an intire Christ every Thing in him it is not only Except ye eat the Flesh of the Son of Man but 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Except ye drink his Blood too ye have no Life in you Joh. 6.53 It is not meant of a corporal Drinking him Sacramentally as the Papists say that he speaks of in this Chapter as under the former particular it was hinted to be neither spoken of a Sacramental Eating of his Flesh for then except ye partook every one of the Lords Supper ye could not be saved whereas it might so happen that no space is given at least to all after Conversion to partake of any other Lords Supper than the Marriage-Supper of the Lamb in Heaven Besides it is principally to be considered that the Lord's Supper was not instituted till afterwards and therefore could not be here intended Indeed it is most evidently a Truth that we have Blood both ways to drink that is we have it spiritually to receive by Faith when the Soul ventures out to fetch in all that it needs from the Efficacy and vertue of this Blood and we have it also Sacramentally as represented under the Element of Wine while Love that bled drops the earnest into our Hearts and seals it up in us this Consideration will fall in more properly under the Cup of Consolation We are now to consider the Blood of Christ as it notes the special Application of it to the Soul for the Being and Support of a New Creature And thus it is rendred infinitely richer to the believing Soul than any vinous Liquor to make it fat and flourishing Drinking of the Blood of Christ implyes an Act of Faith in the Soul which receives all into it that was wrought by the Blood of Christ without it or takes hold of the Vertue of this Blood and applyes it to the proper Use and End which God himself hath given it To make it more plain it is Blood to (a) 1 Joh. 1.7 Rev. 1.5 Rev. 7.14 cleanse Faith steps out to this Blood and brings in a cleansing vertue from it it is Blood to (b) Isa 34.3 soften Faith makes out to it and receives in the foftning Influence of this Blood till the Stone dissolves and (c) Ezek. 36.26 mountains are melted with it it is Blood to * Col. 1.20 atone Faith runs for the Blood of Atonement hither It is Blood to (d) Acts 20.28 Eph. 1.7 Col. 1 14. Rev. 5.9 redeem Faith takes in the Redemption by it and knows that the †Job 19.25 Redeemer lives It is Blood to justifie Rom. 5.9 Faith rests here for absolution from Guilt and real Imputation of a Perfect Righteousness without to appear at the Bar of God in It is Blood to confirm Zech. 9.11 Faith believes it shall be even as God hath spoken and under its cloud looks up to the Blood of the Covenant and sees this Bow in it In a word it is Blood to save Rom. 5.9 10. and Faith makes readily out to it 1 Tim. 6.12 to lay hold upon Eternal Life It is every way as the Scripture speaketh abundantly of this Precious Blood 1 Pet. 1.19 that Faith drinks it in The manifold Benefits of this Blood of Christ do make it a Generous Drink to Faith that as his Flesh is Meat so his Blood is Drink indeed Joh. 6.55 Blood under the Law was forbidden Gen. 5.4 but lo here is Flesh with the Life Lev. 17.10 11. that is with the Blood thereof allow'd us Faith must receive it in the Antitype tho' Sense was to refrain it under the Type we must in all our Food have a recourse to the Mediatour and when we eat of his Banquet drink his Blood also Job 31.17 We must never eat of our morsel alone without the * Heb. 12.24 pt Blood of Sprinkling Indeed it could not have been a Banquet without Blood Our Feast had been otherwise spoil'd and all our fair Hopes spilled Oh! Blessed yea for ever Blessed be the Master of our Feast for this One Thing among the All Things ready even the †〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 alludes both to the Sacrifices and the Place of the Sprinkling the Blood Charnock Vol. 2d p. 896. Propitiation which we have thro' Faith in his Blood Rom. 3.25 A Propitiation 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Grateful Offering unto God that every way pleas'd him It was thro' the Scent of Blood this perfumed Blood of Christ in the Nostrils of Jehovah that God was well pleased In whom we have Redemption thro' his Blood according to the Riches of his Grace Eph. 1.7 * In effusione Sanguinis fuit complementum Satisfactionis Davenant in Ep. ad Col. ch 1.14 p. 91. Satisfaction to Justice was compleated when he had filled the Ephah with his Blood for the measure of our sins Christ came not by Water only tho' a Fountain to wash in or a Well to drink of but he came by Water and Blood 1 Joh. 5.6 swimming htro ' two Seas at once Water may signifie his coming to sanctifie Vs and Blood to satisfie God for us Our Holiness springs from one as he is made of God to us sanctification and our Happiness flowes from the