doth imploy his talent the more acceptable hee is to his Master so the more full of grace the more God will love us the more comfortably will hee speak to our souls and couscifences the more graciously will hee manifest himself unto us make us glad Psal 21.6 Job 33.26 hee will speak to our consciences as the master to the good servant in the parable Mat. 25.23 for God will make his face to shine upon them that serv him Psal 31.16 so that when they come before him have prayed meditated heard his word c. they shall say as Jacob of Esau Gen. 33.10 3. The more grace the more peace in our own conscience the more boldness towards God it is neither riches nor learning nor friends nor any thing els but grace that can stablish the heart Heb. 13.9 other staies are but like Sampson's withes easily broken as thread this is the anchor which staieth the ship of the soul the foundation which beareth it up the sun which giveth it comfort the fountain which yieldeth it refreshment this filleth the soul with peace in hearing in praying in doing in suffering Righteousness and Peace like two twins are born at one birth like Ruth and Naomi they go together they walk in one way dwell under roof Psalm 85.10 Psal 116.165 Mal. 2.6 Isa 32.14 4. The more grace the more patiently they shall bear all affliction this like Moses's rod will divide and make a way through the deepest waters of trouble like Noah's ark it will keep the soul from sinking this will make them with Paul and Silas to sing in prison to rejoice that they are accounted worthy to suffer for Christ to esteem it all joy to fall into manifold temptations this will enable to receive affliction as a purgation to remove their corruption as a testimony of God's love as a seal of their living righteous in Jesus Christ this will assure them of a happy passage out of all troubles 5. The most grace the more delight they shall have in doing the will of God in performance of all sacred and religious duties the more strength there is in the body the more easily the traveller passeth on his way the fuller the wing is of feathers the easier the flight is to the bird so the fuller the soul is of grace the more pleasantly hee doth run the race of God's commandements this maketh him say with Samuel 1 Sam. 3.10 with the Psalmist Psal 40.8 this will make the commandement easie Mat. 11.29 1 Joh. 5.3 4. This serveth by way of consolation to cheer up the souls of God's people in all estates the fulness and sufficiency of Christ may bee as a tree loaden with much fruit for the feeding of the hungry a fountain filled with pleasant water for the refreshment of the thirsty a lamp full of oil to give light to them that are in darkness a singular stay a strong supportment to God's servants 1. Against all wants if they want wisedom Christ is a glorious day-star full of heavenly light able to discover the deepest mysteries and make them like words written in great characters so that hee that runneth may read them able so to elevate the lowest capacity that it shall clearly discern things heavenly counsel is his and sound wisedom hee is understanding it self Prov. 8.14 in him are all treasures of knowledg Col 23. he hath opened the eies of the blinde and made them that sate in darkness to see a great light it was prophesied that in his time Isa 92.4 Isa 35.5 Isa 11.9 and as Pharaoh said of Joseph Gen. 41.38 39. there is not another to bee found in whom the spirit of God is as it is in Christ none in heaven or earth neither Saint nor Angel so discreet so wise as hee the greatest wisedom in the world is to his wisedom but like the wisedom of a childe to the wisedom of the choicest statesman like the light of a candle to the light of the sun therefore if wee want wisedom how to prevent avoid and save our selvs from treacherous adversaries how to order our conversations how to mannage our callings wherein wee are placed how to imploy the talent wee have received how to discern the things which differ how to understand the deep things of God let us com to Christ let us set our selvs to school to him and in him is fulness of knowledg hee is our head hee will not leave his members in ignorance 2. If thy faith bee weak if it bee withered like Jeroboam's hand 1 King 13.4 if it shake like the hand of a palsey man if thy soul be full of doubtings as the sea of tossings if thy heart bee full of agitations and rowlings hither and thither like a ship without anchor yet as the man of God prayed and Jeroboam's hand was made whole as the other as our Saviour cured the palsey man so in him is fulness of ability to make thy faith strong like a tree of deep root like a hous of sure foundation Mat. 7. like the arm of a strong man hee can make thee more than conquerer hee can so fasten the ship of thy soul that thou shalt not bee moved hee can so fill thee so affect thee with the sence of God's love that thou shalt say Rom. 8.38 39 hee can strengthen thee to do all things Phil. 4 13. hee can stablish and settle thy soul 1 Pet. 5.10 Rom. 16.24 25. 2 Thes 4.3 3. If they want peace sens and assurance of God's love and joy in God's spirit if their souls bee as a stormy sea like a sick man upon his bed full of tossings like Israël stung with fierie serpents in a condition altogether restless like a hunted hare or chased hart like David hunted by Saul as a partridg like a besieged city full of fears like Israël's bearing heavy burthens working in an iron furnace like the dove seeking a place to rest her foot and finding none complaining Psal 38.3 in trouble Job 30 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 26 27 28 29 30 31. yet remember in Christ is all fulness hee is the Prince of peace Isa 9.6 Ephes 2.14 hee can Mat 8.27 hee is the brasen serpent Numb 21.8 9. hee is the physitian Isa 61.1 the true Samaritane Luke 10.30 therefore comfort thy self come to him as those of Gibeon to Joshua Jos 10 6. and Christ shall remove the siege 4. If they want holiness if corruption like a strong disease do waste and spoil the vigor of the soul like an evil weed do over-spread the garden of their hearts like a foul spot do blemish their face like a strong tyrant do lead them captive like a heavy burthen fetters and tumbling blocks do hinder them in holy duties and make them go slowly about the performance of sacred exercises if they hang like birdlime about the wings of the soul as Canaanites in Israël's sides yet let this sustain them let this revive them in Christ is all fulness of
dominion as King over subjects Isai 43.15 Reas 2 In regard of the right he hath in them they are the work of his hands he is the potter and they are the clay the Creatour and they the thing formed by him trees of his planting tabernacles of his building Joh. 1.3 Reas 3 In regard of the price he hath paid for them not gold and silver hay stubble but his owne blood 1 Pet. 1.19 1 Cor. 6.20 The Captivne being ransomed must live to him that did redeeme him 2 Cor. 5.14 Reas 4 In regard of the relation between them Christ is the head they the members Christ the Husband they the Spouse Christ the Prince they the subjects therefore these must above all things seek the honour of Christ as the Apostle saith of the wife 1 Cor. 7.34 Reas 5 Because the honouring of the Lord Jesus is more dear to Gods Servants than their owne lives neither honours riches pleasures nor successe in worldly undertakings is so delightfull to them as the glorifying of the name of the Lord Acts 20.24 Acts 21.13 Reas 6 Because this is the most ready way to do good unto our selves the seeking of Gods glory will interest us in Gods favour make us capable of Gods blessing give us comfort and courage in all estates and much boldnes in the day of the Lord Iesus 1 Sam. 2.30 Reas 7 Because this is that which God hath chiefly and peculiarly reserved to himselfe this is to the Lord as the crowne to the King though the Lord graunt us many favours yet he will not graunt us this this is as the apple of his eye no man must touch it Isai 42.8 therefore Psa 148.13 Vse This discovereth the iniquity of such as regard not what become of the honour of God Christ so themselves may have honour that regard not though the Sun of Gods glory be overshadowed with an everlasting Eclipse so the corrupt meteor of their vaine glory may shine the extinguishing of the shining Lamp of the Gospel the ruinating of the Walls of Syon the breaking downe of the hedges of Gods vineyard the plucking off the grapes which grow on the Lords vine the entring of the wild boare Psal 80.12 13 16. All this doth not trouble them so the trees in their owne Orchard flourish bud blossome beare who knoweth not that Satan is now let loose his chaine lengthned his fury and his indignation great Whose eyes do not behold that as Rev. 6.12 thorough the insolency pride of Antichrist the glorious Sun of righteousnes is eclipsed The Doctrine the Sacraments the Worship of God is made black with heresies superstitious Idols and the Church bloody with warres tyranny oppression persecution Who seeth not the bottomles pit is now opened the smoak ascending the smoaky Doctrine of the Pope arising like smoake out of a great fornace to obscure the Doctrine of life salvation by Christ Who seeth not a fearefull Apostacy the starres falling from heaven Doctours Bishops learned men like vanishing Meteors to fall to the earth the World the flesh earthly honours Idols Who can but see how out of this smoake of Popish Doctrine there comes forth a multitude of locusts Priests Jesuits Monks who like the locusts leape from earth to earth flying aloft in the aire savour not the things of God but onely the things here below like the locusts go together in great troups singing the sonnet of their prosperity leape and delight in idlenes enter the meadowes green pastures and eate up all the green things Who seeth not bow they incroach upon us as the Sea upon the earth when it hath eate thorough the banks as a fire upon the towne when it hath once fired one house as the frogs on the Land of Aegypt till they made it stinke Besides who heareth not the blaâ—phemies and hideous swearings who seeth not the swinish drunkenes the matchles pride who heareth not of the whoredomes fornicacions amoÌ„g us of the strang contempt of the Gospel by all which the name of God is blasphemed Rom. 2.24 yet who almost regardeth this whose eyes gush out as David did Psal 119.136 Whose countenance us sad as Nehemiahs was Neh. 2.3 4. Who rend his garment and his Mantle as Ezra did Ezr. 9.3 If but the hemme of our owne garment be touched but the least spot of disgrace cast on us we are much displeased disquieted but who layeth to heart the dishonour done to God If men may keep up their owne Dagon they care not what become of the Lords Arke 1 Sam. 5.4 5. If their Ship may row in a secure haven they care not if the Ship of the Church sink in a storme Amos 6.6 If they may be rich they care not though the Church be poore if they may be crowned with the earthly glory they care not who take the crowne of Gods praise from him like Gallio they care for none of these things if they may be at ease in Syon Amos 6.1 6. Whereby it is manifest that they are not Gods Children for a good Child seeketh his Fathers honour more than his owne that they are not the spouse of Christ for the Wife is grieved to see her Husband dishonoured that they love not the Lord Jesus delight not in the Gospel seek not that honour which cometh from God but that which cometh from men were it otherwise the losse of their owne peace plenty revenew praise would not be so offensive to them as to see God dishonoured but as these men grieve not to see God dishonoured forbeare not to rob him of his praise so the time is at hand wherein God will cover them with shame 1 Sam. 2.30 Ezek. 28.2 to 9. Dan. 5.22 23 24. 1 Sam. 2.29 2. Therefore this must occasion every one of us neglecting our owne selves thoughts ends to seek the honour and the glory of our God and give the Lord the praise due to his name let this be the prime desire of our Souls Psal 71.8 Let us long after this as much as ever Rahel did after Children Gen. 30 1. And as we are or will make it appeare that we are the Children of God so let us set our whole hearts and all our strength to glorify him for this doth God challeng by vertue of our sonneship and his owne dominion Mal. 1.6 and this let us make the choise of our endevours Mat. 6.33 this let us value before our owne life Joh. 12.27 28. yea let us desire life chiefly for this end Psal 118.17 and unto this let us frame all the abilities we do enjoy whether inward or outward Prov. 3.9 Let every talent be imployed to the advantage of our great Lord and Master let every creature become a string to sound out Gods praise Psal 113.1 2. Let soule and body like well yoaked oxen draw in this yoake let all the members of the one and all the faculties of the other like an army of well trained souldiers fight these battles let
an enemy by their evill works cause him in steed of being a comfortable and shining Sun to be a consuming and burning fire needs must their estate be dangerous for Christ whom they dishonour whom they provoke is above all none is able by his strength to make his part good against him no wicked man shall by any device be able to escape from him he will not be born down with might he will not be appeased with money he will not let any man escape for his nobility or place of eminency though your estate were as glorious rich strong as the image in Nebuchadnezzars vision Da. 12.32 yet vers 34.35 none can exalt himselfe against him but to his owne destruction Mat. 21.44 there will be no hiding place from his wrath he is above all all the creatures are at his command like the Centurious servant Mat. 8.9 They are his armies to execute his wrath upon his enemies he is above all there is no hiding of our selves from him Psal 139.5 6 7. Amos 9.1 2 3 4. The strongest shoulder is too weake to beare the burthen of his indignation the frownings of his face will make the stoutest heart to stoope all the nations of the World are in his hand but as the drop of a bucket Isai 40.15 as chaffe before the wind as stubble before the fire Nah. 1.4 5 6. Iniquity is so repugnant to his nature to his honour to his office so advantagious to Satan so averse to this Kingdome that it shall not escape without punishment where it is found without repentance no hiding no vailing no vaine and frivolous pretences shall excuse or patronize us but as the arrow smote Ahab though he disguised himselfe in the battel so will the arrow of Gods judignation smite all ungodly men notwithstanding all their disguisements for Prov. 21.30 though they be never so high God will bring them down Obad vers 4. he will tread them as the dust under his feet Psal 110.1 If they want their garment Mat. 22.13 If they refuse to be subject to his governement Luk. 19.27 As it was with Sodome that would not have Lot to rule over them they were burned with fire and brimstone so will it be with such as will not suffer Christ to rule over them however they may flourish for a time like the old World promise themselves great things like the rich man Luk. 12.19 yet 2 Thes 1.8 Psal 2.9 2. This setteth before us their folly who neglect and leave Christ Jesus and pursuing and following other things turne their backs on him who is from above and turne their faces on the things which are here below leaving the living fountaine and digging to themselves broken cisternes a folly very manifest I. Because Christ is above all in power none so able to deliver out of danger to preserve in safety he is a sure rocke they who are builded on him shall not sinke he hath a strong arme there is none shall plucke his people out of his hand he is a faithfull keeper Psal 32.7 He is a Lion at whose roaring all the beasts of the forrest shall tremble Deut. 32.11 he is an Eagle bearing his people upon his wings an Arke sustaining them in the deluge of trouble he hath power to restraine the fire that it burne not the winds that they blow not the Seas that they be not boisterous all creatures are in his hands and he can turne them for us or against us Luk. 11.21 Ioh. 11.44 Gen. 18.14 Now is it not great folly to forsake this rocke and build upon the sand like the men of Shechem to leave the shadow of this tree and to hide our selves under the bramble to leave this shield and to arme our selves with browne paper to forsake Christ and trust to the World which will prove a leaking ship in the stormy day a broken bow in the battel able to do nothing 2. Because Christ is above all in wisedome all treasures of wisedome are hid in him as in a store-house Col. 2.3 as light in the Sun as waters in the Sea he is able to endue us to fill us with the truest the sweetest and most usefull knowledge he is able to frustrate the policy of all our adversaries discover and defeate all the stratagems of the old Serpent he knoweth how to heale all the diseases of our Souls he can teach us how to get the favour of God Ephes 4.20 how to become the Sonnes and daughters of God how to find sweetness in his Ordinances Isai 48.17 18. how to attaine peace in our consciences contentment in all estates and conditions how to make a healing Medicine of very poyson how to use an enemies sword as a launcing knife now what folly is it to leave him to reject his counsell and follow them who cannot teach us the Lords way open Gods counsell make us wise unto salvation that cannot shew us how to win the favour of God how to get freedome from Satan this is a wisdome which the World doth not know which her Schooles cannot teach which her treasure cannot buy Job 28.12 13 14 15. 