they will go weeping after it as Phaltiel after Michall so great is their love to it that no persuasions no threatnings shall breed a rejection of it 4. The tendernes of it therefore likened to the eye it is grievousnes to put out the eye a man will endure any member to be wounded any injury to be offered to any part of the body rather than to his eye Mat. 18.1 for this also it is likened to the mortifying of the members making the members of the body dead by giving them many blowes by piercing them with many wounds Col. 3.5 the naturall man will not have his sin his beloved one to be touched Amos 7.10 the Baptist must not meddle with Herodias Ahab will not be crossed in his journey to Ramoth Gilead they will not have the Hemme of this Garment touched 2 Sam. 18.5 5. The inherency and thorough mixture of sin with the soul and deep dy of it upon the heart as water and wine are so mingled that the skilfullest hand cannot make a separation the Ivy and the stones so combined that unles the Wall be thrown down it can not be removed so is sin and the soul so mixed that no skill of man or Angell can divide them it is as the marrow in the bones as the juyce in the root as the roots infolded wrapped up in the earth the bones must be broken Psal 51.8 the fallow ground must be plowed up Ier. 4.3 before sin can be plucked up it is a deep staine water cannot wash it nitre cannot purge it the best humane abilities have no power to remove it Ier. 2.22 it is a Leprosy of that calour depth and strength that the Water of Damascus cannot purge it no River but Jordan can heal it Isai 26.10 Prov. 27.22 Amos 4.6 7 8. Pharaoh Exod. 5.6 7 8. Ahas 2 Cro. 28.22 Isai 1.5 6. I might add many more but by these things it is sufficiently manifest what strangers we are to all abilities of turning our selves to God and working out our salvation before the Lord do put the life of grace into us and by his Word and Spirit as by his Horsmen and Chariots do draw us forward in the way of life and happiness 4. This will teach us not to ascribe too much to any man of themselves they are earth and earthly disposed even the very best among all men the excellency wherewith they are endowed is not of themselves but of God it is the dew from his cloud that doth make them fat the treasure of his store-house that doth make them rich the work of his finger that doth make them differ we are all empty vessels the fulness which we enjoy cometh from above barren fields till the Lord doth water and dresse us therefore as we admire not the vessel which holdeth good liquour but rather the Tree which bare the Grape that made the liquor so let us not so much admire the Creature the woodden vessel that hath the excellent Treasury as the Creator that gave the Treasure to him 2 Cor. 4.6.7 we are but the Casket the Jewel is the Lords we are but the Lamp it is the Lord doth give the Oile without him we can do nothing we are altogether dependant upon him all our abilities are the Lords talent we are but stewards thorough Christ inabling we can do all things but if Christ do not inable man can do nothing God is the Alpha and the Omega of all the good we enjoy or do therefore as Mar. 2.11 12. Acts 3.11 12. I Gideon overthrow the Midianitish army it is not so much Gideon as the Lord hath done it therefore first they cry the Sword of the Lord and then Gideon the Rod was used in dividing the waters of the red Sea yet Moses and Israel give the praise unto God Exod. 15.6 therefore Col. 1.29 Paul laboured not of himself but more or lesse according to the measure of Gods working in him so 1 Cor. 3.5 intimating that they were but instruments God was the chief Agent that if they brought any to the knowledge of the truth it was the Lord that did open the understanding if they turned any man to the faith it was the Lord did open the heart if they brought comfort to any mans Soul it was the Lord that spake peace unto the conscience teaching them whosoever were the instrument yet to give the whole praise to God the chief Agent to have God and not the persons of men in admiration 5. Let therefore our own worthiwess our own indisposednesse unto any good cause us to give the praise of our whole salvation unto God acknowledging him to be the soul and onely fountain whence all water which giveth refreshment to our Souls have their Original the more we see our own emptinesse the more feelingly let us acknowledge the Lords fulnesse the more we look upon our own poverty the more let us magnifie the full and open hand of God towards us the more let us laud him rejoyce in him for his abundant goodnesse the more let us study to please him to honour him to walk in all sincerity before him striving in all things to make him glorious utterly denying our selves saying as the Psalmist Psal 44.3 for as we are earth and earthly so we speak of the earth which is the third thing here noted their practise they speak of the earth their imployments are earthly their actions are carnal 9. The whole labour and practise of un-regenerate people is earthly and carnall as the whole fruit of a corrupt Tree is so Matth. 7.18 men are all like Travellers out of the way every foot they step is awry Psal 58.3 our whole work is but a Spiders Web and increases no better than a Cockatrice Egge Isa 59 56. Reas Because the Root and Original is evil and as men speak of the Countrey and parentage whereof they are so men being of the World of the flesh speak and do the works thereof 1 Ioh. 4.5 2. Because the whole man is full of sin as the Sea full of waters a dead body of rotteness an undrest Garden of weeds the eyes are full of vanity the tongue full of evil communication the hands full of idlenesse full of bloud of unrighteous dealings the heart full of uncleannesse and hence stream all kinde of abominations Matth. 15.19 Use We have no cause to glorie of our works as long as we are carnal they are nothing but the fruit of the flesh Gal. 5.19 Brasse Tin Iron base Metal Ier. 6.28.30 as the Psalmist saith of men Ps 62.9 so may the natural man say of all his works whither of piety or common equity of his way towards God or towards man they are altogether vanity surely if God should lay our deeds in the ballance as Baltazar was that would be found of us which was written of him mene mene tekel upharsin you are laid in the ballance your works are weighed which are found too light
the whole man shall be cleansed from all iniquity and to labour for this estate let us be perswaded 1. Because this will interest us in all Gods favours make all things to become ours to be comfortable helpfull beneficial this will make God to be our God our Father Christ to be our friend Mediator Advocate Husband Sun Shield Prince of peace the Spirit of God to be our comforter Ioh. 15.26 our guide Io. 16.13 to be our earnest penny and our Seal to assure us of the Lords mercy and loving kindnesse Ephes 1.13.14 a fire to warm us 1 Thes 5.19 water to cleanse us Isa 44.3 the Ministery of the Gospel to be a Ministery of reconciliation to us 2 Cor. 5.18 a pleasant light to shine unto our feet Psal 119.105 a heavenly Manna pure milk to feed our Souls 1 Pet. 2.2 a goad to drive us forward Physick to heal us a weapon to kill sin and defend our Souls all the earth shall be serviceable to us this life and the life to come shall be ours 1 Tim. 4.8 we shall be the richest people upon earth have better revenues than all the mighty men in the World Psal 34.10 Because this will inable us to finde many sweet and heavenly comforts in Gods ordinances this will make them full of precious and choise delights to our Souls this will make them be a delicate and dainty feast this will cause us to behold them as a letter of love from the Lord Jesus the Bridegroom of our Souls this will make them sweet as the hony-comb to our palate Psal 19.10 even the rejoycing of our hearts Jer. 15.16 this will make them more precious than any Treasure Psal 119.72 more pleasant than any tidings Luke 2.10 this will make them the savour of life to our Souls 2 Cor. 2.14 this will make them speak peace to our consciences Isa 57.19 this will make them as a banquet to the hungry stomack Cant. 2.4 this will make them as the Dove to Noah as the Star to the wise-men as the water out of the Rocks to Israel this will inable us to say of them as David of Jonathan 2 Sam. 1.26 3 Because this will cause all to work for our good if we be regenerate whatsoever is against us shall in the issue be with us prove beneficial for us as David said of Shimei's railing 2 Sam. 16.11 So the fiery darts which Satan casteth the venemous arrowes which the evill speakers quiver shooteth the heavy burthens which the hand of the potent enemy imposeth imprisonment sicknesse poverty temptations disgrace and whatsoever it be it shall all by the gracious hand of God be turned to our good if we like David be men after Gods own heart for Tit. 1.15 all shall be for their welfare all shall be blessed to them the sword which is unsheathed against them shall like Goliah's sword become an instrument to cut off the enemies head the envious practises of their brethren shall be a means of their advancement as in Joseph the pit which is digged the snare which is spread for them shal take and entangle him that spread it every obstacle shall be turned into a furtherance every burthen into wings every lyon shall have a honey-comb in his belly This is the priviledge of Gods people the prerogative of sanctification an inducement full of power to perswade all that are not past feeling to return to God by true repentance to serve him in holiness and true righteousness 4. Since the natural mans workes are all naught water of a poysonous fountaine fruit from an evil tree let us all examine and try our selves what our workes are whether they be good or evill And this we shall discerne 1. By the fountaine whence they spring all good works must come from a good and a sanctified heart The good ground which brought forth good fruit resembled a good and honest heart and Matth. 12.35 Matth. 7.17 all the works of a carnal man are dead works in regard of their original nature and issue none but a new creature can doe the works of new obedience All our actions are actions of uncleanness till we be washed and justified by the blood of the Lord Jesus 2. By the rule by and in obedience to which they are done They must not be done after our fancy in obedience to our own will our Sacrifice must be offered with fire from Gods Altar what we doe must be that which God required and it must be done because God hath required it Lev. 10.1 2. 1 Sam. 15.22 out of conscience to Gods precept 3. By the faith and perswasion we have in our heart when we do it We must beleeve that God in Christ is well pleased with us we must bear fruit as branches of Christ else it will be in Gods account as soure grapes Heb. 11.6 As we must ask all so we must do all in the name of Christ 4. By the affection wherewith it is performed It must not arise out of feare nor proceed from constraint but out of unfeigned love to God This must be the first mover in all our undertakings 1 Cor. 16.14 2 Cor. 9.7 as Jude 5.2 5. By the circumstances wherewith it is apparelled as Prov. 25.11 for Eccles 3.1 and Matth. 6.3 4. 6. By the end whereunto it is done We must chiefly look unto God all our arrows must be levelled to his glory as to the chiefest mark we are not our own but his by our election he hath chosen us Eph. 1.5 6. By our creation he hath made us for himselfe Prov. 16.4 By our redemption he hath bought us to himselfe 1 Cor. 6.20 By our vocation he hath called us to shew forth his praise 1 Pet. 2.9 and to him must we live 2 Cor. 5.15 If our works be thus qualified we may be sure they come from a regenerate spirit and are well accepted of him who is above all This is a repetition of what was formerly spoken to shew his disciples that they must needs subject themselves to Christ and to let them see how difficult it is he doth againe repeat it So that you see the repetition and the reason of the repetition The former may teach us Doct. 1 1. It is very needfull that Gods Ministers should often urge and presse the same material duties upon their hearts Phil. 3.1 that they may understand it more clearly be awakened by it more effectually affected with it more throughly that it may be imprinted upon their hearts the more effectually that it may abide with them the more constantly People must not think it unprofitable to heare the same points of doctrine often pressed upon them Naaman went seven times into Jordan Peters cock crowed thrice From the other we may learn Doct. It is a very hard thing to make men renounce all self-confidence and subject themselves unto and altogether rely vpon Christ Jesus therefore the Baptist doth againe and againe presse it This occasioned