other as he is made both our Righteousness and Redemption 1 Cor. 1.30 The maintaining of Justification as a * Charnock 2d Vol. p. 1186. Great man observes by this Blood seems to be the Great contest between the True Church and the Antichristian State It hath many Enemies especially those two Bands of Warriours the Papists and Socinians 2 Pet. 2.1 that carry away the Beauty of the Cross by denying the Lord that bought them It seems to be the more deformed in the Latter because they have renounced many Romish Abominations but will still retain the Greatest And yet the Socinians to take off the Efficacy of Christs Blood on the Cross positively assert that he now maketh the Expiation where he maketh the Intercession Christ makes our Peace say they now in Heaven by the * Virtute Potestate plenâ absolutâ quam à Patre consecutus est Cateches Racov. mihi 16o. An. 1651. Absolute Power he hath with the Father there which if true must shut him wholly out of Heaven as a Mediatour of the Covenant to admit him in as the Second Person only in the Godhead But our High-Priest hath not entred into the Holy of Holies without Blood Heb. 9.7 which he once offered for the Errours of the People nor yet as the High Priests of Old with the Blood of Goats and Calves but by his own Blood he entred in once into the Holy Place †〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 when he had found out or obtained a Redemption for us it must not be construed in the present Tense having obtained Eternal Redemption for us Heb. 9.12 so that our Redemption is by his Blood and was accomplished antecedently to his ascending into Heaven and sitting
David's Guard to break first thrô an Host that encamps against us Psa 27.3 Joh. 4.28 This is a Well where we may leave our water-pot since when we have drank of the Water we carry a well away with us v. 14. It is the Lamb's Fountain and thou mayst wring more out of this Fleece than Gideon's a Judg. 638 Bowl full or Hagar's b Gen. 21.15 bottle or Elijah's four c 1 Kings 18.33 barrels of water This is none of the bitter water that causeth the d Num. 5 22. curse but a Blessing when it comes into the e Ps 109. â—â— Bowels like water Our other Drink is f Hos 4 1â— soâ—â—r but this is a Fountain that yieldeth sweet water g Jam. 3 11 This Precious Liquor this incomparable and true Aqua vitae was set abroach upon the Tree of the Cross when one of the Souldiers with a Spear pierc'd his side and there forthwith came out Blood and (h) Joh. 19.34 water And lo he continues still as a pure River of the water of life running plentifully down the Gospel by his Guests at the Table side In a word he is water to cleanse our Filth Rev. 22.1 and water to quench our Thirst besides 5. Flesh to eat When the mixed multitude in the Wilderness fell a lusting it was to eat Flesh Num. 11.4 insomuch that the Children of Israel wept again and said who shall give us Flesh to eat and can he provide Flesh for his People Psa 78.20 last words But lo he that commanded the Clouds rained down Flesh upon them as Dust and feathered Fowls like as the sand of the Sea v. 27. Who indeed would have looked for such a Shower for when they tempted God in the Desert one might rather have feared he should have turned them to grass with their Flocks and Herds than have rained Flesh out of the Clouds upon them Yet tho' they had provoked God in the day of Temptation in the wilderness he tells them on the morrow ye shall eat Flesh Num. 11.18 But alas what was their Flesh tho' the Flesh of Quails to the Flesh of Jesus Christ What was the Flesh he gave unto all this People in comparison of the Flesh of the Son of God which he gives the Soul to feed upon by Faith Jesus Christ yields a variety to the Faith of God's Elect Num. 21.5 and it doth not follow that their Soul like those Israelites doth loath him as light Bread because their Soul also longeth for his Flesh to eat But we may here lawfully put in that wish in Job Oh! Job 31.31 that we had of his Flesh God doth not call you to eat the Flesh of your Sons Jer. 19.9 but the Flesh of His nor the Flesh of your Friend Zech. 13 7 but the Flesh of the man that is his Fellow What strange Flesh was that which the Poor Woman in Samaria had when she boiled her own Son for meat 2 Kings 6.29 Isa 13.18 She parted with the Fruit of her Womb being stricken thrô for want of the Fruits of the Field Lam. 4.9 But 't is a more astonishing wonder that God parted with the Son of his Bosom that we might eat the Flesh of this Sacrifice And there is no fear of making our Brother to offend by eating this Flesh while the World standeth 1 Cor. 8 1â— This mysterious Delicate the Flesh of Christ contains the Benefits of the Gospel which make up this Royal Entertainment that he purchas'd by his Death and Sufferings in the Flesh when he