word the less peace and rest but the more trouble and persecution they suffer for it Matth. 13. 21. Yet it is pity that grace peace should be parted and therefore it is the sweetness of Gods goodness when we have as it 's said Nehem. 4. 6. a mind to work and to edify our selves and his Church to grant us fair weather to build in So Solomon while he was building the Temple had peace and Israel in Canaan when they thrice a year left their houses to come up to the Temple were not Exod. 34. 24. assaulted by enemies as at their first entrance into it when they set upon that intermitted ordinance of Circumcision which how Josh 5. painfull it was and how it exposed them to danger when they were soar of it the Instance of the Schechemites tells us when Gen. 34. 25. two men Simeon and Levi could come on a whole city and destroy it but God secured them that in that time none of the Nations of Canaan set upon them whilest they had been so unable to have resisted them and all this because God delighteth not to pluck the child from the breast when it thriveth by it nor to send nipping May frosts to blast a growing and forward spring It is certainly the best way to keep our candle light to do our work by it Take we but care of our edification and building up in faith and grace and then let us trust God for our rest and setlement in either inward or outward peace This the former Reading of the words affordeth But I rather pitch upon the latter which maketh their being edified a fruit and consequent of their having rest that was their happinesse and it is our duty to improve our peace to our edification Doct. 2 It were well that our material Churches which were battered and demolished in our late wars might be repaired and rebuilt now in times of peace but how much better if the spirituall true Churches of Christ were indeed savingly edified in their holy faith now that there are foundations layd of our outward peace God I know can lay the beams of his Chambers in the waters Psal 104. 3. a strange foundation you would think of any firme building He can build up his Church in the midst of stormes and tempests but as for us it is ill to lay our foundations or to build upon quick-sands or in an Earth-quake fair weather is the fittest time for us to build in which whilest God for the present sends us and hath built our Scaffold for us it 's best for us to get the trowell into our hand and to ply our work for although David in his trouble may prepare much for the house 1 Chr. 22. 14. of the Lord and desired to find him a Tabernacle yet a peaceable Solomon built him an house Act. 7. 46 47. what therefore David said to Solomon let me to you now when as in Solomons time God hath given you rest almost on every side so that there is neither Adversary 1 King 5. 4. 1 Chr. 22. 16. nor evill occurrent Arise and be doing and the Lord will be with you In the prosecuting of this particular I shall endeavour to clear those two things 1. What it is to be edified 2. What great reason there What 's to be edified is now that God hath given us peace and rest that we should so be First then for this Phrase of being edified all know it is a Metaphor taken from materiall buildings in which upon a foundation first laid the superstructure is laid on and carried up till the top-stone added compleat all So in this our Spiritual Architecture Christ being first laid for the foundation there can and therefore must be no other 1 Cor. 3. 11. and we being spiritually but really united to him we come to be setled on him and in him to grow up in grace and peace to everlasting life For edification in general importeth Indicat augmertum stabilimentum Camer Genev. setlement and growth establishment and increase Setlement as when our Saviour saith On this rock I will build my Church there is edification so as the gates of hell shall not prevaile against it Matth. 16. 18. there is setlement Growth and Setlement together we have in Col. 2. 7. in those two words 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 built up and established not onely established or setled but built up built and built upon as the word is i. e. the whole building upon the foundation and one grace and degree of grace upon another that at length we come to be built up even to everlasting life when thus confirmed and improved then in the general we may be said to be edified But more particularly this Edification is Either of the whole Church Or of particular beleevers The Church is Gods house 1 Tim. 3. 15. and so he is said to build it Matth. 16. 18. And Beleevers are Gods Temple 1 Cor. 3. 16 17. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Gods building 1 Cor. 3. 9. and accordingly they as lively stones are said to be built up a Spirituall house 1 Pet. 2. 5. And accordingly The Church is said to be built up and edified when either in the first founding and erecting or in after repairing and reforming 1. His word is purely and orderly dispensed when upon Christ 1 Cor. 3. 11 12. the foundation is built no wood hay stubble of false or frothy Doctrines but gold silver and precious stones of solid and spiritual Ephes 4. 21. truth as it is in Jesus So we finde true instruction to be called edification as 1 Cor. 14. 4. where he that Prophesieth i. e. instructeth the people is said to edify the Church 2. Sacraments and Church Censures are duly administred and as is in a true wrought building Col. 2 5. a due order and Symmetry kept and observed 3. In a word when the Church in all the Ordinances and outward constitution and state of it is set up and held up enlarged and setled as we have it fitly to our present purpose expressed of the Temple in Joash his time 2 Chron. 24. 15. where it is said that the work was perfected by them or healing went up upon the work when all the ruines and breaches were repaired and they set the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 house of God in his state or forme or upon his firm basis or foundation and strengthened it So now when the Church of Christ shall prove so unhappy as to have the breaches and decayes of it made up shall be firmly setled on its true foundation and raised up to its just stature and constitution then it is more compleatly built up and edified And the like proportionably is to be said of particular Believers the true members of the Church for they also are edified when by the Word and other Ordinances by which the Church it self was before said to be built up they are 1.