Pharises who should have rejoyced in the coming of Christ as at the appearing of the most glorious and comfortable Sun that ever did shine to be full of indignation at it Use This must therefore cause us if we purpose to enjoy any true peace to receive any true comfort by Gods Ordinances to hold any comfortable Communion with Gods Servants to pluck up this evill weed to quench this fire to hew down this tree to suppresse this self-love and haughtines of Spirit no more seeking our selves no more serving our lusts no more living to our selves no more accompting all fish lost which cometh not into our owne net all the Oile spilt that is not put into our Lamp the honour misplaced that is not bestowed on us as they Mic. 3.5 But let us learne 1. To deny our selves our owne lusts reason ends desires living no longer to the flesh Mar. 8.34 Let us become little in our eyes lower and viler than dust truely apprehensive of and thoroughly affected with our owne sin with our owne unworthines and we shall find little occasion to contend with our fellow brethren to envy the graces of God in them but rather desire them out of their abundance to communicate to our necessities and this is their surest way to honour as our Saviour said in another case Math. 10.39 So in this case he that seeketh his owne honour shall loose it but he that forsaketh his owne praise he shall find it as Ioh. 8.50 54. Luc. 14.11 Before honour humility c. Ia 4.6 1 Pet. 5.6 2. To live wholy and altogether unto God seeking his glory bringing forth fruit to him devoring our selves wholy to his service as the wife forsaketh her fathers house becometh her Husbands and seeketh how to please him So must we leave the World and things most deare to the flesh and study how to please the Lord this is given in charge 1 Cor. 10.30 To this we are earnestly perswaded Rom. 12.1 2. 2 Cor. 5.15 and did we make Gods honour the mark whereunto we levell all our arrowes did we make this the end of our labour and desires as Phil. 1.15 16. We would be glad if God might be honoured whither by our selves or by any other instrument did we thus glorify God we should not faile to receive honour from the Lord 1 Sam. 2.30 3. To seek the good of our brethren as one member in the body doth seek the good of another to communicate what we have received as the full clouds do their raine to the barren grounds This is required 1 Cor. 10.24 practised 2 Cor. 12.14 This is the way to abound in the grace of the Spirit to shine in holines not the envying of other mens spirituall welfare but endeavouring to increase it 1 Cor. 9.6 Heb 6.10 4. To rejoyce in the welfare of our brethren as in our owne not like Cain that murdered Abel because more righteous than himselfe Not like Esau hating Iacob because he had obtained the blessing Not like Saul maligning David because he had slaine his ten thousands when Saul himselfe had slaine but his thousand but rather because with David 1 Chro. 29.17 2 Cor. 12.26 Iohn 12. Eph. 4. The second thing is their ignorance they heard what testimony the Baptist gave of our Saviour yet they understood it not for then they would not have envied but readily followed him as others did Doctr. That there are many who heare good and sound Doctrine delivered affect the person teaching it and yet do neither truely nor savingly understand it The Disciples saw the Miracles of Christ heard the Doctrine he delivered gave some Testimony of their love for they followed him but yet understood not his Doctrine Ioh. 6.60 61. This is also verified in Nicodemus Ioh. 3.5 8 9 10. In the Women of whom Paul speaketh 2 Tim. 3.7 Yea some undertake to be guides to others themselves not knowing the way 1 Tim. 1.6 7. and this so cometh to pass 1. Partly thorough the spirituall high and heavenly nature of divine things which the carnall eye cannot discerne 1 Cor. 2.14 A riddle which the naturall man cannot unfold unles he have Gods Spirit vers 11. As Sampson told the Philistines they could not have opened his riddle unles they had plowed which his heafer 2. Partly thorough some base and by ends which men propose unto themselves making their attendance on the word a hooke to take some other fish Judas followed Christ because he did beare the bag the Disciples because they had eaten of the bread 3. Partly thorough the sinister notives which stirre up some to attend upon the Word the novelty the applause accompanying carnall relations to the teachers of it to them that do embrace it horrour of conscience dismall feares which cause them to attend on it the Raven cometh into the Ark for feare of the Deluge Ahab humbleth himselfe when a judgment is threatned 4. Partly thorough the deceitfulnes of many mens hearts supposing it enough that they do heare though they do no more never searching as the Bereans did Acts 17.11 Never enclining the eare and applying the heart unto understanding as Solomon giveth charge Prov. 2.2 3 4. But as Ier. 7.10 as Prov. 7.14 therefore Ioh. 1.23 24 25. 5. Partly thorough the just judgment of God who sendeth a spirituall slumber upon some that seeing they shall not perceive and hearing they shall not understand Isa 6.10 but Isa 29.11 Whereunto agreeth that of our Saviour Mat. 13.13 14. and 2 Cor. 4.3 Vse This therefore must give every one of us occasion on to make triall of our selves whether we are not guilty of this sin whether we do not content our selves with the bare hearing of the Word or else do also savingly know and understand it a grace whereof few do participate a lamp that shineth in few mens Souls a work of a singular nature of the truest comfort of the greatest benefit a blessing peculiar to Gods faithfull a jewell not gotten without much diligence a tree loaden with the choisest fruit fountaine full of the purest water Therefore it is good wisedome to try while we are endowed with it 1. True knowledge is alwayes accompained with true humility contrition of heart meeknes of Spirit and a Holy teachablenes the whole man will readily subject it selfe to every Ordinance of God So that he who was once an indomitable beast now a child a weake man Gods Minister shall lead him Isa 11.6 True knowledge taketh downe the haughtines of the Spirit breaketh the obstinacy of the heart maketh man say as Paul did Acts 9.6 as Cornelius Acts 10.33 and maketh him with Job Job 42.6 putteth him altogether out of conceit with himselfe 1 Cor. 3.18 thus Ia. 3.17 The wisedome which is from above is gentle easily intreated as Naaman having the sight of his Leprosy hearkned to the advice of a maid to go to the Prophet and afterward to go to Jordan by the persvasion of his Servants Mat. 11.29 2.
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
none of the Astrologers onely Joseph and Daniel can interpret it for Mat. 11.27 7. In regard of the ministration of his kingdom and government of his Church and people none so great a charge so many people to rule so many great and strong enemies to oppose subdue and conquer therefore hee is said to bee girded with the sword Justice by his Word the sword of the spirit striking the hearts of rebellious people to bring them into subjection to ride upon the word of Truth by the ministry of the Gospel defending his chosen beating down sin and superstition working many wonders striking terror into the hearts of his enemies and for the accomplishment hereof hee is said to anointed with the oil of gladness above his fellows to have received more grace then all men or angels Psal 45.3 4 5 6 7. for thus also it is said that the spirit of God doth rest upon him filling him with all heavenly gifts and graces the spirit of wisedom fulness of knowledg in the things of God the spirit of understanding promptness and readiness to know all things of what nature or condition soever the spirit of counsel faculty and quicksightedness to free himself out of all perplexities the spirit of might courage to teach the truth and to oppose shake and overthrow all fals doctrine and to reprove their wicked conversation the spirit of knowledg a sure and firm understanding of things the spirit of fear filial cheerfull and perfect obedience Isa 11.2 3 4. Observ Isa 512. 1. In external appearance hee was outwardly of low estate Phil. 2.6 7. but the more contemptible hee was in his outward condition the more evident was the work of the God head manifesting it self therein 2. Hee wanted beauty in the eies of carnal men the sun seemeth not beautifull to the blinde but to such as have the eie of understanding savingly enlightned hee is the fairest of ten thousand Cant. 5. vers 10. Vse This by way of instruction sheweth where to go to have all our spiritual wants supplied and furnished Christ is the fountain in whom the Father hath put all fulness hee is the Physitian that can cure us when wee are diseased the Conquerer able to deliver us when wee are captived the Counseller able to advise us when wee are doubtfull hee is the Teacher which can instruct us when wee are ignorant Isa 9.6 therefore when all the cisterns of the world are broken holding no water when no physitian can cure us when all store-houses are empty and no hand can enrich us when all lips are shut and no tongue can comfort us when all waters like Abana and Pharphar have no healing virtue no cleansive power then like the woman Mark 5.11 let us come to Christ like Naaman 2 King 5.14 let us come to the Jordan of his blood for in his hand there is power to heal the wounded soul in his blood is efficacy to purge away the filth of sin which no nitre can purge in his word is virtue to comfort the troubled soul which no voice of man or angel can quiet Isa 50.4 in him as the Apostle saith dwelleth the fulness of the Godhead bodily Col. 2.9 in him it hath pleased the Father that all fulness should dwell Col. 1.19 all fulness both for number and measure of graces there is in Christ an absolute compleatness 1. In respect of members Ephes 1.23 2. In respect of inhabitation of the divine nature Col. 2.9 3. In respect of power and authority over all both in heaven and earth Mat. 28.4 In respect of merit 5. In respect of grace in him is fulness of wisedom to make us wise fulness of redemption to make us free fulness of righteousness to make us just fulness of sanctification to make us holy and hee is made to us of God 1 Cor. 1.30 therefore to him let us come Mat. 11.28 2. This by way of confutation reproveth and confuteth all Saint-worshippers and Meritmongers in Christ is all fulness there needeth no supply from Saint Angels or Works a fulness is no where to bee had but onely in Christ hee is able to save us to the utmost his royal robes are long enough to cover us his arm is strong enough to deliver us hee needeth not another to bee joyned with him hee trod the wine-press of his Father's wrath alone Isa 63. hee is the lamb slain from the beginning of the world which taketh away the sin of all beleevers in the world John 1.29 neither Saint nor Angel but Christ hath purged away our sin and is set down at the right hand of God Heb. 1.3 hee maketh reconciliation Heb 2.17 hee offered himself Heb. 7.27 all other are broken cisterns weak shields such as will not cover us in the day of Gods anger therefore it is not kiss the Saints but the Son Psal 2.12 3. By way of exhortation this seemeth to stir up men to labor for fulness of grace to bee replenished in measure as Christ is above measure as the members of the body are answerable to the head the branches in the tree answerable to the fulness of the juice in the root of the tree so wee who are members of the body whereof Christ is head branches in the true vine should labor a blessed fulness of all graces wee should strive to bee full of knowledg as the sea full of waters Isa 11.9 abundant in love 1 Thess 3.12 perfect in patience Isa 1.5 ful of joy and peace in the holy Ghost Rom. 15.13 full of faith in beleeving God's promises full of courage in maintaining God's truth against all opposition Act. 6.8 rich in all good works 1 Tim. 6.18 like trees bearing much fruit lamps holding much oil vessels filled with good liquor like travellers going forward like rich men building their barns greater enlarging our hearts more and more towards God and his waies this is the Apostle's charge 2 Pet. 3.18 this is Saint Paul's earnest entreaty 1 Thes 4.1 and for increas of grace of grace wee should strive 1. Becaus the more grace the more sweetness shall wee finde the more consolation shall draw from the ordinances of God the more health the more comfort doth the body finde in the food prepared for it the more perfect the eie the more pleasure it taketh in the light of the sun which it beholdeth the ordinances of God do good to them that are good Mic. 2.7 to those they are sweet Psal 119.103 joyous Jer. 15.16 comfortable tidings Rom. 10.15 holiness maketh God's ordinances to the soul like the chariots which Joseph sent to Jacob an occasion of reviving Gen. 48.25 like a wel-spring to the thirsty like dew to the ground like a feast to the hungry Psal 65.4 Cant. 2.4 2. The more grace the more comfort wee shall have in God's presence the more clearness wee shall behold in God's countenance the more obedient the childe is the more favorably his parent looketh on him the more profitably the servant