1 Cor. 2.7 8. 3. Because Christ is above all in love all the love of the Creature is but a sparkle to that flame which is in Christ but a shadow to the substance of his love Jacobs love to Rahel causing him to serve for her seaven yeeres in the heate and in the cold was much Jonathans love to David was wonderfull but Christs love doth farre excell them Joh. 15.13 never such love manifested a love so strong that like a mighty streame it did beat down all the banks of opposition Cant. 2.8 a love like an ever living Fountaine alwayes yeelding waters of refreshment like the fire on the Altar alwayes burning Jo. 13.1 A Sun that never setteth though sometime for a moment eclipsed Isai 54.7 This is a love as high above the love of men as the Heaven is above the Earth as the Sea in deepth doth excell the shallow brooke a love so deep so wonderfull that the line of our reason cannot fathome it Eph. 3.19 A love so sweet so pleasant so full of contentement that it beareth a man out against all the hatred of the World it maketh a man cheerefull in the deepest affliction Rom. 5.5 Confident in the strongest opposition constant in the duties of Religion full of inward rejoycing heavenly meditations holy and gracious desires Cant. 1.2 better than Wine Wine is one of the most comfortable Creatures rejoycing the heart of man Psal 104.15 maketh the life joyfull Eccles 10.19 causeth to forget affliction poverty misery Psal 31.6 7. but the love of Christ sensibly felt in the hearts of his Servants doth farre excell all worldly pleasure and causeth such as drinke thereof to forget their bitterness poverty and sorrowes Now is it not great folly to leave this love of Christ so farre above all love for the love of the World which like a shallow brooke is
with it if it go into captivity into prison into noysom diseases into poverty reproach nay though they are surerely and infallibly shewed that it goeth to Hell yet they will go with it 5. By their dislike of holinesse and all the means teaching man to lead a holy life this is like fetters to the man possessed with an unclean spirit they break these cords as he brake them like the Sun to diseased eyes Job 24.13 like a Candle to him that hath stolne goods Ioh. 3.19.20 like the hand-writing to Baltazzar Dan. 5.5 no weed so unsavory to their Nostrils no Gall so distastefull to their Palates no noise so terrible to their Ears this is a stranger they will give it no entertainment an enemy they will make war against it Rom. 8.7 they watch an opportunity as Iudas to betray Christ as Esau to murder Iacob so they to betray to destroy this if possible they might it is as offensive to them as Mordecai to Haman nothing can give them contentment as long as this prospereth by which it is apparent that the natural mans disposition is altogether carnal Vse This may teach us not to wonder be astonish'd or dismayed to see the whole world lie in wickedness the greatest number of men carnally disposed their affections tending downward to things here below as the streams go down the Channel or the earth moveth down towards the Center not think it strange that the carnal world wonders after her own lusts as the Popish idolatrous world after their beast that they pursue the earth and the vanities of the same as Micah pursued his Idol that they lye overwhelmed in sin as once the world was overwhelmed with the deluge that Hill and vale high and low rich and poor learned and ignorant even all a few poor despised yet sanctified Souls excepted given unto covetousnesse and carnal lusts as the Prophet long since complained Ier. 6.14 that the broad way is full the narrow way hath few travellers that Baals house is full the seats in Gods house like the seats in Sauls house in the new Moon were empty yesterday and to day Sabbath after Sabbath that the world the earth riches honours pleasures are in great request heaven religion holinesse duties of sanctification in little or none at all Marvel not I say at this shrink not back from God leave not the Lord Iesus for this the three hundred Souldiers left not Gideon though many thousands went back from him Ioshua and Caleb turned not back from following the Lord though Israel besides did and perished let Peters resolution be your practise though all men forsake him yet go not you back from him be not moved be not shaken at the sight of the multitude of prophane persons for all men are earth and earthly and 1. They are ignorant and see no beauty no benefit no pleasure in the way of Godlinesse it is to them as a light under a bushel a fountain shut up Luke 19.42 these are like the Gods of whom Daniel spake Dan. 5.23 these are as Ier. 5.4 Psal 82.5.2 they are sick and cannot rellish the good things of God their Palate hath lost its taste bread is as gravell Wine as Gall a feast of the choisest heavenly delicates as the white of an Egg which hath no taste or unsavoury meat which cannot be eaten without salt Iob 6.6 what our Saviour said to Peter in one particular may be universally verified of every carnall man thou savourest not the things of God but of men and what Barzillai said to David in another case every carnall man may say of himself unto God I am old in sin and cannot taste the Word of the Lord and let not me be pressed to this and that duty of holines to follow the Lord with such preciseness but let me return to mine own way fashion delights c. 3. They are dead in sins and trespasses no more feeling of sin than a dead man of the disease no more sence of the working of Gods Word then feared flesh of the prickings of a needle as Psal 6.5 so there is no thought no remembrance of God among carnall men they have no thought of Heaven life eternall the way and means tending thereunto 4. They know not things of any better nature than the earth the Cattle know not any better thing than pasture in the field water in the brook and therefore never look after wine and other delicates so the naturall man knoweth nothing but this World not knowing the comforts of the Gospel the sweetness of Gods love the pleasantness of the peace of a good conscience think there is no clearer nor warmer sun no more pure nor pleasant streame no sweeter musick than peace and prosperity in this World the Woman of Samaria knowing no other water than such as was in Jacobs Well asked not water of life from Christ knew not what he meant when he spake of it the unsound Disciples knowing no other bread than that which nourisheth the body thought not upon the bread which nourisheth the soul unto life eternall 5. They are inconsiderate hasty and violent in the pursuite of their own projects in accomplishing their own purposes in running their own way in following their own counsell in fulfilling their own lusts therefore likened to the Adder Psal 58.5 the wild asse Ier. 2.24 mad men Jerem. 17.9 they have in heart to consider what the issue will be of all their evill doings though they set thornes yet they think they shall gather grapes though they serve sin yet they think the wages shall be eternall life though they sow to the flesh yet they hope to reap life everlasting thus Psal 36.1 and though they be like them Isa 65.4 like him Mar. 5.4 5. Though they have fellowship with the workers of the works of darkness though they be men of swinish condition and conversation though there souls be full of the breath of abominable things though they break the strongest bonds of Gods precepts wound themselves with many lusts as with swords and speares yet like them Isai 65.5 they spare not to think to say they are better than the dearest of Gods Children so highly are they opinionated of their own goodness so strongly are they wedded to their own afflections that all admonition is but as water upon a black Moor dew upon a rock it maketh no impression but as Solomon saith Prov. 27.22 Now this being the qualification order disposition bent and course of every naturall mans heart and life it is no marvell that the World is generally profane nor let any go back because there are so few that set and keep their feet constant in the way to life 2. Is this the condition of corrupt man since the fall of our first parents are they all earthly carnall full of sin then this may assure us that in this estate there is no salvation the naturall mans way will never lead him
this they are as no gift at all Prov. 19.14 So c. therefore 1 Pet. 5.5 5. Because these are the choisest and surest testimonies of the Love of God to our soules he giveth common and worldly endowments to his enemies as well as to his friends the Master of the Family giveth food rayment some-time money to the servant as well as to the childe the Raine falleth on the Rock as well as on the ground Eccles 9.1 But as the Master of the Family sheweth his love to his children in putting them to Schoole giving good education to them so doth God shew his Love to his Children in training them up in the Schoole of Christ in educating them with the saving knowledge of his will in framing their hearts to love him and to walke sincerely and uprightly towards him when he leaveth others in darknesse and in the shadow of death as Christ sheweth his Love to Lazarus in raising him out of his grave Jo. 11.44 So doth he shew his Love to us in raising us to a new life as he shewed his love to Israel in causing the Sunne to shine upon them when all Egypt sate covered with darknesse so doth hee open the Fountain of his Loving-kindnesse in causing the light of his truth to shine among us Jerem. 3.14.15 Isaiah 62.5.6 Psalm 87 2.7 6. Because these do most endeare men unto God these like a Load-stone draw the Love care and goodnesse of God towards us cause him highly to esteem us tenderly to affect us carefully to watch over us mightily to defend us as 1 Sam. 16.7 8. So it is neither for riches honours nor beauty that God respecteth us neither Dives wealth Absolons beauty Sampsons strength Achitophels Policy Senacharibs victories nor Solomons royalty can move or draw affection from the Lord but the holinesse and sincerity of his servants Isa 57.15 Isaiah 66.2 Pro. 11.21 Psalm 16.3 Vse Our spirituall gifts of all others the most excellent are these the graine and world the chaffe are these the sweet the earth the sower grapes then behold and be astonished at the strange and wonderfull folly of the greatest number of the world who like the Jewes of old preferre Barrabas before Christ who like Esau value a messe of earthly pottage above a Heavenly birth-right like revolting Israel are more affected with Egyptian Onions and Garlicke then with the best fruit growing upon the Heavenly Canaan what more frequent amongst men then to cry after the things of the earth like the horsleeches two daughters Pro. 30.15 what more common then to runne after riches honours pleasures as Mica after his Idol Jud. 18.23.24 How many see wee rising early setting up late and eating the bread of sorowfulnesse to dig silver out of this Mine how many behold wee wounding and piercing themselves with sharpe thorney care intangling and wearing themselves with worldly snares for triviall and transitory riches how many see wee making ship-wrack of Faith and a good conscience to load themselves with this treasure what more usual with men then to deprive themselves of rest peace all true comforts to neglect God their souls heaven the Crown of Eternall Glory for the vanishing cloud of worldly abilities as if all our felicity safty comfort stood in the having of the abundance of the earth the saving grace of Gods Spirit were nothing worth but these mens folly will be easily descerned if they would but looke 1. Vpon the vanity of the world what is the riches and honoures when thou hast it without the grace of Gods Spirit but as the Apostle said of false teachers 2 Pet. 2.17 It hath no filling satisfying nor contenting vertue in it Isa 50.11 Hag. 1.6 If at any time they have abundance and seem like the first Kine in Pharaohs dreame to be fat yet presently one thing or another ariseth like the second Kine in Pharaohs dream to deceive and devour all the fat so that still the soule is an empty vessell a barren womb not satisfyed 2. The impotency of these outward things they are weak unable to defend themselves or their owners like the Idol gods unable to keep themselves and therefore must bee kept by their worshippers the rust will consume it the theefe steale it the fire burn it if the Lord smite thee with sicknesse though with Asa thou hadst a kingdome it cannot procure health for thee if God send an enemie and thou hast horses swift of foot yet it will not deliver thee Isa 15. Psa 33.16 If thou hast all kind of delights art seated in a Paradise of worldly pleasures yet if God doth send a dreadfull noise into thy eares then wilt thou runne like Adam to the covert If God awaken thy conscience it will be with thee as with Balshazar Dan. 5.4 5. Zeph. 1.18 3. The impiety it is full of truble as Achans golden Wedge troubled the whole army so the things of the world if they bee not sanctified if men want grace to esteem affect and imploy them as they ought they are a great trouble as Adams forbidden fruit in evill men as a heavy burthen to the back as a net full of snares to the feet as a bed of thornes in the night Pro. 11.17 Pro. 15.6 As the Sea where are most waters are most tempests 4. Their commoneness a flower grown in the worst as well as in the best mans garden a livery worn by Gods enemies as well as by Gods followers a gift in the hand of a reprobate as well as in the hand of Gods chosen Solomon saw servants on horse-back and Princes on foot and wee may easily see the servants of sinne the bondmen of Satan on horse-back on the Throne in place of eminency enriched with the abundance of the earth men as Princes men richly adorned with the grace of the Spirit men who are conquerors over Satan and their lusts who are Kings and Priests to God goe on foote are in a low state of no reputation in the world the most wicked usually are most favoured and suck most milke out of the breasts of the world Jo. 15.19 Job 12.4.5.6 Is it not great folly to neglect the graces of the Spirit which are so sweet so pure so full so pleasant so peculiar to Gods people so precious as nothing in the world is sufficiently able to expresse it and to seeke after the things of the earth which are so vaine so weake so beggarly so troublesome so common that he that hath the greatest abundance of them may be and often is the divells bondman an abomination in Gods sight a vessel of Gods wrath a firebrand of everlasting destruction 2. Therefore since the graces of Gods Spirit are of all gifts the most excellent this must cause us 1. To desire them most earnestly to long after them as Rachel after children Gen. 30. 1. As the thirsty ground after water the hungry soule after food th man that setteth in darknesse after light Psa 143.6 Psa 42.12 Cant.
