Apostle makes this the matter of admiration of Gods grace Eph. 2. 3 4. God who is rich in mercy when dead in sins hath quickned us Not only quickned our head for hence is cause of eternal praise but us and hence he hath set us up in heavenly places in him This is the state of all men they cannot do one spiritual act now that the Lord should help when all creatures left us is wonderful but that it should be with such a life even the life of Christ Jesus himself for the same Spirit that raised him from the dead dwells in us and the same Spirit that is now in glory with him is in us 1 Pet. 5. 1. This is mercy indeed that he should not only die for us and live in heaven for us but that he should love so dearly as to come and live in us that when our sins had slain him he should not onely come and dwell in our houses nor onely lay his head in our bosome but live in our hearts where he finds such poor welcome and ill entertainment at our hands I tell you this is wonderful to make his habitation in us that before we go to live with him he should live in us Let them that never knew what this meant refuse to be thankful but if you find it so forget not this love Iohn 14. 17. I le send the Spirit whom the World cannot receive because it knows him not The Lord sends the Spirit in common graces and the World doth receive that also in prophetical and miraculous gifts and it doth receive that but this Spirit which God pours on the thirsty this Spirit with which God fills the empty they cannot receive this Oh that you should have it when as they know it not 1. Hence therefore take heed of not owning the Spirit in this his presence Do you thus requite the Lord oh unthankful world not so much as to own the presence of such a friend neither in your selves nor yet in others How like the world is it to think that there is no such thing 2. Take heed therefore of not esteeming highly of it If ever God broke thy heart thou wilt esteem this life this principle as the greatest piece of love and say Lord I shall account this as the greatest part of love in the world Psal. 119. 68. Thou art good oh teach me thy Statutes Now to undervalue this and to account it common and hence as no sign of love 't is a part of unthankfulness 3. Take heed of imprisoning the Spirit of grace common truth Rom. 1. 18. It was fearful to imprison and silence that much more this It was the complaint of the Church in those days None stirs up himself Isai. 64. 7. What strength the Lord gives let me use what I want the Lord hath enough to help me withal put it to exercise or else affliction will 4. Take heed of enfeebling this Principle weakning of it The Church of Sardis things were ready to die in it you should strengthen this inner man not weaken it either by not feeding it with Christ or wounding it with known sins against Christ. Therefore let all the Churches know this and take heed that you do not refuse to own this where else will you make the difference between men that either Churches may discern them or you may discern and so have peace your selves Hence see the reason of that inward hypocrisie that is in many mens hearts so that the best profession of many a man is but a Scheme an Image a very craft a very artificial form all the duties are fair without but sapless liveless within Here is the reason they have no inward principle of life or if they do go to Christ they have no such principle within them to carry them to him so as to receive life from him and hence confess sin without sorrow or shame petition without thirsting live without love do without life because there is no spring but a dry heart within and hence they must do duty but they must make dead work of it and hence all is but an appearance and at best but a would be This is in a great measure in Saints when the Spirit within is quenched but it is in full age and strength in hypocritical hearts Ier. 4. 14. when the profession of Iudah was great and the Prophets had scarce any thing to say against them for outside Oh Ierusalem wash thy heart from wickedness there thy wo lies it enters to the very heart so Christ How can he that is evil bring forth good fruit And this is that which may make men mourn if I forsake all profession I shame my self before men if not I must blaspheme the Lords Name and play the Hypocrite before the Lord Matth. 12. 33 34 35. SECT III. TO take heed of denying the grace of God or this inward principle in whole or in part for this inward principle being the life of Christ in us to deny this is to deny Christ and to take away his life and such the Lord will deny before his Angels another day When they shall say Have we not eat and drank in thy presence he shall answer I never knew you I shall therefore here direct my speech to four sorts First To those that deny created graces in the Saints peculiar unto them only it s said there are none such in the Country if there are not it may be there have been and it may be will be and therfore I le speak For I beleeve 't is a delusion digged and hatcht out of the steam of the lowest sink in Hell And therefore that all may take heed of the evill of it I will first shew the evill of it then the causes that do beget it I. The evils of this delusion are these 1. It settles and fastens a man under the power of all his sin and yet with a quiet Conscience and yet to keep his Christ too It transcends my capacity from whatever I have read or have heard or have felt or can imagine how the power of sin can be taken away but where the Spirit infuseth the contrary grace an empty house swept and garnished with common gifts is but a fitting house for Satan to return into Say therefore a man may have no such graces and yet have Christ and them in Christ you stake this man down under his sin and make this member of Satan a member of Christ Jesus And upon this ground all Churches in the Land may be forced in Conscience to take in all prophane members if they plead Christ and their allness in him 2. This blurs all the glory of a Christian or at least the greatest part of it For what is the glory of a Saint 'T is to be like Jesus Christ the Lord of glory to bear his Image before God and men As to see a man with a Swines face would be the shame of a man to see a
which is to perswade not simply to watchfulnesse but to continuance and perseverance in it from a prudent foresight of the coming of Christ. 1. The Parable it self is set down agreeable to the custom of those times wherein our Saviour lived wherein their Marriages were usually celebrated in the night time she that was the Bride was attended with sundry Virgins to meet the Bridegroom these Virgins it being night season took therefore their Lamps with them those that were ready and met the Bridegroom were admitted to the Marriage-Room and Supper those that came after that time if once the doors were shut weresurely kept out though they knockt hard to come in All this those who are acquainted with Iewish Histories and customs know to be true which we are to attend because it gives not a little light to the true and genuine explication of this Parable In which Parable note these two parts 1. The Churches preparation to meet with Christ called here the Bridegroom from the 1 to the 5 vers 2. The Bridegroom 's coming forth to meet them from the 5 to the 12 vers SECT III. The first part of the Parable FIrst I shall speak of the preparation made by the Church to meet with Christ Jesus Wherein also note these three things 1. The place where this preparation is made viz. in the Kingdom of Heaven vers 1. 2. The time when it shall be made set down in the first word Then v. 1. 3. The persons that shall make this preparation they shall not be corrupted Members of degenerate Churches where mens profession is grown foul through length of wearing but they are Professors of some eminent strain some whereof are truly sincere others secretly unsound And there is a double desription of them 1. From some things wherein they all agree 2. From some other particulars wherein they manifestly differ First Those things wherein they all agree are three 1. They are all Virgins Virgin-Professors 2. They were all awake and watchful for some time ready to meet the Bridegroom and hence it it is said They took their Lamps 3. They all had so much Faith as to go out to meet the Bridegroom Secondly Those things wherein they did differ are 1. Generally five were wise and five were foolish v. 2. 2. Specially the foolish took Lamps but no Oyl the wise did both v. 3 4. This is the rude draught of this first part of the Parable the sum whereof is this That the state of the Members of some Churches about the time of Christ's coming shall be this they shall not be openly prophane corrupt and scandalous but Virgin-Professors awakened for some season out of carnal security stirring lively Christians not preserving their Chastity and Purity meerly in a way of works but waiting for Christin a Covenant of Grace only some of these and a good part of these shall be indeed wise stored with spiritual wisdom filâ—'d with the power of Grace but others of them and a great part of them too shall be found foolish at the coming of the Lord Jesus I come therefore to handle the first Particular in this first Part viz. CHAP. II. Of the Visible Church of God SECT I. 1. THE place where this preparation to meet Christ shall be made and that is not in the Kingdoms of this world earthy Kingdoms but in the Kingdom of Heaven and therefore'tis said The Kingdom of Heaven shall be like c. I will not trouble you with telling you how many waies the Kingdom of Heaven is taken in Scripture by Kingdom of Heaven here is not meant the Kingdom of Glory in the third Heaven for there shall be no foolish Virgins at all there no unclean thing shall enter thither nor by it is meant the head of this Kingdom viz. Christ Jesus for how can he be like to ten Virgins nor by it is meant the Gospel of the Kingdom which Mat. 13. is call'd the Kingdom of Heaven and compared to a draw-net for how can it be like unto ten Virgins nor yet the internal Kingdom of grace set up in the heart of every believer which is called a grain of Mustard-seed Mat. 13. for how can any foolish Virgins be there or what share have they in that Therefore I conceive 't is clear that by the Kingdom of Heaven here is meant the external Kingdom of Christ in this world that is the visible Church or the estate of the visible Church which is frequently called in Scripture the Kingdom of Heaven as Mat. 8. 12. 21. 43. In which Kingdom some are wise some foolish all professe Christ look for the coming of Christ for salvation from Christ the estate of this visible Church shall be like ten Virgins SECT II. AND hence I shall note this one thing That the visible Church of God on earth especially in the times of the Gospel is the Kingdom of Heaven upon earth For look upon the face of the whole earth there you may see the Kingdoms of men and the Kingdom of Satan sin and death which the Apostle saith Rom. 5. reigâ—eth over all men here is only the Kingdom of Heaven upon earth viz. in the visible Church 't is not the place only which makes either Heaven or Hell though there is a place for both but the state principally makes both one may be in Hell upon earth as Christ was in his bitter agony and a man may be in a kind of Heaven upon earth as Christ tels his hearers that the Kingdom of Heaven was at hand a man may be under the Kingdom of Satan and darknesse upon earth Col. 1. 13. which is a kind of Hell and why not as well under the Kingdom of God on earth which is a kind of Heaven especially I say now under the Gospel wherein the Lord hath begun to fulfil that which was but only promised under the Old Testament to be fulfilled in the fourth and last Monarchy Dan. 2. 44 in the time of the New In the state of Christ's visible Church which should by little and little beat down all other Kingdoms of the world SECT III. 1. BEcause the same King that is reigning in Heaven is reigning here is present here Psa. 2. 6. And here the Saints are commanded to rejoyce to shout and to be glad with all their hearts because of the presence of this their King among them Zeph. 3. 14 15. 'T is true indeed he is King over all the world the immediate execution of all Gods common as well as special providence is put into the hand of this King the Lord Jesus But as for his Enemies and other creatures he reignes over them as a King of power but he reignes not for them also as a King of Grace and love for thus he reignes among his people in his Church Deut. 33. 26 27. The Lord is present with every one of his people severally but much more joyntly when two or three of them are met together in his Name 2.
