot Iron in the forehead of their children because it is said that Christ did baptize with the Holy Ghost and with fire understanding that literally which was ment Spiritually The weak conceipt of such overturned as think the child may be baptized in Wine Oile or other liquour whereas Acts 8.36 Eph. 5.26 Water is the onely sanctified and appointed Element It also overthroweth the errour and presumtuous practice of the Papists in adding Salt Oile Spittle c. to the Element of Water a practice savouring of no lesse pride than ignorance For it is not in the power of any man or Angel but onely of God to appoint the matter of a Sacrament No man must dare to add to any of Gods Ordinances no creature can make them more compleat and perfect Dutr. 12.32 Whatsoever is by nams invention annexed to it is will-worship which God abhorreth Coll. 2.24 Such as hath neither precept or example in Scripture to warrant it but are taken partly from Iudaisme as Salt and Oile partly from their one blind zeale as spittle and partly from the abuse of the practise of the Church in the time of persecution used to preach and baptize in the night by candle light and hence the Papists will have their candles burning in the day But to leave these cold and comfortles discourses let us returne to our selves and as the water is the Element in Baptisme so let us labour to see that Baptisme in us produce such effects as the water useth to do in things subject to the operation thereof and 1. As the water doth wash the body so let us be stirred up to get our Souls washed from sinne and uncleanenes this is the worst dirt a filthines which doth most defile a Leprosie which doth most deforme no spot so sordid no blemish so uneasily removed no deformity but this causeth us to be refused of God it is not unwashen hands a polluted face but an unwashed Soule which the Lord doth hate this is that the Lord would have us put away Jer. 4.14 All other washings are nothing worth the heart remaining uncleane unwasht it is not so much the outside as the inside of the platter doth defile the meat therefore the Lord will have both to be washed Iames 4.8 And this Davids Prayer Psal 51.2 7. This is Gods promise and the work of his Spirit upon all his chosen children Ezek. 36.26 This is a testimony of his surest love Ezek. 16.9 The sweetest favour that he bestowes on any of his servants to wash away their sin is a greater mercy and higher honour than to cloath them with the richest raiment and seate them in the most eminent places of dignity for as Exod. 29.4 Aaron and his sonnes were washed with water before they ministred in the tabernacle so must we wash before ever we can Minister unto God in any acceptable manner as Iohn 13.8 Christ washed Peters feet else he could not have part in him so unless we be inwardly washed we can have no part in Christ as Levit. 1.9 The inwards and the leggs of the burnt offering was to be washed in water So must our inward parts be washed before we can offer our selves to God Therefore as Naomi advised Ruth intending to joyne herself in wedlock with Boas Ruth 3.3 Wash thy selfe therefore and anoint thee c. So let me advise as many of you as intend to joyne vour selves in this holy wedlock with Iesus Christ wash your selves from your iniquities anoint your selves with the Oile of grace be cloathed with the garment of true holines that so God may delight in you 2. As the water doth supply and make soft and tender the grounds whereon it falleth things cast into it So must we labour to find our hearts by vertue of the grace of the Spirit represented and comunicated to us in baptisme made soft and tender flexible and obedient to the will of God This is Gods
But sound repentance like Moses will carry away all not leave so much as a hoof behind even the dearest sinnes as deare as an Idoll to the Idolater shall be removed Isa 30.22 Sinnes as pleasant as the body shall be rejected Math. 5. vers 29. 3. Hereby we shall shew the life and power of our obedience and subjection to the will of God when we subject our selves to him in all things When with Abraham we put our knife to the throat of our onely Isack if God command it that obedience is true which is universall An obedient servant observeth every Lawfull precept a loyall subject conformeth to every Lawfull injunction of his Soveraign Jesurod will doe many things Jehu will kill Baals Priests and overthrow his idols but he will still adore the Calfe in Dan and Bethel It is Asa that putteth away the idols of all the Land that removeth his owne mother because an Idolater 2 Cron. 15.8 12 15 16. 4. Hereby we shall discover the strength of our love to God when no sin is so deare but our love to Gods will constraine us to renounce it as dung When no duty is so irksome to flesh and blood but we will gladly do it Therefore Iohn 14.23 Christ sets it downe as a note of love the keeping his Words You may remember what Dalilah said to Sampson Iudg. 16.15 So how canst thou say thou lovest God if thy heart be not with him if thou reserve any sin which God hateth if thou turne thy feet from any duty which God commandeth 5. Hereby we shall give God occasion to take much delight in us as a Master in a Servant observing all his precepts as a Gardner in a tree whereof every limbe is richly loaden a Generall in an army whereof every souldier is wel armed experienced ready and succesfull in the battell This universall Reformation and obedience is a very sweet Sacrifice to God 1 Sam. 15. To obey is better than Sacrifice and to hearken than the fat of rammes Prov. 11.20 Such as are upright in their way are his delight 6. Hereby we shall find much delight in Gods Ordinances as a healthy stomack in food as a sound body in a warme garment as David in the Arke 2 Sam. 6.16 As the Wisemen in the starre Math. 2.10 Then their feet indeed will be beautifull Rom. 10.15 Then Christs mouth will be lovely indeed Cant. 5.16 Then they will be well able to say as Saul did 1 Sam. 15.13 Blessed be thou of the Lord I have performed the commandement of the Lord. 7. Hereby we shall have much peace in our consciences they shall be as an eye that hath no mote to trouble it as a Kingdom that hath no rebell to annoy it as a Ship that hath no leake to disturbe it Psalm 119.165 Great peace have they that keep thy Law and nothing shall offend them as in Exod. 11.7 Not a Dog moved his tongue against them So what barking soever their be without their shall be tranquility within and that not a little but much Isa 48.18 as 2 Cron. 15.15 Therefore be diligent be vigilant be carefull get the whole man to be Baptized get thy heart Baptized that Math. 5.19 it may be no more the fountain of murders adulteries false witnesses blasphemies Get thy tongue Baptized that it may be no more as a fire of iniquity a defiler of the whole body a setter on fire of the course of nature c. Iames 3.6 8. Get thy hands Baptized that they may labour working the things that are good Eph. 4.28 Psalm 26.6 Get all the faculties of thy Soul Baptized that thou maist see the things belonging to thy peace that Eph. 3.18 Thou mayst be able to comprehend with all Saints what is the height breadth length depth and to know the love of Christ c. That thou mayst love Dutr. 6.5 6. the Lord with all thy heart c. That thou mayst chose the good and hate the evill that Rom. 6.13 thou yeild not thy members as instruments of unrighteousnes unto sin but yeild your selves to God c. That thou mayst deale with thy sin as Iosuah with the men of Ai Jos 8.26 Draw not back thy hand till all thy sins be destroyed Doe as Caleb did Ios 14.9 Wholly follow the Lord thy God follow him fully and then as Moses promiseth him surely the Land wherein thy feet hath trodden shall be thine inheritance and thy childrens for ever So in the name of the Lord Iesus will I promise thee that all the great and glorious things whereof thou hast heard all the peace joy glory whereof the Word of the Lord doth make relation it shall be all thine for ever and ever 5. The last thing herein noted was the wisedome of the Baptist in making choise of the most convenient place for his purpose such a place where was much water a place commodious for Baptisme Teaching us Doctr. That Ministers ought to make choise of the most convenient places for the execution of their office Where their is hope of doing most good of bringing most glory unto God As Fisher men make choise of such places in the water where in all probability their is most fish to be taken so must these Fishers of men Math. 4.19 Cast in the draw-net of the Gospel where there is hope of drawing most Souls unto God out of the gulph of sin The Husbandman soweth his seed in the soile which is likely to bring forth the best crop so must these spirituall Husbandmen 1 Cor. 3.9 Sow the seed of Gods Word among such people as like good ground will receive it and bring forth the fruits of it Math. 13.24 Hence Prov. 9.34 5. Wisedome is said to send forth her maidens to cry upon the highest places of the city c. They went not into blind corners where was little or no people but on high places therfore are those places Acts 18.10 Acts 13.46 47. Iohn 7.37 Psalm 40.9 10. The grounds of the point are these Reas 1 Because they are the light of the world Math. 5.14 John 5.35 The light is not set under a bushell or in an obscure corner of the house but on high in an eminent place Math. 5.15 Reas 2 Because hereby they shall make it appeare that they seek not their owne case or private comodity but the honour of God the good of mens Souls the increase of Christs Kingdome according to the generall charge 1 Cor. 10.24 The Apostles practise vers 33. The contrary whereto is generally practised Philip. 