as the Dove finding no footing returned to the Ark. 7. Because true believers do make Christ their portion their joy their crown their riches and their glory hee is to them instead of all they will leav all to enjoy him Mark 10.28 they esteem all to bee dung in comparison of him Phil. 3.3 all to bee thorns in respect of this vine Cant. 2.2 to bee barren in respect of this fruitfull tree as the wise men rejoiced more in the star which lead unto Christ then in all other stars in the firmament Mat. 2.10 so true believers rejoyce in Christ more than in all the world and therefore their hearts cleav to him and rest upon him 8. Because true faith in Christ is alwaies attended with a singular love to Christ Jesus according to the strength of our faith is the fervency of our love the more wee apprehend the height depth and length of Christ's love to us the more do our hearts burn with love again to him Ephes 3.19 the nigher wee stand to a great burning fire the more wee are heated with it so the sense of Christ's love apprehended by saith breedeth love again unto the Lord Galat. 6.5 Vse This serveth to shew us that a general consent to the word of God as true is not enough to bring us unto life but besides this there must bee a peculiar resting staying and confidence of the heart thereupon If an earthly man of ability and truth promise us this or that help to bestow upon us this or that gift wee do not only know and think and perswade our selvs that hee saith true but besides wee say that wee trust hereunto rely hereupon quiet our selvs and seek no further the like resting of the heart must wee find upon the promise of God in Christ by this particular confidence and resting of the heart upon Christ do true believers go beyond reprobates by this do they receiv nourishment from Christ as the sions from the stock by this have they claim and interest in Christ as the wife in the husband John 15.2 Cant. 6.3 by this have they claim to the promises of God 2 Pet. 1.4 as the tenant in lands granted him under hand and seal by this is Christ very pleasant and delightful to them as the sun to the opened eye Mal. 4.2 pure and precious liquor to the thirsty Isa 55.1 by this are they distinguished from others as children from strangers John 1.12 by this they have maay sweet relations to Christ which others have not as the members to the head the branches to the vine by this they stand in the time of trouble as a ship fast anchored when others are tossed like a ship without an anchor Heb. 6.19 by this Satan's darts are expelled Ephes 6.16 when others are wounded like men that are naked by this believers are bold and confident as the lion when others fly like a hare before the the hounds Eph. 3.12 Prov. 28.1 by this wee have access to the throne of grace Rom. 5.1 when others like the foolish Virgins having no oyl in their lamps were shut out by this our services are acceptable unto God Heb. 11.6 when others like him that wanted a wedding garment are cast into utter darkness Mat. 22.12 by this the Word of God becometh sweet and savory to our palates Jerem. 15.16 when as it is like gall to others Heb. 4.2 by this it is to us as good seed to good ground and good meat to a healthy stomach 2. Therefore every man must try whether hee finde his heart thus to cleav unto and to rest upon the Lord Jesus whether hee bee sensible of the life and operation of his affection this way whether hee feel his heart trusting and resting upon the Lord as the childe upon the parent the building upon the foundation the wife upon the husband and this wee must discern 1. By the deniall of our selvs and the rejection of all humane abilities as every way insufficient to bring us unto life the more the heart resteth upon the Lord the less it resteth on worldly and created powers Prov. 3.5 the true believer knoweth the wisdom of the flesh to bee foolishness with God yea enmity against God Rom. 8.7 to bee a false prophet a deceitfull guide a withered feed and therefore will not lean thereupon will not trust thereunto any more then a traveller to a blinde guid a passenger to an ignorant pilot a sick man to one that will as soon minister poison as good physick to him but will search and seek out for a better instructer for a surer guide this the Apostle taught 1 Cor. 3.18 this the wise man gave in charge Prov. 3.7 this the prophet perswaded Isa 8.19 20 and declareth the dolefull issue of the contrary Isa 50.11 2. By our constant abiding with God in the time of affliction in the hour of temptation the more true faith is assaulted the more strongly the heart layeth hold upon God the more the childe is made afraid with any thing the more earnestly hee cryeth to his parent to keep him the more closely hee applieth himself to him the furious assault of the enemy causeth men to lay the faster hold upon the sword to hide themselvs in castles and places of sure defense the seed sown in good ground held out to the harvest Mat. 13 24. so the heart which resteth once upon the Lord abideth constant with him as a woman joyned in wedlock abideth with her husband till death so nothing can make a separation between God and the true believer hee findeth such sweetness such goodness in the Lord that neither pleasure nor torment honor nor ignominy shall remove him Job 13.5 Ro. 8.35 Isa 50.10 Psal 55.22 3. By the blessed apprehension wee have of God's goodness towards us when wee believe men will do any great thing for us then wee feel a love in our hearts arising towards them so wee first apprehend love of God in Christ towards us and then our hearts rest upon him in nature nothing moveth in desire to this or that but as wee see it lovely no more do our souls move towards or rest on God till wee apprehend him reconciled the sinfull soul doth see God forgiving many sins and then it loveth much again Luke 7.48 therefore the Apostle having mentioned our peace with God through faith annexeth the shedding of God's love abroad into our hearts Rom. 5.1.5 4. By our abundant delight and joy in God and the light of his face by our alacrity in runing the race of his commandements Psal 37.3 4. wee must delight our selvs in God with all manner of delight as the rich man is delighted with his treasure the souldier in his victories the wife in her husband Rom. 15.14 5. By our well-doing Psal 37.3 wee must strive to bee full of good works to bee plenteous in well-doing to bee fruitfull trees bearing much fruit as good servants well imploying our talent and so
but this is a fire that ever burneth a stinging worm which without any cessation gnaweth a cloudy day whose darkness is never dispelled so that here wee have our loss arising from unbelief set before us privatively and positively privatively inferring a denial a removeal or absence of all good of all peace of all comfort positively an imposition inflicting and presence of whatsoever may make man miserable From the privative loss wee gather Doctrine That unbelief doth for ever exclude men from everlasting happiness and all the joy of the next life the foolish Virgins were shut out from entring in with the bridegrome for want of oyl in their lamps Mat. 25. Israël of old entered not into the rest of God because of unbelief Heb. 3.19 Heb. 4.6 the publicans and harlots believed and found entrance into God's kingdom the Pharises believed not and therefore could not finde any admission Mat. 21.31 32. this was the general scope and sum of the doctrine which our Saviour would have the Apostles to deliver to the people Mark 16.16 and no wonder that unbelievers are excluded from everlasting happiness for Reas 1. Where there is no true faith there is no union with Christ no participation of the benefits which come unto us from the Lord Jesus but men are as withered branches dead members Rom. 11.20 whatsoever profession wee make of love to Christ of fellowship with Christ whatsoëver shews of goodness do appear yet if wee bee destitute of a lively faith wee build upon the sand our building will fall Matth. 7.24 2. There is no purity no sanctification no saving grace where the root is not there are no branches where there is no spring there are no streams it is faith that setteth the whole man a work in God's business it is the apprehension of God's promises which causeth us to cleans our selvs from sin 2 Cor. 7.1 it is the perswasion of God's goodness that leadeth us to repentance Rom. 2.4 it is our interest in Christ it is Christ's dwelling in us by faith Eph. 3.18 it is our participation of his fulness which giveth us victory of our corruption 1 John 5.4 it is the meditation and perswasion of what God hath done of what hee hath bestowed already of what hee hath provided to bestow this is that which causeth us to depart from every evil way 1 John 1 2 3. hence Acts 15.9 hence faith without works is said to bee dead James 2.17 not that the life of faith commeth from works but because works are second acts flowing from the life of faith and faith is said to bee made perfect by works James 2.22 not by essentiall perfection as the effect is perfected by the cause but by a complemental or filling perfection as the caus is perfected or made compleat in the production of its effect as the tree is made perfect in the bringing of fruit man in the generation of his like it is the nature of the perfection and excellency of faith to bee fruitfull and where this faith is not the soul is like a barren woman at best but like the tree in the Gospel 3. There is no love to God his word or people it is faith which joyneth us in wedlock with Christ that breedeth communion between us and God that maketh his word sweet and savory that maketh us delight in them that excell in virtue therefore Gal. 5.6 not that the efficacy of faith dependeth upon charity as the cause ground life and being to faith but that faith doth put forth and manifest its efficacy in the excitation and stirring up of love to God and his wayes so that where faith is not there â—s no love 4. There is no promiss of life for all the promises of God are to us thorough faith in Christ 2 Cor. 1.20 Acts 2.39 without this wee are aliens strangers and enemies Ephes 2.12 and wee have nothing to do with God's Covenant Psalm 50.16 wee have nothing to do with the fruit growing within the pale of this garden nothing to do with the bread on this table it belongeth not to the dogs but to the children 5. There is no sweetness no benefit no consolation to bee drawn from the Ordinances of God without faith they are as musick to a deaf ear as