wherewith to feed them as a family under a steward having neither new nor old to give them a testimony of much displeasure in God Isai 29.11 14. an usuall argument of much profaneness in the people Mic. 2.11 a great advantage unto Satan what may not the Lion doe when there is no Shepheard to watch over the flocke can it be that the weeds shoud not encrease when there is no gardener the army miscarries whem there is no expert commander were not the Sheep scattered Ezek. 34.4 6. What comfort can you take in Gods Ordinances when you have not a guide to interpret and apply them are they not as a pleasant light hidden under a bushell which your eyes see not as a sealed fountaine full of delicate waters which your palates tast not as a letter full of love and glorious promises as musicall instrument making a sweet harmony which eares heare not Acts 8.31 What hope have you that your Souls shall be cured if the Physitian have no knowledge of the disease do you not know that Pro. 29.18 How can you think the wals of Jericho shall fall if the Priest cannot sound the Trumpet of the Gospel how shall the adder be brought to cast out his poison if the charmer have no skill in charming how can it be but that the Souls of the people must be like the sluggards-field if the keeper of the Lords vineyard be either ignorant and cannot or sloathfull and will not dresse it nothing more prejudiciall to mans salvation than the want of a competency of gifts in them that must instruct them Vse 2 Must their Doctrine be grounded on Gods Word then behold here the vanity of such as with Israel are weary of the pure and plaine Manna of the Word of God and fall a lusting after the onyons and Garlick of Aegypt humane traditions poeticall fictions Philosophicall speculations which have no more vertue to cast out Satan than the Sonnes of Sheva had no more power to overthrow this Goliah than David had in Sauls armour these are like a broken bow starting back in the day of the spirituall battle Like a broken vessel holding no water of spirituall refreshment to comfort the Souls of Gods people Like chaffe which will never take roote never bring forth any good fruit like the Apples of Sodom or a Pharises sepulchre though faire without yet it is but as dust and dead mens bones within such as giveth no good nourishment Like the fig tree that had many leaves made a flourishing shew but bore no fruit and to such as teach after this manner may that of Eliphas to Iob be well spoken Iob 15.2 3. and to them that delight in and rest upon such Doctrine that of Rabseca 2 King 18 20 21. may be filty spoken and surely what Iob said of his friends Iob 13.4 may be truely said of these Physitians and all their Medicines they are all of no value yea they are not onely vaine but dangerous not onely chaffe that nourisheth not but a snare that entangleth a hook that destroyeth Iac. 2.14 therefore Col. 2.8 22. and Isai 8.20 Vse 3 Are the faithfull messengers of God fitted of God have they their commission from God is their Doctrine warranted by the Scripture is it not their owne but Gods Message then I. Receive it with all reverence not as the word of man but of God 1 Thes 2.13 though the men be a vessel of wood the word is a rich treasure and the power is of God 2 Cor. 4.7 and the power of God indeed it is to save the soule of every one that doth beleve Rom. 1.16 and to such as tremble at this Word will God look Isai 66.2 and it is the commendation which Paul gave of the Galatians that they received him as an Angel of God Gal. 4.14 He that attendeth not with reverence shall never clearely conceive what is contained in it never feel his heart thoroughly affected with it nor be able with a lively confidence to rest upon it the very Word of God unreverently received is entertained but as a humane testimony looked upon but as a withered reed trusted but as the language of an uncertaine friend therefore come with such affection and disposition of heart as Cornelius did to Peter Acts 10.33 and then thou shalt be convinced the secrets of thy heart made manifest and falling down thou shalt worship God say that God is in his Messengers of a truth 1 Cor. 14.24 25. II. Beleeve it firly rest upon it assuredly even as if thou didst hear the Lord himselfe speaking from heaven the Minister is but the Embassadour the Message is Gods what they speak on earth God doth ratify in heaven Mat. 16.19 therefore let me exhort you as Iehosaphat did the people 2 Cro. 20.20 build upon it as on a rock that doth not sinke upon a staffe which will not break upon a fountaine which never drieth up Mat. 5.18 this worketh humiliation repentance Iona. 3.5 maketh men desirous of sound instruction to be rightly informed Psal 119.66 causeth them to feare Exod. 14.31 maketh them patient and constant in the middest of all adversities Psa 27.13 causeth to wait in the deepest trouble Isai 28.16 III. Reforme speedily thoroughly unfainedly whatsoever their Doctrine findes to be amisse within you as thou who art a drunkard userer swearer woulest reforme if God did send an Angel from heaven or did himselfe appeare unto thee to rebuke thee even so must thou reform now when the messenger of God doth speake unto thee say not as the rich Glutton did Luc. 16.30 If God or an Angel from heaven or a damned Spirit from Hell were sent to teach us we would repent but remember Abrahams answer vers 31. It is a great mercy of God to speake unto us by men that we may be able to endure their voyce to understand their language and therefore we should with Israel Deut. 5.27 with Israel we should put away Baal and Ashterosh 1 Sam. 7.3 4. with them Acts 19.19 with Peter Mat. 26.75 with David 2 Sam. 12.12 with Ephraim Jer. 31.18 19. It is our reformation will prove we are good hearers our obedience will testify the goodness of our affections the casting away of our sin doth best argue a right entertainement of the Word Ja. 1.21 22. IV. Comfort your selves soundly in the Doctrine of life salvatiō God will make good to the faithfull whatsoever good things his Messengers out of his Word do declare unto them God will fulfull them all in their season Luk. 1.20 as Jos 23.14 not one thing of all the good things whereof the Ministers of God do now informe you shall faile treasure up the comforts which they propound out of the Word of the Lord and be as sure of them as if you did already enjoy them Isa 25.9 10. The 5th thing is the comfort the Ministers of God and all the people that love Christ do conceive in hearing meditating upon and publishing
the voyce of the Father the subject to the voyce of the King the Wife to the voyce of the Husband so do all Gods people attend with all humility to the voyce of God their Father King Husband in the preaching of the Gospel Isai 66.2 Vse 3 By your experience apprehension and feeling of the gracious presence of God in your Souls Ephes 3.17 by the comfortable Communion you have with him blessed enjoyment of him Ro. 5.5 by the experience of his love shed abroad in your Souls like dew upon the ground of his dominion and sway in your hearts like a King in his Kingdome of the rare endowments wherewith he doth enrich you as the dweller doth adorne his house and as the low valleys are cloathed in the spring with grasse and flowers the humble soule is the house where God will dwell Isai 57.15 and as the inhabitant is present ruleth and manifesteth himselfe in his house as he garnisheth defendeth keepeth his house so doth God the humble and this doth every humble man find the Lord to be to his soule Ioh 14.23 Rom. 8.9 13 14 15. 4. By the holy gracious experimentall and saving knowledge you have of God and his Word that is by the gracious tast you feele of the goodnes of God in your hearts of the working of his Word upon your Souls in purging out your corruption subduing the lusts which fight against the Soul healing the wounds which sin and Satan darts have made in the conscience stablishing your faith sealing up the forgiveness of sin acquainting you with the counsell and purpose of God towards your Soul the deep things of God 1 Cor. 2.9 10. are revealed to them who are humble as babes Mat. 11.25 as the poor man by his wisedome delivered the citty so the poor in Spirit they onely have the wisedome to know the things of God and to deliver their Souls Prov. 11.2 Psal 25.9 for these onely doe subject themselves to the Doctrine of life and salvation Isa 11.6 and Isai 61.1 5. By the joy which you find in your hearts when the Children and Church of God are delivered out of any dangers enriched with any favours and when the adversaries thereof are suppressed Rom. 12.15 the meek do mourne with them that mourne are afflicted with the affliction of Joseph Hab. 3.16 Ezra 9.3 4. Neh. 1.4 and therefore they rejoyce at their welfare as at their owne prosperity take the mercies of God bestowed on their brethren as on themselves therefore Psa 34.2 Psa 69.32 to rejoyce at the promotion of the Gospel encrease of Gods people enlargement of Gods Kingdome for the Gospels sake is as a signe we are humbled 6. By the emptines and vanity which you find in the creature in every thing saving in God in your owne endowments in your works in your possessions in all the furniture of the earth when you look upon the wealth riches pleasures applause of the World and on all your owne personall gifts and can say of them all as the Psalmist in another case Psa 33.16 they are all vaine for the day of battel wherein we must fight against Satan and our corruption when we can in affection value them as an empty vessell a broken cisterne a cloud without raine a broken tooth and a foot out of joynt as a sheath without a sword a shell without a kernell a Lamp without Oile a vaine thing when we can set the Worlds counsell and proffers thereof at naught as they did the counsell of the Lord Prov. 1.25 When we can esteeme it as the Lord calleth it Amos 6.13 When we can look upon it as upon an Aegypt Isa 30.7 the comforts thereof as on that Zach. 10.2 when we can willingly accompt all losse Phil. 3.8 and 〈◊〉 in this manner deny our selves and seek all fulnes in God a lone and cast our selves wholly upon him this is a signe that we are truely humbled Mar. 8.34 1 Pet. 5.6 7. Use 3 This must move every man to labour for this meek and humble disposition that so he may be able by these evidences to assure himselfe that he is the Child of God and to comfort himselfe in the Lord this was the charge our Saviour gave to his Disciples the first lesson he would have them learne Mat. 11.29 a lesson without the learning whereof they could not be his Disciples Mar. 8.34 and it should be our care in the first place to learne this as men in their buildings first dig low and lay the foundation else all the building besides will fall so must we first lay a deep foundation or else all our other labour will soone come to nothing and to this let us be moved 1. Because the more we have denied our selves the better we shall be approved with God the lesse we are in our owne eyes the more precious shall we be in the eyes of God Isa 66.2 things which in their owne apprehension are poor and base hath God chosen 1 Cor. 1.27 the deformed bush was the tree wherein God appeared Exo. 3.2 2. Because the lesse we see in our selves the more we shall see in God and Christ the hungry see abundance of goodnes in that food which the full stomack despiseth they who want this humility say of God and his Ordinances Job 21.14 Mal. 3.13 but the truely humble utter another language Psal 63.1 2 3. Psal 84.10 Psal 27.4 they who want this Isai 53.2 but to others Mal. 4.2 3. Because the more humble we are the lesse irksome wrongs injurie and the burthens of affliction shall be the lowest trees and buildings are least assaulted and endangered by the wind thus Neh. 1 2 3. 2 Sam. 16.11 4. Because the more humble we are the more we may be assured of our nigher and more spirituall and familiar converse and acquaintance with God for the more thoroughly we apprehend the beauty of Gods holines the more apprehensive we are of and the more we are affected with our owne vilenes Gen. 18.27 5. Because the more humble we are the more we shall fructify in the grace of Gods Spirit Iac. 4.6 as Gen. 29.31 the low valleys do usually drink in most raine beare most fruit as Psal 63.13 so Neh. 24.5 6. 6. Because the more humble we are the more honour we shall have Jud. 6.15 16. Prov 15.33 as Abigail who cast herselfe at the feet of David was afterward made his companion in wedlock 1 Sam. 25.41 as Luk. 5.8 9 10. so Luk. 14.11 as Luk. 15.16 22. 7. Because the more humble the more sweetnes nourishment and spirituall refreshment shall we suck from the breasts of the Gospel this will make the Ordinances of God to be as a pleasant river to the thirsty soule as Physick to him that is loaden with many and dangerous diseases Iob 33.22 23. as a hand taking of a heavy burthen from another mans shoulder Mat. 11.28 as the shadow of a great tree refreshing the wearied traveller Gods
sheep oxen gold silver wordly friends these are empty vessels withered armes broken cisternes Physitians of no value unable to give salvation to lead to life eternall as King 6.26 so may all the creatures in the World say in this behalfe and as Psal 33.16 17. so much more in this case therefore it is in vaine to build on this for these are as God said of Aegypt Isai 31.3 It is to no purpose to cry to them for they will be as deaf as Baal 1 King 18.26 as the Psalmist said of promotion Psal 75.6 so it is also true of this spirituall promotion it cometh neither from the Sea nor from the Land it cannot be gotten by strength bought for money wonne by policy but as Solomon said Eccles 9.11 so in this case and as Iob 28.12 13 14 15 16 17 18. so of salvation for Ioh. 1.13 it is Christ that is made unto us of God 1 Cor. 1.30 earthly abilities have no power hereunto these are a weapon too weake to throw downe the holds of sin Satan will say to these as to the Sonnes of Sheva Acts 19.15 these have no power to enlighten the understanding 1 Cor. 2.10 no ability to purify the conscience Dan. 5.5 6 7. to cleanse the affections it is the word and spirit that maketh wise unto salvation 2 Tim. 3.17 that giveth peace Isa 57.19 reconcileth to God 2 Cor. 5.19 our salvation is wholly from the Lord Ier. 3.29 and therefore let us regard and fasten our eyes upon the meanes which is from above more than on the means which is here beneath let us seek for happines from above where it may be had and not here below where it cannot be found let us not seek for grapes on thornes and for figs upon thistles like them Luk. 24.5 Vse 2 This discovereth the cause why Christ and his Ordinances have such slender entertainement why they are no more respected among the men of the World they are from above they are not of the earth but from a forreigne countrey as the Sodomites resolved to deale hardly with Lot because he was a stranger Gen. 19.9 so doth the Sodomitish World with Christ Ioh. 15.19 Joh. 9.29 2 Pet. 2.12 these things are above their earth 1 Cor. 2.14 as Joh. 4.11 they have no bucket to draw these things have no savour in their nostrils 2 Cor. 2.16 as Job 24.17 so Ioh. 3.20 the head stone of the corner is a stone of offence the way to life is become a stumbling block 1 Pet. 2.7 Ioh. 8.22 23. Vse 3 Is Christ Jesus from above is his originall divine and heavenly then we must also labour to be borne againe from above to be endued with divine and heavenly wisedome that we may know him so the many blessings which come by him a carnall an unsanctified knowledge cannot conceive him an unregenerate a profane heart hath no sence and feeling of these things the carnall palate cannot relish these dainties the unsanctified eye cannot behold this light the profane heart cannot intertaine these misteries Isa 29.11 Christ appeareth as a worme and no man Psa 22.6 as a face wherein is no beauty Isa 52.14 as a store-house having no treasure things heavenly must be looked on with a heavenly eye holy matters must be discerned by a holy understanding intertained with sanctified affections therefore we must pray with the Apostle Ephes 1.18 19. with the Psalmist Psal 119.33 and when our understandings are thus inlightned from above then shall Iesus Christ be glorious in our eyes Cant. 5.10 as the apple-tree among the thornes and briars Cant. 2.3 as the Sun among the clouds as King David in the eyes of his subjects more worth than ten thousand of the common people like Saul the head above all the residue of the people beyond measure more beautifull more excellent than all the World II. Then shall we behold in him all fulness all sufficiency of all good things such as eye hath not seene nor eare heard of shall we find in him 1 Cor. 2.9 we shall find him to be a living fountaine whose waters never faile Joh. 4.14 to be a tree never barren but alway bearing Rev. 22.10 a sure rock never sinking Isai 32.2 a Sun yeelding all fulnes of contentement to his servants Psa 84.11 so that they shall say as Elkanah to Anna 1 Sam. 1.8 and upon better ground than Esau they shall say they have mongh III. Then they shall cast themselves and their burthen upon Christ as upon a never failing friend a sure foundation a strong Pillar a Sepheard able to deliver the flock out of the pawes of the beare and the jawes of the Lion like David a wall of fire able to defend his Servants and consume their enemies for Psal 9.10 IV. Then shall they have a low estimation of the things of the earth look upon them as on waters that passe away as on empty vessels as on cobwebs soone sweept down Job 8.14 as on a slippery place where is no standing Psal 73.18 as on dung and drosse of little value Phil. 3.8 as on things yeelding no true contentment no sound comfort no sure defence but are as chaungable as the wind as a garment Psal 102.26 and therefore they fasten not affections on things here below but on things above Use 4 Is Christ from above is his originall divine and heavenly then this may comfort all the Children of God I. In regard of their emptiness he hath all fulness he can abundantly supply our wants Ioh. 1.14 16. as the Sea and full clouds fill the chanels II. In regard of our ignorance he is full of knowledge as the Sun of light able to make us wise unto salvation III. In regard of unrighteousnes he is from above he is full altogether righteousnes he hath long Roabs to cover us Ier. 23.6 IV. In regard of trouble of conscience he is a Prince of peace Isa 9.6 Ephes 2.14 Mat. 8.26 Thus of Christs originall next of his Dominion Doctr. CHrist Jesus hath preheminence above and Dominion over all creatures therefore called the King of Kings Rev. 1.5 the great King Rev. 12.5 Phil. 2.9 10. and Dominion he hath I. In regard of creation Col. 1.16 17. II. In regard of gubernation Ioh. 13.3 the very devils are subject to his command Mar. 5.8 III. In regard of subjugation 1 Cor. 15.25 IV. In regard of his office for the executing of Gods judgment upon all men and evill Angels Ioh. 5.22 Dominion he hath over his owne people I. As head of that body whereof they are members 1 Co. 11.3 II. As a redeemer having first bought us 1 Cor. 6.26 III. In regard of conquest having obtained victory over sin and Satan Col. 2.15 IV. In regard of possession having erected his Kingdome within them V. In regard of protection being a continuall defence unto them Isa 32.2 Use This acquainteth us with the dangerous estate of such as disobey Christ cast his precepts behind their backs make him