Because here are the Lawes of Heaven Heb. 12. 25. Take heed speaking of the Ministry of the Gospel in the Churches that ye refuse not to hear him who speaketh from Heaven which Lawes are not only here promulgated as they be among the enemies of this Kingdom but accepted and received also without which Lawes what Kingdom could there be Christ's Kingdom in this world is neither tyrannical nor arbitrary to govern without Law no no but if he be our King he is our Law-giver also Isa. 33. 22. Nay the same Lawes by which we shall be ruled in Heaven we have here and we are now under That as our Divines say against the Papists though before Moses his time there was not scriptio verbi yet there was verbum scriptum which the Patriarchs had before the Floud and afterward until Moses his time So I say here though in Heaven the external Letter and scription both of Law and Gospel shall be abolished because they need theâ— not when the day-star is risen 2 Pet. 1. 19. Yet the living Rules of both for substance shall remain the end of the Ministry is to bring us to the unity of Faith in a perfect estate Eph. 4. 13. Therefore Faith shall not cease when Ministers shall and that perfect man shall come Our Faith indeed shall not then by such glasses see Christ nor adhere unto Christ by such means of Promises and Ordinances as we do now but without them we shall both see and for ever adhere to him who is our King at that day and though indeed the Law is now abolished as a Covenant of life yet it shall ever remain as a Rule of life perfect subjection to it is the happinesse of Saints in Heaven 1 Ioh. 1. as a heart contrary to it is the greatest misery of the Saints on earth Rom. 7. 24. 3. Because here are the Subjects of Heaven Eph. 2. 19. Fellow-Citizens of the Saints not only on earth but as Paul speaketh Phil. 3. 20. Our conversation or as it may be rendred our free Burgesse-ship is in Heaven God himself hath canonized all the true Members of visible Churches with the name of Saints throughout the whoâ—e new Testament here are the great heirs of Heaven nay possessours of Heaven by Faith as others are by feeling as near and dear to God in some respect as those that be in Heaven already because the same motive which makes him love them makes him love these though poor abjects and our-casts of the world there is but a paper-wall of their bodies between them and Heaven only here is the difference they there are Subjects in their own countrey these here are the same Countreymen only strangers for a time here upon earth Some define a Kingdom to be dominatus regis in populum subjectum If Christ the King was present and his Laws published but there were no people to be subject to him there could be no Kingdom but when the King Laws and Subjects of Heaven are here met together in the visible Church here is now the Kingdom of Heaven 4. Because here is the very Glory of Heaven begun that look as the same Sun which fils the Stars with Glory the very same beams touch the earth also so the same Glory which shines in Heaven shines into the poor Church here 1 Pet. 5. 10. God hath called his people into his eternal Glory And 〈◊〉 30. whom Christ hath justified them he hath glorified i. e. he hath begun it here 〈◊〉 in a special manner is the presence of the Angels in Heaven Eph. 3. 10. Here the pure in heart see God and that after another manner than many times they can in their solitary condition Psal. 63. 1 2 3. And what is this but Heaven SECT IV. 1. SEE therefore hence their happiness and honour whom God hath called out of the world and planted in his Church What hath the Lord done but opened the way to the Tree of life and let you into Paradise again Nay which is more What hath he done but taken you up into the very Kingdom of Heaven it self where you have the Lord of glory to be your King the Laws of Heaven made known his heart opened where you have the heirs of Heaven your companions and the Angels of Heaven your guard desiring to look into those things which your eyes see and your hearts feel 1 Pet. 1. 12. Where you have the love of a Father appearing the Son of God inhabiting and the Spirit of Heaven comforting Lord what is man that thou art thus mindful of him That when the Lord seeth it unmeet to take you out of this world up unto Heaven that Heaven should come down into this world unto you who were once enemies to this Kingdom shut up under the Kingdom of death and darknesse strangers to the Common-wealth of Israel without God and Christ in the world without promise without hope I do not cry the Temple of the Lord nor Idolize Order and Churches but I tell you what your priviledge is and thereby what Gods goodnesse is I know the world neither seeth not feeleth any such Heaven on earth but soon grow despisers secretly of all Ordinances who if they were in Heaven it self with their carnal hearts they would not abide there with much contentment yet verily Heaven hath been and is found here by Gods hidden one even such things which eye hath not seen nor ear heard and if it be not thus with thee blame thy self and mourn the more who in the midst of light art in utter darknesse and in the place where Heaven is begun to some it should be made a little Hell to thee 2. Take heed of defiling secretly the Church of God For what do you do thereby but pollute the Kingdom of Heaven it self And the better any thing is the greater is the defilement cast upon it It is said 1. Pet. 1. 4. that the Kingdom of Heaven above is an inheritance undeâ—iled never yet the subject place where any sin was committed and this is one part of the Glory of it Take you heed of coming into Church-fellowship with defiled hearts and so defiling Gods holy things for do you know where you are I know it is not in that Heaven where you cannot sin but yet 't is in such a Heaven where you should not sin much lesse defile the Church of God It was one of Gods heavy inditements against the Church of the Iews that when the Lord had brought them out of a land of pits into a plentiful countrey yet they defiled his Land neither Priests nor people said Where is the Lord Ier. 2. 7 8. It will be much more heavy another day with you that walking in the fellowship of Gods people shall be found guilty of defiling the Kingdom of Heaven it self which you should be careful to keep as an underfiled inheritance which 〈◊〉 whether spiritual or sensual as they stain the very glory of
Heaven it self so they keep you from feeling the Truth of this Doctrine even of this Heaven upon earth in your own experience 3. Let all Members of Churches hence learn to have their conversation in Heaven and walk as men come down from Heaven and returning thither again and that are as it were already in Heaven Paul did thus and wept to see so many that did not thus but did mind earthly things Phil. 3. 19 20. Do not only forsake but even forget your Countrey and your Fathers house so shall the King of Glory desire your beauty Psal. 45. 10 11 Let the reproach of earthly-mindednesse cast upon the face of Christians be wiped off by your carriage being heavenly holy loosened from things below Art thou in Heaven with an earthly heart Is not Heaven good enough for thee Cannot that content thee which many have desired to see and could not see even the Lord Jesus the King of Glory in his beauty in the assemblies of his Saints 4. Take heed of pulling down this Kingdom Loyal Subjects will rather lose their lives than their Prince shall lose his Kingdom Fear not enemies without but your selves at home The enemies of the Church did never yet hurt the Church but the Church's sins Zach. 7. 14. Oh consider what mercy the Lord hath betrusted us withal that unlesse the Lord should carry us to Heaven it self immediatly on the wings of Angels he can shew us no greater outward favour in this world than to bring us into this his Kingdom of Heaven on earth I professe one daies fellowship here with a number of broken-hearted Christians either mourning together or rejoycing in their God and King together it our-bids the many years Glory of the whole world howsoever 't is hidden from the world And will you betray this Kingdom SECT V. Quest. VVHat are those things that may pull down this Kingdom Answ. 1. Ignorance of those sins which may hurt and ruine it There are common infirmities which all the faithful have in common for which the Lord pities his but there are some that are proper and personal to some particular persons Psal. 18. 23. for which the Lord is angry even with his own so there are some sins which are common Church-infirmities for which the Lord will not cast off his people but there are sometimes in several Churches proper Church-sins Now the Rule here is if these be not seen and lamented and removed if the Lord be angry for these as verily he will and yet they do not so much as know all this while what it is that hurts them these sins will canker the roots and blast the most flourishing Churches Ephesus Rev. 1. 4. had her sin Sardis Rev. 2. 1. had her sin Laodicea had her sins Rev. 3. 16. Now what if they never know these nor repent of these you know then Ephesus Candlestick must be removed and Laodicea shall be spued out of Christs mouth Oh this hath been the bane of Churches while they enjoyed their liberties they could not nay in truth would not know their aile in the day of Christs visitation of them and hence came their ruine the cause of which they saw not only it may be the remnant that escaped to whom the Lord shewed mercy could read their sins in their plagues It is a lamentable spectacle to behold the ruines of Germany and that after such great slaughter and effusion of blood they cannot tell the thing that hath hurt and doth still wast them 2. Self-seeking a Spirit of self Look as it is in a Kingdom if there be a common enemy and the body of the Army which should encounter with them be every man taken up and taking thought how he may preserve his own Tent and do not joyn their forces together for common safety it must perish and the Kingdom will be easily conquered Or as it is with the body if every member seeks to preserve it self alone and not that which preserves them all viz. the Head the body will drop down and die shortly Christ Jesus is the Head of this Body his Church Now 't is certain if ye seek to preserve your own name more than Christ's to give more content to your own lusts then to the will and heart of Christ if more careful of fetching feathers to your own nests and to shift for your selves and not to attend every man in his place the publick good of the Church and Christ in it 't is certain God will forsake you and all will to ruine quickly 2 Chron. 15. 1 2. Church-members of publick spirits are ever prosperous men They shall prosper that love thee Psal. 122. 6. That say in their hearts out of sense of Christ's love Lord what shall I doe for thee How may I be useful to thy people But if back and belly mine and thine be chief in request this will ruine you 3. League and Amity with the enemies of Christ's Kingdom or peace with our lusts it is not sin but a privy peace with sin and a secret quietnesse in sin which overthrowes Christ's Kingdom The Canaanites that were left alive because 't is said they could not drive them out how often did they vex and prick and yoke the Israel of God Those sins which you say you cannot part with and hence yield unto them and mourn not under them those will ruine Churches Some sins you have forsaken and could forsake the danger lies not here Wrath goeth out against Iehosaphat because he loved him who hated the Lord 2 Chron. 19. 2. 4. When the Church laies by her weapons No Kingdom can be kept safe in an ordinary way where all their weapons are taken from them or not used by them when their 〈◊〉 upon their borders When the Church hang by and lay aside Faith the shield whereby we defend our selves and prayer whereby we offend our enemies what safety is to be expected now in Churches Only be strong saith the Lord to Ioshuah when he went out upon that great service of the Lord Iosh. 1. 7. Eph. 6. 13. There is no more fearful sign of ruine to a Church than where the Spirit of prayer begins to fail and verily if any people under Heaven are ready to miscarry herein we that have our fill of peace and our yokes broken off from our shoulders are in most danger but if it be so look for such shakings of all hearts and Churches also as shall make you find your tongues and knees and eares and hearts again if the Lord means to dwell with you 5. Not bringing forth the fruits of the Kingdom Mat. 21. 43. Cut that Church down that cumbers the ground after many years pruning and wetting That Kingdom where there is Church-trading but no considerable gain coming in will consume quickly and die of it self Fruit is the last end of the tree All duties you do wherein you attain nor or at least aim not at your last and utmost end but make your selves