water to a vessel whole mouth is stopt as rain to the hard rock it doth not profit Heb. 4.2 6. Because without faith there is no shield to defend us from the darts of Satan no fence to keep us from the wild boar of the forrest no weapon to overcom the Prince of darkness no stone to beat down this great Goliah but wee are as a field without fence a city without wells a souldier without armor Ephes 6.16 1 Pet. 5.9 without this wee can do nothing so that unbelief separating us from Christ filling our hearts with uncleanness disabling us to love God excluding us from interest in God's promises making the Ordinances of God fruitless exposing us to all Satan's suggestions leaving us to bee led captive by him at his will it must needs follow that all unbelievers are hereby excluded from everlasting happiness Vse This presenteth before us the uncomfortable condition of all such as live in unbelief are not incorporated into Christ in whom the nature and life of true faith cannot bee found whose souls cleave not to God as the heart of a childe to his father as the heart of a wife cleaveth to her husband the heart of one brother or friend to another the heart of Jonathan to David 1 Sam. 18.2 for this is the nature and property of faith to cleav to God strongly affectionately feelingly with the full power of the soul Joshua 23.6 Acts 11.23 1 Cor. 6.17 to choose and rest upon the Testimonies of the Lord Psal 119.30 31. and such as do not in this manner believ they shall never see life whatsoever great and glorious things are revealed proffered promised they shall never enjoy them they are as fruit upon a high tree which they have no hand to reach as water in a deep well which they for want of a bucket cannot draw as the glorious sun to the blinde which for want of an eye they cannot behold to them there is no help of rest no promiss of bliss though the light of God's face bee better than life the presence of Christ bee delighfull as the shadow of a great tree though the Ordinances of God bee as marrow and fatness now Psalm 63.5 Isa 32.2 Cant. 2.3 Psal 65.5 and the ensuing comforts of Gods people a thousand fold more glorious yet unbelievers shall never taste hereof they are in bondage from whence is no freedom in a darkness where there shall never bee no any sunrising in a sickness out of which they shall never see a recovery for the Lord hath denied them all good things as 2 Kings 7.1 2. so whatsoëver Gods plenty or fulness bee to others yet his hand shall bee empty to unbelievers all his
15. for Isa 55.1 As the cloud freely poureth down his raine upon the thirsty ground so doth God his blessings upon the thirsty Souls of men blessings of every kind both spirituall and temporall of the right hand and of the lest are freely bestowed touching blessings of the most eminent nature our Saviour speaketh Rev. 22.17 touching favours of inferiour condition Psal 104.28 Yea the very wicked drink of the water of this Fountaine and are relieved by the bounty of this hand Iob 22.18 So that the Apostles question may well be proposed to every person 1 Cor. 4.17 and the reason hereof is Reas 1 Because God is the Fountaine of all goodness all blessings are in his store house he is the vine whereon all the grapes grow which nourish our Souls bodies he is the Sun which giveth us light the nurse whose breasts afford us refreshment the Olive tree which filleth our Lamp full of Oile this Nehemiah doth acknowledge Neh. 9.25 Psal 68.9 10. and thus the Prophet ascribeth all the welfare of Gods people to his goodnes Zach. 9.15 16 17. Reas 2 Because we cannot claime nor challenge any blessing or favour at the hands of God we have forfeited all by our sin Ephes 2.12 All things are become impure Tit. 1.15 We have broken the Covenant and have made forfeyture of all we did enjoy so that we can lay claime to nothing by vertue of any promise from God till we be in Christ according to that of the Prophet Hos 2.19 20 21 22. Reas 3 Because the whole praise of all we enjoy belongeth unto God Rom. 11.36 1 Cor. 1.30 31. so 1 Cor. 4.6 7. This is a jewell of which God will not suffer himselfe to be robbed the onely thing that God aimeth at in all his works Isai 42.5 6 7 8. Use This therefore overthroweth the proud and insolent Babel of Popish merit challenging eternall life and glory as a wages due to their labours as a fruit growing upon the trees of their owne planting a harvest arising from a vineyard of their owne manuring for thus they teach Opera bona justorum ex seipsis absque ullo pacto acceptatione digna esse remnueratione vitae eternae 2. Operibus iustorum nullum dignitatis accrementum provenire ex meritis aut persona Christi c. Whereas the Baptist a man of a more sanctified Spirit and profound judgment than any sly and subtle Jesuite taught his disciples that a man could receive nothing unles it were given not merited and whatsoever these Româ—sh Doctours do now teach their Apostatized Romans yet Paul a chosen vessel of God a man that was extraordinarily converted richly endued with the grace of the Spirit in labour more abundaÌ„t than any other Apostle taught the Romans of his time that the wages of sin was death but the gift of God was eternall life Rom. 6.23 and our Saviour taught his Disciples Luc. 17.10 Whereupon Hierome si inutilis qui fecit omnia quid de illo dicendum qui explere non potuit and St Paul teacheth that not onely the actions but the passions also added thereunto hold no proportion of condignity with life eternall Rom. 8.18 For should we be able to merit eternall life by our works win the crowne by our owne strength then we should turne the fountaine of Gods favour into a well without water where should there be any place for Gods bounty If we could merit and make salvatioÌ„ a due debt then Christ should have spent his labours borne the heavy burthen of afflictioÌ„s undergone the ignominy of the crosse shed his blood in vaine Gal. 2.21 Then there should be no more place for grace Rom. 11.6 Non est in quo gratia intret ubi meritum jam occupavit Bernard in Cant. Ser. 67. therefore Ephes 2 8. and yet we do not take away the reward because we deny the merit of good works for in the keeping of Gods commandements Psa 19.11 and Prov 11.18 But the question is whence he that soweth must expect to reape so great and sure a harvest whether from Gods justice which he must do if he stand upon merit or from his mercy as a recompence freely bestowed out of Gods gracious bounty and not injustice due for the worth of the work performed which question the Prophet Hosea hath sufficiently resolved Hos 10.12 The Lord doth crowne his graces adding an encrease to that which he hath given and inabled us well to use Psal 62.12 giving an encrease of glory according to the measure of grace bestowed so that originally and in it selfe this reward proceedeth merely from Gods free bounty mercy but accidentally in regard God hath bound himselfe by his Word and promise to comferr such a reward so it proveth after a sort an act of justice as 1 Joh. 1.9 The thing promised is free and by us undeserved and if God should faile in performance yet do us no wrong but wrong himselfe and therefore Canaan was called a Land of promise not of merit Dut. 9.5 Neh. 9 8. Ja. 1.12 2 Tim. 4.8 Not just because of our merit but because of Gods promise therefore Augustine fidelis homo est credens promittenti Deo fidelis Deus exhibens quod promisit homini teneamus fidelissimu debitorem quia tenemus misericordissimum promissorem Vse 2 Is every good blessing Gods gift doth it all come from heaven then in all our wants let us addresse our selves to God Whatsoever we want let us seek it at the Lords hand let us not go to Endor Baalzebub Aegypt or Assyria as if there were no God in Israel as if there were no Oile in Gods Lamp no strength in Gods arme no light left in the Sun or his favour let us not go to broaken cisternes but say with Peter Ioh. 6.68 this is that we are commanded to do Amos 5.4 5 6. It is at the Lords gate that we must knocke one begger doth not make supplication at another beggers doore but at the gates of the rich what are all creatures in respect of God but beggars they have no water in their owne wells but what distilleth from the cloud of Gods bounty therefore Mat. 7.7 8. the Lords eares open to heare his hands are open to relieve Exo. 22.23 Though Baal be deafe and cannot heare his suppliants yet the God of Israel will surely attend to the cry of his people let us silence out crying sins let us turne our feet into the path of Gods precepts and the Lord shall heare our requests Job 22.23 to 28. Let us in the sence of our wants in the humility of our Souls draw nigh unto the Lord and then Psa 102.17 Let us pour out our Souls before the Lord as the full clouds do their raine let us cry out as a woman in travell and though we were as dead men yet we shall live Isa 26.16 17 19. Let us not waver but believe we shall obtaine Ia. 16. Let us come
dominion as King over subjects Isai 43.15 Reas 2 In regard of the right he hath in them they are the work of his hands he is the potter and they are the clay the Creatour and they the thing formed by him trees of his planting tabernacles of his building Joh. 1.3 Reas 3 In regard of the price he hath paid for them not gold and silver hay stubble but his owne blood 1 Pet. 1.19 1 Cor. 6.20 The Captivne being ransomed must live to him that did redeeme him 2 Cor. 5.14 Reas 4 In regard of the relation between them Christ is the head they the members Christ the Husband they the Spouse Christ the Prince they the subjects therefore these must above all things seek the honour of Christ as the Apostle saith of the wife 1 Cor. 7.34 Reas 5 Because the honouring of the Lord Jesus is more dear to Gods Servants than their owne lives neither honours riches pleasures nor successe in worldly undertakings is so delightfull to them as the glorifying of the name of the Lord Acts 20.24 Acts 21.13 Reas 6 Because this is the most ready way to do good unto our selves the seeking of Gods glory will interest us in Gods favour make us capable of Gods blessing give us comfort and courage in all estates and much boldnes in the day of the Lord Iesus 1 Sam. 2.30 Reas 7 Because this is that which God hath chiefly and peculiarly reserved to himselfe this is to the Lord as the crowne to the King though the Lord graunt us many favours yet he will not graunt us this this is as the apple of his eye no man must touch it Isai 42.8 therefore Psa 148.13 Vse This discovereth the iniquity of such as regard not what become of the honour of God Christ so themselves may have honour that regard not though the Sun of Gods glory be overshadowed with an everlasting Eclipse so the corrupt meteor of their vaine glory may shine the extinguishing of the shining Lamp of the Gospel the ruinating of the Walls of Syon the breaking downe of the hedges of Gods vineyard the plucking off the grapes which grow on the Lords vine the entring of the wild boare Psal 80.12 13 16. All this doth not trouble them so the trees in their owne Orchard flourish bud blossome beare who knoweth not that Satan is now let loose his chaine lengthned his fury and his indignation great Whose eyes do not behold that as Rev. 6.12 thorough the insolency pride of Antichrist the glorious Sun of righteousnes is eclipsed The Doctrine the Sacraments the Worship of God is made black with heresies superstitious Idols and the Church bloody with warres tyranny oppression persecution Who seeth not the bottomles pit is now opened the smoak ascending the smoaky Doctrine of the Pope arising like smoake out of a great fornace to obscure the Doctrine of life salvation by Christ Who seeth not a fearefull Apostacy the starres falling from heaven Doctours Bishops learned men like vanishing Meteors to fall to the earth the World the flesh earthly honours Idols Who can but see how out of this smoake of Popish Doctrine there comes forth a multitude of locusts Priests Jesuits Monks who like the locusts leape from earth to earth flying aloft in the aire savour not the things of God but onely the things here below like the locusts go together in great troups singing the sonnet of their prosperity leape