A GOOD DAY VVell Improved OR FIVE SERMONS Upon Acts 9. 31. Two of which were Preached at Pauls and Ordered to be Printed To which is annexed a Sermon on 2 Tim. 1. 13. Preached at St. Maries in Cambridge on the Commencement Sabbath June 30. 1650. By ANTHONY TUCKNEY D. D. and Master of St Johns College in Cambridge The land had rest and he had no war in those years because the Lord had given him rest Therefore he said unto Judah Let us build c. So they built and prospered 2 Chron. 14. 6 7. LONDON Printed by J. F. for I. Rothwell 1656. To the Right Honorable Sr CHRISTOPHER PACK Knight Lord Major together with the Honourable Court of Aldermen of the Famous City of LONDON Ever Honored THe ordinary excuse which many usually make for publishing their Writings by laying the fault upon the importunity of friends is grown so threed-bare that it is now almost past wearing and yet such is my poverty that I have nothing else wherewith to cover my nakedness in the putting forth of this poor piece now presented to you It containes a few Sermons all first preached in the Universitie but two of them afterwards at Pauls before You and the rest of that Honorable Audience which by the Order of your Court sent to me I was desired to Print how unwillingly I best know who should best know my own weaknesse and what course I took to avoid it My Lord you can very wel witness But seeing by your Honours Command they must come forth be pleased to understand that He who hath Naomies field must Ruth 4. 5. have Ruth also Those two which you are pleased to call for had their Fellows which they cannot part with And therefore as when Gehazi asked one talent of Naaman he bad him 1 King 5. 22 23. be content and take two So when you ask but for two I am more liberall and desire you to be content to take five or six not to patronize the Truth in them that is Gods which He will own and maintain but to expresse the sense of those obligations which your Honour hath by many favours laid upon me which have forcibly drawn me to this from which otherwise I had a very great aversation and if by the blessing of God hereby any further service may be done to him or his Church it will be the rejoicing of Your servant in the Work of the Gospel ANTHONY TUCKNEY Cambridge Oct. 10. 1655. A GOOD DAY WELL IMPROVED Act. 9. 31. Then had the Churches rest throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria and were edified and walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the holy Ghost were multiplied IT is accounted to be a bad 1. Sermon preached in Pauls July 16. 1654. sign if the sick man grow more sick after sleep but if better there are then some hopes of his recovery So here The Churches of Christ as to outward respects had been brought to a very low weak and sick condition by that Calenture or fiery tryall which had dispatch'd Steven Chap. 7. and afterward brake out and spread further to the persecution and scattering of the whole Church at Jerusalem Chap. 8. 1. And Saul still breathing out threatnings and slaughter did blow the coal to carry the flame as far as Damascus in the beginning of this Chapter but his Spirit was happily cooled in the sequele of it and with it the heat of that persecution and now 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 as the like are called Chap. 3. 19. cooling refreshing times came from the presence of the Lord and so we finde the heat of the fever abated and the sick spouse fallen to her rest Then had the Churches rest and then if He sleep the Disciples concluded he would do well especially if upon it all proved better John 11. 12. as here it did for when they had rest they were edified and walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the holy Ghost were multiplied And so in the Text we may observe these three particulars 1. The formerly afflicted and wearied Churches rest Then had the Churches rest c. 2. This crowned with two most happy Concomitants or consequents They were edified they were multiplied 3 Both these set out by two as happy means and causes of them viz. Their walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the holy Ghost Blessed flocks of Christs sheep that thus come up Cant. 4. 2. from the washing in the waters of affliction None barren whilest they are thus multiplied and all bearing twins in these two lovely pares walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the holy Ghost and so were both edified and multiplied And happy we if we could go in the footsteps of those flocks that Cant. 1. 8. seeing God in mercy hath begun to give us as he did them rest or as the word is Peace this peace 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 may not make us proud and petulant but that with them we may now more then ever walk in Gods fear and that fear not dis-spirit us but may be sweetned and animated with the comforts of the holy Spirit that so in stead of those many ruines and pullings down in our former blusters now in this fair weather we may begin to think of building up and edifying our selves and others in faith and love and whereas in our former wars men have been minished and sins and factions and furies have swarmed the true Churches of Christ and true Saints in those Churches and true Graces in those Saints may be now increased and multiplied This indeed would be even an heaven upon earth a new Rev. 21. 2. Jerusalem the vision of peace coming down from heaven A blessed remembrance of what was in those best and primitive Churches in the beginning of the Gospel and a more happy first fruits and pledge of what is now hastning on in the most glorious Churches in the end of it yea of what shall never be ended but perfected in glory I begin with the first blessing in those first words Then had the Churches rest throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria which need not much explication Then or therefore 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Calvin Beza Piscato◠Tyndal Numero plurativo quòd tum c. Erasm The Churches which some read Congregations in the plural number the Church in the first verse of this Chap. which was at Jerusalem upon the dispersion there mentioned became Churches one multiplying into many Had rest the Greek is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Grotius in locum de jure belli c. lib. 1◠cap. 2. Peace for so they called the rest they then had from persecution as the Psalmist phraseth it rest from the dayes of adversity Psal 94. 13. Throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria That is throughout the whole compasse of Israels inheritance and
so a Minister or a Christian even in his forced absence edifieth and that it may be more then his Heb. 11. 4. presence sometimes would This therefore is his duty 2. Hence also take notice of Gods wisdom power faithfulness and mercy who knoweth how to provide for his peoples good by very unlikely means as here for his Churches peace by the absence of those that preached the Gospel of peace It is the absence of God onely which is the certain and necessary cause of his peoples disquiet who whilest he is but present may as here in the Text have rest when best either Men or Ministers are absent How little need hath God of our best help in his work and how all-sufficient is he who can do all for us when all outward helps are wanting He could at the first make the earth bring forth before there Gen. 2 5. was any rain to water it or man to till it and here we find him laying down his people to their rest after Pauls sun-set 4. I adde a 4th time which the Text also affordeth when God after trouble giveth his Churches rest and that is when the persecution and trouble is grown up to the height and the burden of it now proveth insupportable Such was that of this Church which ushered in this peace here mentioned for besides the other Jewes rage little Saul made great havock of the Church Act. 9. 3. and being as he himself confesseth 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of his fathers 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 hyperbolically or beyond measure Gal. 1. 13 14. he persecuted the Church of God and wasted it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the word is and that is quasi grassator praedo as Hierom interpreteth it an unmercifull spoiler and cruel enemy he layd all wast Very many and as sad are the expressions which we meet with in this book of the Acts to this purpose which set out his rage against Christ and his Churches At the Protomartyr Stevens death we read Act. 7. 