Rejoyce There is a great deal of difference between Lamps and Stars Lamps must have Oil to feed them else they will go out but faithful Ministers are compared to Stars Rev. 2.1 These will shine though they have no supplies or contributions from below The World is very ungrateful to Christs laborious Servants and afford them but a slender and starving Maintenance yet they do not cease to Preach and shine to the World 6. This ability consists in their being certain and fully assured of the Doctrine they Preach They have known surely that I came out from thee and they have believed that thou didst send me We believe and are sure that thou art that Christ the Son of the Living God John 6.68 69. Our Gospel saith Paul came to you in much assurance as ye know what manner of Men we were among you for your sake Paul did evidence by his fervent Preaching and his importunate pleading with them that he was fully assured of the Truth Excellency and Importance of the Gospel 7. The ability of Ministers consists in their boldness and courage to suffer and Patience in sufferings 1 Thes 2.2 Paul saith after we had suffered before and were shamefully entreated at Philippi we were bold in our God to speak unto you the Gospel of God with much contention The Rulers and Elders of the Jews saw the boldness of Peter and John was not this high courage and strong boldness that the Apostles should divide the World and take every own his share of it to manure for God to conquer for Christ to build a House and Temple of God upon 2 Cor. 10.13 4.15 The Apostle speaks of this measure and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the measure of the Rule that God had divided unto us and that he did not stretch himself beyond his measure 2 Cor. 10.14 and that he did not boast of things without or beyond his measure This was strange boldness to divide the World and to seize and take every one his Lot and share to subdue the Nations to God And the Patience of the Apostles was invincible in all their Tribulations they rejoyced that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name sake Acts 5.41 Paul rejoyced if he was offered on the Service and Sacrifice of the Philippians Faith Phil. 2.17 Bonds and Afflictions did not move Paul neither did he account his life dear unto himself that he might finish his course with Joy and the Ministry that he had received of the Lord Jesus to testify the Gospel of the Grace of God Acts 20.24 I am ready not only to be bound but also to die at Jerusalem for the Name of the Lord Jesus Acts 21.13 Paul and others did glory in Tribulations 8. Ministers are able when they take care of themselves and of their own Souls Paul saith to the Elders of Ephesus take heed to your selves and to the Flock of God over which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers Acts 20.28 Gospel-officers are said not only to have eyes before that is to look to God and behind to look after the Flock committed to them Rev. 4.6 but they are also said to have eyes within Rev. 5.8 to look to themselves and to watch over their own Souls The Apostle Paul was so circumspect and exact that he could call God to Witness as to his private actions and the principles of them and he could call men to Witness as to his publick Actions and Conversation God is witness and ye also how Holily justly and unblameably we behaved our selves among you that believe 1 Thes 2.10 9. Ministers should be diligent and laborious Being affectionately desirous of you we were willing to have imparted to you not the Gospel of God onely but also our own Souls because ye were dear to us as you know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you as a Father doth his Children 1 Thes 2.8 I kept back nothing that was profitable to you but have shewed you and have taught you publickly from house to house by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with Tears Acts 20.20.31 2 Tim. 4.2 Luk. 14.23 They should be instant and pressing on Souls in Season and out of Season and compel guests to come into Christ feast They should labour to bring Sacrifices to the Spiritual Temple Isa 66.20 And to present a beautiful Bride to the Son of God 2 Cor. 11.2 1 Col. last 10. A door of Utterance is requisite to make an Able Minister of the New Testament Paul desires the Prayers of the Ephesians that Utterance might be given to him that he might open his Mouth boldly to make