and delight in idlenes enter the meadowes green pastures and eate up all the green things Who seeth not bow they incroach upon us as the Sea upon the earth when it hath eate thorough the banks as a fire upon the towne when it hath once fired one house as the frogs on the Land of Aegypt till they made it stinke Besides who heareth not the blaâ—phemies and hideous swearings who seeth not the swinish drunkenes the matchles pride who heareth not of the whoredomes fornicacions amoÌ„g us of the strang contempt of the Gospel by all which the name of God is blasphemed Rom. 2.24 yet who almost regardeth this whose eyes gush out as David did Psal 119.136 Whose countenance us sad as Nehemiahs was Neh. 2.3 4. Who rend his garment and his Mantle as Ezra did Ezr. 9.3 If but the hemme of our owne garment be touched but the least spot of disgrace cast on us we are much displeased disquieted but who layeth to heart the dishonour done to God If men may keep up their owne Dagon they care not what become of the Lords Arke 1 Sam. 5.4 5. If their Ship may row in a secure haven they care not if the Ship of the Church sink in a storme Amos 6.6 If they may be rich they care not though the Church be poore if they may be crowned with the earthly glory they care not who take the crowne of Gods praise from him like Gallio they care for none of these things if they may be at ease in Syon Amos 6.1 6. Whereby it is manifest that they are not Gods Children for a good Child seeketh his Fathers honour more than his owne that they are not the spouse of Christ for the Wife is grieved to see her Husband dishonoured that they love not the Lord Jesus delight not in the Gospel seek not that honour which cometh from God but that which cometh from men were it otherwise the losse of their owne peace plenty revenew praise would not be so offensive to them as to see God dishonoured but as these men grieve not to see God dishonoured forbeare not to rob him of his praise so the time is at hand wherein God will cover them with shame 1 Sam. 2.30 Ezek. 28.2 to 9. Dan. 5.22 23 24. 1 Sam. 2.29 2. Therefore this must occasion every one of us neglecting our owne selves thoughts ends to seek the honour and the glory of our God and give the Lord the praise due to his name let this be the prime desire of our Souls Psal 71.8 Let us long after this as much as ever Rahel did after Children Gen. 30 1. And as we are or will make it appeare that we are the Children of God so let us set our whole hearts and all our strength to glorify him for this doth God challeng by vertue of our sonneship and his owne dominion Mal. 1.6 and this let us make the choise of our endevours Mat. 6.33 this let us value before our owne life Joh. 12.27 28. yea let us desire life chiefly for this end Psal 118.17 and unto this let us frame all the abilities we do enjoy whether inward or outward Prov. 3.9 Let every talent be imployed to the advantage of our great Lord and Master let every creature become a string to sound out Gods praise Psal 113.1 2. Let soule and body like well yoaked oxen draw in this yoake let all the members of the one and all the faculties of the other like an army of well trained souldiers fight these battles let
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
By the stirring struggling and striving nature of sin within them it is not asleep it lieth not like a dead man as it doth in the hearts of carnall and unregenerate people but it fighteth and warreth like a Souldier Gal. 5.17 It is not like a resty jade in the pasture but in the bridle under spur whip It is as pricks and thornes in their sides as the Canaanites were to Israel Iudg. 2.3 as a heavy burthen on their backs Psal 38.4 as a dead body a rotten carkasse unsavoury noisome hatefull a continuall vexation Rom. 7.24 afflictions are very availeable to make and keep a man humble but the feeling of the nature and operation of sin as working more immediately upon the soule conscience is much more forcible to drive man out of himselfe to make him humble this will make a man endued with a propheticall Spirit to say Prov. 30.2 3. It will make a man of the rarest endowments of the greatest industry to say Rom. 7.24 and for this it is that God doth leave sin in the hearts of his Servants 2 Cor. 12.7 3. By the continuall subtle and violent assaults that Sathan doth make against them he spreadeth snares and layeth stumbling blocks in the way to make them fall he seeketh as a Pyrate to rob them like an enemy he layeth continuall siedge against them hunteth like a roaring Lion to make a prey of them he casteth his fiery darts at them to affright such and if it were possible to burne and utterly consume them he raiseth many stormes within and without to disturb and amaze them so mighty so incessant so fraudulent are his attempts that as Israel said in another case Psal 124.1 2 3. So do Gods people in this case and by this meanes it cometh to passe that as the Princes of Israel and the King humbled themselves when Shesack had taken some of their Cities and was come up against Ierusalem 2 Cro. 12.5 6 7. so the people of God perceiving how this Prince of darknes taketh advantages against them how he is in continuall warre with them how they are buffeted by him do still walk humbly before the Lord and this is one use God doth make of him 2 Cor. 12.7 4. By the disposition and qualification of their hearts of Lions they are become Lambs of hard they are become soft and tender ground trembling at the Word of God contrite and breake thorough godly grief and sorrow as a high building beaten to the very dust as a strong body having all the bones broken emptied of all conceit of their strength abilities excellencies cast like Paul from the horse back to the ground denying themselves their owne reason affections purposes thoughts ends renouncing their owne wisedome as folly looking on themselves as on a Lamp that hath no Oile as on a broken vessell wherein is no liquour as on a wounded body wherein is no soundnes 5. By the nature and operation of true and saving grace wheresoever this taketh possession it maketh the heart meek and humble according to the sway and dominion which it beareth the full eare of Corn boweth downeward the full loaden ship goeth deep in the waters The nigher Abraham came to God the more humbly he thought of himself Gen. 18.27 The more grace any man hath the more hee seeth the deformity of his owne hearts the obliquity of his wayes the unprofitablenes of his works Luk. 17.10 it maketh them loath themselves Ezek. 36.25 31. This maketh them esteeme others better than themselves Phil. 2.3 to neglect temporall and externall dignities Heb. 11.24 Christ Iesus in whom was the fulnes of all holines was the most compleat and absolute patterne of all meekness Mat. 11.29 Ioh. 15.3 this is a jewell wherewith they be alwayes adorned a garment with which they be every day cloathed without this they think themselves naked 1 Pet. 5.5 Humility waiteth on true grace like the handmaide upon the Mistriss like the threed following the needle the light attending the Sun the Daughter the Mother Ruth Naomi Gal. 5.22 this is one of the wayting maids belonging to this Princesse one of the branches which springeth from this roote 6. By the work of Gods Word upon their hearts this like a hammer doth breake and bruise them like fire doth melt them Ier. 23.29 like an axe laid to the roote of the tree it doth cast them to the ground Mat. 3.10 like dew it doth soften their hearts which are hard as clay under a long Sun shine Deut. 32.2 Like a warlike weapon it doth cast down the mighty Holds of sin maketh high thoughts stoope 1 Cor. 10.5 maketh hils to become low as the Valleys Luk. 3.5 As the Priest looking upon pronouncing the leprous uncleane caused him to lay his hand upon his mouth and to cry uncleane Lev. 13.44 45. So the Minister of the Lord presenting to Gods people the leprosy of their Souls by the Ministry of the word causeth them Acts 2.37 Rom. 7.9 As David by his perswasions and proffers 2 Sam. 19.14 so God by the Ministry of the Gospel doth bow the heart of the people Psal 45.5 7. By the opinion and apprehension they have of their owne works their best performances their sincerest duties they look upon them as on water running through an impure channel on silver mingled with much drosse a heape of Corn mixed with much chaffe an apple having much rotteness within it their understanding like Leah is bleare-eyed their faith like a palsy mans head hath much shaking in it Joh. 11.44 their will like Lazarus comes forth of the grave bound hand and foote Gen. 32.31 their love is but like a fire in green zeale like the flying of a bird whose wings are broken in their best duties they halt like Jacob and find occasion of humiliation after the performance of their choisest service need to pray for forgivenes of what is amisse for Iob 9.3 Psal 143.1 2. 8. By the afflictions which doe befall them they are a ship tossed a tree shaken corn winnowed spice bruised a field plowed a patridge hunted a body Physicked a Child corrected an oxe in the yoake a tree under the pruning knife Zeph. 3.12 Psal 34.19 Heb. 11.25 and this will keep them low and humble this will make them stoop and bow down to the commandements of the Lord. 9. By the base estimation the World hath of them they are in the eye of the World as the dung and the off-scouring of all things 1 Cor. 4.13 as monsters signes wonders Isa 8.18 Zach. 3.8 gazing stocks Heb. 10.53 excommunicated persons Luk. 6.22 pestilent people unworthy to live upon the face of the earth Acts 22.22 Acts 24.5 driven into dens and caves Heb. 11.36 37. and by this meanes they are also kept meek and humble 10. By the sight and apprehension they have of God which others have not they by faith see him who is invisible are sensibly affected with the beauty
an enemy by their evill works cause him in steed of being a comfortable and shining Sun to be a consuming and burning fire needs must their estate be dangerous for Christ whom they dishonour whom they provoke is above all none is able by his strength to make his part good against him no wicked man shall by any device be able to escape from him he will not be born down with might he will not be appeased with money he will not let any man escape for his nobility or place of eminency though your estate were as glorious rich strong as the image in Nebuchadnezzars vision Da. 12.32 yet vers 34.35 none can exalt himselfe against him but to his owne destruction Mat. 21.44 there will be no hiding place from his wrath he is above all all the creatures are at his command like the Centurious servant Mat. 8.9 They are his armies to execute his wrath upon his enemies he is above all there is no hiding of our selves from him Psal 139.5 6 7. Amos 9.1 2 3 4. The strongest shoulder is too weake to beare the burthen of his indignation the frownings of his face will make the stoutest heart to stoope all the nations of the World are in his hand but as the drop of a bucket Isai 40.15 as chaffe before the wind as stubble before the fire Nah. 1.4 5 6. Iniquity is so repugnant to his nature to his honour to his office so advantagious to Satan so averse to this Kingdome that it shall not escape without punishment where it is found without repentance no hiding no vailing no vaine and frivolous pretences shall excuse or patronize us but as the arrow smote Ahab though he disguised himselfe in the battel so will the arrow of Gods judignation smite all ungodly men notwithstanding all their disguisements for Prov. 21.30 though they be never so high God will bring them down Obad vers 4. he will tread them as the dust under his feet Psal 110.1 If they want their garment Mat. 22.13 If they refuse to be subject to his governement Luk. 19.27 As it was with Sodome that would not have Lot to rule over them they were burned with fire and brimstone so will it be with such as will not suffer Christ to rule over them however they may flourish for a time like the old World promise themselves great things like the rich man Luk. 12.19 yet 2 Thes 1.8 Psal 2.9 2. This setteth before us their folly who neglect and leave Christ Jesus and pursuing and following other things