was put to Death in the Flesh 1 Pet. 3.18 but quickned by the Spirit This Doctrine of the Flesh of Christ given for meat unto our Faith is a further Exposition of the True Bread Joh. 6.51 And the Bread that I will give is my Flesh Now God must be first manifest in the Flesh 1 Tim. 3.16 Rom. 8.3 and in the likeness of sinful Flesh and in this Flesh of ours die to prepare meat for us for as the Creatures that have Life die that we a while in our Bodies by their Death might live so it is the very Flesh of Christ and him crucified that must give Life unto our Souls His Flesh suffer'd his Flesh was pierc'd he was hung upon that Flesh book of the Cross when God gave him to be meat unto us His Flesh was powdered in the very Grave where other Things corrupt but his Flesh did not see Corruption Acts 2.31 to be made ready as a sweet and Dainty Morsel for us The wrath of God broke forth upon the Body he had prepared Heb. 10.5 and kindled a Fire in his Anger that even boil'd him as Flesh within the Caldron Mic. 3.3 and roasted him that his Flesh might be meat indeed for us Joh. 6.55 his Flesh was bor'd thro' and thro' tho' not a Bone of him should be broken Thus was he bruised for our Iniquities Isa 53.5 or there should no Flesh be saved Hence he hath spoken Matth. 24.22 Joh. 6.57 last words He that eateth me even he shall live by me This may serve to answer either the Jew's or the unbelieving Gentile's Question Joh. 6.52 How can this Man give us his Flesh to eat it being not to be understood of a Sacramental eating as the Rhemists gloss it but a spiritual by Faith alone Oh! how may we stand amaz'd at the Provisions in Him whose Name is VVonderful Isa 9.6 This is the Fifth Dish the Flesh of Jesus Christ 6. Blood to drink Perhaps our Ignorant squeazy old man may loath it as the Egyptians did to drink of the water of the River Exod. 7.18 after it was smitten with the Rod of Moses and turned into Blood but our New-man redeemed by Blood will take great Delight in it Alas we have sinn'd our selves into such a Feavour that our own common Drink inflames we have kindled a Burning which nothing but Blood the Blood of Christ will quench if man tryes to put the Fire out by any Works of Righteousness which he hath done Tit. 3.5 the sweat of his Brows will drop in and like Oil still increase the Flame Nay it is not VVater barely separate from Blood will quench our Anguish tho' we trusted that we could Job 40.23 with the Behemoth draw up Jordan into our mouths we must still have Blood to drink Oh! it requires great Faith in the Son of God to see it for otherwise Corruption will make us too nice to be entertain'd with Blood Faith and Faith alone is kept alive by it it cannot it needs not live upon a more Generous and Sprightly Liquor than this pure Blood of the Grape Deut 32.14 last words 1 Pet. 1.2 pâ—â—t it makes every Morsel of the Banquet Savoury that 't is sprinkled with the Blood of Jesus Christ Flesh as before and Blood now do include the whole Body 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉
at the Right Hand of God It is the Merit of his Blood he carried up with him and which he still in his Intercession as a Priest pleads there So that the Notion of Christs reconciling us to God by an absolute Power in Heaven without any reference to his Blood shed on Earth is a Socinian Dream which with every one that is awake and stands up from the Dead will vanish The Gospel had been a Dry Feast whatever Socinians think of it if He that made it had not given us Blood to drink In a word Phil. 3.18 they are Enemies to the Cross of Christ who will not know him Crucifyed And we must contend earnestly for the Faith Jude 3. and for the Faith in his Blood since a whole * Vt priùs School of Prophets would rob us of the Cup of the New Testament in Christs Blood considered meritoriously Luk. 22.20 as well as a Colledge of Jesuites deprive us of the same Sacramentally by denying the Cup in the Lords Supper 7. The Lamb of God Christ is still represented in the Scripture by a copious variety at his Supper of the Parable As we have the Blood of Christ provided so it is of the Lamb * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 immaculate 1 Pet. 1.19 a Lamb without Blemish and without Spot The word signifies one so perfectly every way accomplisht that a carping Momus which finds fault with every thing or the very Herodians that lye in wait to catch him shall yet find out no Righteous Charge against him this Dish at our Feast was Typically represented by the Paschal Lamb For so we read in the Institution of the Jewish Passover Exod. 12.8 That all the Congregation of Israel were to take every man a Lamb Exod. 12.5 according to the house of their Fathers a Lamb for a house This male of the first year taken out from the Sheep or from the Goats