58. that the witnesses who stoned him laid down their clothes that they might be more ready and nimble at that devilish exploit at his feet who though he was as is conceived by some of the Ancients both coaetaneus cognatus both of the same age and also of the same kindred with Steven his Cousen yet withall Being naturally acris fervidi ingenii as one saith of a quick spirit And also in the heat of his young blood And this yet more heated with zeal for his Jewish traditions yea and as some think with emulation of Stevens eminency which amongst young men of the same rank and age whilest they live together especially is too frequent and ordinary He grew so hot that as he himself confesseth Act. 22. 20. he was 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 two very sad words the latter of which signifieth that from his soul he was very well pleased with it and approved it and the other in the proper sense of it telleth you that he was not onely a by-stander looking on and taking content in it but that he was Dux choragus a principal Actor and superintendent in that bloody action so as that although he did not cast one stone at him yet in true Interpretation as Austin observeth he stoned Vt in manibus omnium ipse lapidare videretur Serm. 1. de Sanctis himby their hands Nor was this heat of his or the other Jewes rage quenched with Stephens blood but it flamed out to a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to a very great persecution of the whole Church Act. 8. 1. so as if Dorotheus say true no fewer then two thousand disciples more were put to death about the time of Stephens Martyrdome that the Scripture saith not but this it doth that all the rest were scattered abroad v. 1. whilest Saul made havock of the Church v. 3. the word here is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 answering to his 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 before Gal. 1. 13. and a both express such a vastation as a wild bore maketh in a vineyard when he rooteth up all or as a cruel enemy when he hath new broken into a besieged town or city who with fire and sword layeth all waste Nor his onely to them that are found in armes or abroad in the streets as is usuall in warre but those whom the savage Souldier spareth this then persecutor Butchereth for he entreth into the houses nay into every house 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 domatim the words are and there without pity of age or sex haleth and draggeth men and women into prison vers 3. Nor is this rage yet quieted for chap. 9. you read 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 He still and yet further breathes out threatnings and slaughter against the Disciples of the Lord like some roaring Lion or fiery-breathed Dragon he belcheth and spits out fire v. 1. and gets a blood inquisition Commission of the high Priest to reach as far as Damascus which they compute to be no less then five days journey from Jerusalem How fast and how far do they go whom the devil and their own malice drive that if he might finde any he meant none should escape him of that way whether men or women none it seemeth must be pitied by him he might bring them bound to Jerusalem and why to Jerusalem not onely because there was the chief Judicature of such matters but withall because there the Judges were more enraged and there he had more power and where he had been binding before and delivering them into prison yea and did persecute them even unto the death chap. 22. 4 5. And when they were put to death 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 he gave his voice against them not it may be as a Judge he had not got up to the Bench but as an Informer or by-stander at the barre he earnestly manifested his approbation answerable to his 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 before mentioned or as a busie Pursivant or officer who carried the sentence of the Court that 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 may signifie and looked to it to see it put in execucution Acts 26. 10. To which add onely what there followeth v. 11. And I punished them oft in every synagogue and compelled them to blaspheme and being exceedingly mad against them I persecuted them even unto strange cities Every word almost hath a very heavy Accent and Emphasis 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 I punished them and you may be sure it was not lightly he laid on load But you might think to prevent his own wearinesse it was but seldom nay 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 it was very often we that are so soon weary in Gods service even when weary are yet unweariable in the Devils drudgery Isa 41. 12. But although it was oft in one place yet that little body could not be every where yes the more nimâ—le to skip up and down and therefore it 's added that
exercises and so it may be with the latter days of particular Churches or Christians for outward matters the last of their way may prove the foulest and deepest yea in which some of them have met with greatest exercises of the inward man as well as the outward much variety herein is in Gods severall dispensations with his pâ—rticular servants but in the generall we may conclude That it is in the grave where the weary Isa 57. 2. are for altogether at rest Job 3. 17. and in Heaven only which was typed out by Canaans rest that a perfect and everlasting Sabbatisme or rest remaineth for the people of God Heb. 4. 9. Ruth Ruth 1. 9. was to find rest in her husbands house and so must the spouse of Christ onely in her husbands and that 's heaven where onely it is that we shall never be troubled more The world to come is the world say the Rabbines where all is well There then the Churches once for all shall have rest and therefore take we not up our rest till we get thither and meanwhile in this our distance and absence let this be the frequently reiterated wish and voice of every one of our Souls Vtinam domi essem as it is in the proverb although through Gods mercy sometimes here I may not be very ill at ease yet I would that I were at home though I am sure I shall there be perfectly well in mine everlasting rest here sometimes wee See Z ' ne by in loucium may be 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Phil. 2. 28. less sorrowfull then at some other times we are but never altogether 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 wholly without all touch of grief and disquiet and therefore to that man who takes up his rest on earth me thinks Drexelius propounds a very fit question An coelum desperasti Hoâ—olog pâ—â—t t. 2. in Epilogo vain man but dost thou wholly despair of heaven that thou takest up thy statioÌ„ here on earth for shame up and be stirring look and walk pant and breath after heaven what ever outward rest God sendeth thee let it only refresh and inable thee to unwearied restless motions towards thy best home where thou mayest rest in thy dearest Fathers and Husbands warm bosoms never more to be disturbed or disquieted Long for heaven that is the first And be looking long after some Vse 2 better days of peace and rest which God hath promised his Church even in this world yet expected but not as yet come It is true that after the ceasing of the primitive persecutions the Churches of Christ under Constantine and other Christian Emperors enjoyed many joyfull Sabbaths of rest but yet they have not been without their soar working days Pope and Turk and other enemies have proved such cruel Talkmasters that the Church hath too sad occasion to take up again the old Lamentation Our necks are under persecution Lam. 5. 5. we labour and have no rest and that other Woe is me Jer. 4. 31. now for my soul is wearied because of murderers But yet after all this God promiseth a time when his people shall dwell in a peaceable habitation and in quiet resting places Isa 32. 17 18. when the work of righteousness shall be peace and the effect of Finch in locum righteousness quietness and assurance for ever And after that both the Beast and false Prophet and Gog and Revel 19. 20. 20. 9 10. Magog and together with them the Devil that deceived them shall be cast into the lake of fire we read of a new heaven and a Revel 22. 1 2. 