Believers they seem unto themselves I say of this breast-plate of Salvation the generality of Believers are utterly frustrated 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Most true is that of Saint Augustine It seemeth good saith (1] St. Augustin de Civitate dei lib. 1. cap. 7. he It seemeth good unto the Almighty Providence to prepare such Blisse in the world to come as the just only shall enjoy and not the unjust and such torments as the unjust only shall feel and not the just but as for things temporal these the divine providence distributeth both to the just and unjust Mat. 5.45 viz. that temporal blessings may not be too vehemently desired loe even the wicked are sometimes happy in this world again that worldly evils may not be too much avoyded even the dearest of Gods children are sometimes afflicted in this world Beloved hence hence it is that [2] Eccl. 9.2 All things come alike to all that both adversity and prosperity seem promiscuously common to him that [3] ibid. sacrificeth and to him that sacrificeth not to the clean and to the unclean to the righteous and to the wicked In the mean while as I have already [4] viz. from page 57. forwards argued at large Look how much unbelief reigneth in the heart so much the heart is troubled I say Whether one be prosperous in his sinfulnesse like [1] 1 King 12 Jeroboam Or whether the more he trespasse the more he be distressed like [2] 2 Chron. 28.22 Ahaz Or whether he do that which is right but not with a perfect heart like [3] 2 Chron. 25.2 Amaziah Or whether though he end in the Spirit he begins in the flesh like [4] 2 Chron. 33.12 Manasseh still still the heart while a heart of unbelief must necessarily be troubled First View sinners who are not [1] Psal 73.5 in trouble like other men sinners who are compussed about with pride [2] Psal 73.6 as with a Chain who [3] Psal 73.8 speak loftily and set [4] Psal 73.9 their mouth against the Heavens These Asses are thus pampered with provender that they may bear such burdens [5] Deut. 6.10 11 7.22 1 Kings 9 11 Esay 45.14 Prov. 21.18 compaced with Esay 43.3 as might possibly cumber and divert the Church in her pilgrimage While sound Believers spend their time and thoughts upon things spiritual these Unbelievers though no thanks to them for they [6] Deut. 10.7 mean not so drudge for their service in the affairs of this World just as Indians dig Gold and Christians traffique with it I say notorious sinners are permitted to wax fat and well-liking that they may be like [7] Josh 9 27 â—sâ—y 49.22 23 2 Chro. 36.22 Ezra 1.7 8 Esay 44 28 45.1 hewers of wood and drawers of water for the Lords Congregation Or it may be God suffereth some of them to prosper that they may be the [8] Ezek. 19.18 19 38.11 12 5.30 4 5. overthrow of others as Judges reprive one malefactour that he may be the Executioner of his fellows Or God suffereth them to slourish and branch forth that he may use them as [9] Esay 10.5 Psalm 17.13 Judges 2.22 Rods for the correction of his Children Or as Tryals [10] Esay 3.1 Phil. 2.15 to let the world see that the prosperity of evil-doers cannot allure Gods servants unto wickednesse Neverthelesse while these prosper in the world settle upon the lees are at ease in Zion dwell carelesly and blesse themselves in their abundance while they have more then heart can wish poor fools their present prosperity [11] Pro. 1.32 Eccles 8.11 threatneth their eternal destruction Let them ask [12] Exod. 5.2 Prov. 30.9 who is the Lord that we should obey him Let them say [13] Zeph. 1.12 The Lord will do neither good or evil [14] Psalm 73.11 How doth God know is there knowledge in the most High Lo God hideth his face to see [15] Deut. 32.20 Jerem. 7.19 what their end will be to see what falshood they [16] 2 Sam. 18.32 will work against their own life Let them alone saith [17] Hos 4.7 1 Matth. 