turne their backs on him who is from above and turne their faces on the things which are here below leaving the living fountaine and digging to themselves broken cisternes a folly very manifest I. Because Christ is above all in power none so able to deliver out of danger to preserve in safety he is a sure rocke they who are builded on him shall not sinke he hath a strong arme there is none shall plucke his people out of his hand he is a faithfull keeper Psal 32.7 He is a Lion at whose roaring all the beasts of the forrest shall tremble Deut. 32.11 he is an Eagle bearing his people upon his wings an Arke sustaining them in the deluge of trouble he hath power to restraine the fire that it burne not the winds that they blow not the Seas that they be not boisterous all creatures are in his hands and he can turne them for us or against us Luk. 11.21 Ioh. 11.44 Gen. 18.14 Now is it not great folly to forsake this rocke and build upon the sand like the men of Shechem to leave the shadow of this tree and to hide our selves under the bramble to leave this shield and to arme our selves with browne paper to forsake Christ and trust to the World which will prove a leaking ship in the stormy day a broken bow in the battel able to do nothing 2. Because Christ is above all in wisedome all treasures of wisedome are hid in him as in a store-house Col. 2.3 as light in the Sun as waters in the Sea he is able to endue us to fill us with the truest the sweetest and most usefull knowledge he is able to frustrate the policy of all our adversaries discover and defeate all the stratagems of the old Serpent he knoweth how to heale all the diseases of our Souls he can teach us how to get the favour of God Ephes 4.20 how to become the Sonnes and daughters of God how to find sweetness in his Ordinances Isai 48.17 18. how to attaine peace in our consciences contentment in all estates and conditions how to make a healing Medicine of very poyson how to use an enemies sword as a launcing knife now what folly is it to leave him to reject his counsell and follow them who cannot teach us the Lords way open Gods counsell make us wise unto salvation that cannot shew us how to win the favour of God how to get freedome from Satan this is a wisdome which the World doth not know which her Schooles cannot teach which her treasure cannot buy Job 28.12 13 14 15. 1 Cor. 2.7 8. 3. Because Christ is above all in love all the love of the Creature is but a sparkle to that flame which is in Christ but a shadow to the substance of his love Jacobs love to Rahel causing him to serve for her seaven yeeres in the heate and in the cold was much Jonathans love to David was wonderfull but Christs love doth farre excell them Joh. 15.13 never such love manifested a love so strong that like a mighty streame it did beat down all the banks of opposition Cant. 2.8 a love like an ever living Fountaine alwayes yeelding waters of refreshment like the fire on the Altar alwayes burning Jo. 13.1 A Sun that never setteth though sometime for a moment eclipsed Isai 54.7 This is a love as high above the love of men as the Heaven is above the Earth as the Sea in deepth doth excell the shallow brooke a love so deep so wonderfull that the line of our reason cannot fathome it Eph. 3.19 A love so sweet so pleasant so full of contentement that it beareth a man out against all the hatred of the World it maketh a man cheerefull in the deepest affliction Rom. 5.5 Confident in the strongest opposition constant in the duties of Religion full of inward rejoycing heavenly meditations holy and gracious desires Cant. 1.2 better than Wine Wine is one of the most comfortable Creatures rejoycing the heart of man Psal 104.15 maketh the life joyfull Eccles 10.19 causeth to forget affliction poverty misery Psal 31.6 7. but the love of Christ sensibly felt in the hearts of his Servants doth farre excell all worldly pleasure and causeth such as drinke thereof to forget their bitterness poverty and sorrowes Now is it not great folly to leave this love of Christ so farre above all love for the love of the World which like a shallow brooke is
roabs of Christs righteousnesse the Needle-wrought Garment of sanctification will abundantly supply that want if a man want dainty food have nothing but the bread of adversity and the water of affliction the spiritual dainties which God affordeth his servants will be sufficient he who hath Christ hath all things hath him who is above all things he hath Lands Gold Silver honour peace pleasure more than all this as he who hath the Sun hath the light which is in many Torches and more again if a man want an earthly object whereon to fasten his love his trust whereon to expresse his joy whereto to reveal his minde yet Christ is above all and on him and about him he may with more delight and fulnesse of contentment expresse his love his joy his trust desire speech than to any creature in the world so that this should exceedingly comfort us in all our wants for Ephes 1.21.22 6. Against the fiercenesse of Gods anger the mighty force of Gods displeasure though it be a fire which all the water in the world cannot quench as the roaring of a Lion that maketh all the beasts in the forrest to tremble like a mighty wind rending the rocks Nah. 4.5 like that 1 Kings 19.11 an Arrow that drieth up the spirits Job 6.4 a burthen which no created shoulder can bear a Sword whose prickings a Scorpion whose slingings a rod whose lashings none can without desperation endure though it makes profane men at last say as once Job in the extremities of his anguish did Job 3.3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13. that Rev. 6.16 though like the appearing of the hand-writing Dan. 5.4 5. like the tidings Jos 5.1 though it be of all terribles the most terrible of all noises the most hideous of all fires the most hot the most fervent of all Arrows the most sharp of all Gall the most bitter of all Clouds the most dark of all wayes the most Thorny of all burthens the most heavy of all tidings the most dismall yet fear not the Lord Iesus is above all he is at the right hand of his Father interceding for us he will stand between us and his fathers indignations his bloud speaketh better things than the bloud of Abel Rom. 5.9 10. 1 Thes 1.10 by him we have accesse to God Rom. 5.1 Eph. 2.17 he will turn the consuming fire into a warm and shining Sun the exceeding winde into a still voice the stormy Tempest into a calm the dreadfull voice into a joyfull sound Mount Synai into Mount Syon he will bring us from Mount Ebal to Mount Gerizim Deut. 11.29 7. Against the difficulty of attaining grace working perfecting true holinesse though it be a work of the highest transcendency a work not to be wrought by the finger of men or any angel not sound in any earthly Mine a flower not growing in our Gardens a Tree not to be planted by the Art of the choisest husband-men though Iob 15.14 though 2 Cor. 3.5 though Ier. 13.23 though Mat. 7.15 16. though Isa 11.6 though Ier. 2.24 Ier. 17 9. though as Martha told Christ Ioh. 11.39 so we stink in the grave of sin yet Christ is above all though Abana and Pharpar cannot wash away Naamans Leprosy yet Jordan can though the Disciple cannot cast out the unclean Spirit yet Christ is able he can turn the Lion into a lamb the thorne into a vine as he turned water into Wine he can open the eyes of the blind the ears of the deaf heal the hands that are withered the feet that are lame he can stop the bloudy issue cure all diseases he can send his Spirit into our hearts 1 Ioh. 1.7 Ioh. 1.29 Ioh. 8.36 1 Pet. 2.9 1 Thes 5.23 Ephes 5.26 27. therefore think on this and be comforted Thus of Christs excellency next let us look upon mans indignity described by his originall of the earth Man is resembled to the earth in regard of the bodily part whereof he consisteth he was made of the dust and in regard of the corruption he hath contracted dishonorable condition whereinto his sin hath brought him for as the earth of all the other Elements is most subject to mens feet tendeth downward is ful of slime corruption and the receptacle of worms vermines and many noisome creatures so are the bodies of men brought into a low estate even as low as hell thorough sin the minds of men are altogether downward upon the things of the earth dens of all uncleaness such doth the Baptist shew mans originall to be to his Disciples to teach them not to magnify man nor to think over highly of him but to ascribe all honour unto God and the Lord Jesus who is from above whence learne Doctr. THat Man is of a very low and weak originall and beginning dust and ashes Gen. 18.27 composed of the dust in regard of his bodily visible parts Gen. 2.7 his foundation is said to be laid in the dust to note his frailty easily cast down as a house builded on no better foundation than the dust Iob 4.19 Use 1 This must teach us humility we are but earth dust weak poor frail vessels of a very base beginning the earth which our eyes always behold whereon our feet continually tread should teach us this lesson this earthly garment of the flesh which covereth us by day and is not put off by night should always minde us hereof be as water to quench as a warlike instrument to throw down all high thoughts which exalt themselves the flowers have beauty the trees have blossoms leaves fruit the Cattle have strength the starres have brightness and glory but what hath the dust whereof to glory no Creature hath lesse cause of glorying than man hath of himself if we look either upon his earthly originall or corrupt condition since the fall of Adam therefore as the blackness of the Peacocks feet take away the pride he would otherwise take in his feathers so must the dusty condition of man take away all occasion of glorying which may arise from the other endowments God hath bestowed on him Use 2 This teacheth us to acknowledge the freedom of God in the Donation of his favours it is earth and dust that God hath advanced therefore let us not dream of any worthiness in our selves of any thing in us that might move God hereunto but 1 Cor. 1.20 Ioh. 3.8 Exod. 3.2 3. Zeph. 3.12 Use 3 This must teach us so much the more to admire the goodness and the singular love of God in advancing us into so high estate as to have sonship with him hership with Christ David thought it much that he having stood behinde the Ewes should be advanced in marriage with an earthly Kings Son how much more should we magnify the Lord for advancing us to Wed-lock with Christ the Sonne of a Heavenly King so did the Psalmist Psal 8.3 4. Oh! let this till our hearts with love to God with joy