4. new earth and of a new Jerusalem a vision of peace that shall come down from God out of Heaven and therefore is to be on earth when God shall wipe away all teares from his peoples eyes 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 out of their Brightman very eyes so to dry up the spring that as there shall be no outward occasion so no inward ability of weeping and there shall be no death neither sorrow nor crying nor any more pain all such former things being passed away This indeed the Scripture Dan. 12. 1 2. seemeth to express may be ushered in with greatest troubles as usually greatest births of Gods bounty are wont to be and should those happier times as some are ready to think be now nearer and faster coming on our present days and tempers or distempers are such as may make a very sad preface to so happy a work but yet this dark stormy night shall not hinder Sun-rise and that clear morning and bright day in which the Churches shall injoy more rest then hitherto they have attained But what I have thus said I desire may not be so understood and interpreted as though 1. Either I hereby intend with many now adays to cry up a fifth Monarchy to introduce confusion and Anarchy for even in those happy days the Prophet speaks of Kings that shall be nursing Fathers and of Queens as nursing Mothers to the Church of God Isa 49. 23. 2. Or that I either think or wish that what David saith of Dan. 7. 22. the Saints possessing the kingdome should be the lot of many such as in our days have monopolized the Title of Saints which is made of late a term of Art and a very juggle and assumed by Quakers Ranters Adamites and other most abominable Sectaries Saints per Antiphrasin As the unnaturall Sodomites in the old Testament are called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which word signifieth Saints or holy ones they were Saint Sodomites and ours are Saint Ranters which hath made the very name of a Saint and much more the persons of those that are truely such to profane Souls odious Should such Saints as these are once have the rule it is to be feared the Churches would have little of this rest which the Text speaketh of However their frenzies should not prejudice the truth of God w th sober-spirited Christians who upon their best thoughts shall in the Scripture especially in the Prophets finde many promises of such peaceable days not as yet fully accomplished which therefore it is our duty to look and pray and prepare for as the sweet close of the Churches troubles in this world and a most joyfull both pledge and praeludium of the Saints everlasting rest in heaven Mean while in the last place Vse 3 let it minde us of this Nation both of Gods mercy and our duty in reference to his present dispensations Some years since it was but little rest and peace which the Churches and servants of Christ among us had either of conscience or outward man through some mens restlesness That quarrell of Gods Covenant when those Disturbers sat still and were at Zech. 1. 11. rest he undertook in the late wars that he might at the last as the prophet speaketh give rest Jer. 50. 34. to the land and disquiet the inhabitants of Babylon
that are in their place should value the building up of Gods house and the setlement of his ordinances and be no losers by them neither for they will quit all the care and cost which they put them or any to as the Ark fully satisfied Obed-edom for its intertainment 2 Sam. 6. 12. and so still 1. Their setling of Gods house will establish their own as Caesar did his own statues by erecting Pompey's God promiseth to build David an house because he did but only purpose to build him one 2 Sam. 7. 11. 2. It will be the most Orient Gemme in their Crown is it self will make them most honourable in the sight of God and man So we finde that in all that royall state of Solomon which ravished the Queen of Sheba's heart after the meat of his table and the sitting of his Servants and all the rest of that bravery the last as chiefest is added viz. His ascent into the house of God 1 King 10. 4 5. That made Solomon glorious while he lived viz. the building of Gods house more then his own and Jehojada's doing good in Israel both towards Ged and his house gained him honour in a royall buriall when he was dead 2 Chr. 24. 16. Dead mens monuments use to be in Churches but the building of Gods true Church would be their most glorious and lasting monument 3. Nor will it be more honour to them from others then truest inward satisfaction and comfort to themselves in the closing up of their lives at their last account After all that great good which Nehemiah had done for the State in the foregoing Chapters how sweetly and comfortably doth he close up all in the last Chapter of that Book with reflecting upon his care and zeal for the house and ordinances of God in his taking care for the sanctifying of the Sabbath in his cleansing of the Temple in his providing for the Priests portions and in his chasing away such as intended and defiled the Priesthood with what comfort and humble boldness could he say Remember me ô my God concerning this and again Remember me Nehem. concerning this also What happy 13. 14. v. 22. Items were these in his last reckonings and yet again not as though by his so often putting God in mind he were subject to forget but the more to assure us that he will be sure to remember again I say he v. 31. addeth the third time Remember me ô God for good and so he ends his Book and ô happy all they who are in his place if with such a word in their mouths they can end their lives as with a sweet aire after a stroak struck by a skilfull hand on a well tuned instrument But although Magistrates in this People work have the greatest taks yet the people and all private Christians yea the least and meanest of them have their proportionable share as the least stones yea though they serve only for filling up the wall in their place and proportion conduce much to the getting up of the building and that as well as the chiefest corner stones they that lye in the foundation He that serveth the Mason helpeth up the building as well as the Master-workman The poor widow may Mark 12. 42. Exod. 35. 26. cast her two mites into the treasury of the Temple and the women that spun goats hair helped on the work of the Tabernacle as well as Bezaleel The rich Gold-smiths had three lots Nehem. 3. 8. 31 32. as it was fit that their proportion should be greater answerable to their ability and yet the Heardsmen of Tekoah had two v. 5. 27. The Apostle speaks of a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and an 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and an 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in every part of the body of Christ in which the least member hath its measure of grace and ability and answerable thereto it hath its energy or effectuall working and proportionable to it its 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or supply that it affordeth and so by the joynt acting of all the members there is made an increase of the whole body unto the edifying of it self in love Let not therefore Gideon say My family is poor in Manasseh and I Iudg. 6. 15 am the least in my fathers house and wherewith shall I save Israel let not the poorest and weakest and most private Christian say My body parts estate are all weak and poor and how then shall I ever do any thing towards the edifying of the Church or advance the setling of the ordinances of Christ For 1. All the Saints are in Circuitu Revel 4. 6. 10. round about the Throne and in point of Communion with Christ the poor may be as near to him as the richest and therefore although such of you can otherwise do but little yet your prayers may do very much with 1 Thes 5. 25. 2 Thes 1. 3 Heb. 13. 18. him who alone must do all This made Paul so frequently and earnestly begg the prayers of all when he was upon this work though he was a Master-builder 2. Their holy life may yet do more as effectually prevailing with him to continue and increase such means of grace which they so thrive by as long as his servants watch and work he is pleased to keep in the light it was not then so with Ephesus when Christ threatned to remove her Candlestick Revel 2. 5. 3. As weak and mean as they are their particular indevours may much advance the Churches common service As in great mens families so in the house of God there are variety of offices some more mean and homely and yet most necessary which persons of meaner parts and place are more fit for A little Piercer is fitter to make a hole to drive in a nail then a great wimble and the little finger may in some posture reach that which the greatest and longest cannot and so in the body mystical as well as natural the members that seem to be more feeble are necessary 1 Cor. 12. 22. And therefore in this building up of the Church did we but seriously study it and our selves we should finde some lower services which men of lower abilities and standings like our selves and so we with them may be most fit to stoop to and never have occasion to stand Mark 20. 7 all the day idle with this excuse that none hath hired us for every one of us the very meanest of us may do something 4. But many such weak ones joyning together may arise to a considerable ability All buildings Joseph Antiqu. lib. 15. cap. 14. are not mâ—de onely of such vast square stones as Solomons Temple was but many of lesser bricks nay little Flints we see if well laid together in good morter serve to make very strong building and that great Beam which no one strongest man can stirre many weaker hands may easily lift up How great a fire may little sticks