15.14 13.14 God I will not reprove them nor set before them the evils which they do let them fill up the full measure of their iniquities let them treasure up wrath against the day of my wrath Beloved the more these glory in their vanities the more at the great and last day will God exalt his Severity his Wrath and his Justice [18] Pro. 16.4 Rom. 9.22.17 2 Pet. 2.9 upon them Therefore since they had rather be [19] 2 Tim. 2.26 captives to Satan then made free [20] John 8.32 36 Rom. 6.18 22 8.2 1 Cor. 7.22 by Gods Spirit let them glory in their choyce at Doomes-Day when Satan shall accuse them God will [21] Psal 2.4 37.13.59.8 Prov. 1.26 laugh at them Since they had rather be bond-slaves to the Prince of darknesse then Heires to the Father of Lights let them have their bellies full of pleasure God can [22] Psa 50.8 12 13 22 Job 22.2 3 Tir. 3.5 Ephes 2.9 Job 35.6 7 live without their service or good affection Serve him they do and [23] Isa 66.2 60.12.43.13.44.24 Ephes 1.11 Exod. 18.11 Psalm 72.11 1 Chro. 29.14 Nehem. 9.6 Prov. 16.4 Psalm 135.6 Rom. 11.36 shall but against their wills God will not be beholding to them for their obedience nay he will not honour them so much as to deigne to [24] Esay 1.5 Hos 4.14 Esay 57.17 punish them here they shall not have the the [25] Hos 4.17 Heb. 12.6 7 favour to be scourged yea they are not worth a whistling after they forsake forget despise and neglect God and God hath as [26] 1 Sam. 2.30 light an esteem for them he doth but will not see them he leaveth them to their own presumptions in a Glorious Neglect Notwithstanding they are rendred altogether inexcusable for God meeteth them in their own [27] Hos 8.11 folly a whelp of Lilly they request and a whelp of Lilly is given them They desire no other portion then in this life and in this life their [28] Psalm 17.14 portion they shall have God oweth them no such patience no such [29] Rom. 2.4 goodnesse yet let them partake of either let the Church see whether Gods long-suffering will indeed lead the world to Repentance and make men wise for their latter end They can have no pretence that God is [30] Matth. 25.24 Zeph. 3.5 a hard Master for he is before-hand with them in his wages all [31] Esay 66.2 Rom. 11.36 Acts 17.28 that they are or have they receive from him and from him only They cannot say but that a Lord who is is so liberal unto them while they continue [32] Mat. 5.45 Zeph. 3.5 17 Psalm 31.19 Acts 14.17 Psalm 132.15.16 enemies and rebellious might prove a favourable Benefactour unto them would they
devour you ye trust the devil more then ye trust Jesus Christ who died for you Thou who forsakest thine own mercy review my Text Doth Christ doth Jesus Christ use such bowels of affections such affectionate reasonings such impulsive insinuations and all little enough to remove trouble from his most beloved Disciples heart Tremble thou then at these two Questions 1 Quest 1 Quest If troubles were ready to swallow up these chosen disciples of Christ can thy (1) Jer. 12.7.25.29.49.12 heart thinkest thou escape untouched If the (2) 1 Pet 4.18 righteous be scarcely preserved can the ungodly be safe There is no peace unto the (3) Esa 57.21 wicked saith my God 2. Quest What wilt thou do in the evil day 2 Quest when troubles shall lye (1) Iob. 14.17.21.6.13.26 heavy upon thee When the unbelief and negligence of thy heart hath (2) Num. 32.23 at length found thee out When sin guilt death (3) Ps 55.5.49.14 judgement hell and the Devil of hell look thee in thy pale face when amid the horrour of thy ruefull estate thou hast no God to help thee no Jesus to save thee no mansions to hide thee If at these two questions thy heart (4) Esa 66.2 Act. 24.25 trembleth not thou art no Felix 2. This Scripture evidently proveth that every unbeleever is a dead man Maketh a dead man Thou who didst never yet heartily follow Christ Jesus if the two last questions shake thee not thou art none of Christs if thou art none of Christs thou hast a heart of unbelief if thou hast a heart of unbelief thou art then (1) Luk. 9.60 John 11.25 a dead man dead (2) 1 Tim. 5.6 while thou livest dead (3) Col. 2.13 in thy sins which cannot (4) Rom. 6.23 want for wages dead in (5) Eph. 2.1 trespasses which ever sheath a sword of justice (6) Job 19 29. in the trespassers bowells twice (7) Jude 12. dead in (8) 1 Thess 5.23 soul and in spirit temporally and everlastingly in a natural unbelief and in a judicial hardnesse too for ought that thou knowest if thou (9) Esa 66.4 Hos 4.17 Mat. 13.15.25.29 Ro. 9.8 Rev. 22.11 goe on as thou hast begun 3. As this Scripture findeth thee a dead man so it findeth a stone rolled upon thy heart Findeth a stone rolled upon his heart I say rolled upon thy heart for when God first created man his fountain of natural life was (1) Eccles 