was a very apt representation of the Lamb of God which taketh away the sins of the World as we read in the Salutation of John when he seeth Jesus Joh. 1.29 In the Passover the Lamb was entire and undivided in the Gospel it is a whole Christ prepared his entire Humane Nature united to the Godhead his whole Body and his whole Blood set forth collectively under one as before we had him all distributively under two that is Bread and Water Flesh and Blood apart We may behold him here in the Lamb as an entire mess that is served all in at once We read it particularly express'd that when Samuel entertained Saul and his Servant there was a single joynt provided 1 Sam. 9.24 and indeed one was enough for Saul who had no portion with David The Cook took up the shoulder and that which was upon it and set it before Saul but God required the Jews to make ready their Lamb as it consisted of every joynt whole not so much as the Legs or Appurtenances thereof excepted Exod. 12.8 to signifie a Redeemer that was not to be parted but to be given all away This is the Lamb slain from the Foundation of the World Rev 13.8 latter part that is he was determinately slain in the Counsel and Fore-knowledge of God being infallibly ordained to it and therefore lookt upon by God that hath yesterday to day and for ever always present before him as if it had been done from thence actually and he was slain virtually for Adam had the benefit thereof from the beginning when God promised the seed Gen. 3.24 before he drove out the man as much as if the Act had passed Well the Table of the Gospel hath this most Glorious Provision on it of the Lamb slain and slain actually for the Entertainment in these last Days Heb. 1.2 Lo God hath pitied the Lost Sinner like that poor wayfaring man and hath not spared to dress of the Lamb that lay in his own Bosom for him 2 Sam. 12.3 This Lamb of the first year this Firstling of the Flock is brought as a Lamb to the Slaughter to be serv'd up in meat for them to whom it is the Fathers good pleasure to give the Kingdom Isa 53.7 Luk. 12.32 This Lamb was a richer present from the King of Heaven thô One than that which the King of Moab rendred unto the King of Israel in one hundred Thousand Lambs 2 King 3.4 and as many Rams with the Wooll It is true of Believers on Earth as well as spoken of such in Heaven the Lamb shall feed them Rev. 7.17 8. The Fatted Calf for Prodigals The Gospel and the Blessings of it by Christ in the sumptuous Provisions made ready are set forth in a Parable by Christ under the very same Resemblance We need not be any ways asham'd of Christ or his words Mark 8.38 in this adulterous and sinful Generation nor think it low Divinity to preach or speak as Christ teacheth us He tells us Luke 15.13 of a younger Son that gathered all together and took his Journey into a far Countrey and there wasted his Substance with Riotous living and that he had * V. 14. spent all tho' he went off at first with never so great a Stock and he began to be in want but yet afterwards when he * v. 20. arose and came to his Father his Father when he was yet a great way off saw him hath compassion on him embraceth him bringeth him into his House and presently ordereth a sumptuous costly Entertainment to treat him at coming home * v. 23. Bring hither the Fatted Calf and kill it and let us eat and be merry This is the Parable this is the Letter but let us see how the Spirit giveth more life 2 Cor. 3.6 last words The Great God in the dispensation of the Gospel deals after the same way with Sinners We Foolish Gentiles were once like this younger Son happy and wanting nothing in our Father's House God made man upright Jews and Gentiles were both in Adam perfect But we quickly grew Prodigal and run into a great excess of riot Eccl. 7.29 we sought out many Inventions Acts 11.18 But nevertheless under a new Covenant God hath granted Repentance unto Life Heb. 2.10 in the bringing of many Sons and Daughters unto Glory and he hath brought forth an Entertainment upon his receiving of poor Gentiles home These tender mercies of our God were displeasing to the Elder Son Luk 1.78 and grievous in the sight of the Jews These had tho' the Parable doth not expresly note it Gen. 21.11 12. been taken first after the Revolt in Adam into their Father's House they had been brought into a Church-state a great while before and treated so well with the Fatness of the Olive they had forgot the Poverty and Distress of the younger Brother and grew angry to see how these Gentiles are treated with the Riches of the Gospel Rom. 11.17 whereas he had