known the Mystery of the Gospel Again he begs Prayers of the Colossians that God would open to him a door of Utterance To speak the Mystery of Christ Ministers must not only be large Cisterns to hold a great deal of the Spiritual Waters of the Sanctuary but also be fit Pipes to conveigh the Spiritual Waters unto others Vse of Exhortation If God makes men able Ministers of the New Testament we should lift up our Eyes and Soules to God and earnestly beg him to fulfil his Promise to us that he will give Pastors according to his own heart to feed his Flock with knowledge and understanding Jer. 3.15 Sue to Christ to give Gifts from Heaven such as become a Glorified Saviour to bestow even Officers filled with the Gifts and Graces of the Holy Ghost Seek for such Ministers as Apollos was 1. He was Instructed in the way of the Lord Acts 18.25 He was not Rude Ignorant or Unskilfull in the VVord of Righteousness but was well Taught the way in which God comes to us and the way by which we are to come to God and enjoy Communion with him 2. He was Fervent in Spirit It is this Holy fire that must burn and shed abroad the sweet savour of the Knowledge of God And this is wonderful that Christ's Ministers should overcome and Triumph by spreading abroad the Sweet Savour of the Knowledge of God that they should conquer by a Perfume 3. Apollos Taught diligently the Doctrine of Christ he pleaded for God and wooed for Christ he was not slothful and negligent How earnest is the Sun in running of its Race How swift are the Stars in their daily motions to give Light to the VVorld even so should Ministers be The promoting of the Kingdom of God is much carried on by a skilful able and powerful Ministry that is not only Light but also Fire such as will be not only Shining but Burning Lights 2 Cor. 4.6 God must shine into their hearts to enable them to give forth the Light of the Knowledge of the Glory of God to others Matth. 3.11 this will make Ministers shining Lights And it is also Requisite and Necessary that Christ should Baptize his Officers with the Holy Ghost and with Fire and this will render them Burning Lights They are the best
good things for us else he could not bequeath them to us We were such Criminals such guilty Creatures that Jesus Christ could not live and give any good to us or bestow any Spiritual Blessing on us but he must die to bequeath Legacies all Spiritual Good Things must come swiming to us in the Blood of Jesus Christ 3. That Jesus Christ should empty himself to fill us impoverish himself to inrich us You know saith Paul The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ that though he was rich yet for our sakes he became poor that we through his Poverty might be Rich 2 Cor. 8 9. The Lord of Heaven and Earth the Heir of all things was in a meaner and lower condition than Birds and Foxes The Birds of the Air have Nests and Foxes have Holes but the Son of Man hath not where to lay his Head Luke 9.58 The Curse took hold of him that the Blessing might flow to us Death came to him that Life might be derived to us 4. Consider how sweet comfortable and refreshing Christ's Testament is 1. In a Covenant there are Two Parties obliging themselves to each other but in a Testament there is but one Party Bequeathing and that is Christ 2. Covenants are Vacated and Disanulled by the Death of one or both of the Confederates but a Testament is not disanulled but established by the Death of Christ We are Heires in Reversion and Heires in Possession by our own Death 3. A Testament is irrevocable because it is built on something past and that cannot be undone Jesus Christ hath died and this gives eternal force to his Testament The Benefits and Legacies of Christ's Testament come to us in a Righteous way what he Bequeathes he Purchases and there is a powerful and effectual way to execute Christ's Testament The Holy Ghost fulfills the Promises and bestowes the Legacies of this Testament Men are Taught and do know God as the true God and their God they are drawn and do choose God for their God and Portion and do sincerely become a Peculiar People to him and they are caused to walk in his Statutes and to keep his Judgments and Commands 2d Vse of Exhortation 1. Branch O seek to have Benefit by Christ's Testament to be his Legatees yea his Heires O be not contented with a short Reprieve and with meer Patience and Forbearance Do not satisfie your selves with some present Almes of Mercy and Temporary Relief but seek a Rich and lasting Portion an Eternal Inheritance Let not this quiet you that you are Stewards of Temporal Things but make sure you shall be Heires of an everlasting Salvation and Kingdom Do not onely catch at God's Riches in Earthly things Psal 10.24.3 but lay hold of the Riches of Christ for Eternity Ephes 8. O prize and secure your Interest in this Testament for 1. It mainly and principally respects the Soul and Eternity The Soul shall find rest Matth. 