among us some small yet lively resemblance of those daies SECT III. That in those daies of Christ's coming wherein the Churches of Christ and Professors of the Gospel shall grow Virgin-Churches all visible Saints when all Members seem to be espoused Christ yet there will be found desperate folly in some and in time great security will fall upon all Some there are who think the daies we live in now are not only the daies of the Son of man but part of the daies of the coming of the Son of man wherein the Churches especially in these places grow to be Virgin-Professours Our judgments hold it our practise maintaines it all Church-members are and must be visible Saints visible Believers Virgins espoused to Christ escaping the pollutions of Idolatry and the world Take heed the Lord find not many of you foolish take heed you that are not so that in time you grow not secure you have the pillow of peace to lie on and the cares of the world to make you dream away your time and you have no pinching persecutions to awaken you and if no wrestlings within look for security there Folly will be the death and bane of some hence boast not Security a sleeping sicknesse will be the disease of others if the Lord prevent not But I intend to anchor here only to set up markes at these Flats that you may avoid them and come not near them CHAP. IV. Sheweth that the Soul that will enjoy Communion with Christ must be divorced from all other Lords particularly from Lusts and from the Law The manner of its Espousalsunto Christ. SECT I. NOw therefore to come to the Third thing the persons that make this preparation are set forth 1. In what they all agree in and that is first in that they are all Virgins What are these Ans. To omit the Popish Interpretation of their Nuns and mock-Virgins I shall rather make use of Scripture to give light to interpret this place for opening of it know the whole Church may be called the Spouse of Christ and take every member alone a Virgin attending on this Spouse Psal. 45. nay the Apostle 2. Cor. 11. 2. calls the whole Church a Virgin so that by Virgins are meant whole particular Churches of Christ together with the several Members thereof Now Virgins are such as are fit for marriage and not defiled with any man as it 's said of Rebecca so by Virgins are meant those that are not polluted within or without with the evils of the world Rev. 14. 4. but more is to be understood here 2 Cor. 11. 2. when once marriage is come they cease to be Virgins and are Wives yet when espoused to Christ now they are spiritually Virgins hence these here are only like to Virgins so that the meaning of Virgins is this by Virgins is meant such Churches or members of Churches as are divorced from all other Lovers and matcht only to Jesus Christ these only look for the coming of Christ and communion with him these only are received into communion SECT II. WHoever look for everlasting Communion with the Bridegroom of the Church Iesus Christ must be Virgins Divorced from all others and Espoused only to Iesus Christ. Here were indeed foolish ones among these yet as foolish and blind as they were they saw that this was the way to be like the wise to be Virgins as well as they Psal. 45. 10 11. Ier. 3. 19 20. as a Wife departs so ye but how shall I put thee among the Children c. you shall call me my Father i. e. one instead of all other things and shall not turn aside from me Hos. 2. 23. there is their communion Hence the Lord will 1. take away the names of Baaâ—im 2. Betroth them to himself SECT III. WHat is it to be divorced from all other Lovers Idolatry is called Whoredom in Scripture and this is one thing the Soul must be Divorced from before it can be match'd to the Lord Hos. 2. 2. I shall not need to press this here but there are two other things which I shall shew for there are two things that every man doth before he is espoused to the Lord Jesus either first he departs and goes a whoring by unlawfully lusting after the creature Psal. 73. 27. Iames 4. 4. Or 2. He is lawfully married as he thinks unto the Law Rom. 7. 3 4. the Law is there compared to a Husband from which Christ indeed delivers his yet some will stick to it either the Soul takes content in some creature more than in Christ or in some righteousnesse more than in the Lord Jesus Now to be divorced from all other things is for the heart to be taken off from all worldly contentments Secondly from comforting it self in the bosom of its own work and righteousness and this must be found in all them that look for communion with the Lord Jesus SECT IV. 1 THe heart must be divorced from Lusts after and pleasures in any creature for proof we must know this 1. The soul of every man must have something to quiet and comfort it like the stomack it 's death and hell to want it as the Israelites in the wildernesse hence it must have it 2. That there is nothing that can comfort the thirsty heart but 't is either in the spring or cistern fountain or bottles either in God or in the creature 3. Hence man having lost God and all good there seeks for it in the creature and because he finds not enough in one digs for it in another Psal. 4. Who will shew us any good and hence the Soul because it never found that infinite sweetnesse in God himself hence lusts after and delights in the creature for it self loves pleasure for pleasure delights in creature for the creature not for God why should he seeing he never found content there and here the soul of man cleaves night and day committing spiritual whoredom before the face of God now if ever any soul hath communion with Christ it must be divorced from all creatures thus for Lust is a desire after and content in the creature for the creatures sake 1 Because while the heart is in league with any creature besides the Lord 't is at deadly enmity with the Lord Iames 4. 4. If a man hath a rich commodity and one comes and offers half the worth of it he takes it as a contempt if it be not worth this it is worth nothing so the Lord is worthy of all our love our lives our souls though we had a thousand of them and will a man not part with his lusts for him I tell you the Lord takes himself sleighted contemned and loathed if not worth all a mans love he is worth nothing now the creature is made a God because made a mans last end which is as proper to God as to make him the Alpha of all Here the greatest wrath is to give a man his fill of
Their comfort for union to the Church of God 1. Covers their sin and hides it from the eyes of the world Theeves walk without suspition in true mens companies and thus they make the House of Prayer a Den of Theeves and this is some comfort For Hypocrites if they can carry it cleverly that none see though God see 't is no matter It will not be thought that a Member of a Church dares do such a wickednesse yet so it is sometimeâ— 2. Comforts their conscience in their sin men love their lusts but what no respect to Ordinances of Christ yes and so conscience is quiet and sin lives too Ier. 7. 3. Because there is much comfoâ—t in Gods Ordinances and in attending on God there not only verbal but the visible Gospel is sweet the Sacraments hence they joyn themselves as in Iohns Ministry You rejoyced for a season not only in Christ but in communion of Saints especially in dangerous times that a man fears the judgements of God will come in those places where ever they live without them And now they are quiet when got into the Cities of the Levites from the pursuer of blood 4. In regard of the Saints themselves First There is seen many times a Divine Majesty and excellency in them which hath a drawing vertue with it that many out of respect to that close with them as Gen. 26. 27 28. God makes Balaam to see Israels glory in his Tents and he cannot curse if he might have all the world but must bless them Secondly There is much charity which thinks no evil that where they see evils they cover them where there is but little good appearing they hope there is more than they see the Kings Daughter being all glorious within Thirdly There is a spirit of humility in them to think others that appear fair better than themselves until God discovers them especially if they are yet unsetled Fourthly A spirit of desire to have all as near the Lord as they can and though there be evils in them yet they hope that will make them better 5. From the Lord himself who hath First Reserved this exact separation as one part of his own glory at his Second coming Then he shall separate sheep and Goats Secondly Because some are very serviceable to his Church and so to Christ as Caput politicum both in regard of outward means of subsistance and also with edifying gifts hence into his Family he will let them come being servants and like Carriers that carry anothers money and wealth to him and then turns them out of doors Thirdly Because of a certain real yet not thorow work of the Lord whereby he draws them to some fellowship with the Church the Members and some kind of fellowship with his Son yet it not being a thorow effectual Almighty drawing they prove unsound Iohn 6. 65. Fourthly That the Lord might manifest the exceeding greatness of his wrath in some for Gods last end in all the wicked is to shew the greatnesse of it Rom. 9. 21 22. yet in some more than others and hence raiseth them up in the Church to great eminency of profession and parts and honour that all the Saints also may admire Gods Grace to themselves the more that when Two in the field one should be taken another left that they should sit in the same seats and yet some called others left and of them that are called to leave many and love me and that men of great parts and I a poor simple one to chuse such a base thing to confound the wise the mighty But as it 's said of Pharaoh what meant all the miracles all the humblings of heart and yet he would not let them go For this cause have I raised thee up Exod. 9. 16. Of all that thou hast given me saith Chriâ—â— not one is lost but the Son of Perdition that the Scripture might be fulfilled So here SECT IV. THis serveâ— to cleâ—r us in this Country from a soul aspersion that is cast out of the mouths of Pulpits upon us that we hold the Churches of Christ to have no Hypocrite in theâ— We answeâ— that though if Hypocrite could be openly and Ecclesiassâ—ally disceâ—ned they should not be received in noâ— kept in because 〈…〉 Church are not fit to make a Church yet we say there will be Tares and Wheâ—t there will be chast and corn there will be wise and foolish Virgins there will be good and bad mingled together in the Churche until the worlds end To the Watch â—en of the Churches nay to all that professe themselve to be their Brethrens keepers to 〈…〉 Virgins not to laviâ—h your chaâ—â—ty too far it 's a precious Grace and you have little enough for 〈…〉 but to bear a jealous heart and to labouâ— for a quick discerning eye to find out them that will 〈◊〉 themselves among you This was the commendation and honour of the Ephesians Rev. 2. 2. I confesse it â—s a sinful extream to cry doâ—n all the virgins as foolish when there be Five wise Satan will seek to â—reak he â—ond of Brotherly-love by soâ—ing false reports and horrible suspitions and 't is a hard thing foâ— a Paâ—â— after the Lord hath wrapt him up to the Third Heaven in Revelations not to be puâ—tup and in seeing himself at a distance from other men not to despise and condeâ—n them that have not risen so high as he especially in a discontented spirit nothing will please them A false heart when he sees more than others as he thinks now thinks highly of himself as so he great reformer of Churches and world especially if men of shallow heads and â—ence such do censure and condeâ—n all that do not magnifie them and reverence their Judgements and the dust of their feet And yet 't is another sinful extream to swallow down all flies that be in the cup and to think too charitably of every one that doth proâ—esse Children that have no children themselves will make children of clouts and then love theâ— and hence many a soul lies bleeâ—â—ng to â—eath because they have such tender Friends as will not search them An I doubt not but many in Hell â—ay say Oh that I should live among such and such and they never deâ—â— faithfully with me If a man walk â—airly should I censure him No but yet maintain a holy jealousie over them as Paul did over the Galâ—â—hiansa 〈◊〉 stands with love as it was with Iob ch 1. 5. As 't is with Chirurgions ' â—is love to cut to the quick Love theâ— because they appear to be Christs and are so to thee and this shall have a reward but yet be jealous in love because there may be that hid which was never yet seen 1. It may be thou maist save a soul and they will love thee or else thou shalt clear justice by being a witnesse against them 2. 'T is the chief work for Christ here there being