peace 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which the Vulgar Calvin and some others read They were filled and refer this word to those that immediately went before 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Thus They were filled with the comfort of the holy Ghost which reading in it self beareth a good sense but 1. breaketh what I think is the right contexture of the parts of the verse 2. Nor doth the word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 so well agree with a Dative case as here it must according to that reading 3. Nor usually if at all in the New Testament put for to fill but rather to increase and multiplie And so I here take it and with our Translators read it they having rest were 1. edified 2. multiplied That is 1. As the Apostles in the course of their Ministry converted many to Christianity so more Churches were gathered in new places 2. The former Churches in the same place were so increased by the conversion and so accession of new members that not being well able to meet in one congregation for order sake and for their better edification they were either divided into more Assemblies in the same place or as new Colonies were from them sent abroad to stock and plant other places and thus with the number of Believers the number also of Churches was increased and multiplied In the handling of this particular I shall endevour to make out these two things 1. That as it is here recorded and reckoned so indeed it is a very great blessing to have the Churches of God multiplied 2. That it is an happy fruit and consequent of their having peace and being edified for so they lie in the Text. First they had rest thereupon next they were edified upon both which in the last place and close of all followed that they were multiplied It is a very great blessing to have the Churches of Christ increased and multiplied for as such it is here recorded and reckoned viz. As a 2d happy effect of their peace Having rest they were both edified and multiplied And for the further explaining of this particular before the proof of it I premise this double caution 1. This multiplication and Caution 1 increase of the Church is a very great blessing when and where it may be had but yet not so as to be such a distinguishing note of the Church as that that should be no Church where through the malice of Satan and his instruments such multitudes are wanting So indeed the Papists would characterize the Church by its far spreading and over-grown multitudes proving as he saith the finenesse of the cloth by the Mr. Fullers holy war large measure as Bellarmine in his Gemitus Columbae will needs make his society of Jesuites to be the right Doves because of their fast and far flight and their multiplying brood rather from any thing that they have of Dovelike simplicity and Innocency of which if he could prove them very much guilâ—y he would shew more strength and art then he hath done in all his whole controversies Such vermine may multiply by swarmes whilest the Lyon and Eagle and other more noble creatures as Aristotle observeth are 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 bring forth but by single unities Christ once when lost by his parents was not found 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in the company but Luk. 2. 44 45. Revel 12. 6 the woman his spouse is too oft to be found in the solitary wilderness whilest the waters whereon the whore sitteth are peoples and multitudes and nations and Revel 17. 17. tongues The valley of the son of Hinnom is a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 as Hierom On Jer. 2. 24. observeth and such a Church-yard we may finde in the Popish Churches in which more are buried then are baptized into the true Church of Christ For his dove and undefiled is but one whilest there are threescore queens Cant. 6. 8 9. and fourscore concubines and virgins such as never had reference or affection to him without number And therefore whilest they cry Nos numerus sumus c. let it satisfie us that we are of Christs 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 little little flock to whom it is his Fathers Luke 12. 42. good will to give the kingdom Multitudes rightly ordered are a blessing but no infallible necessary distinguishing note of the Church which is the first Caution The second I implied when Caution 2 even now I said Multitudes well ordered and it is more plainly expressed in the Text when first it 's said they were edified and afterward that they were multiplied For Multiplication without Edification breedeth onely confusion like the swarmes of flyes in Egypt which corrupted the land Exod. 8. 24. So at first when men began to multiplie upon the face of the earth they defiled it Gen. 6. 1 2. Such multitudes may be more then a good many too many for God as once Judg. 7. 2 4. to vouchsafe his gracious presence to of such multitudes we may say with the Prophet Isa 9. 3. Multiplicasti gentem non magnificasti laetitiam Thou hast multiplied the nation but not increased thy joy Little increase of joy to the Church by the accession of such multitudes As when 1. Either the bulk of the Church is swollen up with multitudes of hypocrites as Israels camp was with that mixed multitude Exod. 12. 38. A great deal of chaff may make a great heap on the floore when there is never the more but it may be the lesse wheat in the garner and many bad humours in the body may make it swell and be greater but never the healthier 2. Or when the Church is rent in pieces by Schismes and Factions and so of one Congregation are made many conventicles of Hereticks many such are now falsly called Churches and they are multiplied and the more the pity because far enough from the sense of the Text in which the true Churches of Christ are here said to be multiplied nay hereby they are minished weakned if not in some places wholely destroyed and ruinated As in a demolished building the parts of it pulled asunder and broken in pieces take up a greater room but mean while the house is pulled down and that liquor which is drawn out into many open pots groweth dead and vappid which would have retained its spirits if it had been kept together in one vessell But this Multiplication here was without any Division for these many had one heart Acts 4. 32. in their orderly divisions they had no fractions were multiplied but both first were and still continued to be edified and edification in the proper nature and notion of it includeth a compacted union and accordingly they had peace in Brotherly communion as well as in freedome from enemies persecutions Such a multiplication as a consequent or concomitant of edification the Text and the point in hand hold forth for a very great blessing 1. Multiplication is a blessing in Nature ever since God said Gen