11.28 Isa 55.2 of it self in fatness and obtain Salvation 1 Pet. 1.9 2. This is a Comprehensive Testament here is Grace given and Glory bequeathed 1. Galat. 6. 2 Thes 2.14 3. Here are the greatest most precious and Invaluable Legacies bestowed God gives himself as our God Father and Portion Jer. 31.33 and Jesus Christ bestowes himself as a Head Husband and Saviour 2 Cor. 12. Ephes 5.23 That you may have benefit by this New Testament I would Counsel and Advise these Two things 1. O be Married to Jesus Christ the Testator Rom. 7.4 as Adam awaked out of his deep sleep to Marry Eve so Christ is awaked and Risen from the Dead to Marry poor Soules and to settle his Riches and Inheritance on them 2. Cry and seek for the Spirit Luke 12.2.13 he is the Faithful and Powerful Executor of Christ's Testament he can open blind Eyes break hard Hearts quicken dead Soules 2d Branch of the Vse of Exhortation O be Grateful be Thankful to the Testator that hath established this New Testament give your selves to Christ 2 Cor. 5.5 and serve him Psal 22.30 Yield your selves to God as those that are alive from the dead Rom. 13. Offer your selves to God as living Sacrifices Rom. 12. Turn to Christ Acts 11.21 Run to Christ Isa 55.15 Live to him 2 Cor. 5.15.54 Be his Portion and Possession Isa 53.12 Psal 2.8 Be First-Fruits to God and the Lamb as those that are obliged to it by Redemption and as those that are enabled thereunto by Regeneration We are Redeemed to be First-Fruits we are Begotten to be First-Fruits Rev. 14.4 James 1.18 2d Doctrine Gospel Officers are Ministers of the New Testament this is their Honour and Glory that they are sent forth into the World with the Word and glad Tidings of Reconciliation in their Mouths and the Testament of the Son of God in their Hands 1. They are to reveal to the World this Great Secret this deep and wonderful Mystery that the Son of God hath set his House in Order and made his last Will and Testament The World is an utter stranger to this Supernatural Truth the Church only knows it and is acquainted with it Psal 25.14 This is spoken of as a great Mercy that God will Reveal this Secret and shew his Covenant unto any 2. Christ's Officers are to open explain and expound this Testament it is so Rich Full and Comprehensive that Ministers may Study Meditate Contemplate on it all their days and Preach it throughout their whole Life This is the Eminent and Noble Employment of Ministers to Preach to the World the unsearchable Riches of Christ 2 Cant. 3. 2 Cor. 2.14 They are to give forth the Savour of Christ's Ointments to pour out his Name as Ointment to shed abroad the sweet savour of the Knowledge of God and Christ in every place to bear Christ's Name before the World Acts 9.15 The Church is compared to a Company of Horses in Pharaohs Chariot as by her Officers she draws Christ's Spiritual Chariot and him sitting in it through the World 1 Cant. 9. with 3 Cant. 9 10. 3. They are to urge and press on Men to lay hold of this Covenant of this Testament of the Son of Cod As it is eminent Grace in God to shew us this Covenant Psal 25.14 so it is our main and most important duty to lay hold on this Covenant on this Testament Isa 56.4.6 We have nothing to relieve our Fainting and Famishing Soules we have nothing to bear up our sinking Spirits but the Testament of Christ 1. Here is a most clear Revelation of Spiritual and Eternal things Life and Immortality is brought to light by the Gospel 2 Tim. 1.10 The way to the Holiest of all was not yet made manifest while as the first Tabernacle was yet standing the Vaile stood and continued before the most Holy Place notwithstanding all the Sacrifices of the Law but when Christ died the Vaile of the Temple was rent from the top to the bottom and we have boldness to enter into the Holiest even