to Heaven Rom. 6.23 1. His work is evill his wages will be death eternall his seed is naught his harnest cannot be good Gal. 6.3 2. There is nothing in him but earth and therefore Heaven cannot be his habitation his soul is a vessell full of uncleane waters his heart is a fountaine of all abominations the best of his fruit is but sower grapes Sodomitish Apples guilded brasse fair without soul base rotten within 3. When he thinketh himself most rich he is poor and blind and naked when he thinketh himself most wise best sighted he knoweth not light from darkness sweet from sower good from evill when he thinketh himself most free then he is as fast fettered as ever Peter was when he lay bound between the two Souldiers for so do they between the World Devill in the Chaines of their corruption when he thinketh himself most secure then he is nighest to distruction 1 Thes 5.3 like him Luc. 12.19 that naturall man is a stranger to God Christ the Covenant Eph. 2.12 an enemy by his evill works Col. 1.21 a habitation for the uncleane Spirit Luc. 11.20 21. a Servant of iniquity Rom. 6.17 a Souldier in Satans army a branch in the wild Olive a goate and no Sheep a thorne and no Apple-tree a Lion a Bear a Swine a Vulture no Lamb no Deer and therefore in that estate must look to drink of no cup but of the cup of Gods wrath to have no companions but the Devill and his Angels no lodging but eternall darknes that is his portion the Lord will surely give it him there is no way no hope of escaping for Luc. 13.3 Unlesse you turn from the way of sin to the way of life you must perish Ioh. 3.3 Heb. 12.14 no man shall see him here in his word revealing himself to be a gracious father to him in his holiness sanctifying him in his love affecting him with his savours in his presence presenting himself in a loving manner to him nor shall ever be filled with his glorious presence hereafter therefore be not deceived dream not of mercy before there be a desertion of all iniquity of Gods goodnes before you be lead to true repentance Psal 104.4 3. This will meet with and discover their folly who boast of their naturall abilities inclination and freedome to God to renounce sin to imbrace salvation to follow the call of God when they please as if they had as ready a disposition to execute the Lords command as ever the Centurions Servants had to do his of whom he said Math. 8.8 9. As if they were as strong in grace as Sampson in bodily strength able to break the cords of iniquity as if they were but reeds and rushes as if they were but fallen a little asleep in sin like Jonah in the bottome of the ship the voyce of the Minister was presently able to awaken them as if sin were not like the skin to the flesh hardly pulled of like the marrow to the bone uneasily gotten out but an old outer garment upon the back easily cast off But here we see that the Baptist doth not say we are fire whose sparks naturally fly upward nor watery vapours which are easily exalted by the influence and attractive power of the Sun but earth and earthly whose nature is ponderous heavy and altogether tending downward no more able no more inclinable to any thing savingly good than the earth is able of itself to ascend upward or to speak in the language of the Prophet then a black-Moor can make himself white or a Leopard change his spots Ier. 13.23 and surely these mens errour might easily be discerned if they did but well weigh and throughly consider 1. Their indisposedness to all good yea their aversness from it their enmity against it their indisposedness to it expressed by a bullock unaccustomed to the yoke Ier. 31.18 by a wild asse running over hedge ditch refusing to be taken Ier. 2.24 by a dead man that hath no disposition to rise out of the grave Ephes 2.1 by a Lion and a Leopard which are altogether fierce Isai 11.6 by evil ground which naturally beareth nothing but Thornes and Bryars Heb. 6.8 by stones and Rocks which have no disposition to turne into water or soft ground Exek 36.26 their enmity against all good is expressed by a Serpent refusing to hear the voyce of the charmer Ps 58.50 by a theef striving against the light Iob 24.13 an unruly subject breaking all the bounds which are set him by his Soveraigne Psal 2.2 an implacable enemy that will not that cannot be reconciled Rom. 8.7 and surely if we well weigh if we have any true experience of the violence and mighty force of our corruption we may say of that as St. James doth of the tongue Iac. 3.7 8. so in this case we may say of our corruption all other fierce beasts have been tamed but who can rule this this is a horse of that force that man cannot bridle it a fire of that strength man cannot quench it a Lion of that fierceness man cannot tame it a Sea of that force that man cannot stop it none but he that put a bridle into the nostrils of Senacharib can bridle this unruly monster 2. The power of sin resembled to a conquerour leading captives Rom. 7.23 to a Master whom we serve at whose beck we move Tit. 3.3 to a King raigning over the whole man as a King over the people Rom. 6.12 to a death which hath the whole command of the body there is nothing remaineth to resist it Col. 2.12 such a forcible disease it is that as no Physician could heal the bloody issue Marc. 5.25 29. so none can cure this but onely he that cured that 3. The dearness of sin it is tenderly beloved the palace wherein the naturall man delighteth to dwell the pleasant wine which he drinketh the onely manchet whereof he desireth to feed Prov. 9.17 the onely Companion wherein he taketh comfort this is to him as the Idoll to Micah as the messe of pottage to Esau as the forbidden fruit to our first parents as the pieces of money to Judas as the golden wedge and Babylonish garment to Achan this is the Dalilah whereon they doat the Child which they feed the infant whereunto they draw out both their breasts the game which they pursue the Musick whereat they dance the treasure for which they search they love sin as Jonathan David they will strip themselves of their best garments to apparell it 2 Sam. 18.1 2. as Jacob loved Rahel they will serve in the heat and in the cold in all estates endure all miseries for it this is pleasant to their eyes Gen. 3.6 delightfull to their Palates Job 20.12 a precious pearle in their hands as the signets on their finger the mistris of their affections they will spend all in the service of it Prov. 23.21 they will suffer all miseries rather than forsake it Prov. 23.34 35.
the iniquity removed the holds of Satan cast downe they themselves delivered Isa 1.74 75. made free Jo. 8.36 from the dominion of sinfull lusts free from the tyranny of Satan the Prince of darknesse free from the world that it cannot carry us away captives free to know God free to love God free to beleeve receive and delight in God Rom. 6.18 no more the children of the bond but of the free woman Gal. 3 31 no more like Lazarus in the grave but like Lazarus risen walking after following and eating with Christ obeying delighting and rejoycing in him no more going about the duties of holinesse by compulsion but like the elders Iud. 5.3 6. By the matter of our mediation having entertained Christ into our hearts we thinke of Christ the things appertaining to his kingdome more then of any other thing whatsoever As the Wife thinketh of her Husband more frequently more affectionately with more freedome fulness strength with more motion of love then of any other mans the good subject spendeth more and better thoughts about his Soveraigne then about a forraign Prince so all they who by a lively faith have betrothed themselves to Christ given up their names to him do frequently and fervently meditate upon him and his testimonies Phil. 4.8 Cant. 3.1 Psa 1.2 Phil. 3.20 Heb. 13.14 7. By the simplicity plainnesse and integrity of our hearts true believers are true Nathaniels like Christ in whom there was no deceit their disposition their conversation is like Christs Coat without welt or gard therefore likened to Doves Mat. 10.16 to little children Mat. 18.3 Rom. 16.19 like bounglers that have no skil no art in working what is unlawful this is the exoration of the Apostle Phil. 2.15 and this is the care of Gods servants Acts. 23.16 And this is the joy of Gods people 2 Cor. 1.12 and by these things may we know whither we have entertained Christ or not Verse 33. It is not the least but the choisest labour of Gods faithfull ministers to breed faith in the hearts of Gods servants the nature of this is most excellent the presence of it most pleasant the use of it most profitable the opposition against it very strong the honour arising to God from it very great therefore the baptist endeavoureth from the singuler use benefit of faith on the one side and from the danger and dammage of infidelity on the other side to perswade his disciples to beleeve tels them that hee who hath received his testimony hath set to his seale that God is good Hee whatsoever hee be of whatsoever condition or calling of whatsoever place or Countrey who hath received his testimony hath hearkned to the voice of Christ with his eare comprehended the message of Christ with his understanding opened his heart imbraced it with his affection builded his confidence thereupon that man hath put to his seale consented subscribed acknowledged confessed published declared that God is true that all the words which Christ hath spoken are the words of God that there is no deceit in them that God is faithfull in fulfilling all his promises from whence the Baptist teacheth us That it is a great honour to God that his servants do by a lively faith imbrace build upon his promises as man is honoured when his words are beleeved his promises imbraed so is God c. and God by this meanes is honoured First by then acknowledging of of his truth and fidelity nothing is more dear to God then his truth no sacrifice more acceptable to God then a lively faith whereby we publish him to be a true a faithfull and a righteous God a God of truth Deut. 32.4 a faithfull God Deut. 7.9 2. By the acknowledging of his power and Alsufficiency hereby we declare to all the world that power belongeth unto God Psa 62.11 that he is Alsufficient Gen. 17.1 that he can doe whatsoever pleaseth him Psa 135.4 5. Gen. 18.14 3. By relying wholly upon him for life and salvation not leaning on any arme of flesh not trusting to any of our owne or others works but acknowledging our owne righteousnesse to bee but ragges Isa 64.6 our owne Vessel to be empty the fruit of our owne Tree to bee sower grapes the wages of our own worke to be death therefore going out of our selves unto God and relying on him by faith wee doe glorifie his name 2 Cor. 12.9 4. By departing from iniquity beleeving the promises of mercy the threatnings of Wrath wee humble our selves for our iniquities are moved to repentance Jona 3.5 Acts. 15.9 5. By becoming living members of Christ fruitfull and bearing branches in the true Vine Christ Jesus Jo. 15.8.6 by addressing our selves to God by fervent prayer for comfort in heavines for deliverance in dangers for peace in troubles Psa 116.10 7. By giving us victory over all assaults Ro. 8.36 37. 1. Jo. 5.4 Vse This therefore will teach us that it is a great sinne not to beleeve a great dishonour to God not to give credit to his word to heare and not receive his testimony to have the promise of life unfolded and not heartily imbrace it not firmly build upon it for hereby they call the truth of God into question make God like a man that may lye the Son of man that may repent rob God of his truth which is most essentiall and proper to him yea take away that which is most deare to him and judge him unworthy to be beleeved therefore in the 1 e. of Jo. 5.10 2. Hereby they thinke of God as a broaken bough a withered reed a weake arme a God insuffient to fulfil what he hath promised a God unable to provide for them that depend upon him 3. Hereby they build upon some other foundations seeke for somewhat in the creature which they imagine is not to be found in the Creator with Ahaziah leaving the God of Israel and go to Beelzebub with Israel forgetting the rock that made them they goe to Aegypt for assistance in the day of trouble 4. Hereby they disobey and rebell against God they shake off that yoak of subjection which God hath put upon them therefore the unbeleefe of Moses and Aaron is called a transgression Deut. 32.51 and rebellion Num. 27.14 2 Kings 17.14 15. 5. Hereby they dishonour God in the eyes of others give an evill example become a stumbling block to their brethren confirme many in evil Numb 20.11 12. 6. Hereby they dispise the good things which God hath provided for them which God hath promised unto them the fountaine of his loving kindnesse is reputed an empty pit the glorious sunshine of his favours is looked upon as a lampe without oyle as a tree without fruit as a hive without honey Psa 160.24 7. Hereby they grow discontented with their estate repine against God as against a hard master that dealt not well with them enjoyning a labour not to be performed by them