soone dryed up like a tree of rotten roots is soone withered like a morning dew soone gone many times soone changed into deadly hatred like Amos love to Thamar many times full of fraud like Dalilahs love to Sampson like Judasses kisse to our Saviour 4. Because Christ is above all in Care No Watchman so vigilant no Keeper so carefull as Christ is over his people he keepeth them as a man will keep the apple of his eye Zach. 28. he maketh them up as a man will make up his Jewells Mal. 3.17 he leadeth them like a carefull guide in a desolate way Deut. 32.12 becometh with them as a Shepheard with his flocke Isai 40.11 As Jacob dealt with his Sheep Gen. 33.14 so doth Christ with the Sheep of his pasture Isai 42.3 he dealeth with them as a Physitian with his patient Isa 61.1 as a vine-dresser with his vine Isai 27.3 as Phil. 2.20 So it is much more true of Christ and therefore it is great folly to neglect him who is so carefull for us and to set our hearts on that which hath no respect unto us no care for us no thought if wee perish 5. Because Christ is above all in goodness and sufficiency in him is all fulnes Rev. 22.1 he is a tree of life loaden with twelve sorts of fruite whatsoever good thing the Souls of man can desire it is fully in him above measure John 3.33 so fully that we shall be able to desire no more in him so much that he can quench our thirst John 4.14 he will fill us with good things Luc. 11.1 52. he will satiate our Souls with fatness and fill us with goodness Ier. 31.14 He can fill the understanding with knowledge the heart with faith love zeale and every good gift in prosperity he can fill us with meeknes in adversity with patience in a low estate with contentedness in every condition he will be enough unto us If we do but imbrace him turne our hearts to him settle our affections upon him then as Solomon gave charge in another case Prov. 5.18 19. so shall we find in this for they who convert unto Christ have the promise Ier. 50.19 20. His Ordinances are the breasts which yeeld the milke that satisfieth Isa 66.11 12. The River that refresheth Psal 36.8 Is it not now exceeding folly to leave Christ in whom is such and so great fulness 3. Hath Christ preheminence and dominion over all creatures then this must teach us to give Christ preheminence 1. In our knowledge if we know nothing else let us not be ignorant of him who ever be a stranger to us let us get and maintaine an holy intire and gracious acquaintance with the Lord Iesus for he is our portion Psal 16.5 6. and therefore as a man will know his owne Lands and revenewes though he remaine ignorant of all other mens possessions so must we know Christ Iesus and our interest in him of whatsoever beside we are ignorant of he is our Husband our beloved Can. 2.16 he is our Shepheard Isai 40.11 he is our Prophet our teacher Acts 10.38 he is our Physician Isai 61.1 he is our Friend Iohn 15.13 and therefore as a Woman knoweth her Husband above all other men the Sheep know the voyce of a Shepheard and will not hearken to the voyce of a stranger as the Scholler knoweth his teacher above all other instructours the sicke man his Physician and a friendly and loving man knoweth his friend which is to him as his owne soule Deut. 13.6 So must we know Christ Iesus above all others with a more cleare familiar affectionate and delightfull knowledge than we know any other we must study to excell in this knowledge this must be the first lesson we learne the art we should every day study we must cry after this Prov. 2.2 3. strive to be filled therewith as the aire with light Col. 1.10 to grow herein as good Schollers in learning 2 Pet. 3.18 esteeme all knowledge as vaine without this 1 Cor. 2.2 and accompt this our best gaine Prov. 4.7 8. a tree bearing the sweetest fruit Prov. 3.16 17. a knowledge surpassing all other knowledge for profoundnes pleasantnes profitablenes holiness as farre as the Heavens are above the Earth Ephes 3.18 19. therefore rest not till you are better experienced in this knowledge than in any other knowledge 2 Let us give him preheminence in our feare fear him above all creatures feare to offend him rather than any other whatsoever beside him feare the losse of his favour the frowne of his displeasure rather as the Wife fears the Husband more than the handmaid the subject the King more than his fellow subjects the Servant his Lord and Master more than his fellow Servants Christ is the Husband of his Church the King of his people the Lord and Master of his Family all creatures are his subjects and Servants yea the very Angels are fellow-servants with us Rev. 22.9 therefore let him have the preheminence in our feare none so well able to recompence our obedience none so powerfull to revenge our disobedience the losse we sustaine for him turneth to our best advantage Mat. 19.28 29. the service we performe unto him hath the best wages Rom. 2.10 the headship which he hath over us the price which he hath paid for us the interest which he hath in us the great things he hath done for us the good things he hath bestowed on us the glorious things he hath provided in the Heavens his ability to support us in all assaults to comfort us in all afflictions to deliver us out of all troubles the many relations which are between us do challenge preheminence in our obedience and bind us to exalt him in our feare as God hath exalted him in his place Acts 5.29 30 31 32. Mat. 10.28 thus Heb. 11.26 27. Pet. 3.13 14 15. all creatures are nothing in his hand none can hurt us when he is pleased with us none can defend or comfort us when his indignation is kindled against us therefore Rev. 14.6 7. he giveth victory to such as feare him over their enemies therefore Rev. 15.3 4. and it is the charge 2 King 17.36 to 39. 3. Let us give him the preheminence in our thoughts as he is above all so he ought to be thought upon before all his owne worthines his goodness compassion love to us doth challeng and the love which we should beare to him ought to enforce us to yeeld him precedency in our thoughts and the first fruits of our meditations he should be the last we think on in the evening the first we think upon in the morning the companion of our thoughts in the whole dayes travell as the Wife thinketh on her Husband with more frequency with more delight with more seriousnes and affection than on any stranger so must we thinke of Christ the Husband of our Souls this is the charge Mat. 6.39 thus the spouse Cant. 3.1 the Psalmist Psal
77.6 12. We must think upon his loving kindnes in the morning as David did Psal 59.16 Meditate upon him and his works in the evening as Isaac did Gen. 24.65 yea Ps 55.17 He must be alwayes in our thoughts as the person whom we must fervently affect the treasure wherein we principally delight Mat. 6 21. The fountaine whence we draw the waters of sweetest consolation thus Psal 119.97 we must thinke upon him in prosperity that we be not lifted up in adversity that we be not overmuch dejected that we run not to forbidden meanes for deliverances in peace as on the authour of our welfare in sicknes as on the Physician that can heale us in heavines as on the friend that can speake comfortably to us in trouble as on him that hath authority to appease the stormy tempest as on the eagle that hath wings to cover us as on the rock that can cast a comfortable shadow to refresh us in time of distraction and doubtfulness as on the Counsellour which alone is able to advise us in time of temptation as on the shield which alone is able to defend us from all the fiery darts of Satan under the sence of sin as on the Jordan which alone is able to wash and sanctify us in all wants as on him that can give all fulnes of contentement to us in the middest of our possessions as on him whom we must honour with all our abilities we must thinke upon him how to please him in every estate in every undertaking all our thoughts must be towards him as the streames to the Sea as Moses charged Israel touching the Word Deut. 6.6 7 8. the like charge let me give to you touching Christ it shall not be in vaine for Mal. 3.16 4. Let us give him preheminence in our speeches let him be the choisest and chiefest matter of our language let our tongues become trumpets sounding his praises and clouds plenteously dropping downe the knowledge of Christ to others as a man speaketh freely frequently fully unweariedly of the beloved of his heart so must we of Christ the beloved of our Souls thus the spouse speaketh of him when she had lost him she speaketh to the watchmen enquired for him she spake of him to the forreigne congregations maketh a large relation of his excellencies Cant. 5.10 11 12. this is the charge given 1 Pet. 4.11 Ephes 4.29 this was Davids promise Ps 119.46 this is a singular fruit of Gods grace and work of Gods Spirit in the heart of his Servants Isai 19.18 a property of their conversion as every man speaketh the language of his owne countrey he may now and then speake in another tongue but this hath the preheminence above all others This language is most seemely most holy most pleasant most profitable this like light sheweth the way of life by informing the judgement this like fire doth warme the affections this like water doth wash away spirituall filthines this like dew doth make men fruitfull in the grace of the Spirit this like the crowing of the cock to Peter doth make men go out and weep bitterly for their sin Matth. 26.75 This like the boxe of ointment casteth a sweet savour in the nostrils of Gods people Joh. 12.3 This like a goade driveth them forward in the wayes of God Eccl. 12.11 This discovereth our love of Christ or delight in Christ for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh therefore renomce all profane and abridge all worldy language and let Christ have the preheminence in your speeches 5. Let Christ have the preheminence in your choise as he is above all so doe you chose him before all it is usuall with men to chose what is in it selfe most excellent what will prove most beneficiall what will exalt to the highest honour endow them with the greatest riches give them the sweetest pleasures now there is no creature in it selfe so excellent as Christ for he is as the apple tree among the trees of the wood Cant. 2.3 as the Prince among the creatures Rev. 1.5 as the Sun among the Planets Mal. 4.2 above all principalities and powers Ephes 1.21 he is the brightness of his Fathers glory and the expresse image of his person and hath a more excellent name than the Angels Heb. 1.3 4. He can advance us to the highest honour make us conquerours over all opposers Rom. 8.37 make us Sonnes Gal. 4.5 yea Kings and Priests to God Rev. 1.6 a chosen generation a peculiar people 1 Pet. 2.9 He can endow us with the best riches he can bestow those gifts upon us which are not to be found in the bowels of the earth nor to be bought with the wealth thereof Iob 28.12 13 14 15. riches which the World doth not know 1 Cor. 2 9. Ioh. 14.16 17. riches which the theeves cannot steale which death cannot take away Mat. 6.20 Rev. 14.13 an abiding substance Heb. 19.34 the unsearchable and glorious riches Ephes 1.5 and 3.8 the very reproach of Christ is greater riches than the treasures of Aegypt to be scandalized traduced persecuted cast out as vile for the cause of Christ is better and more gainefull in the judgement of Gods people than to win the World with the deniall of Christ he can bring us in to the Paradise of the choisest pleasures make our Soules as a watered garden satiate us with fatness Ier. 31.14 make us drinke abundantly out of the rivers of his pleasures Psal 38.6 every way replenish and content us so fill us with his presence favour goodnes that we shall have no cause to complaine of any emptines but whatsoever we want wee shall see it all in him Therefore let us choose him above all others as Moses did Heb. 11.25 26. as Paul did Mat. 4.20 Psal 119.30 Phil. 3.8 9. Let him be in our eye the fairest of all persons Cant. 5.10 let us joyne our selves in wedlocke to him before all others for as Prov. 16.16 so it is much more true of Christ the giver of wisedome the authour of every good blessing and Psal 33.12 for as Jud. 8.2 6. Let us give him the preheminence in our faith as he is above all so let us trust him and rely upon him above all He is not sand but a sure foundation Matth. 7.24 25. It is our best wisedome to build upon him Let us not trust upon any arme of flesh any created abilities for these can do nothing without him if he put not a fulness into them they are an empty vessel a dry breast a fruit tree like that in the Gospel Mat. 21.19 a rotten ship that breaketh asunder in the sterne a Ionahs gourd that is soone withered Io. 4.8 there is no trust to be put in it Ps 62.9 10. Iob 8.14 Iud. 9.15 Ps 78.22 Let us trust in the Lord Iesus draw nigh unto him with our hearts cast our selves and our burthens upon him put our selfe into his hand trust him with our Soules with our bodies with our