Ministers that Preach what they have Tasted and Experienc'd Christ in the 7th of St. Iohn v. 38th saith He that believes on me out of his belly shall flow Rivers of Living Waters This phrase out of his Belly is to be observed he that hath drank of Christ's Spiritual VVaters out of his Belly shall flow Rivers of Living VVaters that which hath satisfied and delighted him shall flow out to the Refreshment of others O how earnest and importunate should Christians be at the Throne of Grace that God would furnish the Church with a skilful and active Ministry Aaron was to have Golden Bells and Pomegranates on the Hem of his Garment round about Exod. 28.33 24 35. The Pomegranates might point at the Sweet Savour of Christ's Death and Sacrifice And this was to be sounded out by the Apostles Preaching as Golden Bells Justin Martyr doth apply these Bells to the Apostles and Gospel Ministers in his Dialogue with Tryphis the Jew These do depend on the Garment of Christ as High Priest of the Church They are by Preaching to sound out the Sufferings and Death of Christ to the World Solomon made a Molten Sea that contained a great quantity of Water and it was put upon Twelve Oxen three of which looked to each of the Quarters of the World And this Sea seems to point out the Blood of Christ and its abundant Merit and the Twelve Apostles as so many Spiritual Oxen were to bare and carry this Sea of Blood into the several parts of the World by the Preaching of the Gospel that Soules might be washed in this Spiritual Sea the Great Trumpet was to be blown Isa 27. last the Spiritual Jubilee was to be Proclaim'd and Who should do this but the Ministers of the Gospel Christ was to be lifted up Isa 49.22 Isa 11.10 Isa 53.1 2 Cor. 2.14 as a Standard and to stand as an Ensign to draw perishing sinners together to seek Righteousness and Salvation in him A Report was to be made of Jesus Christ the sweet Savour of his Knowledge was to be shed abroad And who are fit Spiritual Incense-Pans or Vessels to bear the Name of Christ before the World but the Ministers of the New Testament Though these are but as little Children in the Eye of the World because of mean Quality and Degree as to their outward State yet such Little Children shall be enabled by the Power of God to Lead Herds of those that have been Lions Tygers and Bears but now become Tame and Gentle Creatures Isa 1.6 7. They are to Reclaim Men from their Savage Cruel Barbarous Nature and Manners and to Reduce them to the Meekness and Gentleness of Christ They are to Hew Sinners out of the Common Quarry they are in to Fish and draw them out of the Dead Sea Ezek. 17.10 11. to cut them out of the Wild Olive not to be Burnt but to be Grafted they are to out the Navel of Sinners Ezek. 16.4 and to separate them from Old Adam They are to beget Men in Christ 1 Cor. 4.15 they are to Ingraft Men into Christ and to Espouse them to Christ 2 Cor. 11.2 They are to encourage the Dejected and Disconsolate In this sense the Breasts of the Church are as the Clusters of the Vine they contain excellent Wine of Consolation Isa 66.11 Soules may suck and be satisfied with the Breasts of her Consolation Cant. 7.8 They are to strengthen the weak hands to confirm the Feeble Knees to say to them that are of a fearful heart be strong and fear not Isa 35.3 4. They are to Feed Strengthen and Nourish Soules The Breasts of the Church are as Towers Cant. 8.10 The same Hebrew Word is used to fignifie a Pulpit 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Migdal The Pulpits of Ministers are the Churches Breasts whereby Soules are Fed and Nourished Not only their Lips but their Souls must Preach Therefore it is put in the Feminine Gender Cokeleth Eccles 1.1 So Psal 68.11 They that Publish it is also put in the Feminine Gender to intimate it is Souls that must Preach There is need of a Mighty Power to work in Ministers that they may Pray Fervently Preach and Exhort Zealously 1 Col. last Have large and capacious Soules that may have room for all the concerns of the Church and be suitably affected with the Burdens Temptations Afflictions Soul-Troubles and Distresses of every particular Christian to Watch over the Members of the Church to care for them to Instruct Warn Reprove to deny themselves to spend and be spent for Christ O what a Presence Assistance and Powerful Influence of the Spirit doth this Require to fit and enable Ministers for the full Discharge of their Office O therefore wrestle with God cry mightily