wonder if the City be taken though never so strong if it grow once secure no wonder if the world be entred and men are grown more worldly and if Satan be entred and men grow more passionate than ever before no wonder a mans work be neglected if he be asleep Ordinances more slighted than ever before Never shall you see Security fall upon a man alone but it brings its train with it when the Husbandmen sleep tares will be sown and when the Disciples sleep temptations will enter This is that which the Lord testifies of his people Ier. 2. 2 3 4. I remember what thou didst in times of streights in a land not sown every one that touched you did offend but in the seventh and eighth verses when brought to a plentiful Country they did not so much as say Where is the Lord that hath done this for us But yet the Lord questions his people for this What iniquity have you found in me which question you cannot answer without grief here or confusion another day You that are the Lords often have heard this complaint for this may be your condition as well as Noah's and Lot's but now see the cause of it how hard to awake on hour how hard to walk with God one day short awakenings you have but long sleeps this may be your condition for a time but you cannot continue so for ever if you are the Lords But if you do continue so especially without bemoaning this unto the Lord 't is a question whether ever there was that oyl in your vessel which others have when not only a mans acts grow worse but the very spirit of a man degenerates when not only the leaves of the Vine fall but the Vine it self groweth degenerate and hence continueth so this is a sore evidence of a woful state Ier. 2. 20 21. When the yoke was upon thy nick thou saidst Thou woâ—lâ—st not transgress but the Lord hath broken thy â—ands and now thou art becom a strange Vine Remember it will be an heavy indictment against thee to be good in Mesheck but base in Sion to be then worst when the Lord is best Use 3. Hence see one reason why the Lord pursueth many a Soul with inward terrors and outward sorrows Those that are fast asleep because soft speechs cannot awaken them hence we lay our hands upon them and sometimes knock them because this is the way to awaken them and then they hear so the Word and Spirit speak to a man but such soft still winds rock them asleep rather than awaken them hence the Lord layeth his iron hands upon a man and knocks by blows and now when affliction is upon you now you can hear When as the winds and water were ready to tear the ship in pieces now they enquire Why were they sent And the lot fell upon Ionah who was then sleeping it is easie to awaken out of natural sleep but very hard out of spiritual security All the terrors of God on Ionah within and without are little enough but at last he could hear and run on his errand Psal. 30. 6 7. Why did God hide his face from David he said in prosperity he should not be moved this was the reason of it the Lord sees you have need of it seldom shall one see an awakening Christian without inward temptations and terrors or outward sorrows Oh consider then if the Lord do meet with thee consider thy own security thou hast been in or art apt to fall into This is the sin you must enquire after and finde out and do not account it hard though long though bitter for never greater misery than for the Lord to say Sleep on it is one of the heaviest Judgements for the Lord to let a man go on in a secure condition without blows mark therefore unto the end of those blows to be throughly awakend by them For sometimes when the Lord sends them a man if they be not very bitter if he hath any rest lays them not to heart Isa. 42. 25. Fire burnt about him and in this Country I know not what curse befalls men peace makes men secure and sorow makes men discontented and sunk and discouraged which may be for a fit in a Saint but to continue so this is that Ahab Oh when as thou feelest the blow look now that thou dost awaken and be thankfull for it that you met with that you did never reckon upon viz. to be frighted out of security thereby SECT VI. Of Exhortation TO watch over one another by exhorting one another while it is called to day Heb. 3. 13. Let both the Watchmen and Members of Churches do this for this is one means appointed by the Lord to preserve the soul from sleeping 1 Thes. 5. 1 5 6. Exhorting one another as it is in Cities when the Watch is apt to sleep they have their companies that are passing up and down the walls the greatest part of the night and so they are kept waking and we shall finde that as it is in a Town where men are all asleep one Bell-man one waking Christian will keep life and spirit and the power of godliness in many and when he sleeps all are fast Nothing in the world brings security sooner upon men than sleepy company Officers of Churches watch not over members nor they one over another exhorting and crying one unto another to their work while it is called to day Oh then let every man get up and fall to this work of mutual exhorting go and visit one another go and speak oft to one another and if thou be a childe of the light see that thou endure not thy fellow servants to sleep in the open day in one duty or another Know if God stirs thee thou wilt awaken others 2 Cor. 5. 10. We knowing the terrors of the Lord perswade men 2. Consider thy labor cannot be in vain here the best mettalled horse needs spurs others are asleep You will say if I knew such a sin I would speak but I dare not Answ. It is the case of all the Virgins they have need of it Iude 23. Some save with fear pulling them out of the fire Matth. 3. 3. Consider this is one part of your Warfare to keep your watch whereby you may be made conquerors You complain you have many sins and temptations arising and prevailing never do they usually prevail but when you are secure first the Watch is taken and then the City is suddenly taken now look as Paul 2 Tim. 4. 6 7. he hath finished his course and fought his fight and now expects the crown how can you end your days in peace that cannot in some measure finde and feel this The Church is the City of the living God this is taken and every man in it unless you be watchful and exhort one another daily while it is called to day And that I may not speak in the clouds 4. Their sin will be yours First Labor to
most open shame then was the day-break of his glory so all that you glory in which God gives 't is but a solemn preparation for your shame And hence when Nebuchadnezar is at his highest pitch and thoughts of glory then is his downfall if a man should have a crown upon his head all honor given him and it should be whispered to him This is but a preparation to your execution what little glory could he take in that but rather fall a weeping as Paul Phil. 3. 18 19. when he saw some that made their belly their God and boasted of the things of the earth whose glory is their shame and he speaks of them weeping And therefore you that can sit in a chimney-corner when you meet with your companions hang draw and quarter within your selves and censute all Churches Ministers and Christians of a Town and Country and if you see any sores like flyes go and suck them and make them worse or if not you can make them and imagine them and scoff at holiness secretly and though your consciences condemn you of wickedness yet lift up your selves with something that you have Oh know it your beauty is gone never a man but glorieth in something so much estate so much esteem so much wisdom and gifts birth and beauty and now as proud as Satan but yet a stranger to the life of God your conversation is not above Oh poor creature happy were it for thee if thou werâ— no man dying so but the most despised of all Gods creatures who art now abhorred of God and shalt be the shame of all creatures another day SECT VI. HEnce if any man hath lost his glory and esteem in the consciences of the people of God see how to recover it the Country is full of complaints and murmurings among the rest this is one of the sorest that many complain of ' They are not respected they are no body they had this and that esteem in their own Country of such Ministers Christians and were of this esteem now the market is fallen here and hence offended at every one and cannot pass for members in many Churches and hereupon bear a private grudge against the Church and all Ordinances in it and flie Towns or sit still and comfort themselves their conscience is clear c. It is with many as it is with Bristoâ—-stones they are like pearls and so they go till they come to the Jewellers and then when tried not worth two pence so many men never came to the trial as here Gods providences try some men more than ever losses sorrows Gods Ordinances try men and thus they are found too light would you now recover it Oh get a Spirit of holiness and think Oh I have had a high esteem of my self but I fall short of that brokenness for my vileness and want that esteem of and acquaintance with the Lord Jesus that the glory of the Lord is not to this day risen upon me Oh then make after and merchandise for this Prov. 3. 14 15 16. Sometimes a godly man loseth this is there not inwardly a decay of holinessâ— and hence God hath forsaken and suffered to fall into some sin so as man hath seen it do you think the Lord will honor you in the hearts of his people while you dishonor him when you live in a vain dead-hearted condition and disguise your selves or in impenâ—tency for open offences either of opinion or practice Be it far from me saith the Lord 1 Sam. 2. 20. them that dishonor me shall be lightly esteemed and hence God will cut off Eli's children you know what a sad letter Paul wrote to the Câ—rinthians but when they saw the spiritual meaning 2 Cor. 7. 14 15. Paul boasts of them Titus his affection was abundant toward them if not abundâ—nt confession and giving glory to God how should you look that God should else give glory to you it's wonderful to see how men that have been convinced of sin and yet would hide it how the Lord in his jealousie hath discovered them in his time the sin hath been committed by them and enquâ—ry hath been made and some conviction and yet they have wound off and cried out of wrong the Lord hath left them to worse evils And so the Lord will deal with men and so I say hide your sin it shall be your shame at last and the Lord will never honor you in the consciences of his people till you out with it and confess it Iannes and Iambres their madness shall be made known at last I speak not this that men should make holiness a bridge to their own honor and so to stand upon Christs shoulders but that this is the way to regain such a blessing which an humble heart knows how to want as well as to have Oh then place your glory in this of all things in the world a man desâ—res nothing more than honor it 's dearer than life and it is that which every one doth dâ—sire Oh beloved hunt not after shadows feed not your 〈◊〉 with dreams make not your Garlâ—nds of withered flowers but in this which is your glory before God and men Ier. 9. 24. Let not rich men glory in riches but in this that â—e knoweth me It was the heavy complaint the Lord took up against his people Ier. 2. 11. That they did change their glory the Lord himself is the glory of his people as shining in them by his Spirit it was the great sin of the Gentiles Rom. 1. 23. that they changed the glory of the 〈◊〉 God into an image of corruptible men and beasts so you know this is your glory and oh now to change this glory for an image of glory and hence given up to vile affections to a corruptible minde and therefore Prov. 8 4 8. Exalt her she shall promote thee admire at this a man excels in nothing but what he admires at or seeks not to excel in any thing but what he wonders at you will never place your glory in holiness nor excel in it unless you admire at it and it will then exalt you and bring you to honor because indeed it is your honor Oh that God would work this men would not be so greedy after the world nor praise of men SECT VII Quest. BUt how shall we come to this Answ. 1. Consider the example of Christ and all the people of Christ at all times who did not place their glory in these things but in things above If a man is to lay much out upon something in the market if he be wise he will enquire of prudent men that know things the worth of them and then it fals out sometimes those things he esteems highly are of no value so here look upon Paul Gal. 6. 14. God forbid I should glory in any thing but the cross of Christ 1 Cor. 4. 13. When the Corinthians were puffed up with greatnes to pull them down from this he professeth