1. 22. 28. Crescite multiplicamini at the first Creation 9. 1. 7. 2. And promised as such in the Gen. 22. 17. Gen. 26. 4. Covenant of grace to Abraham Isaac and Jacob and so all along that their seed should be as the stars of heaven for multitude 28. 3. 3. A blessing to a Family When the wife is as the fruitfull vine by the house side and the children like olive plants round about the table Psal 128. 3. 4. And a blessing to the State For in the multitude of the people is the Kings honour but in the want of people is the destruction of the Prince Prov. 14. 28. 5. And why not as great or rather a greater blessing in the house of God and the Common-wealth of Israel As such it hath been desired and prayed for by the people of God Let Reuben live and not die and let not his men be few Deut. 33. 6. and as such it hath been promised by God to his people I will multiply them and they shall not be few I will also glorifie them and they shall not be small Jer. 30. 19. The contrary to it hath been frequently threatned on Gods part as a very heavy affliction that whereas they had been as the stars of heaven for multitude they should be left few in number Deut. 28. 62. when the glory of Jacob is made thin and the fatnesse of his flesh waxed lean and they left as the shaking of an olive-tree Levit. 26. 22. Deut. 4. 27 two or three berries on the top of the uppermost branch Isa 17. 4. 6. or yet more lonesome and solitary As a single Beacon on the top of a mountain or as an ensign upon an hill as the same Prophet elegantly expresseth it Isa 30 17. And on his peoples part as sadly bemoaned and groaned under as under a very heavy burden So David mournfully complaineth that the godly man ceaseth and that the faithfull failed Psal 12. 1. and the wasted consumed Church piteously cryeth out My leannesse my leannesse Isaiah 24. 16. This truth the devill is convinced of and therefore well knowing that the inlargement of Christs kingdom is the lessening of his by himself and his instruments he laboureth to hinder it Come on let us deal wisely with them lest they mult plie saith Pharaoh Exod. 1. 10 And therefore God on the contrary promoteth and advanceth it when he intends to give his people a signall evidence of his favour and love Whether in worse dayes as a pledge and meanes of their after deliverance as in that remarkable place Exo. 2. 7. where speaking of Israel in Egypt You have six words or expressions in the Hebrew 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 1. They were fruitfull 2. And increased abundantly 3. And multiplied 4. And waxed mighty and that 5. 6. in two words See Muis in his varia sacra in Exod. 1 7. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Valde valde exceedingly so that the land was filled with them Not to expresse that the Hebrew women bare six children at a time as Baal Haturim vainly Cabalizeth quo nihil nugacius but onely to express a most wonderfull prosperous increase The 1st word signifying that none of them was barren 2. That they brought forth diverse at once more reptilium as the 2d word signifieth Gen. 1. 20. And 3. those not short-lived For else they had not multiplied as the 3d word word saith they did 4. Nor weak and feeble but strong and mighty and all this doubled as the words are and that to a superlative degree as the word there used in that language signifieth thus then to the Church in that time of their bondage as to the Christian Church in their first uprising whilest yet under Acts 2. 6. 4. 32. 8. 2. 14. 1. 17. 4. 21. 22. persecution How oft do you read in the Acts of the Apostles of the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the multitude of Believers When 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 c. When the word of God increased and the number of Disciples multiplied greatly and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith Acts 6. 7. in that day of Gods power from the womb of the morning he had the dew of his youth Psal 110. 3. i. e. The world was overspread with Believers and Churches as the drops of dew in a morning cover Tertul. Apologet cap. 37. the face of the earth then they could say Vestra omnia implevimus urbes insulas castilla c. In those first best dayes though under persecution their numbers filled all places As we hope and believe in the last best dayes they will fill the world as is fully and magnificently expressed Isa 60. when multitudes of Believers shall not be as at first like drops of dew that cover the earth but as the everflowing waters that cover the sea Isa 11. 9. Then will the Churches of Christ have rest and be edified and multiplied All great blessings and such as with which God useth to crown the best times And in particular this blessing of the multiplication of true Saints and Churches is very great As by which Reas 1 1. A great deal of good is more easily done much work by many hands and great assistance by many helpers He hath delivered my soul in peace from the battell which was against me for there were many with me Psal 55. 18. Not that God stands in need of multitudes to have his work done or his people preserved for there is no restraint with him to 1 Sam. 14. 6. 2. Chron. 14. 11. save by many or by few One God self-sufficient in himself and All-sufficient to all his people in their straits and want of all other help is more then All My God and I are good company was the Dr. Sibbs saying of a very good man But yet as in ordinary course he works by means so his work is often retarded through the fâ—wness of workmen 2 Chron. 29. 34. and on the contrary is better carried on by many hands How was the very place shaken where the multitudes of Beleevers were met together and lift up their voices 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Act. 4. 24. 31. 32. The publick prayers of many met together in the Church are the more prevalent how much more joint the suffrages of many Churches that way evry way the more good men there are the more good is done 2. And the more mischief prevented or repelled Many theeves are not so ready or hardy to set upon so many honest men or may be better resisted by a greater number if they do a Isa 31. 4. multitude of shepherds called forth is able to withstand the Lion roaring on his prey And so when the godly prove numerous and potent true enemies prove seeming friends as it 's said Esther 8. 17. many of the people of the land in that case became Jewes or if they will still appear enemies the Church
of God will appear terrible when it is become like an army with banners Cant. 6. 4. 10. 3. Hence also more comfort and joy to the godly for here the more the merrier and the better cheer too thus the Jewes who had returned from Babylon prayed for thereturn of the test that stayed behind whose accession to them to fill up their number they accounted would be as rivers in the South i. e. most refreshing and comfortable Psal 126. 4. and so before it was with the voice of joy and praise when David went to the house of God with a multitude Psa 42. 4. as elsewhere he greatly praiseth God when it was 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Psal 109. 30. Psal 22. 25 the midst of the multitude 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in the great congregation if there be a full number of them the Communion of Saints is more full and their joy in it more joy to them 4. And which is the greatest blessing of all more glory to God when he is praised and blessed and served by so many as a King in the midst of his army or Iob 29. 25. a great Lord incompassed with a great retinue of his servants and followers This his praise will be most fully sounded out when the whole Chorus in Heaven shall all together joyn in their Hallelujah's A praeludium to which even an heaven upon earth is when many Churches from all quarters of the world shall sing their severall parts as well as they can to make up the Consort Abundant grace 2 Cor. 9. 12. through the thanksgiving of many redounds much to the glory of God 2 Cor. 4. 15. But it will be a most royal found which the Trumpet of the 7th Angel will make and will fill the whole earth with the glorious praises of God when there shall be great voices in heaven saying All the Kingdomes of this world are become the kingdomes of our Lord and of his Christ and he shall reign for ever Revel 11. 15. And thus we see that in the multiplication of Churches and true Beleevers in them is contained a multiplyed blessing we may then say with Leah when such a Gad is born that a Troop Gen. 30. 11. cometh And which was the second thing to be cleared this blessing of Multiplication cometh upon the Churches peace and edification Peace breeds plenty as in other cases so in this The Churches the Text saith had peace and thereupon it is added that they were multiplied Not but that God may and often doth improve affliction and persecution to the enlargement of his Church and the multiplying Beleevers in it as sickness make's some young ones grow tall and cold Northerly climes use to be more prolificall So Israel in Egypt most multiplied after Iosephs death Exod. 1. 7. 12. and so had lost their best friend to support them and when most burdned and afflicted And the scattering of the Disciples mentioned Act. 8. 