2.21 Reas 3 Because hereby they shall make the Gospel more glorious the more eyes behold the light the more it is esteemed the more largely the Sea doth convey her streams the more her fullnes is commended the more heare it the more the goodnes of God and riches of his grace is commended the more men are convinced made excuseless and if they convert not God in their condemnation shall
a teachable and tractable Spirit the low shrubs are quiet when the trees of high tops are tossed and shaken with the winds no such enemy to peace as pride and haughtiness of Spirit Prov. 13.10 Prov. 28.25 Pride like the wind in the Sea maketh men to toss and roule to and fro troubleth the calme Waters but meeknes hath the promise of peace Psal 37.11 And is prescribed as a rule to preserve peace Eps 4.2 3. 2. To be truely wise unto salvation to see the things wich belong unto our peace to discerne the things wich differ ignorance of the manner of Gods proceeding of what is good and beneficiall for our salvation 1 Cor. 2.8 Want of ability to judge what is good for us is the cause of much strife But true wisedome Ia. 3.17 is the way to peace Prov. 3.17 3. To be patient in hearing the word of exhortation Heb. 13.22 Receive it gladly when it launceth as well as when it healeth Psal 141.5 Get thy heart so affected that thou mayest be able to say to every one that admonisheth thee as David to Abigal 2 Sam. 25.32 33. Why did Israel murmur and strive against Moses but because they wanted patience Why did the Libertines gnash the teeth on Stephen but because they were of an impatient mind and could not endure the word of exhortation 4. To live in no known sin but universally reforme thy wayes apply thy selfe to every commandement of God if thou leave but one unruly person in the family he will distrub the whole house if you leave but one leak in the Ship the water coming thereat will disturb all that are within the same What bred the strife between Herod and the Baptist but Herod allowing himself in that sin of incest Mar. 6.20 5. To love Gods Word unfainedly to delight in it as in the light of our eyes to feed upon it as upon the food of our souls to walke by it as by the rule of our conversation this is the means to breed true peace Isa 57.19 This hath the promise of peace Psal 119.16.5 6. To be of one mind and of one heart in things of the best nature to be guided by one Spirit to attend on Gods word with one consent as Acts 2.1 Phil. 2.1 2. Let us agree in this and we shall agree in all other things 7. To love one another unfainedly Ephes 4.31 32. This will cover many infirmities passe by many weaknesses 1 Cor. 13.5 6 7. 8. To construe all that is done and spoken in the best sence till the contrary doth evidently appeare the want of this breeds strife 2 Sam. 10.4 John 11.47 Matth. 2.2 9. To use the gifts we have received to the glory of God the good of his Church the edification of the faithfull in the knowledge of the truth the incouragement of our brethren in the way of godliness to the discountenancing of sin and not to the disgracing of the godly the maintenance of any evill 10. To beare with the weaknes of our brethren to suffer wrong rather than to contend or quarrell Abraham gave Lot liberty to chose Genes 13.8.9 Thus of the time next of the parties between whome some of the Disciples of Iohn and the Jewes which beleeved in Christ and were Baptized of him both parties were baptized attended Gods Ordinances yet contended Doctr. Sometimes there are contentions even among them that after a peculiar manner frequent Gods Ordinances the Sonnes of one family the souldiers of one army do sometime contend Acts 15.39 Gen. 27.41 Cor. 11.12 Reas 1 Because there is corruption remaining even in the best of Gods people some pride forwardness self will which being not well looked to getteth advantage and breaketh out 1 Cor. 3.3 4. Luc. 22.24 Reas 2 Because there be many make externall profession who want internall sanctifications are mere strangers to the power of godlines nay enemies to them that shine in holines Gal. 1.29 They were both circumcised 1 Tim. 3.4 5 6. Reas 3 Because some professe the truth but love not desire not but envy the spirituall welfare of their brethren Gen. 27.41 1 John 3.11 Like Iosephs brethren Reas 4 Because it is necessary that offences should come for the triall of Gods people whether they love him whether they will continue constant with him Matth. 18.7 1 Cor. 11.19 Use We may not rashly condemne the Gospel withdraw our heart from it because they are not all of one heart and mind that doe professe it there is no musicall instrument so well composed but sometimes there is jarring in it no army so well ordered but sometimes they are disordered no family but sometime heareth of more or lesse discord it is the perrogative and priveledge of heaven to enjoy that peace which is unchangeable to see that day which hath no cloud let not other mens contentions make us leave the Gospel of peace but let their strivings make us the more in love wich peace the more constant in attending the means of peace the more carefull to shun the hinderances of peace the more dilegent in persuading to peace 2. Let this occasion such as are called to the profession of the truth to do what in them is to have peace with all men specially among themselves that 1. Because such breaches are most advantagious to Sathan what maketh more for a forreine enemy than civill warres brawles and contentions between the people of that Kingdome or city wich he goeth about to possesse 2. Because this giveth greatest cause of scandall to the adversaries of the truth when Absolon the Sonne of Davids love rebelled against him then Shemei opened his mouth to revile David 3. This casteth great disgrace upon the Gospel of peace whereof we make profession We professe our selves to be ruled by the Gospel of peace to be the subjects of the Prince of peace to be travellers in the way of peace to be possessed by one and the same Spirit of peace If contrary to all this we live like Salamanders in the fire of contention do we not much dishonour the Gospel The Gospel teacheth us to be innocent as doves meek as Lambs and can we without the reproach thereof contend like Dogs and Lions 4 This exposeth the Gospel the Church to ruine a divided Kingdome cannot stand a distracted army flieth before the enemy a disjonted house soone falleth to the ground when the evill Spirit came between Abimelch and the men of Shechem it was not long before both came to ruine and this taketh away the comfort they might have in the Ordinances of God the sweet refreshment they might find in that holy mutuall Communion that ought and otherwise would be between them When the Wood is dispersed that fire extinquisheth wich otherwise would burne 5. Hereby the doing of much good to our brethren is hindered a divided streame cannot drive that mill which a full streame will one stick cannot give that heate wich many can 6. Hereby assaults afflictions become much