7.29 free and open unto all saving graces unto all acceptable duties wherewith he abounded but now that he is dead and full of dead workes it is a signe that he hath a (2) Ezek. 11.19 stonie heart a heart like that (3) Job 41.24 of the Leviathans as past feeling as the nether milstone a heart hard as (4) Zech. 7.12 the adamant Look how sensless a dead body is unto things natural hitherto just so (5) 1 Cor. 2.14 sensless hast thou been unto things spiritual thy heart (6) Mat. 13.13 Jer. 2.31 seeth God in his works no more then doth any Grave-stone thy heart (7) Mat. 6.10 Joh. 8.43 Esay 43.18 Zech. 7.12 heareth God in his Word no more then do the stones under thy feet thy heart tasteth (8) Psal 34.8 104.34 119.10 Matt. 16.3 Luk. 12.56 Rom. 2.4 Rev. 2.21 God savoureth God in his providences no more then doth any stone thy heart feeleth the burden of (9) Eph. 4.19 Job 15.16 unpardoned sin no more then doth any stone thus thou makest thine own (10) Joh. 3.18 1 Tim. 5.6 heart thine own Tomb-stone thou doest bury thy self alive and art therefore worse then naturally spiritually dead stone-dead this is a lamentation and it shall be for a lamentation thou hast not only cut off thy life in a dungeon but being in this unclean dungeon in this pit of destruction (11) Lam. 3.53 thou hast cast thou hast plucked a stone upon thy self 4. This Scripture findeth this unweildy stone not only not rolled away from thy dead heart Findeth this stone sealed at the corners but there fixed thou hast set to thy seal that thou wouldest have it so the several corners of thy corrupt heart are all of them sealed by thine own mis-doings 1. 1. Corner Thou hast set to thy seal unto thine own natural insufficiencie thou art so soaked so dead-drunk in thy sinfulnesse that thou art not able to arise and walk uprightly if (1) Rom. 7.18 thou wouldest even these Disciples in my Text which abode still with Jesus could not of themselves lay aside the troubles of their heart Christ ye see was fain to help them again of themselves they had never believed in God this was (2) Jam. 1.17 Phil. 1.29 given unto them from above in like manner without (3) John 15.5 help from Christ they could not believe in Christ As for the way unto Gods heavenly mansions they could not know that neither untill (4) John 14.8 Christ Jesus would first reveal it unto them 2. As thou canst not stirr if thou wouldest 2. Corner so the more is thy guilt thou wouldest not stirr if thou couldest thou canst not [1] 2 Cor. 3.5 think of it thou wilt not [2] 1 Cor. 2.14 hear with that ear thy [3] Rom. 8.7 carnal mind holdeth an enmitie against God thou wilt never be willing if [4] Phil. 2.13 God work not a will in thee What draw neer unto the pure God unto the sincere Christ inhabite that house wherein the holy Father the holy Jesus the holy Spirit dwell no minde no maw to that thou as for thee thy delight is in loosness and in [5] 2 Cor. 6.15 16 prophaneness as for God his delight is in puritie and in holiness small lust hast thou to acquaint thy self with this God or with this Christ in my Text thou hast lived hitherto a [6] Eph. 4.18 Pro. 17.16 stranger unto all holinesse and naturally to this very hour thou alienatest thy self from the most Holy thou knowest neither holy Father nor holy Son nor holy Ghost that thou shouldest desire them let them divide their mansions among themselves for any thing that thou carest that 's a second corner sealed 3. 3. Corner A third seal sixing this stone upon thy dead heart is this namely Hadst thou from within thy self a sufficiency hadst thou from within thy self a good will too neverthelesse the evil which thou hast drawen upon thy self createth thine own hinderance thou hast contracted guilt and this guilt hath [1] Psal 58.3 made it natural to thee to be a child of [2] Eph. 2.3 wrath a stone [3] Pro. 27.3 is heavy and sinketh downward and just such is thy conscious heart guilt findeth thee within a [4] Hos 13.9 pit of destruction within a deep pit of self-destruction and there it keepeth thee God is [5] 1 John