which is not washed from their Filthiness Prov. 30.12 But God hath provided that they may be Partakers of his Holiness Heb. 12.10 last words The Gospel will cleanse thee of thy Spot which otherwise tho' thou wash thee with Nitre and take thee much Soap would remain a Spot still with thine Iniquity marked before me saith the Lord God Jer. 2.22 The Gospel brings thee a Laver full of Christ's Blood and this is the Blood that rinseth all clean 1 Joh. 1.7 last words And the Blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin Nitre and Soap either apart or mingled are searching Ingredients you would think to cleanse a Dirty Spot but alas tho' Man seeks out many Inventions Eccl. 7.29 to try to wash himself clean yet it will not do for a Garment spotted with the Flesh Jude v. 23. if God search this out nothing will fetch out Sin 'till we dip in Jordan 2 Kings 5.14 Psal 44.21 Isa 9.5 1 Joh. 5.6 nay not only wash in Water but with our Garments roll'd in Blood i. e. the Blood of Christ who came by Water and by Blood for our Spot to fetch it out clean Rev. 1.5 being said to have loved us and washed us from our sins in his own Blood The Gospel provideth suitably to our Pollution Heb. 9.13 for it sanctifieth to the Purifying of the Flesh 'till we are made meet for Communion with the God of the Spirits of all Flesh Numb 16.22 even sanctified in Christ Jesus 1 Cor. 1.2 Eighthly The Gospel hath Rich Provisions for the Poor Saints tho' never so impoverisht lowly in Mind or Poor in Spirit The Gospel abounds with the Liberality of the Grace of God to supply the Poverty and Wants of all Men in Christ Tho' thy Transgressions have beset thee and the Iniquity of thy Heels have compass'd thee about that thou art now like the Man in his way to Jericho that fell among Thieves yea Luk. 10.30 thou may'st cry out with Micah of the Danitâ—'s Plunder Judg. 18.24 They have taken away tho' not my Gods to Complain just like him yet the Image of my God mine Original Perfection as I was made once like him my Knowledge Righteousness and true Holiness and what have I more Well be it thus here is enough left thee still to be a poor broken Petitioner at the Throne of Grace crying out for a New Stock to set up with Christ in whom are hid all the Treasures that will make thee Rich agen Col. 2.3 Art thou Poor Luk. 22.21 thou may'st be Rich towards God When thou art got to the Gospel thou art got to God's Treasury which he unlocks to make known what is the Riches of the Glory of this Mystery among the Gentiles Col. 1.27 Ninthly The Gospel hath Full Provisions suited to the Condition of empty Sinners There be Lengths and Breadths in the Love of God that will give thee full measure Luk. 6.38 pressed down and running over Thou art empty in thy self and till He refresh thee with his Loving-Kindness Prov. 7.18 thou canst not take thy Fill of Love Hast thou ever met with the Emptiers that have emptied thee out Nah. 2.2 The Gospel hath Provisions to come in and fill up all that empty space again Tho' at home thou art like her that is empty and void and wast Nah. 2.10 as Nineveh that was once full of Men Counsel Treasures yet afterwards emptyed out of all so thou hadst once the sensible Manifestations of one that lodg'd in thy House to fill thee but now at home empty and also tho' abroad like Naomi thou hast gone out upon some Oecasions full if thou hast gone to an Ordinance thou hast it may be sometimes carried much of the Presence of Jesus Christ with thee yet the Lord to try thee hath brought thee home again empty Ruth 1.21 yet still the Gospel hath Provisions suited to thee that when most sensible of thine Emptiness thou may'st receive thy measure and not like proud careless Boasters who presume on something when they have nothing * Luk. 1.53 Joh. 1.14 last words be sent empty away Thou hast to do with one that is full of Grace and Truth and with one besides of whose Fulness thou mayst receive Joh. 1.16 even one that will never leave thee empty because he filleth all in all Eph. 1.23 let it be as low with thee in thy Beginning as a sense of Want can make it yet thou shalt never take up the Complaint of Babylon in thy latter End Jer. 51.34 the Lord hath made me an empty Vessel Tenthly The Gospel hath satisfying Provisions suited to the Condition of Longing Souls Matth. 5.6 that hunger and thirst after Righteousness Be thou as Dainty in thy Palate Heaven-wards as possible yet in the Gospel thou hast a God who satisfyeth thy Mouth with good things Psal 103.5 He will not deny Dainties or withhold Mannah or keep back the Fruits that thy Soul lusteth after Rev. 18.14 Thou shalt not be estranged from thy Desire in the things of God Psal 78.30 thô thou wouldst eat his Lambs out of the Flock Amos 6.4 his Calves out of the midst of the Stall v. 6. and drink his Wine in Bowls If six Days common Provision at home hath made thee long for Dainties he hath appointed a Festival upon the Holy Sabbath when thy Flesh longeth for the Courts of the Lord. Psal 84.2 This Longing of the Soul may be reduc'd unto Two Heads Hungring and Thirsting and the Gospel hath suitable Things for Both. 1. It hath Satisfying Provisions suited to Hungry Ones Psal 107.9 For he satisfyeth the Longing Soul and filleth the Hungry Soul with Goodness There is many a Hungry Appetite hath been brought into his Presence and be hath filled the Hungry with good things Luk. 1.53 Perhaps thou art one that hast lost a Meal thro' a Providential Hand of God upon thee and where God sets out Food thou comest the more Hungering thither Some Black Providence may have put on Sackcloth upon thy Soul Nehem. 