successe of our Saviours Ministry it grieved them to see so many attend his Doctrine frequent his baptisme Doctr. It is an apparent signe of a carnall hearer to envy the good successe of him that is not his owne teacher they that rejoyce not in but grieve at the labours and gracious proceedings of other Ministers besides their owne never attended with a sincere mind upon the Doctrine which their owne teachers delivered to them it is an evill eye that grieveth to see more Corn in another mans field more Sheep in another mans-fold more Fruit on another mans tree than on his owne every Child ought indeed most entirely to affect its owne breast every scholler his owne Mr every souldier his owne leader yet not so as thereby to envy the breasts which yield more milk the Mr whose Scholars grow more abundantly in learning the Generall whose souldiers are more victorious more succesfull in their battle so to affect Cephas as to despise or envy Paul or Apollos is a streame flowing from a carnall Fountaine 1 Cor. 3.3 4. To envy the succesfull Ministry of any faithfull teacher is a branch springing from a very accursed roote Acts 13.45 an argument of a blind and obstinate minde Joh. 9.28 29. A signe they never truely learned as their owne Minister faithfully taught them an apparent testimony that they value the person above the Doctrine Joh. 5.45 46 47. That they are not guided by sound reason but blind affections an evill guide a wandering starre an unskilfull pilote seldome ever setting at the sterne but it causeth shipwrake for multa nos cogit facere affectus dum propinquitatem respicimus corporum corporis animae offendimus creatorem affection maketh us do many things and while we fasten our eyes upon the nearenes of our bodies we offend God the Creator both of Soul and body Let us all therefore strive to have our hearts so affected with the glorifying of God so bent to the setting forth of his praise that we may rejoyce to see the Kingdome of Sathan beaten downe the Kingdome of Christ to flourish the number of Gods people increase the seed of the Word plenteously sown the Lords vineyard well manured many trees of righteousnes planted in the Lords Orchard the diseased Souls of our brethren healed whosoever be the Physitican curing it the Lord may use whome he pleaseth convey the water of salvation to the Souls of his people by what cisterne he will he is free in the dispensations of his favours he may do with his owne what he will our eye must not be evill because Gods eye is good but where the graces of God are most conspicuous and apparant there let our love be most strongly fastned considering that a man can receive nothing except it be given him from heaven VERS 27. THe disease hath been discovered the cure ensueth the wound opened the plaister is now to be applied ambition self-love envy at the multiplication of Christ's Disciples was the disease of the Disciples of the Baptist Serious considerations of Gods freedome in the dispensations of his graces bestowing them on whom he pleaseth is the matter John answered and said a man can receive nothing unles it be given him from heaven whence from the connexion of the words we may observe Doctr. That the serious consideration of our unworthines and Gods Freedome in the communication of his favour is a forcible means to withhold us from envying at other mens eminences it was the argument the Lord of the vineyard used Mat. 20.15 for the answering of them that envyed at the wages given to them that came last into the vineyard and hence also the Apostle persuadeth all men to humility sobriety contentednes and industry in their places and callings without insulting one over another without advancing themselves one against another Rom. 12.3 6 7 8. and to the same purpose the Apostle to take down the insolency of such as did excell and to appease the murmuring of such as had more slender gifts bestowed on them laboureth with the men of Corinth to consider what themselves once were followers of dumb Idols 1 Cor. 12.2 Whence the gifts bestowed on the Church had their originall from God vers 11. Why they were given to proffit withall vers 7. and the consideration of this is very effectuall Reas 1 Because hereby we shall see though we have never so little yet we have more than we are worthy of and that God hath dealt very bountifully with us though he hath given us but the place of a doore-keeper in the lowest roome in his house Ps 84.10 though he hath made us but as one of his hired servants Luc. 15.19 We shall say with Jacob Gen. 32.10 and with Paul Phil. 4.11 as Solomon saith of the labouring man Eccl. 5.12 so it will be with us whether we have little or much our hearts will be quiet considering it is Gods free gift and farre beyond our desert Reas 2 Because this will cause us to study how to be thankfull for what we have received and not to repine murmurre for the want of what we have not this will cause us to blesse God for one talent if we have no more to be thankfull for a dish of green herbs if we have no better cheer though we have not the full vintage yet if we have but a few gleanings of Gods love yet we will bless with Naomi Rut. 2.20 Though we have not so large a messe and so many change of apparell as Benjamin Ier. 43.34 Yet if we like Josephs brethren be sensible of our unworthines of the wrong we have done to our Joseph we will be glad if Ps 128.3 we have but one messe but one suite of raiment Psa 127.5 Though our Children be not like Olive plants round about our table Though our quiver be not full of these arrowes yet if we be sensible of our unworthines as Hanna was of her barrenes we will blesse God for one Child 1 Sam. 2.1 I meane for any one good gift that God shall bestow upon us Reas 3 Because this will make us carefull to imploy what we have received to the honour of God who gave it if we behold it as water dropping from the cloud of Gods bounty as a gift out of his hand as a testimony of his free favour if we fasten our eyes upon our owne unworthines Mat. 25 25. This will make us carefull not to hide our talent though the least in a napkin Mat. 5.15 Not to put our light under a bushell not to quench our Lamp though there be but little Oile therein not to hide our Graine in the garner as covetous men do their Corn that the Souls of the poor curse them Prov. 11.26 But like good stewards carefull servants diligent Husbandmen we will imploy it to the advantage of our Lord and Master committing our seed to the earth that it may encrease causing our light to shine that other men may see
that come like Noahs dove with an Olive branch Rom. 10.15 These are the cisternes by which God conveyeth the waters of life to the Souls of his people the Word of in God their mouth is the power of God unto salvation these are Gods Angels Rev. 1.20 Ambassadours for Christ 2 Cor. 5.20 Doctr. therefore must be received as an Angel of God yea as Christ Jesus Gal. 4.14 they must be to us the choise and most welcome men in the World as one of a thousand Job 33.23 As the light to the traveller as the counseller to the client as the Pilot to the Ship our guides and instructours in the way of life and true holines for according to the second observation Gods faithfull Ministers are after a peculiar manner acquainted with Gods Counsells as a bosome friend is acquainted with the counsels and purposes of his friend so are the faithfull messengers of God after a peculiar manner acquainted with Gods will and counsell therefore called Embassadours 2 Cor. 5.20 an Embassadour knoweth the Kings mind and counsell called the light of the World Mat. 5.14 the starres in the right hand of Christ Rev 1 16. to shew as these are filled with light for ruling the day and night Gen. 1.16 So are Gods Messengers replenished with divine and heavenly knowledge Iob 33.23 Who for this end are also I. Called interpreters for the evident and plaine unfolding of the mind of God contained in his Word Gen. 29.10 As Jacob rolled away the stone opened the Wells which were shut up that so the sheep might drinke so doe these open the sacred Fountaines of living Water and by the bucket of their wisedome do draw waters out of the Wells which are deeper than the Well of Jacob. II. By their nearness unto God they are his mouth Je. 15.19 His fellow labourers 1 Cor. 3.9 his stewards 1 Cor. 4.1 III. By the place wherein he hath set them he hath made them as eyes to the body Cant. 7.4 As watchmen to the city Jsai 62.6 as guides to the blind Rom. 2.19 as Physicians to the sicke Ier. 6.14 IV. By the charge given to the people to attend to their Doctrine to seek the knowledge of the truth from them as water from a full Fountaine Mal. 2.5 6 7. And that they should be thus acquainted with Gods counsell is very behoofull 1. In regard of the high and heavenly nature of the Scriptures which they must unfold these are like Sampsons riddle of that difficulty that they cannot be opened unles we plow with Gods heifer a store-house whole locke and doore cannot be unlocke without Gods key a light which cannot be beheld with a humane eye a treasure which cannot be digged up with the hand of humane abilities this is a wisedome no where to be learned but in the Schoole of Christ an ability which cannot be attained