evidence can be had by it though it be peculiar grace this is a high degree of disgrace to the Spirit of Grace if one should say here is a man but believes not his testimony 't is doubtful and very questionable what ever he saith it is a dishonor to him take heed of this When the Spirit of Holiness comes to us in form it comes thus with little peace but when in power with much assurance 1 Thess. 1. 5. It is a sad thing if that which was the complaint of the Prophet shall be the complaint of the Spirit Who hath believed our report and to whom is the arm of the Lord revealed 2. Take heed of decaying in a spirit of bounty and love and in largeness of heart to all the people of God nay to all men so far as you have time and strength let a man be never so great a Prince if he once lose his bounty he loseth his glory so here Isa. 58. 8. Give bread to the hungry then shall thy light break out of obscurity Many complain that New-England hath so little love Non-members not visited not regarded though many times unjustly Oh they thought to see so much love and care and pity but here they may live and never be spoken to never visited Oh take heed of this Nothing beautifies a Christian in the eyes of others more than much love hypocrisie is naught Oh excel here visit poor families sit one half hour and speak to discouraged hearts shew kindness to strangers such you were I le warrant God will bless you this was the glory of Christ full of grace and truth 3. Be very careful in receiving in of Members into Churches one ill man will be a spot and pollution to all the rest Iude 12. spots in your feasts you know how many come over how it begins to be pleaded for What not baptised and Professors and yet how many are disfigured therefore try them well take heed of thinking Elders or Churches are too strict Fourthly be much in prayer for the Churches Isa. 62. 7. Give the Lord no rest till he make Ierusalem the praise of the whole earth that 's the way do you see any sins in the Country go and stand in the gap with Moses and though the Lord offer to do good to you yet turn him not off so till he promise to relieve his poor Churches also beg and this will do it be much in fasting it is a shame for us who are laying the foundations of many generations not to be much with God in prayer and fasting and that when in other places there is so much sowing of this seed CHAP. X. Shewing that counterfeit Grace is not lasting VERSE 8 9. And the foolish said unto the wise Give us of your oyl for our lamps are going out But the wise answered saying Not so lest there be not enough for us and you but go you rather to them that sell and but for your selves SECT I. IN these words is set down the effect which this awakening cry took in the foolish Virgins only First They come to feel and so to complain of the want of oyl Secondly They petition the wise that they would give them of their oyl which latter is amplified in vers 9. from the answer the wise made unto them We shall open the words as we come to observe any thing from them and begin now with the complaint Our lamps are gone out or going out it is all one The wise Virgins lamps did grow dim but yet their oyl was not spent but here their oyl was spent and hence their Lamps were going out That counterfeit and câ—mmon grace of foolish Virgins after some time of glorious profession will certainly go out and be quite spent It consumes in the using and shining and burning Luke 8. 18. To him that hath shall be given but he that hath not shall be taken from him that which he hath Joh. 15. 2 6. Every branch in me that beareth noâ— fruit it withers then it is taken away and so it is consumed and in time burned and hence many that are first are â—n time last Matth. 9. 20. and many that are last first Men that have been most forward decay their gifts decay life decays and these are last and last are first many newly brought home to Christ excel them and live so and die so that one would think should never hold out I need not speak more Scripture is so abundant I say it is after some time of profession for at first it rather grows than decays and withers but afterward they have enough of it it withers and dies And look as it is with some bodies when they are healthful they grow by all means but when once Nature is spent and now declining nothing recovers them though they may be kept at a stay for a time but dye they will with their best cordials in their mouths so it is here For Explication of this Point we are to attend how and why this is thus and that not in the worst but in the best of the foolish Virgins First The Spirit of God comes upon many hypocrites in abundant and plentiful measure of awakening grace I say it comes upon them as it did upon Balaam Numb 24. 2. And as it is in overflowing waters which spread far and grow very deep and fill many empty places they fall upon the ground they come not from any spring within the ground and hence though they last not always yet they last some good time so it is here the Grace and Spirit of God come suddenly and plentifully upon many a man which gives them a time of flourishing it comes not from imitation or education or moral perswasion only but physically from the Spirit of God 1 Sam. 10. 12. when they wondred that Saul was among the Prophets one answered who is their father who gave them this gift of prophecy is it not the Lord so the fame Lord is rich to Saul also And I say it is only awakening grace for renewing grace savingly to change their nature is not given but awakening grace which works upon conscience and conscience upon the whole man and thus it was here with these Virgins they had wonderful light and a spirit of illumination to see the Lord Jesus and hence to look for him with much affection and forwardness as well as the wise and to keep them company in Church-fellowship and though they were secure to complain of their decays and desire the spirit of grace which they saw in the wise Secondly Though it doth come upon them thus yet it doth never rest within so as to dwell there to take up an eternal mansion for himself Isa. 11. 10. his rest shall be glorioâ—s Isa. 57. 15. This is a favor the Lord shews only to the 〈◊〉 above all people in the world besides Rom. 8. 11. If the Spirit which raised up Iesus Christ from the dead dwell in you it shall
Reasons are these SECT IV. HEnce do not trust men too far nor boast of any man too much especially in regard of his glorious profession and affections at the first God sends divers of his faithful servants to a place and many at first hearing are wrought upon battered down convinced mourning after peace going to Ministers delight in Ordinances now many Ministers bless God for their conversion and many a Christian is put out of doubt of it parents of their children and children of their parents one brother of another and one Christian neighbor of another whom he got out once to hear and once hearing overcame and for a time there is no other Oh take heed of boasting too much it may be they may and will fall before they have lived many years down when at their height what man was ever sought unto more than Iohn all Iudea came unto him yet at last they forsake him rejoyced but a season in that light they went also from him to Christ Ioh. 7. 26 32. yet Iohn complains none received his testimony Christ himself preached in Capernaum and 〈…〉 exalting a man they boasted in him yet onely a few Babes which the Lord wrought upon the Galathians would lose their eyes for Paul yet aâ—terward they flight him and join with false teachers against him Oh therefore pray for them and weep for them but do not trust them too far neither trust your selves too much Ioh. 8. 31. Then are ye my disciples if you continue Demas forsakes Paul all in Asia forsake me SECT V. HEnce be not offended if we see many apostatize and fall from their most eminent profession the Lord hath here foretold that after some profession their lamps will go out we do not wonder if ponds full in winter are dry in summer because it is the time and season of it and they want springs to feed them and never was there any time since the world began that there were such Apostacies as now First One man after much profession intends to follow the Lord conscience is troubled at humane inventions Oh saith he if delivered well enough though I lose never so much well he lays out all and is delivered but that which quiets conscience doth not quiet his heart and affections but his very loss for conscience makes his lusts and desires after other things break out more eagerly and men cannot now live upon Gospel only with bread and water no no you are deceived as it is with sick men they let go all their estate for recovery but when recovered they must get up their estate again this will not satisfie And thus some fall spiritually Secondly Others they sought for much in Ordinances but finding not what they looked for Ordinances are but as pictures fair a far off but when men come near them Word and Fellowship and people of God then they despise them because they find not a living God there Thirdly While God keeps men under sad temptations wants and afflictions Oh then they are humble and pray but when blest with ease and peace and plenty and honor then how lofty and secure this is better than the Lord Never such a decay of the spirit of prayer never was there such a conconfusion in the world such burning of Cities slaying of men rents of Churches God minding to stain the pride of all glory and yet never such hearts Object But to stand so long and yet to fall seems strange Answ. If soon it is a wonder but if long it is no wonder if once past growing you do not wonder if an oak be now decaying Obj. But they keep their profession still only in one thing vile the error is only in their minds a spirit of discention from the people of God Ans. Scarce shall you see one man in a hundred that is vile in every thing that falls totally the foolish Virgins did not so yet their oyl was spent and their lamps going out there was a man that was slain suddenly and his blood in his face was fresh his beauty glorious and many weeks continued without putrefaction yet life within was gone so 't is the condition of many a man by one wound or sin And hence a Physitian at Wittenbâ—rg writes of the cause of it be not therefore offended at them but wonder at the Lord that he keeps thee I know there are decaying Saints but they recover again here SECT VI. OH therefore labor for the grace that may last the bread that may last to everlasting life in all bargains and buildings men will have a special eye to that which will last if it be rotten let whosoever will take it and be sure it is so for when God doth fully awaken you you will see it is not right the foolish Virgins they though they were weâ—l before but now after some time and awakened they see it will not hold nor continue For the Lords sake be suspitious here fear lest a promise being left any fall short of it other things will not last neither Creatures nor the Lord to do you good unless you have everlasting grace It is a time the Lord is stripping the world of all ornaments your Wives Children Churches God will take your Husbands Parents Members Ministers from you yet if a heart to close with the Lord Oh this is right Quest. How Answ. 1. Take heed of any affection without first subduing the contrary lust for if you mingle them the one will choak the other this is sowing among thorns Ier. 4. 3 4. 2. Maintain it upon an everlasting root if the Lord gives you grace and you set it in your own garden it will dye no let it receive life from the promise that unchangeable love and grace and faithfulness say if that supports not I fall 1 Sam. 23. 5. Isa. 46. from gray hairs I will carry thee Psa. 23. 2 3. the Lord leads to waters he feeds But I decay yet he restores my soul Oh but he afflicts much yet his rod and staff comfort me I shall dwell in the house of God for ever Be more empty as the Lord fills you But oh the sin of this world all the creatures in the world cannot content but grace doth and hence men regard not the Lord and hence you perish and your grace shall perish also CHAP. XI Unregenerate persons may have a sence of their want of Grace SECT I. Our Lamps are out THat foolish Virgins or unregenerate persons may see and so complain of an utter want of all saving grace Look but upon this pattern they thought they were rich and had something but now they see they have nothing and hence when they search their lives our lamps are oâ—t when they search their hearts is there any Grace or Spirit of Christ or Christ by his Spirit there no our oyl is spent and hence give us of your oyl they saw nothing now The same persons that are sometimes so puft up that they