74.20 every dark corner of thy [17] Jer. 17.9 deceitful heart with Gods [18] Zeph. 1.12 compared with Prov. 6.23 and Psal 119.9 105 candle mourn [19] Zech. 12.10 as well thou mayest for undoing thy self and for putting the ouly begotten of thy Father unto the expences of so much pains sufferings and blood This done [1] Mat. 26.41 fast and pray lest thou enter into temptations Let a deep a lasting [2] 1 Tim. 1.15 sense of thy vileness ever and anon pluck thee upon thy knees be often humbling [3] Jam. 4.9 10 thy self in the sight of that God whom thou hast so carelesly [4] Rev. 3.20 bloted out of doors be often mourning at the remembrances of those wounds wherewith thou (5) Zech. 12.10 compared with Phil. 3.10 hast peirced the very heart of thy truest friend grieve frequently (6) Eph. 4.30 for those unkind repulses which thou hast almost daily given unto the meek and Dove-like spirit even then when he attempted thy sanctification All this while be not (7) 2 Cor. 2.11 ignorant of Satans devices but counter-mine (8) Eph. 6.11 his stratagems expect his (9) Eph. 6.13 assaults and (10) Ibid. arm thyself as against an (11) 1 Pet. 5.8 enraged Devil for a hundred to one but being (12) Mark 9.26 forced to surrender his strong hold he will tear thy bosome cast thee down and mischief thee all he can One thing more if thou wouldest fight a (13) 2 Tim. 4.7 good fight have as little to do with (14) 2. Tim. 2.4 Heb. 12.1 1 Cor. 7.23 Phil. 3.13 the world as thou canst alas thou hast business enough and enough to set right all accompts between thy Redeemer and thy soul and having laid (15) Heb. 6.1 a good foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith towards God reserve a jealous eye over thine unexperienced heart lest at any time that make the present (16) Psal 30.6 7. John 5.14 Psal 85.5 peace of thy conscience a snare and occasion unto future security In a word (17) Phil. 2.12 work out thy salvation with fear and trembling for (18) Heb. 10.26 if thou sin wilfully after thou hast received the knowledge of the truth thy last errour will be worse then (19) Mat. 12.45 thy first Be not weary (20) Gal. 6.9 of well-doing God (21) Jude 24. is able to keep thee from falling follow him and follow (22) Num. 14.24 him fully turn unto him with (23) Psal 119.2 Jer. 24.7 thy whole heart and the Lord perswade thee so to do as by others so by these following MOTIVES MOTIVE Motive 1. I. The Duty incumbent Many would accept of life did they fancy the (1) Luk. 1.74 75. terms the stone whereat they stumble is not God severity but Gods (2) 1 The. 4.3 Will they are jealous not of his fierce wrath but of his good (3) Psal 5.4 Rom. 12.1 pleasure they would seek his pardon could they avoid his [4] Psal 119.4 commands but be not thou thus ignorant Oh consider that although [5] Joh. 13.30 Mat. 27.4 5. Judas reject Christ still and still expect damnation yet still this neglect of his doth no [6] Deut. 28.58 whit exempt him from homage Dispair is no [7] Mat. 25.27 Mas 3.13 14 acquittance from duty whether we be good or evil [8] Mat. 4.10 Deut. 10.12 20 servants we are Will we nill we God is [9] Jer. 5.22 Mal. 1.6 Prov. 16.4 Lord over us and we whether we [10] 1 Tim. 4.16 save our selves or perish are bound [11] Jer. 10.7 to obey him Walk among all the spirits in [12] 1 Pet. 3.19 prison those souls in hell that are now suffering torments there they will all enform thee that had they obeyed more they had suffered less Were it utterly impossible for Judas to escape condemnation yet still it is his prudence to be as guiltless as he may be The reason is God [13] Mat. 16.27 rewardeth every one according to his works whether his works be fruits of faith unto holiness or of unbelief to unrighteousness Were I a Reprobate I would be beaten with as few stripes as I could but the [14] 1 Thes 5.9 2 Tim. 1.7 Scripture offereth more grace MOTIVE II. Motive 2. Mans perfection before his Fall When our late Rebellions grew monstrous and robbed us of the (1) K. Charles the Second Lam. 4.20 breath of our Nostrils forcing the (2) 1 Sam. 9.20 desire of our eyes to see many a sad day and to (3) 2 Tim. 2.3 endure hardness beyond the seas as (4) Mic. 7.8 dark as his afflictions were his (5) Isa 62.3 Diamond shined in the thickest cloud his serene Majesty reserved a lustre how low soever he was brought in worldly exigencies yet still he cherished within his royal bosome the soul of a King how deserted so ever he did and would live like a Prince Imitate thou thy most exemplary Soveraign Leave sordid actions unto Swine and Vermine for thereunto they were (6) Gen. 3 14 2 Pet. 2.22 created mean while consider thou thine extract be not mean-spirited for thou art high (7) Judg 8.18 21 born The world was created to serve thee serve (8) Psal 8.6 not thou the world neither become a slave unto thy lusts for God (9) Gen. 1.26 made thee a master of thine affections during his innocency Adam knew no sin abhorre thou to be acquainted with it God made thee for (10) Isa 43.7 himself change not so great a Master He made thee (11) Eccl. 7.29 Deut. 32.5 upright do not thou grow crooked he made thee [12] Gen. 1.31 27. good be not thou evil thou didst resemble the King thy Father once renew in thee the beauty [13] 2 Cor. 3.18 of his Image strive after Holiness because he [14] 1 Pet. 1 15 Mat. 5.48 is holy after perfection because he is perfect affect to be like so heavenly a Father wear his Righteousness tread in his steps follow him (15) Eph. 5.1 Phil. 2.15 as a dear child How great soever thy fall is (16) 1 Cor. 15.22 in Adam remember thou from whence thou art fallen Let the world confess that Alexander is indeed the son of the Macedonian Philip I say in all thy Tranâ—actions remember (17) Eccl. 12.1 thy Creatour Adam (18) Luk. 3.38 was the Son of God MOTIVE III. Motive 3 Man 's Fall in Adam if thou perish thou (1) Esth 4.16 canst but perish In a small Orchard of mine At the Parsonage in Burton on the Hill 2 Psal 148.7 8 Jer. 4.11 12 the high winds 1661 2. Feb. 18th blew up a fruit-tree tearing the very roots from the stump although it was blown quite up and was separated wholly from the roots with much ado I planted it again for why it may nay it
accordingly as it is (12) Quo semel est imbuta recens servabit odorem Prov. 22.6 Optimum elige suave farile illud faciet consuetudo consuetudo enim altera est natura ill or well ordered of all customes the first customes are a second nature and the soul so worketh as it is at first directed My little Children A neglect in your Nurses is your infelicity a neglect in your selves is (1) Pro. 23.15 19 your blame The more carelesse others are of you the more mindfull must you be of your selves It lyeth much in your power to prevent your hearts of many a trouble which afflict elder years Even a child (2) Pro. 20.11 is known by his doing whether his work be pure or sinfull Oh lose not the benefit of your Infancy I had almost said of your Innocency Your best * The Jewes fear to mention a Swine but call it that other thing and all because they would not have children enquire after it Knowledge is to continue ignorant of evil and your best Wisdom is to chuse the fear of the Lord. Ah my dear little Ones although neither of your mortal Parents do eye you your Maker your Father doth Naturally (3) Pro. 22.15 1 Cor. 13.1 wickednesse is bound up in your heart be troubled for this and let your self-correction burn the Rod. One childishnesse is not to come unlesse ye are called therefore (4) Psal 34.11 Come ye children Another is not to hearken therefore not only come but (5) Ibid. hearken A third is not to observe what ye hear therefore (6) Prov. 8.10 receive instruction A fourth is not to practise what ye understand therefore as ever ye prize a Mothers (7) See the Book so called blessing forsake not the law of (8) Prov 1.8 your Mother and that ye may obtain the (9) Eph. 6.2 promise obey the (10) See The Advice to a Son by Fran. Osborn advice of your Father Mine advice is learn obedience The more you be (11) Lam. 3.27 accustomed to the yoke the more easie will the yoke be unto you Let it be your pastime to please God by pleasing your Superiours make Duty your delight Next if idle ones (12) Pro. 1.10 entice you consent you not in all (13) Pro. 14.23 labour there is profit and in all idlenesse guilt Wherefore be ever in doing I mean in well-doing Nothing is more painfull then is idlenesse I abhorre it in any one in a child (14) Psalm 103.5 most of all I would have Children be as lively as they will and as gracious as they can Little ones I would not have you give me cause to say let not your heart be troubled Thee particulars I lay down Why while all is yet well with you ye should give give all diligence to keep your hearts clean viz. free from troubles First the opportunity of your Child-hood ye were therefore admitted to receive the (1) Rom. 4.11 2 Tim. 2.19 Seal of your adoption