1.4 that thou hast mourned and fasted certain Dayes and lo a Restraint of the Bread of God whets thee further on Thou canst not forbear crying when thou art Hunger-bitten Prov. 30.15 like those Daughters of the Horse-leech Give Give I have been thus long from an Ordinance detain'd Psal 109.24 and my Flesh faileth of Fatness I must break out to the Supper now I can stay no longer in Well if it be thus the Feast is still meet for thee Christ that Invites thee to sit down 1 Sam. 30.12 will Feast thee with his Love 'till thy Spirit comes again 2. It hath satisfying Provisions suited to Thirsty Ones If thou long'st for some Pleasant Draught yet the Lord doth satisfie such a * Animam sitientem Moller Enarr in Psalmes Longing Soul as some do Expound it of Thirst Psal 107.9 form
King of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat there is yet one man Micaiah the Son of Imlah by whom we may enquire of the Lord but I hate him for he doth not Prophesie good concerning me but evil God's Elijah's would take their Food 1 Kings 17.6 tho' God should send a Raven to them with it but the Prejudic'd Ahab's of the World will not meddle with Their's tho' Elijah himself brought it The Gospel is ineffectual to many by reason of Prejudice Tenthly 10 Hinderance The General Disesteem which the Gospel meets with in the World The World represents God's Morsels as they will one Day find their own Sauce sowre They account it a melancholy and uncomfortable Entertainment Religion is a Diet that will imbitter all their Portion in this Life They think the Guests that partake of this Supper i. e. Separated Holy Christians are every one of them like Him in the Book of Job Job 21.15 that dyeth in the Bitterness of his Soul and never eateth with Pleasure They cry it up and down in the Streets of Ashkelon 2 Sam. 1.20 that the Ordinances and Appointments of Jesus Christ are Vessels in which is no pleasure Hos 8.8 The Fare of the Gospel is represented by them like John Baptist's in the Wilderness Mat. 3.4 as Locusts and wild Honey Thus its Provisions have got an ill Name by some and they will not be drawn by the very savour of Christ's Ointments Song 1.3 so long as this low repute it hath in the World doth cast in Dead Flies among it Eccles 10.1 Dead Flies cause the Ointment of the Apothecary to send forth a stinking savour The Grace of God is not courteously received but treated ill tho' it comes with good will to Men. Luk. 2.14 The Dishes of the Gospel by an unthankful unholy World are much cryed down and therefore when served up are generally much set by Acts 28.22 As concerning this Sect we know that every where it is spoken against This Sect. * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 This Heresie saith the Greek The World concludes it Heresie and therefore will not regard it tho' it be the Gospel with the Holy Ghost sent down from Heaven 1 Pet. 1.12 middle pt Wicked Men will Nick-name God's Truth and then fly from the Truth for the very Name 's sake they gave it They entertain Bad Conceptions of the Truths of God and are become Judges of Evil Thoughts Jam. 2.4 and therefore reproach and trample upon good Things under them The World imagine Fish to be Serpents and then fly from them as Moses did when he cast his Rod upon the Ground Exod. 4.3 and while it became a Serpent fled from before it A vile and a scornful Generation do esteem of the Bread of Life as Stones Oh! it is a mighty Hinderance to their embracing the Gospel of Christ that when his Oxen and his Fatlings are killed Mat. 22.4 they take up these Spiritual Mysteries with no more regard than if it were but the slaying of Pharaoh's lean Kine Gen. 41.3 19. But no matter to God's Children what such insinuate 3 Joh. 10. that prate with malitious words the Children must take their Bread tho' Dogs bark and an Enemy calls it Poison I confess this saith Paul that after the way which they call Heresie Act. 24 14. so worship I the God of my Fathers Eleventhly Bad Company 11 Hinderance If a Man had some Towardly Inclinations to embrace the Gospel yet so long as he goeth in Company with the workers of Iniquity Job 34.8 he will not be able when these Sinners entice him to consent not Prov. 1.10 Certain