the soul in private either to his shame or glory before Christ but the body is to be judged as well as the soul to shame before men or glory before all the world Fourthly In regard of Christ's soveraignty and excellency the coming of Christ is called his Kingdom 2 Tim. 4. 1. Why doth not Christ rule now in the world Yes but it is in the midst of his enemies his enemies rule and he rules also but there must a time come that no enemies must rule but Christ alone and this is his kingdom in a most illustrious manner for the things of Christ are said to be with us when they do in a special manner appear as the coming of his Spirit and his love so his Kingdom now Christ must reign till all his enemies are put under foot for it is not fit he should lose his Kingdom hath the Lord suffered others to reign and rule and himself to be hid and his glory lost and that so long and will he never return to his Kingdom to be glorious there to reap all his glory that he hath lost by all his enemies in the world Was there ever King that would ever endure one generation of Rebels after another and never make himself sole Sovereign however Man may suffer it yet the Lord will not he must reign And wherefore doth Christ reign It is to trample 〈◊〉 under foot his and his peoples enemies Christ sets death his enemy to destroy his enemies and keep them as in a Goal but afterward Christ will call them forth and pass an irreversible doom upon them SECT VI. SEE therefore and believe the truth of this Point as well as hear it At the first coming of Christ Heb. 11. 13. they did thus saw the Promises afar off and embraced them so see it afar off There be divers people that profess this truth that do not fully believe it for if they did they would never live as they do That look as men that know the Judge rides Circuit within half a year dare not commit any open sins so if you believed this you would make conscience of secret sins which this Judge shall judge Others there be that do believe it as they do reports that every man saith but they do not see that really to be true indeed which their hearts literally believe and hence mens hearts are not a whit moved with grief or sorrow or joy or fear at the remembrance of this day For as it is with us in reports of news out of Germany many hear things but are not affected with their misery because they do not see it acted before their eyes God presents not their sorrows and hence they are not moved but when they do see them acted then they are moved much so here Look as it is with a man awake and in sleep a man awake believes the day of Judgement and never stirs but when asleep he dreams of it and is much affected with that because he sees it acted before his eyes much more when men have not dreams but real visions or sight of it it will affect And hence set painted fire before a Malefactor it affects not but shew him really it wherein he must be burnt now it amazeth him and hence 2 Pet. 2. 11 12 14. looking for and hence Peter saith what manner of persons ought we to be and whereever there is Faith thus it will be Heb. 11. 1. it makes things absent present and things unseen evident Oh that God would shew you this truth you young men Eccles. 11. 9. you would not spend time vainly but know God You aged men whose hearts are rooted in this world Oh know that God will come and burn up your delights will you never see this day and fear it before you see it and mourn because of it Oh take heed of rash judging and condemning and suspecting and censuring other men In Pauls time Rom. 14. 10. one Brother in a Church there judged another about indifferent things in a Christ-like manner as if he had no Grace c. You shall stand before Christs Iudgement Seat saith Paul and hence Paul 1 Cor. 4. 3 4 5. accounts little of mans Judgement and bids them judge nothing c. What if Christ find that to be a lye which thou judgest to be true Many of Gods Servants lie under hard thoughts and speeches in private not only from Enemies abroad but from inhabitants at home men out of the Church censuring and judging of Members men in the Church one of another especially if they take to a side The Lord will discover hard speeches and an edition of all your hard thoughts put out in print at the last day This breaks love this breaks Church-fellowship and is the cause of breacheâ— in this Country Oh take heed of an hypocritical heart if the Lord should come to judge according to the seeing of the eyes of the outward man then well were it with many but when the secrets of the hearts shall be judged it will be terrible if there should never be a calling over of things again happy were it for many but 't is otherwise 2 Cor. 5. 10. Paul sought only to please the Lord for we must all appear c. Civil men if they can carry it so as men may not say hurt of them they think 't is well Hypocrites if they can maintain a name of Religion so as they may maintain their interest in good mens hearts it is well if they get some enlargement in duties that they are commenâ—â—â— of them well if they can get so much mercy as to get the Lord to accept of Christs righteousness for them it is well but saith Paul We laborto be accepted of him I am perswaded godly men do not think of this we think the wicked shall have all their secrets laid open but the Saints come not into condemnation 't is true not of wrath but of trial so as that their righteousness shall be laid open to all to their glory at the great day 1 Pet. 1. 6 7. And therefore get that life which Christ himself may commend that as Christ said I have not found such faith in Isrâ—el So here when thou hast spoken a good word repeated a Sermon spent a Sabbath ask thy heart is this worth shewing to all the world that though at be vile yet Christ himself will commend this Oh you will finde only acting for him will commend the act Mat. 25. 40. there is that needlework and golden Arras of Holiness which is lapt up in the Saints that Christ will open before all the world another day Oh therefore repent Act. 17. 31. Paul tells them times past were spent in ignorance without God time to come was a time of Judgement and wrath of God against all sin Oh then repent Mourn for all wrongs done against Christ You will â—â—il then if you take not your season now mourn therefore for time past and for
now is not Christ present with his people ruling and judging among his people Yes but Christ â—udgeth now mediately by meanes of his servants and hence he not giving and they not having perfect knowledge of the secrets of men hearâ—s noâ— having perfâ—ct hatred of the evil and hypoâ—risie of mens hearts hence they are noâ— separated now not cannot be â—hough the â—ervants of God should be very watchful so long as they cannot see nor convince men of all their Hypocrisie some â—ight and life he gives them to see beyond theâ— own natural abilities but it is not perfected and hence his work is as the instruments are imperfect but now when Christ himself comes immediately to judge and they fall into his hands he can perfectly see all their secret evils he hath his eyes like a flaming 〈◊〉 and themselves shall know and all Churches shall know nay all the world shall know that he is â— Goâ— searching the hearâ—s and reines 1 Sam. 16. 7. and he perfectly hates Hypocrisie he regards not any mans person or parts or profession or kindnesses or relations which move us many times to accept whom â—he refuseth against some â—ight but as â—tis If. 〈◊〉 8 He haâ—es robbery in 〈◊〉 offeâ—ings and loves judgement and hence the more present Christ is with his people the more able are they to discerne as Petâ—r the secrets of Anaâ—ias in the Primitive times or the Lord discernes for them and by some inexpected way or other little thought of to themselves discovers them by their own mouths or base actions by their fruits you shall know them Matthew 22. 12. when the King came he was speechless whom the Guests could not dâ—scerne So here men have many things to sayâ— for themselves who when they come before Christ will be sâ—â—uck dumb A wise Prince when he judgeth by inferiour Officers they may discern of some cases but if a King as Solomon was present secrets which they see not would be found out so â—ere Reas. 2. Because this is part of the Curse upon Hypocâ—â—tes To be caâ—â— out of the fellowship of the Elect secret sinnes do not only separaâ—e â—â— from Christ but from all out fellowship with the Saints which next to se paration from Christ is the greatest evil in the world It comforts the hearts of Hypocrites they are loved of good people and liked of good people and though prâ—vy to a world of filth which a gracious heart is ashamed of and loaths himself for and thinks himself not worthy of a look of love from any of the least yet Hypocrites quiet themselves if they can cover it from the eyes of Gods people Matth. 24. 40. but now they shall no longer rejoyce under the shadow of these Vines No the Lord will separate them to evil Dâ—ut 29. 21. which is partly begun now and perfected afterward Mat. 8. 11 12. they shall see Abraham and Isaac in Gods Kingdome and mourn when themselves are cast out Reas. 3. For the joy and comfort of the Saints for it 's a wonderful joy to the heart to enjoy fellowship of Saints aloue when in a Sacrament we see prophane people approach to it it troubles us grieves us when we come to a place where we may be perswaded of the uprightness of all it 's very sweet but now there is some feare and hence less joy but when we shall see the Saints together and say These are they who are eternally beloved of Christ deare to him and to be with them and be asone this is very sweet those that love together only rejoyce to be alone together so Saints so Christ himself 1 Thes. 4. ult Rev. 22. 14. Blessed are they that keep his commands and may go to the City for without are dogs and those who make lyes c. Reason 4. In regard of the Glory of Chrâ—st and Honour of Christ. First Hereby Christs infinite wisdome searching the secrets of all hearts shall be seen and that before all the World 1 Cor. 14. 25. 't is said when the secrets of mens hearts are discovered they shall fall down and say Verily God is in you Rev. 2. 23 All Churches shall know c. Why are Churches so ignorant of that Yes they believe it in the general but they shall see it in the example as well as in the rule more fully afterward We think he searcheth all hearts but are there no hypocrites to be found in such and such Churches Yes he shews some even in such and the more secreâ— and subtle any thing hath been the more openly will the Lord Reveale it because this makes the more for Him 2. Hereby Christ shews his exceeding great love to his people in parting them and others Iohn 17. 23. I in them that the world may know c. Gen. 6. 8. Noâ—h found favouâ— Wherein was that shewn Verse 7. I 'le destroy man and â—east but Noab found favour and ver 13. Make aâ— Ark c. 3. Hereby he sheweth his acceptance of the uprightness of the hearts and wayes of his servants which it may be are poor and mean in their own eyes but precious in the sight of the Lord above all the pompous furniture and pithless profession of Hypocrites Maâ— 3. 16 18. hence Mat. 25. Come take the Kingdome for you c. What is glorious in the worlds is vile in the Lords eyes Let none be then offended at the Apostacy of men eminent in profession from the wayes of God in the purest and most reformed Churches What are these people say some scorners better than others some of these make a greater shew than others and yet they fall What are these Churches better than others where there is no such examination noâ— trial aâ—d these be your church-Church-members and your holy people and your Covenâ—ntâ—râ— and thus men stumble Oh consider in the purest Churches there be many foolish whom Christ will separate one from another and therefore if Christ dâ—â—h give a 〈◊〉 of this before hand and those that are vile before him he makes them vile before others that all Israel may see and feare do not wonder at it Isa. 32. 5 6. The Churle shall be no more called libâ—râ—â— fâ—â— he will speak and think and work so Luke 12. 2. Nothing secreâ— but it shall be â—â—reâ—led many secret evils are hid but it shall be but in part here Christ saw his Disciples apt to be offended at the fall of Iudas Did not he know him then he was not the Son of God or if he did why did he suffer him Saith he Iohn 13. 18. He that eats bread shall lifâ— up his heel against me that the Scripture may be fulfilled and 't is the portion of the Churches and people of God to be troubled with such as these that the Scriptures may be fulfilled therefore be not offended it ever hath bâ—en so in the Primitive times as well as in Christs Family Paul foreâ—ells of Wolves devouring the Flock arising out of