and confidence in God let this cause us to study how to walk worthy of the loving kindness and mercy of the Lord let us in nothing provoke him Thus of his originall next of his disposition earthly before we proced any further in it how the Baptist could say he was of the earth and earthly whether in saying so he did not offer wrong and injury to his Doctrine in so saying since it is said Ioh. 1.6 and Mat. 21.25 also Luc. 7.30 Resp this is a comparative speech between the Baptist and our Saviour in regard of whom he was as nothing no more than no nor so much as the Earth to Heaven the Servant to his Lord the Candle to the Sun 2. the Baptist sheweth what man is being once set in opposition against Christ even the most excellent then he becometh earth dust corrupt unprofitable intimating plainly that if his Disciples did so fasten their eyes on him as thereby to neglect Christ then how holy how Heavenly how excellent soever yet he should be to them as an earthly and a carnall man 3. He sheweth what man is being considered in himself and of himself nothing but earth and earthly disposed 4. Though his Doctrine and commission were from heaven yet this was not a stream from his own fountaine a light of his own kindling but he had it from above it was the Lords and not his thus you see how and why the Baptist said he was of the earth and earthly thereby teaching Doctr. That mans naturall disposition is altogether earthly and carnall a stream whose waters are altogether slimy bitter unsavoury like the waters of Mara unwholesome like the pottage in the Prophets pot till grace be infused as the tree was cast into the water by Moses and the meal into the pot by the Prophet therefore likened to a corrupt tree whose nature and fruit are both naught Mat. 7.17 to a vine bearing no other but sower grapes Isai 5.4 to evill ground bearing thornes and briars Heb. 6.8 to swine wallowing in the mire of sin trampling the precious pearles of the Gospel and sanctification under their feet Math. 7.6 to a sick man whose Palate is altogether disordered Rom. 8.7 2 Cor. 2.14 to a dead man whose inclination is wholy to the earth Ephes 2.1 and therefore Psal 14.3 Gen. 6.5 5. and this is moreover manifest 1. By the absence of all true saving grace there is nothing of heaven remaining in him their souls like the pit whereinto Joseph was cast are empty having no water of grace in them Gen. 37.24 like a barren wombe that hath neither birth nor conception a barren Tree that beareth no fruit Hosea 10.1 like a man fallen into the hands of thieves like him Luk. 10.30 stript of all the apparell which should cover his soul robbed of all the jewels of grace wounded and half dead in his very naturall abiliaments of whom that may be verified which the Prophet speaketh of Niniveh Nah. 2.10 the naturall man is empty and void and wast blackness covereth his soul he is full of uncleanness there is no heart nor courage for God remaining in him and which the Prophet said of Nebuchadnezar Jer. 51.34 the naturall man may much more say of sin and Satan the great Nebuchadnezar the great Babylonish Prince of darkness He hath crushed them and made them empty vessels taken away their heavenly riches and hath cast them out of Gods favour and gracious presence made him as a naked house wherein is no inhabitant no houshold implement Rom. 7.18 all their abilities to good are now become like Jeroboams withered hand which he could neither put forth nor take in so they are neither able to reach forth to any good nor take their hands in from any evill 2. By the presence and the fulnesse of all sin being full of uncleannesse as pits in a rainy day of water as an Adder of poyson as a grave of rottenesse as a Lion of fiercenesse as a Cage of unclean Birds as the sluggards field of thorns and bryars as the Prophet said of the people Ezek. 7.23 the Land is full of bloudy crimes the City is full of violence so is the body of man full of iniquity and the Soul is full of uncleannesse as the waters in Aegypt which were clear were turned into bloud so that the fish died and the Rivers stunk so that all the faculties in the Soul and Members of the body are corrupted perverted and the grace which once was in them is utterly dead and man is now become as an unsavoury carkasse in the nostrils of God 3. By the Dominion and sway of Satan he rules like a King Eph. 2.3 leads like a Tyrant 2 Tim. 2.26 works like a Black-smith upon his Anvill Eph. 2.2 is worshipped like a God 2 Cor. 4.4 affected reverenced obeyed like a father Ioh. 8 44. as ready to execute his commands as the servants of Absolon were to accomplish his 2 Sam. 13.28 29. If he bid then wait an opportunity to do mischief they waite bid them open their mouths to revile blaspheme use filthy communication presently they swear reproach and utter unseemly and corrupt language c. 4. By the wonderfull agreement which is between the carnal heart and sin and the world these like Simeon and Levi they are brethren in evil like Herod and Pilate they conspire against Christ the truth the life the power of Godlinesse like Jehu Jehonadab they give the right hand of fellowship one to another and ride both in one Chariot and what combates soever may seem to be between them however sin may sometime trouble the natural mans conscience how sick soever it may make him for the present yet with the Dog he will eat up again his vomit he will never so fall out with sin but he will soon be friends he will be able still to call it brother as Ahab after his wars with Benhadad could ask is my brother Benhadad yet alive and though the Lord command him to destroy his sin give it into his hand gave him all advantage over it yet as Ahab made a Covenant with Benhadad and let him goe so will the natural man with his sin sin is the natural mans Absolon David warred against Absolon but hath had no purpose to destroy him so the natural man when his sin doth sometime disturb him begins to make a little war against it but never means to set himself so to work as to destroy it sin is the natural mans Paradise wherein he doth desire to live his path wherein he would alwayes walk the companion with whom he delighteth to communicate the forbidden Tree of whose fruit he delighteth to eat the fountains of whose waters he thirsteth to drink the onely recreation wherewith they desire to be refreshed Prov. 14.9 they can say of sin and the world as Ruth of Naomi Ruth 1.15 6. they will not be intreated to leave it but when it goeth they will go
to Heaven Rom. 6.23 1. His work is evill his wages will be death eternall his seed is naught his harnest cannot be good Gal. 6.3 2. There is nothing in him but earth and therefore Heaven cannot be his habitation his soul is a vessell full of uncleane waters his heart is a fountaine of all abominations the best of his fruit is but sower grapes Sodomitish Apples guilded brasse fair without soul base rotten within 3. When he thinketh himself most rich he is poor and blind and naked when he thinketh himself most wise best sighted he knoweth not light from darkness sweet from sower good from evill when he thinketh himself most free then he is as fast fettered as ever Peter was when he lay bound between the two Souldiers for so do they between the World Devill in the Chaines of their corruption when he thinketh himself most secure then he is nighest to distruction 1 Thes 5.3 like him Luc. 12.19 that naturall man is a stranger to God Christ the Covenant Eph. 2.12 an enemy by his evill works Col. 1.21 a habitation for the uncleane Spirit Luc. 11.20 21. a Servant of iniquity Rom. 6.17 a Souldier in Satans army a branch in the wild Olive a goate and no Sheep a thorne and no Apple-tree a Lion a Bear a Swine a Vulture no Lamb no Deer and therefore in that estate must look to drink of no cup but of the cup of Gods wrath to have no companions but the Devill and his Angels no lodging but eternall darknes that is his portion the Lord will surely give it him there is no way no hope of escaping for Luc. 13.3 Unlesse you turn from the way of sin to the way of life you must perish Ioh. 3.3 Heb. 12.14 no man shall see him here in his word revealing himself to be a gracious father to him in his holiness sanctifying him in his love affecting him with his savours in his presence presenting himself in a loving manner to him nor shall ever be filled with his glorious presence hereafter therefore be not deceived dream not of mercy before there be a desertion of all iniquity of Gods goodnes before you be lead to true repentance Psal 104.4 3. This will meet with and discover their folly who boast of their naturall abilities inclination and freedome to God to renounce sin to imbrace salvation to follow the call of God when they please as if they had as ready a disposition to execute the Lords command as ever the Centurions Servants had to do his of whom he said Math. 8.8 9. As if they were as strong in grace as Sampson in bodily strength able to break the cords of iniquity as if they were but reeds and rushes as if they were but fallen a little asleep in sin like Jonah in the bottome of the ship the voyce of the Minister was presently able to awaken them as if sin were not like the skin to the flesh hardly pulled of like the marrow to the bone uneasily gotten out but an old outer garment upon the back easily cast off But here we see that the Baptist doth not say we are fire whose sparks naturally fly upward nor watery vapours which are easily exalted by the influence and attractive power of the Sun but earth and earthly whose nature is ponderous heavy and altogether tending downward no more able no more inclinable to any thing savingly good than the earth is able of itself to ascend upward or to speak in the language of the Prophet then a black-Moor can make himself white or a Leopard change his spots Ier. 13.23 and surely these mens errour might easily be discerned if they did but well weigh and throughly consider 1. Their indisposedness to all good yea their aversness from it their enmity against it their indisposedness to it expressed by a bullock unaccustomed to the yoke Ier. 31.18 by a wild asse running over hedge ditch refusing to be taken Ier. 2.24 by a dead man that hath no disposition to rise out of the grave Ephes 2.1 by a Lion and a Leopard which are altogether fierce Isai 11.6 by evil ground which naturally beareth nothing but Thornes and Bryars Heb. 6.8 by stones and Rocks which have no disposition to turne into water or soft ground Exek 36.26 their enmity against all good is expressed by a Serpent refusing to hear the voyce of the charmer Ps 58.50 by a theef striving against the light Iob 24.13 an unruly subject breaking all the bounds which are set him by his Soveraigne Psal 2.2 an implacable enemy that will not that cannot be reconciled Rom. 8.7 and surely if we well weigh if we have any true experience of the violence and mighty force of our corruption we may say of that as St. James doth of the tongue Iac. 3.7 8. so in this case we may say of our corruption all other fierce beasts have been tamed but who can rule this this is a horse of that force that man cannot bridle it a fire of that strength man cannot quench it a Lion of that fierceness man cannot tame it a Sea of that force that man cannot stop it none but he that put a bridle into the nostrils of Senacharib can bridle this unruly monster 2. The power of sin resembled to a conquerour leading captives Rom. 7.23 to a Master whom we serve at whose beck we move Tit. 3.3 to a King raigning over the whole man as a King over the people Rom. 6.12 to a death which hath the whole command of the body there is nothing remaineth to resist it Col. 2.12 such a forcible disease it is that as no Physician could heal the bloody issue Marc. 5.25 29. so none can cure this but onely he that cured that 3. The dearness of sin it is tenderly beloved the palace wherein the naturall man delighteth to dwell the pleasant wine which he drinketh the onely manchet whereof he desireth to feed Prov. 9.17 the onely Companion wherein he taketh comfort this is to him as the Idoll to Micah as the messe of pottage to Esau as the forbidden fruit to our first parents as the pieces of money to Judas as the golden wedge and Babylonish garment to Achan this is the Dalilah whereon they doat the Child which they feed the infant whereunto they draw out both their breasts the game which they pursue the Musick whereat they dance the treasure for which they search they love sin as Jonathan David they will strip themselves of their best garments to apparell it 2 Sam. 18.1 2. as Jacob loved Rahel they will serve in the heat and in the cold in all estates endure all miseries for it this is pleasant to their eyes Gen. 3.6 delightfull to their Palates Job 20.12 a precious pearle in their hands as the signets on their finger the mistris of their affections they will spend all in the service of it Prov. 23.21 they will suffer all miseries rather than forsake it Prov. 23.34 35.
the whole man shall be cleansed from all iniquity and to labour for this estate let us be perswaded 1. Because this will interest us in all Gods favours make all things to become ours to be comfortable helpfull beneficial this will make God to be our God our Father Christ to be our friend Mediator Advocate Husband Sun Shield Prince of peace the Spirit of God to be our comforter Ioh. 15.26 our guide Io. 16.13 to be our earnest penny and our Seal to assure us of the Lords mercy and loving kindnesse Ephes 1.13.14 a fire to warm us 1 Thes 5.19 water to cleanse us Isa 44.3 the Ministery of the Gospel to be a Ministery of reconciliation to us 2 Cor. 5.18 a pleasant light to shine unto our feet Psal 119.105 a heavenly Manna pure milk to feed our Souls 1 Pet. 2.2 a goad to drive us forward Physick to heal us a weapon to kill sin and defend our Souls all the earth shall be serviceable to us this life and the life to come shall be ours 1 Tim. 4.8 we shall be the richest people upon earth have better revenues than all the mighty men in the World Psal 34.10 Because this will inable us to finde many sweet and heavenly comforts in Gods ordinances this will make them full of precious and choise delights to our Souls this will make them be a delicate and dainty feast this will cause us to behold them as a letter of love from the Lord Jesus the Bridegroom of our Souls this will make them sweet as the hony-comb to our palate Psal 19.10 even the rejoycing of our hearts Jer. 15.16 this will make them more precious than any Treasure Psal 119.72 more pleasant than any tidings Luke 2.10 this will make them the savour of life to our Souls 2 Cor. 2.14 this will make them speak peace to our consciences Isa 57.19 this will make them as a banquet to the hungry stomack Cant. 2.4 this will make them as the Dove to Noah as the Star to the wise-men as the water out of the Rocks to Israel this will inable us to say of them as David of Jonathan 2 Sam. 1.26 3 Because this will cause all to work for our good if we be regenerate whatsoever is against us shall in the issue be with us prove beneficial for us as David said of Shimei's railing 2 Sam. 16.11 So the fiery darts which Satan casteth the venemous arrowes which the evill speakers quiver shooteth the heavy burthens which the hand of the potent enemy imposeth imprisonment sicknesse poverty temptations disgrace and whatsoever it be it shall all by the gracious hand of God be turned to our good if we like David be men after Gods own heart for Tit. 1.15 all shall be for their welfare all shall be blessed to them the sword which is unsheathed against them shall like Goliah's sword become an instrument to cut off the enemies head the envious practises of their brethren shall be a means of their advancement as in Joseph the pit which is digged the snare which is spread for them shal take and entangle him that spread it every obstacle shall be turned into a furtherance every burthen into wings every lyon shall have a honey-comb in his belly This is the priviledge of Gods people the prerogative of sanctification an inducement full of power to perswade all that are not past feeling to return to God by true repentance to serve him in holiness and true righteousness 4. Since the natural mans workes are all naught water of a poysonous fountaine fruit from an evil tree let us all examine and try our selves what our workes are whether they be good or evill And this we shall discerne 1. By the fountaine whence they spring all good works must come from a good and a sanctified heart The good ground which brought forth good fruit resembled a good and honest heart and Matth. 12.35 Matth. 7.17 all the works of a carnal man are dead works in regard of their original nature and issue none but a new creature can doe the works of new obedience All our actions are actions of uncleanness till we be washed and justified by the blood of the Lord Jesus 2. By the rule by and in obedience to which they are done They must not be done after our fancy in obedience to our own will our Sacrifice must be offered with fire from Gods Altar what we doe must be that which God required and it must be done because God hath required it Lev. 10.1 2. 1 Sam. 15.22 out of conscience to Gods precept 3. By the faith and perswasion we have in our heart when we do it We must beleeve that God in Christ is well pleased with us we must bear fruit as branches of Christ else it will be in Gods account as soure grapes Heb. 11.6 As we must ask all so we must do all in the name of Christ 4. By the affection wherewith it is performed It must not arise out of feare nor proceed from constraint but out of unfeigned love to God This must be the first mover in all our undertakings 1 Cor. 16.14 2 Cor. 9.7 as Jude 5.2 5. By the circumstances wherewith it is apparelled as Prov. 25.11 for Eccles 3.1 and Matth. 6.3 4. 6. By the end whereunto it is done We must chiefly look unto God all our arrows must be levelled to his glory as to the chiefest mark we are not our own but his by our election he hath chosen us Eph. 1.5 6. By our creation he hath made us for himselfe Prov. 16.4 By our redemption he hath bought us to himselfe 1 Cor. 6.20 By our vocation he hath called us to shew forth his praise 1 Pet. 2.9 and to him must we live 2 Cor. 5.15 If our works be thus qualified we may be sure they come from a regenerate spirit and are well accepted of him who is above all This is a repetition of what was formerly spoken to shew his disciples that they must needs subject themselves to Christ and to let them see how difficult it is he doth againe repeat it So that you see the repetition and the reason of the repetition The former may teach us Doct. 1 1. It is very needfull that Gods Ministers should often urge and presse the same material duties upon their hearts Phil. 3.1 that they may understand it more clearly be awakened by it more effectually affected with it more throughly that it may be imprinted upon their hearts the more effectually that it may abide with them the more constantly People must not think it unprofitable to heare the same points of doctrine often pressed upon them Naaman went seven times into Jordan Peters cock crowed thrice From the other we may learn Doct. It is a very hard thing to make men renounce all self-confidence and subject themselves unto and altogether rely vpon Christ Jesus therefore the Baptist doth againe and againe presse it This occasioned