and to be by baptism received into the Houshold of faith because Christ himself hath (2) Mark 10.14 witnessed that unto such as ye are O little Children belongeth the Kingdom of God Dub. Why unto such Dub. Answ 1. First Answ 1. Who so would receive the Gospel must (1) Consulas Rodolphum Gualterum in Marci caput decimum Homiliâ LXXXII be estranged from iniquity Now your happinesse it is O little Children that although there be in your hearts a root of unbelief yet that root is hitherto little sprouted it beginneth to bud but hitherto spread it doth not spread it doth but it hardly brancheth branch it doth but not over the whole man it brancheth over the whole man but those branches do as yet bear but little fruits at least their fruit tasteth not quite so bitter as hereafter it will taste I say the evil which aboundeth in your hearts breaketh forth into evil actions but into evil actions not so many not so great not so grosse as accompany persons of elder years Do but break off (2) The first blow is as good as two and one blow at the root is as good as five at the branches the evil of your doings so often as they begin to bud forth and you shall never be irrecoverably troubled ye shall never be utterly over-grown with that wickednesse which hath already taken root in your hearts Answ 2. 2 Answ A little Child hath a heart which is (1) Tabula rasa free from worldly businesses free from cares free from sorrowes free from strong temptations a heart quite empty of all outward troubles and therefore of a hopefull capacity a heart docile and in its kind apprehensive Oh how easily may the Kingdom of Heaven be commended unto this heart How is this heart (2) He that is first up is first dressed prepared to obtain that faith which overcometh all troubles Answ 3. Answ 3. A Childes heart is credulous Children and (1) 1 Cor. 13 7 Charity believe all things nor can they believe enough in the truthes of God The words of the Rabbins (2) Eliae Levitae Thisbites 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 much more may the words of our God be called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 so strangely do they allure and Take us Answ 4. Answ 4. The heart of a Child is a heart (1) Psalm 131.2 easily weaned from any evil It is quickly said can soon deny it self Full easily then may it begin with Christs Crosse and run over the whole (2) Psalm 119 Alphabet of Duties Answ 5. Answ 5. You Children much affect to be at Church to be a part of that Congregation wherein the Ordinances are exhibited And truly where (1) Ezra 8.21 God scattereth blessings it is good being one of the number unto whom they are poured forth Answ 6. Answ 6. A long while it is before a Schollar is (1) For these two Reasons Sir Francis Bacon used to be sorry for any Schollars death saith Mr. Herbert in his Apothegms made and many Schollars are marred in the making But much a longer space it is before a Gospel-Professor is made a Christian yea and many Christians are marred in the making None are more likely to become sound Believers then they that lay hold of eternal life in their infancy The Race is set before us all but not one among many of us receiveth the prize nor are any more likely so to run (2) 1 Cor. 9.24 that they may obtain an are you Children Could I return again into my Mothers womb might I again begin my few dayes what hours (3) Eph. 5.16 Eccles 9.10 He cannot be vertuous that is not rigorous would I not redeem my thoughts words endeavours how would I husband them How would I as well begin as lead my life unto my God! But now Dearest Children my complaint (4) Ezek. 18.14 is
that He should passe so hard a censure upon them full ill (6) Mat 26.22 could their ingenuous spirits brook these black imputations this you see was another occasion of their sorrows another cause why Jesus Christ encourageth them to believe as in God so in Himself Thirdly Occasion The Scene was now (1) Erasm Marlorat Jansen in locum Tragrcal a forsaking a denying a betraying of Christ could boad no good What the issue might be who could tell if he who hath no Sword is by the Patient Jesus (2) Luke 22.36 allarmed to buy one matters must necessarily threaten some evill Jesus himself was (3) John 13.21 troubled in Spirit well therefore might his Disciples be affrighted That a third reason