but by the peculiar work of Gods Spirit Sapientissimum esse oportet perspicacem in omnibus sacerdotem mille ut dicitur ex omni parte oculos babentem saith Chrystome and this another calleth ars artium scientia scientiarum and Augustine tanta est Christianarum pofunditas literarum ut in eis quotidie proficerom si eas solas ab ineunte pueritia usque ad decrepitam senectutem maximo otio summo studio meliori ingenio conarer addiscere c. Therefore the Apostles must stay at Ierusalem till the Holy Ghost were given the deepest counsels of men are but a shallow brooke to this foord as Prov. 18.4 so much more are the Words of Gods mouth and as Prov. 20.5 so he must be a man of understanding who will draw out these waters for 1 Cor. 2.14 2. In regard of the wiles of Satan his devices are deep Rev. 2.24 not a shallow but a deep water 2 Cor. 2.11 the wayes of sin and Satan are as Agur said in another case Prov. 30.18 19. they have need of more than Eagles eyes who shall trace them out he is an old Serpent full of subtilty experience hath added much to his naturall policy the Shepheard hath need of much wisedome that shall keep his flock from this Lion the guide must have his eyes open look circumspectly about him that will keep the feet of them that are conducted free from this snare he must be a wise Generall who will perserve his Spuldiers from the arrowes of this warriour none but Gods counsell can give us this wisedome 3. In regard of the craft and subtlety of Satans instruments he doth not chose the foolish but the Serpent the wisest of the beasts he taketh not babes but the Wisemen the great disputers of the earth 1 Cor. 1.18 26 27. Absolon hath Achitophel whose counsell was as the Oracles of God The adversaries of Gods truth the men whome Gods Messengers must encounter with do take crafty counsell Psal 83.3 they hide their wolvish nature under a sheep skin of faire pretences Matth. 7.15 their dark and diabolicall intendments under a white an innocent and angelicall appearance 2 Cor. 11.14 therefore likened to foxes the subtilest among beasts Luc. 13.32 Cant. 2.15 Unto merchants none of the weakest reach among men 2 Pet. 2.3 to men for their wisedome to women for their faculty in alluring to horses prepared to the battel for their courage to Lions for their cruelty to Scorpions for their poysoning the Souls of men with false Doctrine Rev. 9.7 8 9 10. To a Leopard I. For their variety of heresies superstitions traditions resembled by the Leopards spots II. For their pleasures honours riches voluptuous living easy attaining of life eternall art of drawing many to them resembled by the sweet smell of the Leopard III. For their speed and swiftnes in executing their plots in spreading their Doctrines likened by the swift motion of the Leopard IV. For their malignant disposition against Gods people as the Leopard flieth upon man pulleth out his eyes so do these keep the people in blindnes rob their bodies of their temporalls their Souls of their Spiritualls they are also likened to the feet of a beare for their fast-holding of what they get Rev. 13.2 and 2 Thes 2.9 10. To encounter with such enemies so furnished as these there is need of much wisedome need of being well acquainted with Gods counsell 4. In regard of the difficulty of discerning mens foul-diseases sinfull men dig deep to hide their sin Isai 29.15 as Achan hid his golden wedge Ios 7.22 they keep their sin close as Rahel sate fast upon her Fathers Idols Gen. 31.34 and Ier. 17.9 this is a theef which we shall never find out by a Candle of our owne kindling a disease which will never be healed by a medicine of our owne making like the evill Spirit which would not go out by the Sonnes of Sheva's conjuring but Ier. 23.22 therefore Cant. 7.4 The teachers of the people are likened to a tower for their vigilancy to a tower of Ivory for their purity to
eyes for their understanding to Fishpooles for the letting of the people to see the face the quality of their estates for watering them with the Doctrine of life and salvation to a nose like the Tower of the Lebanon for their judgment in finding out the sins and discerning the states of the people as men discerne smels by their nostrils 5. In regard of the weakeness of mens capacities they cannot conceive the things of God unles we plainely unfold them rightly and powerfully apply them they cannot walke in this path unles we guide them Acts 8.31 they are Children and we must draw forth the breasts of the Scripture to them they are ignorant and know not the sound of this musick unles we give the distinction they cannot feed on the Corn in these eares before the Ministers of God like the oxe do tread it out Therefore in these and such like respects it is very needfull that every faithfull Minister should be after a peculiar manner acquainted with Gods counsell Use Such therefore as are deprived of the true knowledge of God and have not after a peculiar manner acquaintance with Gods counsels are altogether unfit for the Ministeriall function the blind are unfit to lead the way descry the snares foresee the thiefs forewarne their followers of ensueing dangers disswade them from the crooked incourage them in the right way a lanterne without light is unusefull a Lamp that hath no Oile is unprofitable ignorance in them that possesse the place of Ministers doth not onely make them unprofitable but also very perilous to the people as an ignorant Physician to the patient an unskilfull Pilot to the Ship Mat. 15.14 II. They have no approbation in Gods sight Hos 4.6 Considera saith Ierome sacerdotis esse officium de lege interrogantes respondere si sacerdos est sciat legem Domini si ignorat legem Domini ipse se arguit non esse sacerdotem Domini sacerdotis est enim scire legem ad interrogationem respondere de lege A blind eye is as no eye an empty well is as no well cathedra non facit sacerdotem sed sacerdos cathedram non locus sanctificat hominem sed homo locum Qui bene sederit super cathedram honorem accipit ab illa qui male sederit injuriam facit cathedra Chrysost in Mat. 23. III. These cannot descry the cunning of Satan the grovth of sin the good from the bad any more than a blind Watchman can see the coming of the enemy a blind Gardener the encrease of the weeds or a blind Sheepheard the goates from the Sheep he cannot separate the precious from the vile Ier. 15.19 Eze. 22.26 IV. The accompt of these men at the last will bee fearefull when they shall be constrained to answer for all the Souls that have perished for want of instruction these cannot say as Paul 1 Thes 2.19 Acts 20.26 but as Ezek. 3.18 and such as have Pastours not acquainted with Gods counsell unable to informe them in the way of life and salvation are bound neither by the Lawes of God nor godly men to attend upon them whosoever doth confine himselfe to them hath no more sure ground to expect salvation than a Child depending upon my breast having no breasts Use 2 Therefore here you see how needfull it is that Gods Ministers should be well acquainted with Gods counsels perfectly instructed in the Scriptures like Timothy 2 Tim. 3.15 16. able to Minister a word in due season Isa 50.4 Like a good steward bringing forth new and old out of his store Luk. 13.52 Like a Lamp full of Oile giving much light of heavenly knowledge 2 Cor. 4.6 Like fountaines full of these waters as the Fishpooles of Heshbon that so they may refresh the wearied Souls of Gods people Vse 3 This must make the people resort to them more frequently attend their Doctrine more carefully that so they may be made wise unto salvation for these are appointed of God to feed men with knowledge Ier. 3.15 to build them up in grace to hew them square them and fit them for the Lords building 1 Cor. 3.9 Ephes 4.11 to guide them in the way wherein they should walke Luk. 1.79 to resolve them when they are doubtfull Mal. 2 7. to open to them the great things of Gods Law Acts 10.33 to comfort them when they are afflicted Isai 50.1 2. to heale them when they are wounded Isai 61.1 3. Therefore come to these as Iacob to Aegypt for bread-corn when there was a famine as the men of Gibeon to Iosuah when they were beseidged by the Amorites Gen. 42.1 as Israel to Moses when they were stung by the fiery Serpents Ios 10.6 as the Children to the nurses ordained to feed them Neh. 21.6 Open your eares to their Doctrine subject your necks to the yoake of Gods precepts Ephes 2.7 Follow their counsell with cheerfulnes and you shall find your Souls replenished with many sweet consolations and as themselves are so will they cause you following their counsels to become the friends of the Lord Jesus and thus are we come to the third observation Doctr. Every faithfull Minister of God is an unfained friend of God therefore they are called his friends Joh. 15.15 men after Gods owne heart Jer. 3.15 and Paul found his heart cleaving unto God so firmely that Rom. 8.38 And every Minister must endevour to shew himselfe the friend of Christ 1. By walking in the steps of Christ by being holy as Christ was holy by yeelding sound obedience to his precepts by shining in the integrity of his conversations this is the way to testify our love and friendship 1 Joh. 5.3 and Joh. 15.14 He that liveth ill is an enemy to the Lord Iesus though he preach well the gall of bitternes is in his heart though he seem to have a honey-comb in his mouth Like Iudas he betrayeth Christ by his ungodly walking while he seemeth by his Doctrine to give him a friendly salutation 2. By their diligent conscionable faithfull and powerfull preaching by being instant in season and out of season 2 Tim. 4.2 By dividing the word aright giving every man his portion 2 Tim. 2. â—5 as Eccles 11.2 6. Taking every opportunity Gal. 6.10 going up and down doing good and teaching the Servants of the Lord the way of God making it their joy and their glory to turne men from iniquity 1 Thes 2.19 2 Cor. 1.11 12. 