sometimes to come to the fellowship of the Saints 2. Hence if they do come they come late 3. If timely yet without prayer or prizing of them they have felt no good and now they expect little 4. If conscience force to duties yet they think them too tedious or too frequent Ezekiel 11. 21. they are losing and dying no man will tell you so particularly but the Lord tells thee so now 3. The Lord visits them with many sad and outward evils and strange unexpected Trials which they thought they could beare but indeed cannot puts them upon great losses and leaves them to sad wants their estates decay they run into debt and provisions are scarce c. and now they secretly repent themselves of the fellowship of Gods people but accout their course and hazards they have run either madness or rashness Moses Heb. 11. 25. did choose affliction and suffering that he lotted upon and upon nothing else hence forsook honour and preferments and pleasures men not doing thus hence choose the world and forsake the wayes of God the Israelites brought to the Wilderness they would go back why they questioned whether God was with them why because they wanted water bread and variety of blessings Nâ—â—b 16. 13 14. And this sets them off as a man that loves his friend very well but when he puts him to so much cost and is so costly by his company let him then even go so do many men the Lord and his Ordinances 4. Hereupon they come to call all into question again which were without 〈◊〉 before the wayes and Ordinances of God What warrant now say they have you for Covenant such constitution on of Churches of Saints stâ—ict exami ing of members and why not a forme of Prayer and why not a Ceremoâ—y lawful and now they want but a temptation and then they fall 2. Thess. 2. 10. They receive not the truth in love Why not because they feel loss by the truth or feel not the spiritual good of the truth and hence are given up to believe lyes the first beginning of which is to question the Truth not from tenderness of conscience though that be pretended but from carnal lust and hence Ezekiel 11. 24. whose heart goes after that derestable thing and this they are hardned in if any good men by violence of temptation fall therein Thus men fall from fellowship and sit lâ—ose you will fall if you look not to it which I say is fearful And as Christ said By this shall all know you are my Disciples if you love so all men shall know you are none of Christs if you fall here if you sit loose c. I have been searching and discovering that which is working in sundry and lies as leaven cast it out of your doores We may see hence one just ground of that diligent and narrow search and trial Churches here do or should make of all those whom they receive to be fellow-fellow-members with them the Lord Jesus will make a very strict search and examination of wise and foolish when he comes and will put a difference between them then may not men not Churches imitate the Lord Jesus according to their light now If indeed all the Congrâ—ation of the baptized were holy then as Korah said They take too much upon them if Christ at his coming would make neither examination nor separation not only of people baptized at large but of professours and glorious professours of his Truth and Name if Churches were not set to disceâ—â—e between Harlots and Virgins foolish Virgins and wise as much as in them lies that so some of the glory of Christ may be seen in his Churches here as well as at the last day then the gate might be opened wide and flung â—â— the hinges too for all comers and you might call the Churches of Christ the Inn and Tavern of Christ to receive all strangers if they will pay for what they call for and beare scot and lot in the Town and not the house and Temple of Christ only to entertaine his Friends But Beloved the Church hath the keyes of the Kingdome of Heaven and what they binde and loose following the example and rule of Christ is bound and loosed in Heaven and they judge in the room of Christ. 1 Cor. 5. 4 5. 2. Cor. 2. 10. Whom the Church casts out and bids depaâ— to Satan Christ doth whom the Church receives to it self Christ doth we should receive in none but such as have visible right to Christ and Communion of Saints None have right to Christ in his Ordinances but such as shall have Commâ—nion with Christ at his coming to judge the World hence if we could be so Eagle-eyed as to dâ—scern them now that are Hypocrites we should exclude them now as Christ will because they have no right but that we cannot do the Lord will therefore do it for his Churches yet let the Churches learn from this to do what they can for the Lord now There is a foure-fold Glory of Christ shining in his separating foolish and wise at the last day which when Churches imitate now they hold out now First Hereby he shews his wisdome in discovering the secrets of darkness and all the wily knots men have tyed to hamper themselves in their own miseries so Churches shew forth this wisdome not only in discovering such whom you may feel to be hairy rough Esaus with Mâ—â—onson but such as have Iacobs voice and are very wily when the secrets of hiâ— spirit are discovered they will say if not proud and passionate God is in you hence the wisdome of Christ Rev. 2. 2. Secondly Hereby the Lord Jesus shews hâ—s holiness who withdrawes himself from those that are foolish though outwardly most glorious for he will be sanctified so the Churches shadow out the holiness of Christ â—erein who are bound to be holy as he is holy Thirdly Hereby the Lord keeps the Communion of his Saints pure this is a wonderful glory in Heaven that only the Elect and faithful of God shall lie down together and is the last and greatest glory that ever shall be seen in this world Revelations 21. 27. One man or woman secret'y vile which the Church hath not used all means to discover may defile a whole Church and bring it under wrath as Achan and make work and sorrow enough for many a day and year after and bring that blemish and scandal as will not eaâ—â—ly be worn off again and then men will wish that they had kept their communion pure Fourthly Hereby the Lord abundantly vouchsafes his presence to his people in Heaven when the Goats are separated now come and take your fill of love and possess your Kingdome so the Church hereby gaines more of the presence of Christ Jesus in publick and private when â—das is gone out now Christ comforts the hearts of his Disciples when the Lord hath his Spouse alone then he sports himself with her Isaiah 4. â—â—â—
When all in Ierusalem are holy there shall be a Cloud and Pillar of smoak on all their Habitations And therefore not only the Churches should do thus but a godly holy heart will desire it it 's the end of his coming that he may be searched better had men be tried and examined now than by Christ another day Objection 1. But we must look not to what may be d ne bâ—t to what must be done Churches have power to cast out them that be bad but what power to keep out them that be Baptized and have a name to be good Answer 1. Christ doth not only shut out Harlots but professing Virgins which example is to be imitated now so farre as we can for on the same ground Christ excludes we have the same if we know them 2. The Apostle is punctual for it 2 Tim. 3. 5. speaking of the last dayes Having a forme of godliness turn away from such He saith not Let them in and turn to them and if they prove evil members cut them off and turn them from you but turn away from them He saith not If they be prophane or not baptized and cannot say I was humbled and now I believe but which is more if they have a forme under whose garments of profession you will ever see some of those sores Psal. 2. 3. 3. Rev. 2. 2. It was accounted part of the wisdome and power of grace of the Ephesine Church which tried them which said They were Apostles and had found them lyars they could not creep in there but they were found out 4. In the Ierusalem come down from Heaven it 's part of the glory of it to cast out the unclean but Rev. 21. 27. nothing enters therein which is unclean and are not they to be imitated now in their glory who are set out for that end 5. To omit all other proofs see Ezekiel 44. 8 9. The Apostle gives a sad charge Hebr. 12. 15. Look diligently lest a root of biâ—terness gâ—ow up the Apostle doth not say 'T is no matter what roots you set in Christs Garden only when they spring up and begin to seed and infect others then have a care of them but look there be not a root there truly so we do for they tell us they believe and repent and we believe them other strict inquiry we make not Oh but saith he Look diligently to it it 's ill counsel to the Gardner to say have a care to weed your Garden but 't is no matter God looks not that you should be careful of your seed so long as it be seed nay the Lord that forbids me to suffer weeds to grow forbids my carelesseness in sowing what seeds I please It is the judgement of some Divines That the first sin of Adam and his Wife was in suffering the Serpent to enter into the Garden 〈◊〉 for the â—uine of a Church may be the let ting in of some one â—ll member Objection 2. But they that are innocent and say thâ—â— believe are in the least degree of probability converted and the best we are but certain of their conversion in the highest degree of probability and therefore may both orts be admitted Answer No Paul may feare with a godly jealousie some of the Corâ—â—hian Church 2 Cor. 12. 20 21. and may know some to he childish and carnal and weak yet children yet he calls them all Saints and dates not mince his speeches with such notions of probability and Heb. 6. 9. We are perswaded better things of you A moral certainty aâ— man may have and should have of all church-Church-members a certainty of faith conditional though not absolute as if it be thus as they say and I cannot ought not to say otherwise of them 't is well with them Objection 3. But the Primitive Church never received in any with such strict confessions and large examinations three thousand in a day were admitted Answer I remember a godly Divine in answering an Objection of late repentance from the example of the Thief having whipt it with many other Rods at last lasheth it with this it 's an extraordinary case and hence not to be brought in for an ordinary example hence he speaks thus When therefore the time comes that Christ shall come and be crucifâ—ed again and thou one of the Thieves to be crucified with him and it fall out that thou be the best of the two then shalt thou be saved by Christ that despiâ—â—ng Christ now puts off thy repentance till then So I say here there is somewhat imitable and ordinary in the Apostles example in admiâ—ting three thousand in a day but something unusual and farre different from our condition now and therefore this I would say when the time comes that the Spirit is poured out on all flesh and that time is known to be the Spring-tide and large measure of the Spirit when Ministers are so honoured as to convert many thousands at a Sermon and so God and reason call for quickness when Elders of Churches are as sharp-sigted as the Apostles when the conversion of men also shall be most eminent and that in such places where 't is death or half hanging to profess the Lord Jesus as that they shall be prickt at their hearts gladly receive the Word lay down their necks on the block cast down all their estates at the Churches feet out of love to Gods Ordinances when men shall not have Christian education the example and crowd of Christians from the teeth outwardly to press them to the door of the Church as those times had not then for my part if three hundred thousand were converted I should receive them as gladly and as manifestly as they receive Christ but truly there is such little takings now that we have 〈◊〉 enough to look upon our money and the Hypocrisie of the world gives us good reason to stay and see yet we grant Simon believes also and if he doth deceive the Apostles eyes for a time let him come in and tell him of his gall of bitterness afterward and if he be not oâ—stinate but intreats Prayers Charity hopes the best and lets him stay in Matthew 3. 7. Obj. 4. But you may in weeding out the Tares pull up the Wheat and keep out the godly in such strict searchings Answ. 1. 'T is true and the want of tenderness and love to them that be Christs Lambs and Babes having much ignorance and carnalness out of zeal in some not guided aright and pride in others despising those that are of meaher gifts than themselves or because of some weaknesse which if they were convinced of would soon lament and amend and to be so rigorous toward them will not be suffered by Jesus Christ if continued in by Churches Hence Churches must be Watchful against this And then 2. If they follow the light are weak with them that are weak and strong with them that be strong and are all things to all men and gain all to