1. appears from the 4th verse following but to have been a sowing of the seed of the word and the Preachers as seeds-men for a following more plenfull harvest as after times made Tertullians word true Semen est Apologet. cap. 50. sanguis Christianorum that the Christians blood became seed to beget many to Christ such trees of righteousness grow fast in winter whose cold blasts and blusters do not so much blow out as like bellowes blow up this divine flame times of persecution by Gods happy improvement of them have proved times of the Churches multiplication But yet as you use to say it's pity that fair weather should do any hurt nay it 's pity if it do not a great deal of good And if in it vermine swarm it is some bodies fault if something better also do not thrive that the Churches of God be not multiplied 1. When they have fewer and less discouragements and hinderances which naturally and too usually like cold blasts nip and check an out-putting spring It was a very low Ebb when there was no Smith found in all Israel 1 Sam. 13. 19. and as low when there are few or no Ministers left in the Church very low it was when five horses 2 King 7. 13. were as all the multitude of Israel and yet lower when they are brought down to the like number who are the Charrets of Israel 2 King 2. 12 2 King 13. 14. and the horsemen thereof 2. When on the contrary they have many encouragements and furtherances viz. When Ministers with Paul Act. 28. 31. may Preach not onely 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 no man forbidding and hindring but also 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 with all confidence and boldness whilest Christian Magistrates command maintain and countenance them in so doing And Christian professors have the like vacancy and freâ—dome that they may be as good as they will for any thing which they meet with coming cross either from God or man This freedome I acknowledge through our corruption and perversness may breed many hypocrites yet it helpeth to nourish and cherish multitudes of sincere hearted Christians as the same fair weather which makes bad weeds grow helpeth more wholesome hearbs to flourish and multiply Foule weather in the Church make's invenomed enemies like Snailes and Frogges and Toades to creep out of their holes in abundance but fairer and calmer dayes give the people of God opportunity and invite them to appear abroad in greater numbers as the men of Israel who had before hid themselves when they heard that the Philistines fled came forth and increased the hoste 1 Sam. 14. 22. as afterward in Solomons reign when the land had peace and every man dwelt safely under his vine and figge tree the Pomoeria of the City of God were so inlarged and the number of its Citizens so much increased that it was from Dan to Beersheba 1 King 4. 24 25. Churches are multiplyed first when their peace is setled And therefore all that I shall Vse say for the Application of this is in the word of the Psalmist O pray for the peace of Jerusalem and say Peace be within thy wals and plenteousness within thy palaces even plenty of all other blessings and above all of blessed Beleevers which then either do or should increase and multiply for whereas warre inlargeth the Territories of other Tyrants a godly peace helpeth in a great measure to inlarge the Kingdome of the Prince of peace therefore all the sons of peace pray for peace that the Gospel of peace may be all over preached and the Churches of Christ thereby multiplyed 2. But that with their peace they may be also edified for so in the Text it 's said first they were edified and then and thereupon it 's added that they were multiplied The true edification of the Church maketh much for the right and orderly multiplication of it And this according to the double edification of it before mentioned 1. Whether we mean the edification of the whole
Scripturis cogantur quaestiones suas sistere Tradition is their Helena and Venus which they so paint and trim up They are modest men amongst them that will afford the Scriptures an equall share of dignity and respect with them for it 's as little as they can give them to be equall with the Scriptures Aequè sunt observandae saith Eckius and pari pietatis affectu In Enchiridio reverentia suscipit c. saith the Council of Trent like him in Nicephorus whom they call Beatus Lib. 16. cap. 33. Theodosius two names too good for such a blasphemer who getting into the Pulpit denounced an Anathema si quis quatuor Synodos quatuor Evangeliis non exaequet pronounced that man accursed who did not make the four first Synods equal with the four Gospels which yet he might better do then the Cardinal Julianus Fox Acts and Mon. Tom. 1. pag 863. in the Council of Basil exhort them to give no less credit to the Council then to the Gospel Or the Council of Trent anathematize all that did not thus equal their vain Traditions with the books of the Old and New Testament But they stay not here it is not enough with them to have their Traditions equalled with the holy Scriptures if they be not much preferred before them 1. For their Antiquity as being Bellarmine de Verbo Dei non Scripto cap. 4. before any Scripture was written and therefore as first born must have the preheminence of primogeniture 2. Hereupon in point of necessity as though the Church had more need of Traditions then of the Scriptures and accordingly Bellarmine in that chapter whose title is Ostenditur Necessitas Traditionum in which he should prove Traditions to be necessary doth take a great deal of more pains to prove that the Scriptures are not necessary 3. In point of authority which they say the Scripture hath onely from the Tradition of the Church without which some of them are not afraid to say it would be of no more authority then Aesops Fables and the same Pighius who durst call it a nose of wax when over shoos over boots and therefore durst go on and say haec Scripta non praeesse nostra religioni sed subesse and as Caranza adds that the Scripture is to be regulaby the Church and not the Church by the Scripture 4. In point of extent Traditions according to them containing much more of the word and will of God then the Scriptures for although Andradius be so modest and that is a wonder for he is not usually wont to be found in that fault as to grant that maxima pars the greatest part of Gods revealed will is contained in Scripture yet others of his Fellows cannot but account him herein to have been over liberal for on the quite contrary Hosius saith that multò maxima pars that the greatest part of it by far is contained in Traditions and others of them say that minima particula it is the very least part of all that is contained in Scripture whilest Traditio omnem veritatem in se habet containeth all the mysteries of faith and Religion if you will beleeve Coster 5. For point of continuance The same Author would have you beleeve that this unwritten word is more safely kept in their hearts and not to be rased out of the Popes their high Priests breast-plate whilest moths and worms may soon consume these written papers and parchments 6. And so also in point of incorrupted certainty whilest the written word is but a dumb letter speaks not its own sense is a nose of wax and leaden rule which every heretick may bend to his purpose on the contrary their Mufti is a live Judge and the Tradition of the Church is safely lockt up in his breast he gives the true authentick sense of it and so preventeth both the Catholicks error and the Hereticks depravation 7. In point of transcendent worth and usefulness The unwritten word is of more moment say some of them and multis partibus superat scripturas saith Coster as much as the fleshly tables of Beleevers hearts in which no doubt their Traditions are written exceed the Tables of stone or papers or parchments in which the Old and New Testament are written And for use Corn. à Lapide from those words of the Covenant of Gods writing his Law in our hearts Jer. 31. 33. would make such weak men and silly Novices as we are beleeve that Traditions are more proper for the N. T. then the Scriptures Hoc si animadverterent Haeretici magis proprias esse N. Testamento Traditiones quà m Scripturas intelligerent Euge Jesuita en pietatem Romanam In this his bold and blasphemous expression we hear the voice of the Beast and see the whores brasen forehead that blusheth not to prefer their own dreams before the visions of God and their lying Cabala before that 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Scripture of truth which alone is able to make us wise to Salvation 2 Tim. 3. 