3. By bearing contentedly all reproaches by undergoing readily any losse for the honour of Christ for the testimony of his truth 4. By doing the duties of our calling with a willing and ready mind 1 Pet. 5.2 3. in love 2 Cor. 5.14 15. and as the Minister must in this manner shew themselves the friends of God So must the people shew themselves to be the friends of Christ by attending on the Word diligently receiving it thankfully subjecting to it patiently readily cheerefully bringing forth the fruit thereof abundantly The Third
shall be as a house builded on the rock and they as the waves of the Sea dashing themselves in pieces with the great assaults which they make against us IV. This procureth the truest and sweetest peace this turneth the tossing and raging Sea of a troubled conscience into a pleasant calme This like Noahs dove bringeth an Olive branch of peace like the Starre to the Wise men filleth the heart with much joy and gladnes this uniteth us to the Prince of peace reconcileth us to the God of peace maketh our hearts the temples of the spirit of peace for Rom. 5.1 and Ioh. 16.33 this is the fruit of holines Rom. 2.10 the attendant of an heavenly mind Ro. 8.6 in this standeth the Kingdome of God Rom. 14.17 and of this all that walke according to the rule of Gods Word shall infallibly participate Gal. 6.16 The 4th thing is the Commission the Ministers of God have before they do undertake this calling they go not of their owne accord but they stand heare they wait upon God for instruction they deliver not their owne devices but they wait upon God for his counsell and direction Doctr. GOds Ministers must be furnished with abilities before they undertake this calling and be sure that the Word of God do warrant their Doctrine they must be furnished with abilities as the Lamp with Oile for Mat. 5.14 as the well with water for Mal. 2.7 Deut. 32.2 as the Generall with skill and valour for 2 Tim. 2.3 as the Physician with art to discerne diseases and to apply right remedies Isa 61.10 As nurses have milk in their breasts 1 Thes 2.7 As Aaron was anointed Exod. 29.21 So must the Ministers be anointed with the grace of the Spirit Jer. 1.5 as they must be furnished with abilities so their Doctrine must be warranted by the Scriptures they are Gods mouth and therefore must not speake their owne but Gods language Ier. 15.19 Gods Embassadours and therefore must not deliver their owne but Gods message 2 Cor. 5.19 furnished they must be with abilities 1. Because the worke they undertake is a worke of great weight the glory of God and welfare of the souls of men is so deeply interest Onus vel ipsis angelis formidandum as Bernard speaketh a task requiring the strongest arme to effect it a building the laying of whose foundation requireth much wisedome 1 Cor. 3.10 a labour so hard that the Apostle proposeth the question 2 Cor. 2.16 2. A work of great difficulty the Scripture like Iacob's Well are deep our owne armes are too short to reach unto the waters therein a heavenly language to the unfolding whereof the tongue of the learned is required Isai 50.4 The hearts of men are very deceitfull they must handle the Word of God skilfully who will make it like a two edged sword dividing between the bone the marrow the joynts and the Spirit Heb. 4.12 the new birth is a hard work requiring a skilfull midwife much labour Gal. 4.19 abundance of strength the rooting up of these briars the planting of the trees of holines in the Lords vineyard requireth strong hands men furnished with good gifts if we look on the difficulty of bringing men out of the bondage of sin and Satan we may say as Moses did in another case Exo. 3.11 12. 3. A work resisted by forcible and subtle opposition the emenies of mans salvation are many powerfull crafty violent striving to hold the winds of the Gospel that they may not blow Rev. 7.1 standing at the right hand of Josuah that he may not Sacrifice Zach. 3.1 an old and subtle Serpent Rev. 12.9 his Souldiers are strongly armed Rev. 9.9 10. ready to withstand the messengers of the Lord as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses 2 Tim. 3.8 and therefore Gods Ministers must not be like naked men without armes but thoroughly furnished with every good gift 4. It is the grace of the Spirit which will make them abundant and plenteous in their labours this will make them like the Sun rejoyce to run the race which is set before them like the full clouds pour out abundantly their waters for the refreshing of the Souls of Gods people This will make them that they shall not be silent but as Job 32.18 19 20. This will constraine them to labour make the Word of God be as fire in their bones this will be as a spurre in their sides so that they shall say as 1 Cor. 15.10 And as they must be thus qualified so their Doctrine must be warranted by the Scriptures Because that Doctrine alone which is grounded upon the Scripture doth I. Open Gods counsell will and purpose touching our eternall salvation in these alone God speaketh this is the letter wherein the mind of God is unfolded the looking glasse wherein we may see the beauty of Gods holines Psal 27.4 All other writings of humane learning are in this regard but like painted lights dark Lanternes like the images Psal 115.5 6. Men of the greatest wisedome undertaking to declare Gods counsell without the sound study of Gods Word may say as Job did Job 42.3 and confesse as he did in another case Ps 139.6 therefore Paul who revealed the whole counsell of God Act. 20.26 taught nothing but what was grounded upon the Law and the Prophets Acts 26.22 Acts 28.23 II. This doth enlighten the understanding make us wise unto salvation 2 Tim. 3.16 17. therefore Joh. 5.39 III. This doth comfirme the faith of Gods people This is a sure foundation a firme anchor all other Doctrines are but sand this is a sure Word 2 Pet. 1.19 This is no deceitfull bow but like the bow of Ionathan it never returneth empty it alwayes accomplisheth that whereto it is sent Isa 55.10 it is sure Psal 19.7 As the Lord said of Eliakim Esa 22.23 So may I say of the Word of God Psal 111.7 8. IV. This is mighty in beating down the holds of sin this maketh the mouth of Gods Messenger like a sharp sword Isai 49.2 their Doctrine like sharp arrows in the hearts of men Psal 45.4 making them to stoop and humble themselves Acts 2.37 this like Canon shot battering down the strongest wals like a burning fire trying the Metall making a separation all Doctrine without this is weake like a withered reed like a dead carkasse Mat. 7.29 V. This hath a regenerating vertue 1 Pet. 1.23 therefore likened to good seed Mat. 13.23 24. a voyce awakening the dead in sin Ioh. 5.25 therefore called the Word of life Phil. 2.14 Use This therefore sheweth it to be a great misery to the Church to be pestered with insufficient Ministers with such as have no competent abilities to discharge their callings by reason whereof the Souls of men are as a diseased patient under the hand of an ignorant Physitian having no skill to cure him as a barren field under clouds which have no raine to pour upon them as flocke under a Shepheard that hath no pasture