to him to Raise up such Able Ministers of the New Testament that may be filled with the Spirit and Preach in the Demonstration of the Spirit and of Power 1 Cor. 2.4 And be earnest to rescue Souls from the Power of Darkness and to Translate them into the Kingdom of God's dear Son That they may be Pens in the Hand of the Spirit 2 Cor. 3.3 to Write the Doctrine of the Gospel in the Mindes and Hearts of Men that their Mouthes may be a Sword in the hand of the Spirit to wound the Old Man to Death Ephes 6.17 Jer. 23.29 And that the Word they Preach may be a Hammer in the Hand of the Spirit to break the Rocky Hearts of Men in Pieces and as a Fire to burn up the Dross of Men and inflame their Soules with Love to and Zeal for God FINIS BOOKS Printed for Thomas Parkhurst at the Bible and Three-Crowns in Cheapside near Mercers-Chapel THE Fountain of Life opened or a Displaâ— of Christ in his Essential and Mediatoral Glory containing Forty two Sermons on various Texts Wherein the Impetration of our Redemption by Jesus Christ is orderly unfolded as it was begun carried on and finished by his Covenant Transaction mysterious Incarnation solemn Call and Dedication blessed Offices deep Abasement and Supereminent Advancement A Treatise of the Soul of Man wherein the Divine Original excellent and immortal Nature of the Soul are opened its Love and Inclination to the Body with the necessity of its Separation from it considered and improved The Existence Operations and States of separated Souls both in Heaven and Hell immediately after Death asserted discussed and variously applied Divers knotty and difficult Questions about departed Souls both Philosophical and Theological stated and determined The Method of Grace in bringing home the Eternal Redemption contrived by the Father and accomplished by the Son through the Effectual Application of the Spirit unto God's Elect being the second Part of Gospel Redemption The Divine Conduct or Mystery of Providence its Being and Efficacy asserted and vindicated all the Methods of Providence in our course of Life opened with Directions how to apply and improve them Navigation spiritualiz'd or a New Compass for Seamen consisting of Thirty Two Points of pleasant Observations profitable Applications serious Reflections all concluded with so many spiritual Poems c. A Saint indeed the great Work of a Christian A Touchstone of Sincerity or Signs of Grace and Symptoms of Hypocrisie being the second Part of the Saint indeed A Token for Mourners or Boundaries for Sorrow for the Death of Friends Husbandry spiritualiz'd or the Heavenly use of Earthly Things All these Nine by Mr. John Flavell Sermons and Discourses on several Divine Subjects by the late Reverend and Learned David Clarkson B. D. and sometime Fellow of Clare-Hall Cambridge Folio Of Thoughtfulness for the Morrow With an Appendix concerning the immoderate Desire of foreknowing Things to come Of Charity in reference to other Mens sins A Sermon directing what we are to do after a strict Enquiry whether or no we truly Love God A calm and sober Enquiry concerning the Possibility of a Trinity in the Godhead A Sermon preach'd on the late Day of Thankâ—giving Decemb. 2. 1697. To which is persixâ— Dr. Bates's Congratulatory Speech to the Kingâ— All these Eleven by Mr. John Howe The Good of Early Obedience or the Adâ—vantage of bearing the Yoke of Christ betimeâ— Octavo The Almost Christian or the false Professoâ— Tried and Cast Duodecimo Spiritual Wisdom improved against Temptatâ—on Duodecimo The Vision of the Wheels seen by the Propheâ— Ezechiel Quarto A Sermon of Unity or Two Sticks made one Quarto All Five by Matth. Mead Pastor of Church of Christ at Stepney Discourses upon the Rich Man and Lazaruâ— Octavo Three last Sermons of Mr. Cruso To which 〈◊〉 added a Sermon on Novemb. 5. 1697. Octavâ— Both by Tim. Cruso M. A. His Funeral Sermon preach'd by Matth. Meaâ— Quarto The Life and Death of Mr. Philip Henry Miniâ—ster of the Gospel at Whitchurch in Shorpshire whâ— died June 24. 1696 Recommended by Dr. Bates David Jones's Sermon in Ember-Week preacheâ— before the University of Oxford The Qualifications requisite towards the Râ—ceiving a Divine Revelation A Sermon preacâ—ed in the Cathedral Church of St. Paul Januaâ—â— the 2d 1699. Being the First for this Year 〈◊〉 the Lecture Founded by the Honourable Robeâ— Boyle Esq By Samuel Bradford M. A. Rector 〈◊〉 St. Mary le Bow