entertained not loved it not no man very few that is whence observe Doct. That it is but a very small number that doe faithfully savingly embrace and firmly build upon the doctrine of salvation Of four grounds in Matth. 13.24 but one savingly received the doctrine of salvation This the Prophet complained of Isa 53.2 Isa 65.2 Jer. 8.6 We read of a few Pearles a few Vines Reas 1 In regard of the Election Matth. 20.16 now onely those are capable of wisedome Matth. 11.19.13.11 Reas 2 In regard of the strong sway of corruption Reas 3 In regard that the natural man cannot see into Christ or the Gospel Job 21.14 Isa 53.2 Reas 4 Because there is an Antipathy between carnal soules and Christ as between light and darknesse 2 Cor. 5.14 Saul and David Reas 5 In regard of the hardnesse of the leaving of all things for Christ and the Gospel all must be rejected every false way that is cleare but this hard therefore many men embrace not the Gospel Reas 6 In regard of the strong engagement of the hearts of men to the world Matth. 6.24 1 John 2.15 Matth. 8.34 Vse It shewes that few partake of Christ because few partake of grace and the Gospel the number is but few they are called a little flock few entred into the Ark the Text tells us few came into Canaan and but few embrace the Gospel and receive it Not to leave the way of life because few embrace it It is no wise project for men to lodge among Tombs because mad men did as the Scripture mentions or to forsake meat because sick men doe Nor is it any wisedome for men to leave the way of life Christ Jesus and his Gospel because the generality of men in the world do 3 This must cause to try what entertainment we give unto Christ whether our hearts be open to receive his testimony or shut against it whether it be to us as the dew to the dry earth or to the hard rock as Musick to the hearing or to the deaf ear as a friend or a stranger as a Physitian or a wounding enemy and this will be discerned 1. By the abandoning and exiling of sinne no man giveth credit to the testimony of Christ no man giveth entertainment unto Christ but he thrusteth sin out of the doores of his heart No man entertaineth his Soveraign into his house but he cleanseth his house beautifieth and adorneth the several roomes thereof the woman that wiveth her selfe in wedlock putteth off her menstruous and unseemly rayment the Sun appearing in the Horizon the darknesse clouds misty and filthy fogs are dispelled no man entertaineth Christ the Lord of life the Prince of glory but he purgeth his soule 1 John 3.3 Departeth from iniquity 2 Tim. 2.19 No man joyneth himselfe in wedlock with Christ but is Psal 45.13 Ezek. 16.9 10. The Sun of righteousnesse ariseth and shineth in the horizon of no mans soule but with healing in his wings he healeth their spiritual diseases endoweth them with strength of grace and maketh them fly from sin as Moses fled from his rod when he saw it turned into a serpent though before it was alwayes in his hand he made continual use of it so when men entertaine Christ once with their soules though sinne were never so pleasant delightfull profitable to them yet now they hate it as the onely enemy of their soules complaine of it as the heaviest burthen labour to root it out as the most noysome weed 2. By the neglect despising rejecting of the world When the Sun appeares the candles are extinguished when the Prince cometh the fellowship the presence of beggars is not regarded when Christ is once entertained into the soule such is his Beauty Fulness Majesty Glory that then the world though before very glorious yet now it is as dung Phil. 3.8 As withered grass Isa 40.8 As a dead thing void of life beauty profit Gal. 6.14 As a thing of nought Amos 6.13 This maketh them sell all for this pearle leave all to entertaine him to forsake goods Heb. 10.3 4. Friends Matth. 10 37. Life Rev. 12.11 This maketh the grapes of the choicest worldly Vine be full of sourenesse the cup of her sweetest wine to be full of poyson the purest manchet full of gravel 3. By the holy fellowship and communion we have with Christ as many as receive him put their confidence in him have felowship with him as the Scholler with the teacher they sit at his feet they heare his voice as one friend with another communicating their mind to him he imparting his councels unto them shedding the warm shining beames of his love into their hearts and their hearts reflecting with love againe to him as the spouse with the Husband after a more entire manner then with any thing in the world as the servants with the Master of the family as the members with the head of the body his presence with them his dominion within them his love to them is vouchsafed and apprehended after a manner unknowne to the unregenerate world hee is to the world a sun under an Eclipse Psa 53.2 to true beleevers as the Sun in a clear day Mal. 4.2 to sinfull men as a stranger Ephes 2.12.1 Jo. 1.6 to others as a brother a man well known Cant. 8.1 4. By the comforts wee finde in him hee refresheth and receiveth the soules of all such as entertaine him comforteth and delighteth their hearts more then all the pleasant things of the world Cant. 1.2 he is to the soules of beleevers as the starre to the wise men Math. 2.10 As a feast to the hungry Rev. 3.20 as the shadow of a great rock to the weary Jsa 32.2 as a precious pearle to the poore Math. 15.44 when all the world like Baal is dumbe and cannot utter a word of comfort then doth Christ rejoyce the hearts of his servants Ro. 3.5 when the world is like an empty pit then is Christ as a fountaine of living waters refreshing the soules of his children when the abilities of the earth are as a candle extinct then is Christ to his servants a glorious Sun Psa 5.6 when the world is like a dry breast then Isa 66.10.11 God doth give comfort to all true beleevers 2 Thes 2.16 making their joy answearable to their sorrowes 2 Cor. 1 5. he will speake unto them when their consciences are perplexed as once he spake to the disciples Mat. 14.26.27 as Iohn 14.1.18 Acts. 18.9 and 23.11 5. By the spirituall liberty and freedome wee gaine by beleeving in him by opening our hearts to entertain him though wee are oppressed reproached assaulted within and without burthened with variety of corruptions ladden with manifold afflictions yet entertaining Christ into our hearts by faith we shall 1 Jo. 5.4 and Ro. 8.36 37. bee like Cyrus Isa 5.1.2 so 1 Jo. 3.8 Heb. 2.14 so that all that give credit to Christs testimony do feele the fetters of sinne smitten off the burthen of
3.1 Isa 26.8.9 2. To use all diligence to get them all businesse set apart all other gaine neglected let us seek to be partakers of Grace of the Spirit as the Wise men left their owne countrey to come to Christ the disciples left all to follow him so let us take off our hearts from the world from carnall friends and from whatsoever is deare unto us and seeke to bee endowed with heavenly riches let us Pro. 2.2 3. Let us with David Psal 27.4 desire to dwell in the house of the Lord all our life that we may behold the beauty of the Lord to enquire in his temple Jer. 50.4 Dan. 9.3 Let us by hearing premeditation fasting and by all holy meanes seeke this grace 3. Let us value it more highly then all the treasures of the earth for Job 28.19 Psa 84.10 Psa 119.72 4. Let us love it more entirely then any other endowment give them the preheminence in our affections the chiefest roome in our hearts let us enlarge desires of our hearts towards them let us bestowe the strength and quintessence of our love upon them let us so affect them that with the Spouse we be sick of love Cant. 5.2 So love them that it make us long for them Psal 119.20 so love them that with Jacob we serve an apprentiship for them 5. Let us rejoyce and delight in it more then in all earthly treasure as Matth. 2.10 So wee to see any starre of Grace appeare in the heart as Anna 1. Sam. 2.1 So wee for our new birth thus Psa 4.6 6. Let us receive it more thankfully as Eccles 16.1 Gal. 6.14 7. Let us treasure it up more carefully when Achan had gotten a golden Wedge hee hid it 8. Let us receive the saving graces of the Spirit more thankfully then any common endowments and render more praise to God for this then for any other favour let us be more thankeful for our new birth then for noble birth so for victory ouer sin then for conquest our all bodily enemies for the riches of grace then for all worldly treasures for knowledg faith love meekness patience the joy of the spirit then for all the choisest jewels and most precious praises in the world As wee receiv a cup of pure and pleasant wine more thankfully then a cup of small water a piece of gold more thankfully then a handful of ordinary and common earth as Theodosius gave more thanks that hee was a member of the Church than head of the Empire so should wee give more thanks that wee are the members of Christ Jesus than for the greatest earthly present whereunto the hand of the world can advance us as Naman was thankful for the purging of his leprosie so let us for the washing away of the filth of sin as Moses sang praises to God for their deliverance from the hand of Pharaoh so let us for our deliverance out of the hands of Satan for the donation of the spirit and the grace wherewith wee are enriched Ephes 1.3 This was the Saint's practice Col. 1.12 13. Wee should say for this as David did 2 Sam. 7.18 19 20 22. so should wee com and stand before our God and say Who are wee O Lord God that thou shouldest bring us hitherto that of slaves thou shouldest make us thy free men that of men dead in sin putrified in the grave of corruption thou shouldest raise us to a new life of thorns briars thou shouldest make us fruitfull and bearing vines of strangers thou shouldest make us thine own adopted Children of poor and blinde naked thou shouldest make us rich with the saving grace of thy spirit and this was yet a small thing but thou hast also prepared everlasting mansions for us to dwell in immortal crowns for us to wear upon our heads a glorious ever shining sun to give us light even fulness of joy at thy right hand for ever And what can wee say unto thee our God for all these things how can we sufficiently laud thee for thy goodness for in this are all the motives and inducements of thankfulness If you will sing for refreshment received in the day of drought as Israël did for the spring of water Num. 21.17 here is our welspring of everliving water Joh. 4.14 If yee will bless God for victorie as Debora and Baruc did Jud. 5.1 Here is that which inableth you to tread Satan under foot Rom. 16 20. and maketh you more then conquerers in all assaults Rom. 8.36 If you will offer sacrifice and make vows as the heathen marriners for the appeasing of the tempestuous and raging Sea Jona 1.16 here is that which appeaseth a greater storm which breedeth a sweeter peace Phil. 4.7 If yee will give thanks for the opening of your eies which were blinde as the blinde man did Joh. 9.38 here is that which openeth the eie of the understanding inableth you to see the deep things of God 1 Cor. 2 9.10 This is the sword which conquereth the Physick which healeth the musick which delighteth the milk which nourisheth the wine which cheereth the friend which comforteth the hand which enricheth therefore wee should bee thankfull for this above all other blessings 7. Let us treasure up these gifts most carefully as the husbandmen hide the good seed in the ground that it may bee preserved from the fowls of the aër take root and bring forth increas as rich men lock up their jewels in strong chests place them in close and sure rooms that the hand of the thief may not reach them so must wee with all diligence hide and with all carefulness keep the saving grace of the spirit it is our choicest endowment it will yield us most comfort do us most good stand us in most stead as the people said of David 2 Sam. 18.3 Thou art worth ten thousand of us so the grace of the spirit is worth ten thousand of your sheep oxen gold and silver therefore bee as careful to keep it as the people were to keep David as a man would be to keep the apple of his eie or his right hand It was Solomon's charge to his Son a charge often repeated to make him heedful of it Proverb 3.21 4.23 urged by our Saviour Rev. 2.21 3.12 The like may bee seen in Paul Tit. 1.9 1 Tim. 6.12.13.14 Satan the the World the Flesh will all strive to wrest from us the grace of the spirit by force by flattery by promises and provocations as Dalila labored to cut away Samson's locks so will these strive to rob us of God's saving grace therefore wee must give all diligence to keep it 8. Let all God's people bee contented how slender soëver their outward estate bee though you wash not your feet in butter neither doth the rock yield any oil though your root spread not out by the waters nor the dew lay not all night upon your branch though your outward glorie be not fresh
a lion yet at length hee shall seed upon the hony-comb of consolation though hee pass like Israël thorough the red sea the wilderness Iordan yet hee shall have a land that floweth with milk and hony though hee now wear a crown of thorns yet hee shall hereafter wear a crown of glorie though his drink bee now mingled with gall and bitterness yet hee shall drink out of the river of God's pleasures though David was long oppressed yet at length hee attained the Kingdom though the three children were cast into the fierie furnace yet they attained honor in the province of Babylon So Isa 65.13.14.15 Isa 35.4.5.10 Ecl. 8.11.12 From the gift descend wee to take notice of the measure of the gift not scantly slenderly sparingly but above measure abundantly plentifully fully Whence learn Doctr. That Christ Jesus was superabundantly filled withall heavenly gifts and graces As the Sun in the firmament is full of light and brightness so is the Son of righteousness full of true holiness and even according to his humane nature exceedingly filled with all goodness even full of the holy ghost as the fountain is full of waters This fulness of his was many waies evident 1. by the fulness of his wisdom his lamp was full of oil it gave a very great light a light enlightning all the world a wisdom breeding admiration in them that saw it Mat. 13.54 a wisdom whereby as the Psalmist saith of himself Psal 119.98.99 so and much more may it bee verified of Christ for in him Col. 23. and Ioh. 1.18 hath a most full and intimate knowledg of God 2. By the fulness of his power it was not a withered arm but an arm endued with fulness of strength able like David to conquer the Bear the Lion the great Goliah able to dash his enemies in pieces like a potter's vessel Psa 29. a stone hewn out of the mountains breaking in pieces the image representing the glorie riches and strength of all kingdoms Dan. 2.44 Able to heal the sick raise the dead ransom the captived nothing was too hard for him 3. By the fulness of his holiness his face had neither spot not wrinckle there was no defilement stuck in his garment his soul was a field no tares mingled with his wheat a garden all flowers no weed a tree all bearing no barren withered no unfruitful branch upon it as it is said of Absalom 2. Sam. 14.25 so it is 1. Pet. 2.22 Ioh. 14.30 1. Pet. 1.19.4 by the fulness of his love a love like a full Sea a flameing fire a strong Chariot that drew him from heaven to earth from the highest honor to the deepest ignominy from a paradise of pleasures to a wilderness of sorrows his love to us of a Lord caused him to become a servant Philip. 2.7 of a Sovereign a subject Gal. 4.4 of rich poor 2 Cor. 8.9 of a joyfull man a man of sorrows Mat. 26.38 It brought him from the throne to the cross from the highest heavens to the lowest parts of the earth Joh. 15.13 Joh. 15.9 As the Father so loved him that hee communicated all good things to him sustained him under affliction and delivered him from the power of hell and the grave so doth the Son so love us that hee imparteth all good things to us beareth us up in all our distresses and delivereth us from all miseries 5. By the fulness of his patience hee was the mirror of meekness the perfect pattern of true humility Isa 53.7 1 Pet. 2.23 Hee was one in whom patience had her perfect work Jam. 1.5 patient in poverty patient in ignominy patient in sorrowfulness patient in doing patient in suffering patient in life patient in death the patience of Job and the Prophets was marvelous yet as 2 Cor. 3.10 so their patience compared with his was no patience therefore well might hee propose himself for an example Mat. 11.29 and thus full of all grace it was requisite our Saviour should bee 1. In regard of the holy precise exact and perfect rule of the Law which hee was to fulfill every letter of his life must without any the least variation answer the copy every faculty of the soul the disposition of the whole man must bee suitable to this frame every thought of his heart every motion of his affection every word of his mouth every deed of his life must be as arrows falling neither under nor above but fully pitching upon this mark therefore Gal. 4.5 Matth. 5.17 2. In regard of the love God beareth unto him and wonderfull delight which hee had in him as Elkanah 1 Sam. 1.4 5. as Joseph Gen. 43.24 so our God giveth portions of grace to all his children but to Christ hee gave a worthy portion more then five times as ample as to any of his brethren because hee had a more abundant love to him Isa 42.1 Mat. 3.17 3. In regard of the Office hee had undertaken to be a Mediator between God and man a peace-maker by appeasing of Gods wrath in suffering for man by making him just Phil 3.9 by being found cloathed not in their own but in the righteousness of Christ the party dying and satisfying the law for another must bee innocent and not dy for his own offence the righteousness which maketh another just must bee free from all blemish therefore 1 Pet. 3.18 2 Cor. 5.21 4. In regard of our emptiness wee were all poor and therefore it behooved him to have a full hand to make us rich wee were all blinde and therefore it was requisite hee should bee full of knowledg to make us wise wee were all sick and therefore it was needfull hee should bee a skilful Physitian to make us whole all unclean and therefore behooffull hee should bee full of holiness to make us pure all captivated and dead in sin and therefore needfull hee should bee full of power to ransom us Hence that prophesie Isa 61.1 that invitation Rev. 3.17 18. Isa 55.1 for Joh. 1.16 Eph. 1.21 22. 5. In regard of the enemies hee was to conquer Sin Satan Hell Death trees not able to bee rooted up by any mortal hand walls not able to bee beaten down by any cannon shot fetters not to bee broken by any creäted strength enemies not conquerable by the most valiant among men as all Israel trembled till David came 1 Sam 17. so Heb. 2.14 this is the Moses dividing the waters Exod. 14.21 this is the Sampson bearing away the gates of Gaza this is the David delivering his sheep this is the Cyrus opening the two leaved gates Isa 45.1 this is the Angel bringing Peter out of prison Act. 12.7 6. In regard of the depth of Gods counsels which are to bee opened a well whereof none can drink before Christ rowl away the stone as Jacob did from the wells mouth a riddle which cannot bee unfolded unless wee plow with Gods spirit a sealed book which none but the lion of the tribe of Juda can open a vision which