Lewd Fellows of the baser sort do often set upon a Man that is otherwise soberly inclined even as they assaulted the House of Jason Acts 17.5 and never leave 'till they have worn out his Sober Impressions that you can read nothing at last but the Devil 's Brand upon him Exo. 23.2 When Men follow a multitude to do evil Psa 42.4 they care not to walk unto God's House in any other Company The Gospel of the only wise God 1 Tim. 1.17 signifies nothing to a Companion of Fools that shall be destroyed Prov. 13.20 Psa 119.61 The Bands of the wicked will rob thee of the Feast if thou art not one that hast no Fellowship with them Eph. 5.11 Twelfthly 12 Hinderance Garnal Relations If there were neither Adversary nor evil occurrent abroad yet if a Man's Enemies be the Men of his own House Mic. 7.6 and a Man's Foes be those of his own Houshold Matth. 10.36 there is such a Radical Enmity in the corrupt mind of Man against the Truth of God as will make their Eye Evil and their Hand severe towards their own Flesh and Blood They will violate the Bonds of Nature to fight against Grace Now this is enough without Special Grace that opens the Heart to keep the Gospel and its Provisions wholly out of Doors Men will often hearken to the Voice of their own Flesh and Blood when a Stranger they will not follow Joh. 10.5 Ahaziah hearkens to the pernicious Advice of his Mother Athaliah for his Mother Athaliah was his Counsellor to do evil 2 Chro. 22.3 Carnal Relations will sometimes be very earnest to beat off young Beginners that they may not take up with the New Man tho' perhaps assaulting them with that old Argument that none of their Kindred are called by it Luk. 1.61 There is none of thy kindred that is called by this Name You may be beaten off by such as are related to you if you be not related as Sons and Daughters to the Lord Almighty 2 Cor. 6.18 Thirteenthly False Teachers 13 Hinderance A corrupt Ministry sets the World against the Truth Unsound Teachers are against Salt because they have lost its savour Mar. 9.50 Men's Lyes to make the very Truths of God of no effect with some When Sinners are beguiled and thro' the craft and sleight of cunning Men mis-led Eph. 4.14 their Minds will be corrupted from the simplicity of the Gospel 2 Cor. 11.3 if they hearken to such as are not Teachers of good things Tit. 2.3 they will not value the Gospel that hath all good things ready If they regard vain Talkers and Deceivers as the Apostle calls corrupt Doctors Tit. 1.10 Teaching things which they ought not v. 11. it will hinder the Advantage of Gospel-Grace provided If there be * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 False Teachers among you 2 Pet. 2.1 it will greatly damage your receiving the Truth as it is in Jesus Eph. 4.21 These have a beguiling Artifice to lay their varnish upon the worst Complexion'd Face and for a well-favour'd Rachel bring in a Leah that is blear-ey'd Gen. 29.23 25. They wash over a little false Coin in Doctrine and then put it off to such as cannot try the Spirits
speak all the mind freely and Access with Confidence by the Faith of Him Eph. 3.12 * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 With Confidence in a gracious and well-grounded perswasion of kind Acceptance with him I speak this only to you that have been mourning like the Doves of the Valley for the manifestation of the Love of Christ to you And thus you have had an account of the Third Term our selves we must come off from before we can come to the Gospel Invitation 4. This present Evil World is a Term from which we must come before we comply with God's Invitation The World it self as well as sin and our selves and the god of this World will try to draw us from Christ tho' it be but with Cords of Vanity Indeed this Temptation from the World be it twisted with never so small a Thread is enough to pull the Corruption of our Natures down-Hill But neither must the World be a Hinderance if we fall in with the In-Invitation of our God and close with Gospel-Grace Let me open this of the World briefly as to the Things and the Persons of it 1. In coming off from the World we must come from the Things that keep us off from Christ the Profits Pleasures and Applause or vain Esteem of Men. 1. You must come off from the sinful Profits of the World These do either eat you out with Cares or press you down with the Carriage or scatter and divide your minds with Covetousness and may put you upon unlawful means to gain it You must come off therefore in your Minds and Affections and hang loose upon all Earthly Profits Thô the Gospel will allow you to buy and sell and get gain yet if you embrace the Truth as it is in Jesus you must come from such Bargains where you have put Conscience to sale and not strike your Hands in Cases where God hath smitten