Bridegroome so do they to hear the voyce of Christ Cant. 5.16 Reas 6 From the love which it doth breed in their hearts towards Christ This like a bellowes bloweth up the coales of their affections like the warme Sun it heateth their frozen hearts causeth them to be rooted and grounded in love Ephes 3.18 19. So to love him as to leave all for him Mat. 10.37 to despise all in comparison of him Luc. 14.26 an affection so strong that nothing can breed a separation Rom. 8.35 38 and loving Christ so fervently they cannot chuse but rejoyce abundantly in him love and joy like joynt companions go together Gal. 5.22 like the Sun and the light they will not he separated the one from the other Reas 7 From the operation of the Holy Ghost which doth attend it the Spirit of God which is the Fountaine of all joy is given with the Ministry of the word this is the key by which our hearts are opened and the Holy Ghost admitted into our Souls hence Acts 10.44 1 Thes 1.6 Acts 13.52 Reas 8 From the benefits which arise from hence by this the understanding is enlightned 2 Cor. 4.6 their faith is confirmed Ephes 1.13 victory over Satan obtained Ier. 31.11 their hearts are so softened and made tender as ground by the dewes Deu. 32.2 Isa 55.10 their affections are purified as the Corn by the fanne Mat. 2.12 Ier. 23.29 their consciences are purified Isa 57.19 their love and zeale is increased of a small drop these affections become like a flowing streame of few sparks become a burning flame of weake plants they become tall trees full of good fruit and hence as Acts 3.8 so Isa 35.5 6. Reas 9 From the protection which by this meanes they enjoy the Ministry of the Gospel is as Horsemen and Chariots to the people a sure defence Gods Ministers the best Watchmen the best Souldiers the Word of God is the surest shield the strongest shot the sounding of the Trumpet prevailed more against the walls than much Canon shot the shining of the Lamps the cry of the Sword of the Lord and Gideon put the Midianites to flight sooner than an army of men the Arke put the Philistines in greater feare than all the Israelitish army when the Ministry of life was removed from Ierusalem their house lest desolate then the Temple was cast to the ground Reas 10 From the grief which they conceive at the removing of it as Phinea's Wife would not be comforted when the Arke was taken away 1 Sam. 4.21 Ioseph and Mary went up and down sorrowing when Christ was lost Luk. 2.46 so the people of God are full of heaviness at the absence of the Word La. 2.6 12. Ps 74.9 Use This discovereth the misery of such as take no joy as delight not in the fruition of the Gospel to whom it is as light to the blind not seeing it musick to the deafe not hearing it food to the sick not relishing it want of delight in that Word of God is a sufficient argument of alienation from God an apparent testimony that we are not of God that we have not tasted of Gods goodnes he that doth not with David dance before the Lords Arke hath not Davids heart wanteth Davids love is a strangers to Davids sence and feeling of the working of Gods Word and Spirit within him He that looketh on this as on a vessell without water a tree without fruite a Lamp without Oile hath a heart without grace who is it but a Stoick a man of a stupified heart a seared conscience that accompteth Pauls preaching to be but babling that saith Job 21.14 A theef hideth himselfe from light Ioh. 3.20 Who but the deaf taketh no comfort in pleasant musick Psal 58.5 Mat. 11.17 Who but they that know not the things belonging to their peace Luk. 19.42 are not delighted with the Gospel of peace how canst thou be the Child of God if thou rejoyce not to heare the voyce of thy Father How canst thou be the Bride of Christ if thou art not affected with the language of thy Husband How canst thou be a new creature if like a new borne Child thou art not delighted with the milk of these breasts How canst thou be a traveller towards the heavenly Canaan and not be glad to see this fiery Pillar shine before thee How canst thou be a man of a hungry stomack and not be glad of this honey-comb How canst thou be experienced in the assaults of Satan and not rejoyce at the having of this weapon he cannot be the faithfull servant of God that findeth no delight in the Word of God Vse 2 This discovereth the cause why the people of God do so desire Gods Word Psa 27.4 Why they thirst after it as dry ground thirsteth Ps 63.1 Why they seek it Amos 8.12 why they incourage one another Zach. 8.21 why they wait Pro. 8.34 as Ioh. 5.5 Acts 3.3 why they say Ioh. 6.34 It is musick to their eares and they like David 2 Sam 6.16 it is Isa 25.6 and as Eccles 10.19 it is the joy and rejoycing of their hearts Ier. 15.16 It is the Sun that giveth light to them in darknes the staffe that sustaineth them in their weakenes the Arke bearing them up in the deepest deluge of troubles the Fountaine affording refreshment when all their water brooks do faile therefore no wonder they attend upon it Use 3 This must cause every one of us to try whether we can find this joy in the Word of God in hearing the Gospel preached whether it be to our Souls as the voyce of a kind friend a gracious Father a loving husband whether these apples these flagons Cant. 2.4 comfort stay and glad our hearts as they with their bottles Hos 5.3 made the King glad and if we doe rejoyce at it indeed it will appeare 1. By our conscionable preparation to it as sick men prepare their stomacks and Husbandmen their vineyards before the one receiveth Physick or the other soweth his seed so do they that delight in the Word for this is Physick and seed which they who wisely husband their Souls and highly value the wored of the Lord will not suffer to be sowne among thornes and briers but as Exo. 19.10 2. By our frequent meditation upon it man often thinketh upon that wherein he rejoyceth thus Psal 11.2 delight is a loadstone that draweth the thoughts a Chariot that carrieth the mind with an irresistible force to the thing rejoyced in 3. By our constant attendance on the same if we delight in it we will wait patiently and constantly upon it we will hearken diligently what the Lord will speake unto us we will be no strangers in Gods house but we will take every opportunity to go thither desire to make it our habitation Ps 27.4 accompt it our happines to have admittance within the gates of his house Ps 84.10 4. By our high valuation of it as the Sun above the Candle pure wheat
Lord how can the Sun shine if light were not put into him the Souldier fight if he be not trained up in military discipline and furnished with weapon 2. Because otherwise they cannot preach Christ but themselves not seek the Glory of God but their own ends as the fals Prophets did who ran when God did not send them 3. Because otherwise they will not convert the people from sinne but confirme them in sinne not make them loath but rather blesse themselves in their iniquities Ier. 14.14 Ier. 23.16 Not turne them to God but drive them from God Neither must they preach any thing besides Gods councell 1. Because this alone hath power to discover mens sinnes Heb. 4.12 This is a light discovering of all their spots this will finde it out though never so deeply vailed never so artificially hidden as Psa 19.5 so it is true of this Doctrine 2. Because this alone can awaken the conscience like Peters Cock Eccles 11.13 Acts. 2.37 This makes them cry Rom. 7.24 3. Because this doth purifie and cleanse the soule from sinne all other doctrines are but like the rivers of Damascus unable to cleanse the leprosie of Naaman This is the fan Matth. 