none of the Astrologers onely Joseph and Daniel can interpret it for Mat. 11.27 7. In regard of the ministration of his kingdom and government of his Church and people none so great a charge so many people to rule so many great and strong enemies to oppose subdue and conquer therefore hee is said to bee girded with the sword Justice by his Word the sword of the spirit striking the hearts of rebellious people to bring them into subjection to ride upon the word of Truth by the ministry of the Gospel defending his chosen beating down sin and superstition working many wonders striking terror into the hearts of his enemies and for the accomplishment hereof hee is said to anointed with the oil of gladness above his fellows to have received more grace then all men or angels Psal 45.3 4 5 6 7. for thus also it is said that the spirit of God doth rest upon him filling him with all heavenly gifts and graces the spirit of wisedom fulness of knowledg in the things of God the spirit of understanding promptness and readiness to know all things of what nature or condition soever the spirit of counsel faculty and quicksightedness to free himself out of all perplexities the spirit of might courage to teach the truth and to oppose shake and overthrow all fals doctrine and to reprove their wicked conversation the spirit of knowledg a sure and firm understanding of things the spirit of fear filial cheerfull and perfect obedience Isa 11.2 3 4. Observ Isa 512. 1. In external appearance hee was outwardly of low estate Phil. 2.6 7. but the more contemptible hee was in his outward condition the more evident was the work of the God head manifesting it self therein 2. Hee wanted beauty in the eies of carnal men the sun seemeth not beautifull to the blinde but to such as have the eie of understanding savingly enlightned hee is the fairest of ten thousand Cant. 5. vers 10. Vse This by way of instruction sheweth where to go to have all our spiritual wants supplied and furnished Christ is the fountain in whom the Father hath put all fulness hee is the Physitian that can cure us when wee are diseased the Conquerer able to deliver us when wee are captived the Counseller able to advise us when wee are doubtfull hee is the Teacher which can instruct us when wee are ignorant Isa 9.6 therefore when all the cisterns of the world are broken holding no water when no physitian can cure us when all store-houses are empty and no hand can enrich us when all lips are shut and no tongue can comfort us when all waters like Abana and Pharphar have no healing virtue no cleansive power then like the woman Mark 5.11 let us come to Christ like Naaman 2 King 5.14 let us come to the Jordan of his blood for in his hand there is power to heal the wounded soul in his blood is efficacy to purge away the filth of sin which no nitre can purge in his word is virtue to comfort the troubled soul which no voice of man or angel can quiet Isa 50.4 in him as the Apostle saith dwelleth the fulness of the Godhead bodily Col. 2.9 in him it hath pleased the Father that all fulness should dwell Col. 1.19 all fulness both for number and measure of graces there is in Christ an absolute compleatness 1. In respect of members Ephes 1.23 2. In respect of inhabitation of the divine nature Col. 2.9 3. In respect of power and authority over all both in heaven and earth Mat. 28.4 In respect of merit 5. In respect of grace in him is fulness of wisedom to make us wise fulness of redemption to make us free fulness of righteousness to make us just fulness of sanctification to make us holy and hee is made to us of God 1 Cor. 1.30 therefore to him let us come Mat. 11.28 2. This by way of confutation reproveth and confuteth all Saint-worshippers and Meritmongers in Christ is all fulness there needeth no supply from Saint Angels or Works a fulness is no where to bee had but onely in Christ hee is able to save us to the utmost his royal robes are long enough to cover us his arm is strong enough to deliver us hee needeth not another to bee joyned with him hee trod the wine-press of his Father's wrath alone Isa 63. hee is the lamb slain from the beginning of the world which taketh away the sin of all beleevers in the world John 1.29 neither Saint nor Angel but Christ hath purged away our sin and is set down at the right hand of God Heb. 1.3 hee maketh reconciliation Heb 2.17 hee offered himself Heb. 7.27 all other are broken cisterns weak shields such as will not cover us in the day of Gods anger therefore it is not kiss the Saints but the Son Psal 2.12 3. By way of exhortation this seemeth to stir up men to labor for fulness of grace to bee replenished in measure as Christ is above measure as the members of the body are answerable to the head the branches in the tree answerable to the fulness of the juice in the root of the tree so wee who are members of the body whereof Christ is head branches in the true vine should labor a blessed fulness of all graces wee should strive to bee full of knowledg as the sea full of waters Isa 11.9 abundant in love 1 Thess 3.12 perfect in patience Isa 1.5 ful of joy and peace in the holy Ghost Rom. 15.13 full of faith in beleeving God's promises full of courage in maintaining God's truth against all opposition Act. 6.8 rich in all good works 1 Tim. 6.18 like trees bearing much fruit lamps holding much oil vessels filled with good liquor like travellers going forward like rich men building their barns greater enlarging our hearts more and more towards God and his waies this is the Apostle's charge 2 Pet. 3.18 this is Saint Paul's earnest entreaty 1 Thes 4.1 and for increas of grace of grace wee should strive 1. Becaus the more grace the more sweetness shall wee finde the more consolation shall draw from the ordinances of God the more health the more comfort doth the body finde in the food prepared for it the more perfect the eie the more pleasure it taketh in the light of the sun which it beholdeth the ordinances of God do good to them that are good Mic. 2.7 to those they are sweet Psal 119.103 joyous Jer. 15.16 comfortable tidings Rom. 10.15 holiness maketh God's ordinances to the soul like the chariots which Joseph sent to Jacob an occasion of reviving Gen. 48.25 like a wel-spring to the thirsty like dew to the ground like a feast to the hungry Psal 65.4 Cant. 2.4 2. The more grace the more comfort wee shall have in God's presence the more clearness wee shall behold in God's countenance the more obedient the childe is the more favorably his parent looketh on him the more profitably the servant
holiness hee hath healing in his wings Mal. 4.2 hee is like Mal. 3.2 3 4. Isa 35.6 7 8. he can Mat. 1.21 Tit. 2.14 1 Joh. 3 8. as Joh. 11.44 hee can bring you out of the grave of your corruption though no nitre can purge you yet Jerem. 2.22 yet hee Ephes 5.25 26. 5. If they want temporal endowments our outward estate bee slender our wealth small our love friends honor respect and place in the world nothing at all if our outward abilities bee like waters in a dry summer at a low ebb like the heat of fire arising from a little wood like the light of a lamp wherein is but little oil though our backs bee cloathed with camel's hair a leathern girdle sheep-skins goat-skin or vile raiment though we feed with puls barly bread or a few fish have nothing but a little oil in the cense a little mâ—aâ— in our barrel though with David wee bee set behinde the ews with Amos bee gatherers of Sycamore fruit with Gideon our family bee poor among the families of the earth and wee the least in our Father's hous though with Jacob wee have but a stone whereon to lay our heads with our Saviour have no room in the inn of this world where none but they that have store of money in their purs are welcom though wee have nothing but a manger to rest in yet remember that in Christ the head of the body whereof yee are members the Master of the family whereof yee are sons daughters the husband of the souls in him is all fulness hee is the heir of all things Heb. 1.3 hee is the maker the preserver of all the great Lord treasurer of the world in him saith the Apostle all things consist Col. 1.16 in respect of conservation hee continueth them in their beeing in respect of precept hee prescribeth the laws by which nature policy and religion are governed in respect of operation in that all things move by the influence of his hand in respect of ordination hee appointeth all things to their end in respect of disposition hee disposeth the means to the end intended and therefore since all things are in him thus dispensed by him let us say in our needs as the prodigal in his wants Luke 15.17 10. there is enough in Christ and therefore let this sustain us 2. As this comforteth against all wants so it is full of consolation against all evils if wee bee full of sin the blood of Christ is full of virtue to purge it out 1 Joh. 1.7 Heb. 9.14 Zach. 13.1 2. If the law bee full of exactness and rigor all the letters thereof written in blood every sentence a sentence of death though it stand like the Cherubin and flaming sword to keep us from entring into eternal life as that kept the way to the tree of life Gen. 3.24 yet in Christ is righteousness exactly to answer every title of it hee hath fulness to satisfie it so that it becometh as a serpent without sting as a sword without edg it cannot condemn the people of God though God bee a consuming fire yet in the merits of Christ is fulness enough to appeas his anger to procure his favor to turn his angrie into a pleasant voice his frowning into a shining face of an enemy to make him a friend of one dreadfull as a lion to make him gentle as a lamb of a stranger to make him the loving husband of our souls though Satan assault with violence though his holds bee strong his weapons venemous his attempts incessant his devices deep his instruments subtile his stratagems treacherous yet in Christ there is all fulness to prevail against him to put him to flight to drive him to his den to roul a stone upon his cave and tread upon his neck as Joshua did upon the five Kings of Canaan Jos 10.18 24. cast him down in his own pursuit as hee did the Egyptians Pharaoh Exod. 14.24 disarm him as David did Goliah 1 Sam. 17.51 Col. 2.15 Eph. 4.8 if our enemies be strong many violent merciless and wee have no power no helper no way to fly but begin to despair to hang down the head and lose all our comfort then look upon Christ's fulness and as Elisha said to his fearing disquieted and perplexed servant 2 King 6.16 17. so may you say to your own souls for Christ will bee with you stand by you work for you and overthrow all such as rise against you Isa 54.17 Psal 2.9 the stoutest opposers the greatest disputers the most bloody persecutors iron-handed oppressors and iron-hearted and brasen-faced dispisers shall by the Lord Jesus be scattered as the chaff trodden down as the dung rooted up as thorns and briars thrown out as the salt which hath lost his savour and is good for nothing but the dunghill therefore Mat. 18.6 Isa 35.3 these and the like are the streams of consolation which flow from that full fountain of all goodness which is in Christ Jesus this is the pleasant and soul refreshing fruits which grow upon this tree of life the delightfull and heart-rejoicing beams which discend to the souls of God's people from this sun therefore let us all strive for interest in him communion with him let us in all estates depend upon him in every condition rest our selvs contented with him hee hath fulness of riches for all his faithfull that are now poor fulness of honor for all that are now in ignominy fulness of peace for all his that are now in trouble fulness of joy for all that are now in heaviness fulness of liberty for all that are now in bonds fulness of power to deliver all his which are in any distress for Vers 35. The father loveth the son and hath given all things into his hands THe Baptist having set before his disciples the authority of Christ the commission which the father gave him to undertake the great and mighty work of our salvation having also declared the sufficiency of Christ the abundant effusion of the saving grace of the Spirit upon him descendeth now to discover and lay open the ground hereof even the love of God as if hee had said The Father hath wonderfully enriched the Son with many choice and singular endowments bestowed upon him a rich store-hous of all graces and why hath hee done so becaus hee loved the Son so that from the coherence of this with the former vers wee may learn Doctr. That the bestowing of the saving gifts and graces of the Spirit is the choicest testimony of the love of God a greater testimony of the love of God to fill the vessels of the soul with sanctification then to fill the barn with corn the fold with sheep the stall with oxen the chest with gold the life with pleasure or to set upon the head a crown of worldly honor therefore when God entred into Covenant with his people promised to bee their God and took them above all the people of the