His. Behold therefore (e) Percussi manum meam Tigur vers complosi manum meam Jun. I have smitten my Hand at thy Dishonest Gain which thou hast made Ezek. 22.13 When you are putting the World into your Scale take heed lest the over-weight press you down to Hell for what is a Man profited if he shall gain the whole World and lose his own Soul or what shall a Man give in exchange for his Soul 2. You must come off from the sinful Pleasures of the World You must leave off your Stolen Waters if you take of the Free Gift of God You must not come nigh these Foul Cisterns or resolve to taste a Corrupt Spring if you drink of the true Fountain-water Ye have lived in Pleasure on the Earth and been Wanton ye have nourished your Hearts as in a Day of Slaughter Jam. 5.5 And the Apostle Peter expresseth it by their counting it a Pleasure to riot in the Day-time 2 Pet. 2.13 * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Gr. The Original reads it counting Riot in the Day a Pleasure The Word Riot in Divinity signifies an effeminate Softness of the Mind contracted by much Wickedness in Pleasure that even †〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 luxus deliciae a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 frango Pasor breaks and un-mans us and if it destroys the Man it will surely Mar the Christian There is much of this Riotous Living in the World among them that count it a Pleasure not only to be seven Years but if it were possible seventy times seven serving divers Lusts and Pleasures Now if you come to Christ you must first come away from These You must depart out of their Track who are described 2 Thes 2.12 to have had pleasure in Vnrighteousness before you can tread in the Paths of Wisdom and take in New Delights 3. You must come off from the Applause and vain Esteem of Man You must step over this Threshold before you come into God's House to Feast for how can ye believe saith Christ which receive Honour one of another and seek not the Honour that cometh from God only Joh. 5.44 It hath put by many that have seem'd to approach towards Christ's School but never threw out any that were truly entered to upbraid them with This we are Moses's Disciples we know that God spake to Moses as for this Fellow we know not from whence he is Joh. 9.28 29. it hath likewise overthrown the Faith of some but never shook the Faith of God's Elect to be told that Great Men have disown'd God's way have any of the Pharisees the Doctors of the Chair or the Rulers believed on him Joh. 7.48 But if you will come under the Sun of Righteousness you must not be frighted with this Shadow that cometh betwixt 2. In coming off from the World we must come from the Persons that keep us off from Christ 1. Sinful Companions If we have Fellowship with these Works of Darkness we can have none with the Father of Lights for what Fellowship hath Righteousness with Vnrighteousness and what Communion hath Light with Darkness and what Concord hath Christ with Belial or what part hath he that believeth with an an Infidel and what Agreement hath the Temple of God with Idols wherefore come out from among them and be ye separate saith the Lord 2 Cor. 6.14 15 16 17. So Eph. 5.11 And have no Fellowship with the unfruitful works of Darkness but rather * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 reprove them i. e. convince them both by Life and Argument for a Companion of Fools shall be destroyed Prov. 13.20 2. Carnal Relations You must first shake off their Objections before you will yield to Christ thô we should produce our Causes for your Duty and bring forth our strong Reasons for it It was a Carnal Relation Luk. 14.20 in him that had Married the Wife and could not come to Christ for had she been a Spiritual Yoke-fellow she had put her Husband forward We must be brought into a Hatred of Evil Counsel thô from our own Flesh and Blood before We can be brought into True Love to Christ see Luk. 14.26 If any Man come to me and hate not Carnal Relations may be willing you should come to Christ a little but they are ready to put in Pharaoh's Condition ye shall not go far away Therefore saith Christ it is not enough to come if you do not come to purpose notwithstanding such Relations if any Man come to me and hate not his Father and Mother and Wife and Children and Brethren and Sisters all that would keep him off from Christ yea and his own Life also he cannot be my Disciple You must hate their Advice thô never hate or disrespect their Persons that hereby you may have the Person of Christ as you ought in chiefest Admiration 3. Other Evil Counsellors Thô there be not Relations as a Bar in your way to Christ yet there may be a conferring with other Flesh and Blood which the Apostle would not entertain Gal. 1.16 Immediately I conferred not with Flesh