3.12 The fire Ier. 23.29 This doth drive away the evill spirit 4. Because this doth pacify the conscience Christs voice stilled the raging tempest the Dove brought the Olive branch Gods word is the word of peace 5. Because this maketh men fruitfull in grace the chaffe is sown in vaine the good ground bringeth the increase the pleasant rivers makes the earth fruitful other doctrins like the water about a Jerico make the soules of men barren Vse Miserable is the estate of such people as live under and content themselves with such ministers as have not their commission from God as open not faithfully the councells of God these are as a house without light full of darknesse as a field without husbandmen full of briars as a Garden without Gardener full of weeds as a child without breasts a sick man without Physick and more dangerous is the estate of such as have libertine false teachers set over them for these are as a traveller that hath a false guide to lead him a ship that hath a false Pilot to conduct him a patient that hath poyson ministred unto him a child that hath a stone given instead of bread as a Serpent instead of fish 2. Therefore this must cause the people fervently to desire earnestly to pray and carefully to labour for such ministers as are sent of God and duely qualified for that calling as sick men desire a skilfull faithful Physitian as passengers desire a careful understanding Pilot to convey them over rough and dangerous waters travellers desire a good and circumspect guide in a doubtfull way which must be run with much speed and that upon paine of death as the souldiers entring combate with potent and politick enemies desire wise couragious and experienced commanders and leaders Sinne is a disease of all diseases the most dangerous a malady not curable by the hand of the most skilfull Physitian a leprosie like Naamans the Rivers of Damascus cannot cleanse it no passage so dangerous as the passage of a Christian between Egypt Canaan no gulfs no rocks no sands no stormy tempests no mischievous and bloudy pyrates so hardly avoidable as sin and Satan no snares so uneasily discerned no by-paths so difficultly avoided as the crooked waies of iniquity no enemy so strong so cunning so violent as Satan no conquest so uneasy no overthrow so full of danger therefore Gods ministers who must heale this disease conduct the people over this passage make them conquerers over their enemies must bee abundantly replenished with all their utmost graces Gods people must do their utmost to obtain the most fit meanes for this calling men commonly desire the best food for their bodies the best seed for their ground the best Physick for their diseases the best councel for their weighty undertakings the best armour for the day of battel the best coyn to put in their treasury it is a great shame that men should have no regard to their souls whether they be fed with manchet or gravell with wheat or chaffe whither they have wholesome Physick or poison given to them whither they have good coynor reprobate silver brasse tin or led given them that you may a little more clearely see the folly of men contenting themselves with blind and insufficient guides the great necessity of able teachers looke 1. Upon the secrecy and depth of sinne how deep it lieth how uneasily found out how roughly it is guilded over like base with good mettall how much it is loved how men are uneasily brought to reject it it is deepe like a tree of deepe roots there must be much digging to finde it like a deepe wound there must be a skilful Chirurgion to search out the depth of it it lieth like Jonah in the bottom of the ship so Jsa 29.15 Josua 7.21 Prov. 30 18 19.20 Therefore the ministers of God must be able to apply the word aright to make it pierce like a two-edged sword Heb. 4.12 Psa 49.2 that 1 Cor. 14.25 It is also artificially vailed curiously and cunningly covered as the rotten bones under a whited Sepulcher as poison under a golden cup or sweet Sugar brutish and beastly lust is covered under the white comely apparel of love Pro. 7.18 Covetousnesse under the vail of frugality and application of things to better uses Io. 12.5 6. drunkennesse goeth under the name of love and preserving amity between men prophanation of Gods day under the vizard of recreation thus Iehorams wife comming to the prophet fained her selfe to be another then shee was so sinfull men that their iniquity may not be found out fain themselves to be others then they are Jehu 2 Kings 10.20 Mat. 15.8 Mat. 8.2 Lu. 11.44 Therefore Gods ministers must be replenished with much knowledge that they may discover their deceitfulnesse and disclose their Hypocrisies take away this deceitful vail from their faces and make them see their own vilenesse as Samuel dealt with Saul 1 Sam. 15 13.14 That they may say as 1 Kings 14.6 That they may convince them and make them ashamed of that wherein they glory and bring them to see Num. 7.9.24 And as sinne is deeply rooted cunningly covered so is it also strongly loved men are loath to depart from it it is as pleasant wine Pro. 9.17 As sweet Sugar Job 20.12 They are loath to leave it as Rabel her fathers Idols the hearts of men are wedded to it strongly set upon it and with much violence eagarnesse pursue it Pro 23.35 And there fore Gods Ministers must be both skilfull and earnest to make men hate what they love so strongly to make thē trample under foot as dung what they esteem more precious then gold to reject as gravell what they delight in
accord This you may descerne 1. By the soundnesse the fulnesse holiness of their knowledge in the matter of life and salvation for as the Sun ruling the world is full of light the Sea watring the earth is full of Waters so must the Ministers of God be full of knowledge therefore called starres Rev. 1.16 And light Mat. 5.14 Guides Acts. 8.31 Shepheards Ephes 4.11 Captaines 2 Tim. 2.3 Stewards Lu. 13.52 And it is Gods ordinance Mal. 2.7 Gods promise Jer. 3.15 The contrary to this is an argument men are not sent Hos 4.6 Jer. 2.8 2. By the holinesse and integrity of their conversations Kings send not rebels to reclaim others they who are tainted with the Plague themselves are very dangerous Physitians no man will willingly take Physick from them but Lu. 4.23 therefore God doth purify and cleanse his Messengers from iniquity Mal. 2.5 6. And 1 Tim. 4.12 And therefore our Saviour Matth. 5.16 and Isaiah was cleansed Isa 6.5 And Paul proposeth himselfe and the rest for an example Phil. 3.17 The contrary to this argueth want of commission Jer. 23.14 1 Sam 2.17 Mat. 5.3 3. By the fervency of their Zeal affections they must be full of courage comming forth as it is said of the Sun like Bridegrooms out of their Chamber rejoycing like mighty men to run the race which God hath set them being like burning iron warming them that are about them thus the word as fire shut up in Jeremy his bones Jer. 20.9 Examples hereof wee have in Eliah 1 Kings 18.21 Zacharias 2 Chron. 24 20. In the Baptist Mat. 3.7 In Stephen Acts. 7.51 In Paul Acts. 34 20. The want of this is taxed Matth. 7.29 and Rev. 3.16 4. By their sincere and Heavenly Doctrine such as God sendeth delivereth Gods message good nurses give wholesome milke to the children good Stewards give not gravell but good bread to the family thus 2 Tim. 2.15 They give every man his portion out of Gods word knowledge to the ignorant reproofe to the obstinate comfort to the afflicted encouragement to the opposed and 1 Pet. 4.11 Tit. 1.9 And then Jer. 23.22 But the contrary hereunto Mica 2.11 Lam. 2.24 5. By their industry in their calling expressed by the similitudes of Husband-men builders 1 Cor. 3.6 9. Souldiers 2 Tim. 2.3 It was prophesied Isa 62.5 Charged 2 Tim. 4.2 1 Tim. 4.15 Practised 1 Cor. 15.10 But the want of this discovereth want of commission Isa 56.10 6. By their griefe to see men sinfull as a good Physitian to see his patient diseased a loving Nurse to see her childe sick thus 2 Pet. 2.8 Jer. 9.1 Jer. 13.17 Psa 119.136 But Acts. 4.2 7. By their seeking of the Glory of God and the good of his Church more then themselves or their owne good 2 Cor. 4.5 2 Cor. 12.14 1 Cor. 10.33 1 Thes 2.19 But 2. Pet. 2.3 These meeting together in a Minister are assured evidence that God hath sent such one in mercy to his servants 8. By their constancy in their calling and religious and holy conversation such as God sendeth are not like a broken Bow that starteth back in the day of battle like the sluggard that would not walke because there was a Lion in the Street like the sloathfull man that would not sow because it was cold they grow not weary of the work of the Lord their calling is a delight no trouble their work is pleasant no iron yoke to them and therefore as Eccles 11.6 So they sow in the morning in the Evening are constant in imbracing every occasion looking unto God for a blessing though they fish long with Peter catched nothing yet at Christs command they cast forth the net in hope of a good draught at last they know that God hath severall houres for mens conversion some at the third some at the sixth hour some at the ninth hour some at the last hour of the day so must they continue constant to the last hour in their calling and if none convert by their labours yet they know that their endeavours shall not be altogether fruitlesse Jsa 49 4 And therefore they are not like Meteors and blazing starrs shining for a season and then fall to ground but like the sun they are constant in their care this was Gods charge to Jeremy Jer. 15.19 20 21. And it was his practise Jer. 20.9.10 This was Pauls resolution Acts. 20.24 And this he verified 2 Tim. 4.7 This the Apostles also manifested it was within them as a fire not to be quenched as a streame not to be stopped Acts. 4.19.20 But Apostacy from God either in doctrine or conversation may justly call into question their commission Demas once