Christ look as the receiving of â—ll members shall not be laid to their charge to hâ—rt them so nor the excluding of some that are good And this I 'le add The Lord may see in some good people that are about to joyn themselves to the Church that which makes them fit to destroy a Church not to build up a Church as in case of some secret sin not sufficiently repented of and some decay of the first love Rev. 2 5. and the Lord by this means may recover them by Word or Rod under witness of the Church against them and hence many say If I had then come in I should have been proud and vile Obj. 5. But there are many odd confessions by those that are recived and extravagant enlarged discourses of the jet time of their 〈◊〉 and their Revelations and ill Application of Scripture which makes such long doings end are wearisome and uncomely Answ. So I would say There may be many weaknesses in an Ordinance shall I therefore despise or cast off an Ordinance I could then cast away aâ—s and my own life and soul too when I had done No lament them and heale them I confess it is not fit that so holy and solemn an Assembly as a Church is should be held long with Relations of this odd thing and tother nor hear of Revelations and groundless joyes nor gather together the heap and heap up all the particular passages of their lives wherein they have got any good nor Scriptures and Sermons but such as may be of special use unto the people of God such things as tend to shew Thus I was humbled then thus I was called then thus I have walked though with many weaknesses since and such special providence of God â— have seen temptations gone through and thus the Lord hath delivered me blessed be his Name c. I have done let all Gods people Watchmen on Gods walls still be watchful and careful there be temptations enough to make men fill and pester Gods House with Swine one hath his friend and his affection leads him another he is a man of estate and his money is in the mouth of his Sack another thinks there is one bad enough but we shall do well enough with them Oh take heed of these things methinks a godly man should abhor the opinion at least if it was but for this reason viz. it is so suitable First To a proud man shall I stoop to Churches and give an account of my heart and course to them I am as good as they Secondly To Apostates from Churches who when they are gone then they give way to these conceits You are too strict and are loth to confess their falls afterward Thirdly And Libertines who cry out Why shut you your Gates so close that Swine and Sheep Sheep and Goats and all their Herds and Herdsmen come not in No the Lord will separate one day do what you can therefore you that are in Christs stead now Boast not of Church-priviledges only I am a church-Church-member and now all is well say not We have Abram to our Father cry not the Temple of the Lord and all the Christians in the Church think well of me for Christ Jesus will make a separation one day all is not Fish that comes to the Net and then better never have known what Church fellowship means and yet be all the whâ—le a stranger to Christ thou thinkest all have gâ—ven their approbation of thee so in charity they may but yet it may be some have had secret feares and doleful thoughts of thy estate and what have they done Even as we do with those we cannot cast by any inferiour Courts we put them over to be tried by the Highest Court of the Kingdome and that is very dreadful if their case be bad so here one thinks it a shame to live out and hence for to serve his honour sets himself up there another wants Marriage and that 's the way to it another thinks of his gaine in a Town in Fields or in shop hence desires it anothers conscience is only troubled for want of a Sacrament hence would come in and there they sit still oh takeheed of this Hence see there is need of conversion in some church-Church-members Did you ever see a church-Church-member converted said one as if then the bitterness of death was past when once in the Church some should look about them herein I 'le only give this Rule Be alway converting and be alway converted turn us again O Lord When a man thinks I was humbled and comforted I 'le not lay all by and so live on old Scraps Oh beware of that frame not that a Christian should be alwayes pulling up foundations and ever doubting but to make sure be alway converting more humble more sensible of sinne more near to Christ Jesus and then you that are sure may be more sure and you that are not may be sure indeed Of thankfulness to all Gods people called to Christ that he should make a separation between you and others this is the wonder and Diamond of Gods Ring of love compassing all the Saints in separating them from others Mal. 1. 1 2 3. Was not Esau Iacobs brother yet I loved one and hated the other Psal. 78. 67 68. He câ—ose not the Tribe of Ephraim but Iudah and there was Sion and there David so for the Lord to choose thee and leave so many thousands in the World is mercy but to choose thee and leave many of the Town where thou livest that 's more that had some meanes and were better in birth place and parts than thee but to choose thee from thy friends two grinding in a Mill and lying in a bed one taken tother left is more but of professors and glorious ones too whom thou dost highly esteem to choose thee and leave them to open to thee and shut the door against them this is indeed wonderful if thou art one of these he hath made thee thankful for it Oh this the mark and Crown of glory and fruit of the Lords old love for his opening of thy eyes and changing thy heart and giving thee rest and peace on his Son VERSE 13. Watch. THat all the Churches of God are bound to be very watchful by considering the Parable of these foolish Virgins Quest. 1. Against what shall they watch Answ. 1. Against security and dead-heartedness 2. Against sleightness and shallowness of the work of grace in them Quest. 2. For what should they watch Answ. For the blessed appearing and glorious coming of Christ Jesus at his first coming 1 Pet. 1. 10 11 12. they searched after and waited for his coming and rejoyced to see that day so should we now for his second Of exhortation to these Churches in N. E. Oh be watchful First Against security Motives 1. Because 't is the last sin as you have heard which surprizeth Saints a Christian at first conversion strives and
Christian with Satans Image is the shame of a Christian but to be like our Head this is our glory though it be in sufferings 2 Cor. 3. 18. heavenly humble compassionate holy as he was and hence when God hath a mind to make Churches or Christians base in the eyes of the world he will withdraw here and when he intends to draw the world after him he will glorifie it with his glory Isai. 60. 6 7. 3. It cuts off a Christian from all hope of glory how many be there that scramble and catch at Christ and every one saith he is mine The proud man saith he is mine and hopes now verily to be saved but that hope is vain they have Christ out of them but where is Christ in them The life of Christ and the Spirit of Christ Col. 1. 27. Christ in you the hope of glory 4. Give me but one place in all the Book of God where blessedness is bestowed upon or conveyed unto any or promised but to such as have these graceâ— Blessed is he that feareth the Lord and greatly delighteth c. Psal. 112. 1 2. If there be no such thing let any man expect it if he can II. The Causes 1. A magnifying Christ and making him our Sanctification when as you heard the last day this is to deny him to be our Sanctification He becomes our righteousness by imputation of his holiness and our Sanctification by infusing of it Nay hence a man depriveâ— himself of all good in the Lord Jesus when a man denies all grace in himself and then flies for Sanctuary unto Jesus Christ â— Iohn 1. 6 7. If we say we have fellowship with him and walk in darkness we lie c. And hence it seems they denied men to have sin vers 8. boasting of fellowship with Christ vers 6. 2. Because there are say men onely immediate actings of the Spirit If this be so then there is seeing in a Christian without an eye and hearing without an ear and knowing Christ without an understanding and loving without love and living without life and feeding and eating without a mouth and then when these actings are over a Christian is like another man there is no Law remains written on his heart and so Christ should enter into his Saints like Satan into the Serpent who only acts the Serpent and when that is done he remains a Serpent again Know it the Lord Jesus his greatest work is not onely to change the acts but to change the frame of the heart not only to put new actions but a new nature into men 3. Because men know not the Spirit never felt the presence not power nor comfort of it themselves and hence men do as some Countries because themselves are black they paint the Devil whiâ—e Iohn 14. 17. The World cannot reâ—eive because it knows him not Give me any Christian living that ever found the sweetness of it but his longings were to have more of that grace to forget things behinde and reach to things before even to the resurrection of the dead whom I believe none will say want all habits of grace I look upon the Opinion as coming with a curse from God A man hath been a dry Professor long Conscience saith There is no grace in the heart and hence is troubled True saith he there is none in Saints it is in Christ and there he catcheth and deceives himself Secondly Those that do acknowledge them but any power or activity in them they deny they say there is oyl indeed in the Vessel but it helps not 't is no means to make the Lamp to burn or shine there is the life of Christ but it is a dead life they call them the graces of Christ but they are but fruitless graces I confess it if you consider them without the Spirit of Christ they are no true graces much less active or living ones but consider them thus they have a power as take the least grain of corn there is a growing power in it fructifying too in it by dying first though it actually doth not fructifie presently and though there must be rain and Sun must shine also and a providence accompanying of it so it is in the graces of Saints And hence it s called a Law of the mind there is a power of a Law as of sing and hence as Christ grew in wisdome and stature so all the members of Christ are like unto him I. The evill of this 1. This abates of the excellency of grace as from a Jewel to take away the operâ—tive vertue of it Foâ— it 's not like Christs now which is strong through God not weak which is living noâ— dead This is not like the glorious Graces of Saints triumphing This makes the Graces of Saints of less excellency then common Graces common Grace will make a man â—ide over many a sin and run exceeding fast though he fall at last A man that hath bin angry it will make him very quiet and still and is there no more power in this 2. This will make a man content himself with a bare form with a false confidence if this be true For take a man that hath bin long seeking to get strength against a vile heart and â—e finds none there is no power of heavenliness he is earthy no meekness he is proud I would say to him do you ever think to get any power of meekness love faith c. You shall never do it never have it here all your strength is immediatly from Christ look for it there in conscience a man must cease there And 't is certain all our strength is in and from the Lord but 't is dispensed mediatly Eph. 3. 16. Paul prays he may be strengthned with might in the inner man Or thus a man may not pray for strength of Grace which Paul refused not 3. Then the Saints if they be asked whether they believe or can love the Lord Jesus their answer must be no I have no power to love nor beleeve and then Peter did ill to answer so Lord thou knowest that I love thee Then Paul to say We can do nothing but for the Truth Then that Martyr that to then that said the Lord strengthen you yes saith he the Lord doth I know if the Lord withdraw his Spirit we are gone as Adam but is there not the immutable assistance of it Is there not the Promise I will never leave thee though sometimes weaker sometimes stronger 4. This will make a Christian hide and not improve his Talents he hath Grace but no power to put it forth Then suppose God gives power to see Truth one day I must not see it with this eye the next but look up to Christ and say I cannot see at all II. Causes of this 1. In opposing the outward principle of life or first principle and this second I must live on Câ—rist hence I must noâ— I have no power to act my self in any measure