as if God had brought them into a condition wherein he could not preserve them into a danger out of which he could not deliver them made a promise which he was not able to accomplish Psa 106.25 Hereby they deny Gods Soverainty and dominion they harkened not saith the. Psalmist Psa 106.25 that is they detracted from Gods authority and dominion they would not be guided by his voice ruled by his counsell but would fight against the Amalekites go into the land of promise when God forbad them Deut. 1.42 43.44 thus you see now greatly God is dishonoured by infidelity 2. Therefore as we doe desire to make the name of God glorious to doe any thing pleasing in Gods presence let us labour to beleeve his word to consent subcribe and yeeld to the truth of his testimony to search after the through-knowledge of it to imbrace it with most hearty and unfained affection to build upon it as upon a sure foundation to rest upon Christ alone for life and salvation to get a gracious perswasion in our hearts of the goodnesse of God in Christ towards our own soules to stay upon Christ as upon a sure pillar to build upon him as upon the onely foundation a foundation which will not faile to fasten our faith upon him as the marriner his Anker on a sure rock and as 2 Chron. 32.8 so let us rest our selves upon the promises of God no other hath promised life and salvation no other can conferre the remission of sinne and life eternall no other can deliver from Hell sinne and Satan therefore let us take off our hearts from all other and relye onely upon him Isa 45.22 for there is no other name Acts 4.12 and all the promises which God hath made in him are most certaine 2 Cor. 1.20 most constant whatsoever change there be this faileth not Isa 40.8 this like the Sea continueth full though other water brookes doe faile these are most pleasant and delightfull full of refreshment delight and comfort to Gods people Psa 23.4 and in beleeving Gods promises in geting interest in them in building upon them wee shall be drawne to attend Gods ordinances with delight as the child sucketh the brests as Job desired it more then his appointed food to come as to our fathers house as into our friends presence to be glad with David Psa 122.1.2 Wee shall stirre up others to seeke God in the use of his ordinances we shall call others Jsa 2.2 wee shall strive to bring them to the Physitian of their soules to make them partakers of his Grace Lu. 22.32 3. Wee shall be full of love to God and to his wayes Gal. 5.6 7. Wee shall be rich in all good works like a tree full of fruit a garden full of sweet flowers and thus shall we abundantly glorifie God by believing to this we should be induced by considering the fulnesse and Alsuffici of Christ Jesus for Verse 34. He whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God for God giveth not the spirit to him by measure The Baptist here rendereth the reason why they doe put to their seale that God is true when they doe receive the testimony of Christ even because the testimony of Christ is the testimony of God for Christ is come from his Heavenly Father and God alone doth speake by him for so Jo. 7.16 Jo. 14.24 Heb. 5.5 6. wherein we may consider 1. Christs authority he whom God hath sent speaketh the Words of God 2. His sufficiency for he hath not received the spirit by measure first his authority hee was sent of God equall with God in regard of his Divine Essence but inferiour to the Father according of his humane nature office of a Mediatour the Sun is said to be sent in that he was appointed put forth and furnished with gifts and authority to fulfill the office of a Mediatour Gal. 4.4 and to speake the words of God in that as a Messenger declareth not his owne mind but his who sent him So Christ doth deliver the mind and Councell of God the Father from whence we may learne that the doctrine which is delivered by Christ Jesus is most holy and infallable the very word of God who is truth it selfe a doctrine of power to convince Mat. 7.28 full of light to give knowledge Mat. 4 16. a key opening Gods Councell which is hidden from the wise men of the World Lu. 10.21.22 a Doctrine not to be reproved but worthy to be beleeved Jo. 8.46 therefore to this wee should come upon this wee should wait as upon the light which alone is able to shew us the way of life as upon the Schoole wherein we may learne true wisedome 2. Tim. 3.17 as on the Jordan which will cleanse us from our iniquities Jo. 15.3 This wee should imbrace as the seed which will beget us againe unto a new life Jo. 1.18 As the voice which will raise us Jo. 11.44 Jo. 5.25 On this wee should feed as on the Milke which will make us grow in the grace of Gods Spirit 1 Pet. 2.2 this wee must follow as the fiery pillar which will lead us to the Heavenly Canaan this wee must use as the Spiritual weapon which will beate down the holds of sinne Satan which will cast him downe as the thunder doth the lightning thus wee must affect as the meanes of peace and reconcilement between us and our God Much more might be said of this but wee have lately heard of this more largely One thing more may be learned out of these words from the preparation of Christ to his office as he comming to preach the Gospel had his commission from God spake no other but the words of God so it setteth before us the duty of Gods Messengers and teacheth us Gods Ministers must be sure that God doe give them their commission and that they preach nothing but what is Gods will and councell First they must have a commission as an Embassadour must have a commission from his Soveraigne So Heb. 5.4.5 This is so needfull that without it they cannot discharge their calling Ro. 10.15 Therefore wisedomes Maidens Christs Ministers went not of their owne accord but were sent Pro. 9.3 And the Prophets of old went not upon their owne head but the Lord sent them Jer. 44.4 The disciples of our Saviour had also authority given before they undertooke this function Mat. 10.16 as they must have their commission so they must deliver none but Gods mind and message to the people an Embassadour may not deliver his owne but his Soveraignes message to the people it was the Lords charge Ezeck 2.7 It was Pauls care 1 Cor. 11.23 and 1 Pet. 4.11 And it was Peters comfort 2 Pet. 1.16 2. Cor 1.11.12 2 Cor. 4.1.2 Their commission they must have from God 1. Because otherwise they cannot faithfully open the mind and councell of God how can they preach accept they be sent unlesse they be furnished and prepared by the
hereby no way diminished Reso 2. The son is the person which doth chiefly manifest himself in the administration of the kingdom not that the Father and holy Ghost are excluded but the work of the Son is most apparent seen and observed and therfore to him it is chiefly attributed Qu. If the Father gave all things into Christ's hands how come's it to pass that hee was in externall condition so poor loaden with so many reproaches that hee lived in the form of a servant why had hee not lived as a King and glorious prince Reso Christ's Kingly Office during his abode on earth was to give place to his Priestly office the priestly office was now fully to bee executed the kingly office but sparingly manifested that the execution of his priestly office might not bee hindered which would have been if his kingly office had now been fully manifested 1 Cor. 2.8 and therefore hee often charged his disciples to conceal the miracles which hee wrought These things thus answered the Use serveth Vse 1. To bee terror in the hearts of all profane men of all such as are enemies to Christ by their evil works the power of a mortal enemy doth much affright us hee that is regardless at the barking of a dog will fly at the roaring of a lion the great stature and strength of Goliah made all Israel tremble Christ hath all things in his hands hee is endowed with all power and authority none shall bee able to resist him none can make his part good against him hee is a stone hewen out of the mountains breaking in pieces the greatest opposing kingdoms Dan. 2.44 a stone whosoever falleth on him shall bee bruised on whomsoever it falleth it will grinde him to powder Rev. 5.5 hee is the lion of the tribe of Judah if hee roar in his indignation hee will make all the beasts of the forrest all the wicked men of the world to tremble if hee appear in his wrath they will fly like Gaal before Abimelech however they make a mock of the day of Judgment 2 Pet. 2 3. as Gaal did of the coming of Abimelech as hee is to his servants like the sun with healing in his wings Mal. 4.2 so to his enemies will hee bee as a flaming fire 2 Thes 1.8 full of burning as hee is gentle like a gracious and sweetly disposed friend to the one so will hee bee terrible as a man of war to the other Psal 54 5. as hee appeased the storm to the comfort of his disciples Mat. 8.26 so will hee raise a stormy tempest to annoy his enemies which never shall bee quieted There are 5. things in Christ which should make all the prophane men on the earth to tremble 1. The fulness of his power her can dash them in pieces as a potter's vessel Psal 2.9 hee can beat the mountains into dust if hee becom an enemy if hee arm himself against us it will bee with us as when Joshua came it was with the Canaanires Josh 5.1 there will no more spirit remain within us no friend will help us no shield will defend us no walls will shelter us hee hath all creatures to command the very divels are subject to him 2. The knowledg of Christ as the Psalmist saith of the sun Psal 19. so it is much more true of the Son of righteousness hee searcheth from one end of the soul from one end of the life to the other and nothing is hidden from his eie hee will finde out the sin that lieth like Jonah in the bottom of the ship hee will finde out the Babylonish garment and golden wedg like Joshua it was in vain for Jeroboam's wife to disfigure her self before the Prophet it is in vain for any man to draw off the concealment of his sin or the hiding of himself from the eies of the Lord Iesus 3. The justice of Christ hee will not suffer sin to go unpunished punishment shal as surely follow sin as the thread doth follow the needle as the heat doth follow the fire there is no iniquity shall escape as the carefull husbandman rooteth out the thorns and briars as the diligent houswife casteth the rubbish out of the hous as the chaff and tares are cast into the fire so will Christ deal with the thorns and briars chaff and tares profane men of the world therefore as the Angel said to Lot as David to the people so let mee in this behalf say to you 4. That Christ shall bee Judg it will much trouble a malefactor that his enemy shall bee his judg Christ whose ordinances you have neglected whose precepts you have transgressed whose servants you have abused hee shall bee your judg therefore labor to bee in with Christ as men labor to bee in with the Judg and to make him your friend or else you are for ever undone 5. That Christ alone is the Saviour if hee do not deliver thy soul as David the sheep out of the jaws of the lion if hee do not open the prison as the Angel did to Peter if hee do not cure you no Physitian can heal you if his blood do not wash you no water can cleans you therefore there is no hope of entring into life if you make not your peace with him no beholding of God's face unless you bee united to his Son no reigning with him unless you bee now made conformable to him unless you now enter into Covenant with him better all the world were an enemy against him better beg like Lazarus from door to door better bee esteemed as a monster in the world better live in goats skins and sheep skins having his favor then with all the pomp pride pleasure and jollity of the world with his displeasure if hee bee angry what will you do whither can you go who can help you will not all creatures say as the King of Israël said to Naaman 2 King 5.7 Am I a God to kill and to make alive that you come to mee cannot all creatures join with Christ against us as the souldiers with the General are not all things given into his hands oh think on this even this fulness of the power of Christ and tremble to go on in any sin against Christ to continue under the wrath of Christ for bitter at the last will be the portion of all such as are not at peace with him as walk not uprightly before him Psal 110 1 2. Mat. 21.41 Mat. 22.13 I would chuse rather to live in the poorest condition in the world with the love of my Saviour than possess the highest places of the earth and drink of the sweetest river of worldly pleasures and bee a stranger to the light of his countenance and to all that walk as enemies to the cross of Christ I will say as Jacob did to Simeon Genes 49.6 7. 2. Is all put into Christ's hands then this must teach all God's people 1. Obedience and a holy subjection to his will in all things