accounted a fellow-labourer Philimon verse 24. afterward proved an Apostaticall lover of the world 2 Tim. 4.10 And Rev. 12.4 Faithfulnesse to the end in the Ministeriall calling is a gracious testimony that God hath given them a commission and that hee hath sent them for the good of his people Thus of his authority Next let us looke upon his Alsufficiency Authority without ability is like a sword without a hand ability without authority is like a hand without a sword both insufficient both of little use but where both concurre they make a man compleat to fulfill the calling hee hath undertaken therefore that the Baptist might the better move the more effectually perswade the hearts of his disciples to imbrace beleeve and build upon Christ he commendeth him not onely by his authority whom God hath sent he speaketh the word of God but also by his Alsufficiency for God hath not given the spirit by measure Some extend these words to Gods abundant common dispensation of all good things why being the fountaine of all goodnesse doth largely poure out his blessings and yet is not emptied any more then the Sun of his light by Shining or the sea of water by sending forth many streams to water the earth he that draweth out of a vessel what he giveth commeth at length to the bottome but he that dippeth out of the Sea never commeth to the bottome the abilities of the creatures are soone like a little vessell drawne dry but God never giveth so much but there is a great fulnes in him at the last as there was at the first his hand is never short that it cannot help his arme is never weary that it cannot give assistance it is never low water but alwaies full Sea with this goodnesse a singular expression of the transcendency of God beyond and above all creatures a powerfull load-stone to draw men to God from the world a singular encouragement to men to relye upon God as on a sure foundation which will never sinke to draw nigh to God as to the fountaine of living waters which will most certainely refresh us as to a tree loaden with all forts of fruit bearing new fruit every month an admirable comfort to Gods children that their God is their stay and their
planted by the water side Psal 1.3 like an orchard of pomegranats Cant. 4.13 5. In regard of remaining corruptions and imperfections 1. If there be much ignorance in us and we see the things of God but darkly as the man that had his eyes opened did at the first see men as trees The Lord Jesus is in the bosome of his Father Mar. 8.24 in him are all the treasures of wisedome Joh. 1.18 and he is our Husband therefore he will instruct us more perfectly Col. 2.3 In his Schoole we shall learne wisedome he will give us his Spirit Ioh. 14.26 he will open the Scriptures Luc. 24.32 He will give us pastors to feed us with knowledge Ier. 3.14 15. and Luc. 1.77 he will open the sealed book Rev. 5.2 2. If we be weake in faith Christ will strengthen us and make us strong in faith like Abraham Rom. 4.20 Cause us like trees to be rooted in faith Col. 2.7 he will mightily persuade us Rom. 8.37 38. 3. If we find our Souls like a diseased body annoyed with sin as with a strong disease Iesus Christ is a Physician he will heale us Hos 6.1 If our consciences be burdened he will ease us Mat. 11.28 Isai 61.1 2. as Mat. 8.25 26. 6. In regard of perseverance though Satan buffet us though our corruption like a heavy burthen presse us down though the World hang like birdlime about the wings of our Souls Though we sometimes think and are ready to say of sin and Satan as David did of Saul 1 Sam. 27. I. Yet let us remember we are married unto Christ Iesus and that for ever Hos 2.19 there is no dissolution of this wedlocke being in his hand we shall be held fast Ioh. 10 28. We shall be kept by the power of God unto everlasting life 1 Pet. 1.5 Satan may win now us but Christ will not suffer our faith to faile Luk. 22.32 the Ship of our Souls may be shaken but it shall not sinke we may receive many wounds in the battel but yet we shall have the conquest as 2 Cor. 4.8 9. The next thing is the affection which Christ doth bear unto his messengers he calleth them his friends the friend of the Bridegroome a friend is one whom we do entirely love above others and use more familiarly and privately than we do others as David did Ionathan and of such a friend Solomon saith Prov. 18.24 A friend of God is one to whome God imparteth his mind and secrets so familiarly and fully as one friend doth to another Gen. 18.17 and the Apostles Ioh. 15.15 and thus doth the Baptist stile himselfe the friend of Christ noting the love which Christ did beare unto him and the understanding which he had of Gods will and counsell whence Doctr. That Christ Iesus doth beare a singular love to his faithfull Ministers II. Gods faithfull Ministers are after a peculiar manner acquainted with Gods Counsells III. Every faithfull Minister of God is an unfained friend unto God First of the first of these Christ Iesus doth beare a singular love unto his faithfull Ministers this appeareth plainely I. By the place wherein see hath set them made them his Embassadours 2 Cor. 5.19 20. starres in his right hand Rev. 2.20 his mouth Ier. 15.19 keeper of his vineyard Cant. 8.11 steward of his family 1 Cor. 4.1 The nurses of his Children 1 Thes 2.7 II. By the trust he committeth to them the instruction conversion edification salvation of his people hence are they called Fathers 1 Cor 4.15 Saviours Obad vers 21. 1 Tim. 4.16 builders 1 Cor. 3.9 watchmen Heb. 13.17 Shepheards having the custody of Gods flocke Ezek. 34.4 6. the charge to feed Gods people Ioh 21.17 III. By the service they doe him like Souldiers they lead his armies fight his battels subdue sin and Satan his enemies 2 Tim. 2.3 4. 2 Cor. 10.5 Isa 49.2 Psal 45.4 5. Like Husbandmen they roote up the thornes and briars in the Lords vineyard breake up the fallow ground of mens hearts sow therein the seed of Gods Word plant trees of righteousnes and like good Husbandmen bring much fruit unto the Lord Ier. 1.10 1 Cor. 3.6 Like Shepheards they gather home the lost Sheep to Gods fold Like Fishermen by the draw-net of the Gospel they draw the Souls of men out of the gulfe of sin IV. By the acception of the wrongs done unto them he taketh it as done to himselfe as a King taketh the wrongs done to his Embassadour as done to himselfe Luk. 10.16 Exod. 16.8 V. By the care he hath to defend them the arme stretched out against them shall wither 1 Ki. 13.4 the tongues which mock them shall not go unpunished 2 King 2.24 2 Cor. 36.16 and it is the Lords promise Ier. 15.19 20 21. VI. In regard of the recompence provided for them their love and labour shall not be in vaine they that strive lawfully shall have the prize 2 Tim. 2.3 their work is with the Lord Isai 49.4 as they shine by their Doctrine and conversation now so shall they shine hereafter Dan. 12.3 VII In regard of the love they beare unto him Joh. 21.16 a love which maketh them industrious in their callings 2 Cor. 5.14 joyfull to see men convert unto the Lord Iesus 1 Thes 2.19 20. ready to lay down their life Acts 20.24 Vse 1 This must therefore occasion the Ministers to endevour to walke worthy of this love of the Lord Iesus to order themselves in such manner that the Lord may still continue a friend unto them as men near about earthly Princes enjoying the favour of their Soveraigne are carefull to keep so must we by our holy walking sincere faithfull and frequent teaching be carefull to keep the favour of the Lord Iesus II. This must encourage them to beare the hatred of wicked men because the Lord is their friend to be patient in the bearing the difficulties of their calling the Lord will recompence them Vse 2 This must cause the people to love and reverence the faithfull messengers of the Lord to be friends to them to whome Christ is a friend this is required Thes 5.13 not an ordinary but a singular love a peculiar honour and respect 1 Tim. 5.17 and surely there is great cause for I. These are your spirituall parents by whom you are begotten againe to God raised out of the grave of sin to a new life Iohn 5.25 II. These are the instruments by whom we are inabled to behold the great things of the Law of God these are the lights of the World Mal. 2.7 these are as the fiery Pillar to Israel Exo. 13.21 as the starre to the Wisemen Mat. 2.10 III. These are the Lords Champions by whom we are delivered out of sin and Satans bondage these are the Priests who by sounding the Trumpet of the Gospel cast down the walls of Iericho who by the thunder of the Word threw Satan down like lightning IV. These are the Messengers who bring glad tidings of peace