15. 8. In particular Canus and most of them hold and say that although things of more common nature and concernment were written by Moses and other Pen-men in Scripture yet the Arcana Imperii the higher mysteries those holy things were not to be cast to dogs for so they speak when they mean these rarities of their should not be exposed to publick view as it was with the Heathen with their Abdita in Adytis and as Pythagoras and some other Philosophers and the Dryades would not have their Dictates written for all but onely communicated to their Scholars such mysteria to their Mystae So Christ and his Apostles besides their 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 their more ordinary and common doctrine which they either spake or wrote to all had their 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 their more secret mysteries of So also our Enthusiasts Castellio vide Beza in 2 Tim. 3. 17. more high and abstruse nature which were onely delivered by word of mouth to their greater Intimates and Confidents To which purpose Canus feareth not blasphemously to apply that 1 Cor. 2. 2. but I determined to know or make known nothing but Christ Jesus and him crucified i. e. to you vulgar and ordinary hearers howbeit we speak wisdome amongst them that are perfect No doubt their high-flown perfectionists Profane Blasphemer as though Christ crucified whom in the foregoing Chapter v. 23. he had said was the wisdome of God and the power of God were but his ordinary and course every day doctrin which he preached to the meaner vulgar but that he had higher speculations which he imparted to those of an higher Form or as our new minted word is dispensation and attainment which our Enthusiasts boast of in their Revelations and the Papists as it seemeth promise us in their Traditions 9. And therefore accordingly Lib. 4. de verbo Dei c. 4. in their practice as the Jewes if you will believe
Brought to Christ and built upon him as the onely true Foundation 1 Pet. 2. 4 5. and in reference onely to him upon the doctrinall foundation of the Prophets and Apostles Christ mean while continuing the corner-stone Eph. 2. 20. 2. And thereupon are confirmed and grow up in grace both in themselves and with one another as it 's added Eph. 2. 21. in whom all the building fitly framed together 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 c. groweth unto an holy Temple in the Lord. And thus we are said to be edified in knowledge 1 Cor. 14. 4. in faith Jude v. 20. in love 1 Cor. 8. 1. Eph. 4. 16. and the like may be said of all other gaces 3. So that a good life as the topstone is laid upon good doctrine an outward holy conversation is added to all our inward grace and holy profession then and truly not till then may we cry Grace grace to it as in the building of the second Temple Zechariah 4. 7. 4. And when we are thus converted and edified we further labour to strengthen and build up our Brethren Luke 22. 32. 1 Thes 5. 11. And therefore now for the applying Vse of this to our selves In the forementioned particulars we have our work cut out to our hand and laid before us we now have rest as these here had it concerneth us therefore not now to be negligent 2 Chron. 29. 11. and idle but to get up and be doing that we may be edified as they were And here our first great care must be that Christ in all be laid for the only foundation You may possibly think this a strange lesson to be taught them who already professe themselves Christians as though we had need to lay again the foundation as the Apostle speaketh Heb. 6. 1. but that our unhappy times are most unhappily become like those which the Psalmist in his dayes spake of in which Psal 11. 3. Foundations were destroyed For now that I may use the Apostles words 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the very principles of the doctrine of Christ the most Fundamental Scripture-truths such I mean as are not onely sufficient to build us up in a good life as some now Dr H. of Fundam cap. 1. mince it but such as are absolutely to be believed and practised to salvation are not onely doubted of but boldly and blasphemously denyed and impugned and this for the most part impunè and without controul Whilest the Papist robs Christ of his offices the Socinian spoileth him of his Deity the Antiscripturist of the Scepter of his Kingdom and others blaspheme him into a Notion a Forme a very Impostor Lord is thy Church edified when foundations are thus overturned and what can what should the righteous now do But the more that others pull down the more they should labour to build up both themselves and others in their most holy faith upon the foundations of the Apostles and Prophets Jesus Jude 20. Eph. 2. 20. Christ himself being the corner-stone with whom whosoever gathereth Math. 12. 30. not scattereth and on whom whosoever be he othrewise never so great a master builder buildeth not besides what he doth to others is certain to ruine himself unavoidably irrecoverably we know to this purpose what became of those Builders that rejected this precious Corner-stone Matth. 24. 42 43. and still and ever that will prove true which followeth v. 44. That whosoever falleth on this stone shall be broken but on whomsoever it shall fall it will grinde him to powder He is sure to build a Babel of confusion who layeth not Christ first for the onely foundation It is said Luke 17 28. that in the dayes of Lot they planted they builded but fire and brimstone from heaven soon consumed all those buildings and in this busie age of ours we are as intent to raise up Fabricks of our own both in our opinions and judgements and in our other designes and practises thereby to advance our estates or esteemes and because Christ and his Truth and Grace will not cannot square with them with those Builders we leave him out and lay him aside as not for our turn But what Castle-come-downs will all such buildings prove that are daub'd with such Ezek. 13. 10 11. untempered morter Certainly such wood hay and stubble will burn Such buildings will not stand that are built upon the sand Mat. 7. 24 25 26 27. and not on this rock In the close it will be found that this is not to edification but to destruction let our first care therefore be to make Christ our ground-work and foundation And then the second should be that the Ordinances of Christ be set up and kept up in their purity and power This is Gods building up of Zion when he Psal 102. 16. builds a Tower a Temple in the midst of his vineyard Isa 5 2. and setleth all the Formes Ordinances Ezech. 43. 11. and offices of his house This is the building of the Church both in reference to the generall constitution of the whole as also to the saving edification of the severall members of it When the wholesome word of God is dispensed according to his will for it is able to build us up Acts 20. 32. And when Sacraments and Censures are administred according to his Word for in the stedfast continuance and communion in these Ordinances the first and best Believers grew up increased and multiplied Acts 2. 41 42 c. And from hence take we notice of our sin and duty 1. Our sin in this particular is Our sin very great for although through Gods mercy the State hath some rest yet the Church according to those particulars is very far from being edified We are still on the pulling-down hand or if building up it is of Babels in which we cannot agree or understand one another nay of Temples and Altars to Idols which was not only Manassehs sin 2 Chron. 33. 3 4 5. but even Solomons 1 Kings 11. 7. which the Prophets up and down cry out of in Israel and Judah and in the mean while of the neglect and ruine of Gods Temple a sin which we are sadly and deeply guilty of whilest 1. The Fanatick Enthusiast is caught up so high in the Spirit that he now is gotten above all Ordinances and doth tanquam ex alto despicere undervalue and despise them as poor empty Formes and weak beggerly Rudiments and elements for those of lower Attainments as they in their gibberish are pleased to phrase them to be trained up with The Lord humble the blasphemous pride of these self-conceited men who thus attempt to spurn down as much below them Christs own Institutions which he hath appointed as fit and able by his blessing to build up his people in faith and love and by an humble and faithful improvement whereof many of their betters both dead and alive have attained to so much inward settlement and peace and far