for Job 34.19 it is onely true piety which maketh us dear and pretious in God's eies which moveth God to fasten his affection upon us and to delight himself in us men may bee admired by men for their endowments because men judg according to external appearance as 1 Sam. 16.6 but as vers 7. so God looketh not on men because tall in honors high in external callings great through a worldly abundance but the holy man is the object of God's affection Psal 146.8 these are God's chois Jam. 2.5 these are God's delight Pro. 11.20 these are a diademe and a crown of glory in God's hand Isa 62.3 to these doth hee look with these doth hee delight to dwell Isa 57.15 Joh. 14 23 24. these are unto Christ in stead of all others Mat. 12.50 And indeed upon whom hath the cloud of God's love distilled on whom hath the light of his countenance shined towards whom have the infallible testimonies of God's favor been manifested but onely to such as are endued with the saving gifts and graces of his Spirit to whom hath hee vouchsafed his presence as a father among his children as a shepherd among his flock as the sun among the stars in the firmament surely onely to such as fear him Psal 46.5 Zeph. 3.15 Gen. 28.12 upon whom doth hee cast forth the light of his countenanee whose soul doth hee affect with the sens of his love but onely such as by a lively faith imbrace his promises and keep their feet within the way of his commandements Psal 11.7 Rom. 5.5 to whom doth hee make his Word a joifull tidings a healing salve a sweet savour but onely to such as pass their time in his fear order their conversation in a holy manner to them the meditation thereof is sweet Psal 104.34 common favors indeed are vouchsafed to the bad as the rain falleth on the bad ground as well as the good Mat. 5.45 but the special pledges of God's love are conferred onely upon the righteous Psal 50.16 But it may bee you will say That riches and honors and these external favors that they are also blessings they are water out of God's well rain out of God's cloud a gift from his hand 2. They are therefore very much deceived who bless themselvs as being God's dearest favorites the choisest of his beloved because they are most plenteously enriched with these common endowments because their houses are fairer their possessions larger their dignities greater their earthly delights pleasures and comforts far excelling other this is a sandy foundation to build upon a deceitfull balance to weigh themselvs in a fals rule whereby to judg of God's love who had more pleasure than the glutton faring deliciously and wearing fine apparell every day yet a fire brand of hell Luke 16. who richer than hee that builded his barns greater cheared up his soul with the thought of his great abundance yet who at the last were his attendants but the devils Luke 12. where was his dwelling but in everlasting darkness who perished in the red sea was it not Pharaoh king of Egypt Exod. 14. who was eaten up of lice was it not Herod that sate upon the throne Act. 12.22 On whom came sorrow widowed and loss of children in one day was it not upon the Babylonish Queen that lived in pleasures Isa 47.7 8. Who stand in slipery places but they who have more than heart can desire Psal 73.18 Who perish like their beasts but they that boasted of their wealth Psal 14.49 on the other side Who poorer than Lazarus who had resting place in Abraham's bosom Luke 16.8 Who had no other cradle but a manger Luke 2. Who had not where to lay his head but the Son of man Christ Jesus who of all others was most dear to God Who were in sheeps skins and goats skins in the wilderness in caves destitute afflicted tormented but the good people of God of whom the world was not worthy Who were accounted as the dung and of-scouring of the earth but the Apostles of the Lord Jesus the transgressors they have grown as the grass overtopt the righteous as the tares the corn advanced themselvs in the world like the cedars in Lebanon they have been among men as the Leviathan among the fishes of the sea as the lion buls bears among the beasts of the field as the eagle among the birds of the aër as the tree by the great waters among the trees of the forrest the most unholy have many times the greatest abundance of outward favors and therefore wee cannot but falsly conclude them to bee most happy who have most earthly plenty fatness and prosperity for having nothing but this 1. they are dead in sin and whom judg wee most happy the dead with a goodly tomb or the living that hath life in him the widow living in pleasures was very wretched because dead in sin while shee lived 2. these are destitute of God's image it is not the adorning of the body with gold and silver but the adorning of the soul with grace which is in the sight of God of great price 3. these have no communion with God it is not by wealth but by faith and holy life that wee have fellowship with God 1 Joh. 1.6 4. these are strangers to true peace it is not wordly riches but true grace that bringeth peace unto the conscience riches usually breed many troubles they have unability to appeas a stormy tempest of a troubled conscience Ez. 19.7 But it may bee you will say that riches honors and external favors are blessings also that these are waters of God's well rain out of God's cloud a gift from God's hand and therfore also a testimony of God's love to which I answer it is true they are blessings in themselvs for every creature of God in it's own kind is good Gen. 1.31 they are all from the Lord the giver of every good gift Isa 1.17 for the earth is the Lord 's Psal 24.1 riches and honor come from him 1 Chro. 29.12 the Lord setteth one and pulleth down another 1 Sam. 2.7 all cometh from God's providence but all cometh not from God's mercy and love to them who are possessors of it it is one thing to have a thing by the cours of God's Providence another thing to have it from God in love and in favor for God giveth in wrath as well as in mercy as Hos 13.11 so God giveth wealth and riches in his wrath and taketh it away in his displeasure thus Israel had quails given but it was in wrath Numb 11.33 better they had been without them Thus Solomon saw this evil under the sun riches kept for the owners thereof to their own hurt Ecles 5.13 when Absalon made a feast hee invited all his brethren prepared dainties for them som hee invited in love but Amon in hatred for hee gave charge to his servants when they should see him merry with wine that then they should fall upon him and
throne of grace in his name wee shall finde acceptance for his sake Hebr. 10.22 Rom. 5.1 2. though Jonathan could not appeas the anger of his father Saul against David yet our Jonathan will surely prevail with our God for us though wee are unworthy yet as the man of God looked on Jeboram for Jehoshaphat's sake 2 King 3.14 so will our God look favorably on us for Christ's sake 3 This must quicken and stirr up us to love the Lord Jesus the children use to love where the father doth the servants use to affect where their Lord God the Father loveth the Son therefore let us also get our hearts inflamed with love to him to them that love him all felicity is wished Eph. 6 24. to them that love him not all evils are denounced 1 Cor. 16.22 and many inducements there are to move us to set our affection upon 1. the dignity beauty majesty glory and excellency of his person Isa 45.3 Cant. 5.10 2. The love that hee hath shewed to us Joh. 15.13 Rom. 5.8 Jonathan's love to David caused David again to love him fire begetteth fire 3. The great afflictions hee hath suffered for us 4. The great endowments hee hath bestowed upon us 5. The many enemies hee hath conquered for us 6. The great things hee hath purchased for us in the heavens these are as so many load-stones to draw our hearts unto Christ Jesus as so many bellows to blow up the fire of our affections to inflame or hearts with fervent sacred and constant love unto the Lord Jesus and that so much the more because wee have hence seen Doctr. That the love of God to Christ Jesus is the fountain of all the happiness which cometh to God's servants as the waters come to us from the fountain by and thorow the cistern the light cometh from the sun to the eie by and thorow the aër so is Christ the medium whereby all the goodness of God cometh unto us and God's love to Christ is the original and prime cause hereof as Gen. 45.17 18. the love of King Pharaoh to Joseph was the moving caus of all the favor and kindness hee shewed to his father and brethren when they were in great distress by reason of the famine so the love of God the King of kings viz. Christ Jesus is the fountain of all the happiness peace comfort which is derived and communicated to the brethren of Christ Jesus as the Ark was the caus of the wellfare of Obed-Edom's house so is God's love to Christ the caus of all our welfare this was shadowed out by the ladder in Jacob's vision Genes 28.11 12. reaching from heaven to earth the Angels ascending and descending to shew how all the goodness of God descendeth unto us by and thorow Christ this was also prophecied as the Lord hath put the grace of his spirit upon the son of righteousness to enlighten them that sit in darkness and why hath hee done so but because hee delighted in him and the Apostle speaketh plainly that wee are accepted in the beloved Ephes 1.6 Acts 2.33 Reas 1. Because wee are from all eternity elected in Christ as the Apostle witnesseth Eph. 1.4 saying wee are chosen in him before the foundation of the world in him noting the order in which wee are elected not the cause of election the grace of election beginneth first with Christ our head and descendeth to us in him wee are not first elected and then Christ is chosen by reason of our fall but God out of his love did first chuse him to bee the head of the body mystical and then are wee chosen to bee his members as the head corner stone in the building is first chosen Psa 116.22 and then the other stones which are to bee put into the building hence hee is said to bee the first begotten amongst his brethren Col. 1.18 to have the preheminence to bee sealed John 6.27 set apart to be the prince of our salvation to be fore-ordained before the foundations of the world 1 Pet. 1.20 by how much more excellent things are by so much more timely and principally they bee in God's decree hee doth not think of electing and predestinating us first as a body and then come afterward by occasion to think of a him who is the head hee is the first pattern and wee are predestinated to bee like him Rom. 8.29 and as the master-picture and pattern is first and then the thing which is to bee drawn by it as in a naturall birth the head cometh first and then the feet after it so first was Christ chosen then as the head or the elect and fountain of grace and then are wee chosen in him things in their material existing have one order in their intentional another as for example a man that maketh a house intendeth to dwell under some covering 2 hee intendeth to build a house 3. to hire workmen 4. to prepare matter but in the execution hee 1. setteth stone and wood in place 2 hee hireth workmen then raiseth the frame and lastly entreth in and dwelleth there In order of materiall existing Christ is revealed promised exhibited after sin but intended before sin 1 Cor. 3.22 23. The Apostle reckoning the order in which things exist mentions 1. the world 2 the elect 3 Christ then God but giveth us to understand in order of intention that God intendeth first his own glory then Christ then the Church then the world out of which hee intended to gather such as should bee saved by Christ and thus Christ is the head of the elect and the fountain of grace 2. Because all the promises of God are to us in Christ 2 Cor. 1.20 hee is the cistern by which God hath promised to convey the waters of life to our souls It is hee who of God is made unto us all things behooffull to our salvation 1 Cor. 1.30 it is in him that God hath promised audience and acceptance to our persons Gen. 3.15 it is in him that the blessing was promised to all nations Gen. 12.34 it is in his dayes that all peace and felicity was promised to the Church Jer. 23.5 6. it is hee that brought good and joyfull tidings Micah 4.4 5. 3 Because God hath put all fulness in him for the good of his Church as hee hath put all fulness of light into the sun for the giving of light to the world all fulness of water into the sea for the watering of the earth so hath God put all fulness into him for our behoof that are in him that wee might receive grace needfull to salvation Col. 1.19 John 1.16 Isa 61.1 2. as all Aegypt fetched out of Joseph's store as the ointment on Aaron's head ran down to the beard even the skirts of his garment Psalm 133.1 2. 4. Because our life the life of grace is hidden in Christ even when wee were dead in sin Col. 3.3 as the life of the tree in the winter is in the root the
hee hath all power and authority given him and therefore Mat. 17.5 him wee must hear him wee must obey as the members are subject to the head as the wife is subject to the husband as the subjects are obedient to their Prince for all this is Christ to us his will must bee our rule according to which all our doings must bee squared the balance wherein wee must bee weighed the light whereby wee must bee guided his precept must bee to us as the fiery pillar to Israël at whose motion wee must move at whose stopping wee must stay his direction is most perfect free from all error most wholsom it will prove the best counsel most sweet it will certainly yield the truest comfort therefore as the disciples Mat. 19 22. left all and followed him so all impediments beeing removed let us follow his comcommandement this is his will this is our wisedom in this Christ would have us give preheminence above all other occasions and not say to this as Felix to Paul in another case yea though it transcend the limits of our capacity though wee cannot render a reason of it though it seem repugnant to our apprehension yet it is enough that God hath enjoined it and wee shall finde that true obedience to his precepts is ever attended with the best success 2. This must teach us to depend upon Christ with all stedfastness in his hands are all things hee is a compleat Saviour a perfect redeemer hee is a sure rock to all that build upon him a never-failing fountain though our sins bee hainous yet hee hath ability in him to remove them as he cleansed the leper though God bee at a great distance from us his face hidden under the darkest clouds of his displeasure yet Christ is able to reconcile him though wee bee in more than an iron bondage yet hee can free us therefore let us fasten our faith and confidence upon him let our hearts rest in him let us trust our souls with him and his gospel shall surely prove the power of God to our salvation hee will be a propitiation for us in him our sin shall bee covered and wee blessed in him wee shall have peace in him wee shall have access to the throne of grace 3. Are all things in Christ's hand then God's people must rest themselvs contented with Christ alone hee is a rich husband the Father hath given all things into his hands therefore bless God all you that are partakers of Christ say you have a goodly heritage you have the tree which beareth all sorts of fruit you have the pearl which is of more value then all other riches you have the sun and therefore cannot want light you have the fountain and therefore cannot want water you have the Lord of glory and therefore cannot want honor you have the Prince of peace and therefore cannot want joy you have him that hath all things and therefore cannot want any good things you have enough you have that which if you bee not defective to your selvs will bee like Elkanah to Hanna 1 Sam. 1.8 in stead of all other things God hath done more for you in giving Jesus Christ to you in joining you in wedlock with Christ then if hee had bestowed the whole earth upon you hee hath advanced you to greater honor endued you with better riches replenished your soul with sweeter and more heavenly pleasures than can bee gathered out of worldly store-houses or drink out of earthly fountains therefore thirst not after the world covet not great things bee not disquieted with the slenderness of your external estate think not of using any forbidden means suffer not your affections to be stoln away from the Lord but delight your self in Christ and rest your self abundantly contented with him 4. Are all things put into Christ's hands is hee so abundantly filled with all things then this may comfort God's servants in all estates whatsoëver yee want it is all in the hands of Christ if you want power to resist either bodily or spiritual enemies in Christ there is power to overcom and subdue them all if you want grace if your knowledg faith patience bee small Christ hath a rich store-house hee can fill you if your outward estate bee slender your provision smal and poor Christ can make a little go farr the course taste sweet as hee turned the water into wine Joh. 2.9 10. Vers 36. FUlness of water in the fountain is unusefull unless wee drink thereof fulness of light in the sun yieldeth no comfort unless the eie bee opened to receive it the best apparel giveth no warmth unless the body bee covered with it so the fulness goodness and all sufficiency that is in Christ Jesus is no way beneficial unless wee get assured interest therein therefore the Baptist doth not only acquaint his disciples with Christs fulness authority sovereignty and all sufficiency hee doth not only let them see how hee is a compleat Saviour in himself but doth also move perswade exhort and stir them up by faith to get interest in him and this hee doth by a double argument the one drawn from the single felicity and benefit attending a lively faith in Christ hee that beleeveth in the Son hath everlasting life the other drawn from the danger of not believing but hee that believeth not in the Son shall not see life but the wrath of God remaineth on him wherein wee have 1. The felicity and blessed estate of all true beleevers hee that beleeveth c. 2. The infelicity and miserable condition of all unbeleevers hee that beleeveth not c. First of the felicity of true believers hee that whosoëver hee bee of what nation of what estate or condition soever rich or poor bond or free that beleeveth in Christ that imbraceth buildeth resteth and relieth sincerely firmly and fully upon the Lord Jesus that man hath life everlasting hath already the life of peace inchoated and begun in him that life of God wrought that immortal seed of grace sown in his heart which never shall die so that herein wee may have 1. The necessity of faith hee that beleeveth in the Son of God it is true that in the Son of God there is all fulness all things are in his hands but wee must beleeve in him or his fulness will no waies help us 2. The gain of faith hath everlasting life 1. Of the necessity of faith wherein wee have the nature of faith the object of faith and the extent 1. The nature of faith beleeveth in Christ that is doth not only beleeve that Christ is or that what hee hath said or done is true but beleeveth in Christ pitcheth and resteth fully upon Christ 2. The object of faith Christ 3. The extent hee that whosoëver 1. Of the nature of faith beleeveth in to beleeve sometime signifieth and speculatively to know the Scriptures to bee true and thus the devils do and all wicked men may beleeve 2. Sometime it