of this consolation Ye believe in God Occasion Fourthly (1) Leoatius Elsthym Theodor. Mopsuest c. in locum They were not now (2) Joh. 2.25 to learn that their Master could certainly divine If Jesus spake it they might (3) Mat. 24.35 believe it for a while (4) Mat. 26.35 flatter themselves they might but on second thoughts their hearts might well mis-give them Their eyes had already seen Judas turning himself into (5) Joh. 13.20 a Traytor what was (6) Mat. 20.23 foretold of Judas that Judas was now (7) Mar. 14.11 perpetrating By the same rule what was (8) Mar. 14 16. presuged of them that they also should (9) Mat. 26.56 too soon be guilty of Or be it that Judas had aforetime (10) Mat. 26.8 been false Peter he had persevered None more (11) John 6.68 zealous yea none more (12) Mat. 14.29 daring then was Peter neverthelesse Simon Peter he had his (13) John 13.38 doom Now if Simon Peter could not stand well might they expect to fall The Devil had already been busie with (14) Luke 22.32 Cephas should Satan sift them (15) Luke 22.31 as wheat too they alas would soon appear but (16) Mat. 3.12 Jer. 23.28 chaffe Fear whispered unto them what dastards for ought any courage they had they would make of themselves Guilt shame unmanlinesse were (17) Mark 14.50 John 13.28 18.8 already at their heels That a fourth circumstance wherefore our Saviour here useth this supporting Instruction As ye believe in God believe also in me In the next place Occasion if the young Prophets sought so unreasonably after [1] 2 Kings 2.17 the late Head of their Colledge loth very loth might these Disciples be to think of parting with [2] Gorran Tirinus Maldonat Jansenius in locum their dear Lord and Master As yet they walked more by sight then by faith although they knew Christ as [3] John 6.69 a Son of God they knew him after the [4] Mat. 16.22 flesh too He had affectionately [5] John 15.16 gathered them under his [6] Mat. 23.37 wings and it was warm [7] John 14.20 being there A Master so meek so mercifull so tender-hearted so endearing so communicative so infinitely knowing so miraculously Powerfull Wo [8] Mat. 16.22 John 14.5 were it with them should they part with such a Teacher No living for them but at the Son of Gods [9] Mat. 6.68 Acts 20.38 ell-bowe Now to hear this their dear Lord talk thus of leaving of them of going away of going away they could not [10] John 13.33 36 14.5.8 imagine whether This a fifth grief of mind if the Bridegroom was [11] Mat. 9.15 upon going the children of the Bride-chamber could not [12] Gen. 42.36 chuse but mourn they had no patience they to hear of Jesus Christs departure This I reckon a fifth Argument why they were solaced Believe in God believe also in me Again Occasion The hour was now almost [1] John 13.1 Matth. 26.2 come wherein the Son of Man must be crucified A long time had been [2] John 16.21 Mark 9.31 spent in preparing these Apostles for this tryal It had been as warily as frequently hinted unto them that Christ should suffer many things in Jerusalem and should after that suffer death it self Wherefore as [3] John 16.33 anon he animateth them Be of good chear in the world ye shall find trouble but be of good chear so he now comforteth them Let not your heart be troubled quasi [4] Bâ—da August c. in locum ye are already startled at late events but worse evils are yet to come if malice be hot [5] Luke 23.31 against a green tree it will be set on fire against the dry branches You my servants will be more [6] Mat. 10.24 John 15.20 despitefully persecuted then am I your Master whosoever killeth you will [7] Mat. 16.2 think he doth his God good service but even then when my sufferings shall portend yours Let not your heart be troubled neither be ye [8] Mat. 14.27 dismayed but believe in God believe also in me Lastly When ye shall take more thought for me then for your selves Occasion When ye shall [1] Rupertus in locum ut G otius see me delivered up into the hand of [2] Mat. 26.45 sinners viz. of inveterate and most implacable Adversaries when ye shall see me numbred among Transgressours condemned [3] Luke 23.4 14 contrary to Law when ye shall see me nailed [4] John 20.25 to the Crosse lifted up [5] John 3.14 upon the Crosse and by [6] Acts 2.23 unjust hands [7] Phil. 2 8 crucified crucified even unto death to a death as [8] Heb. 12.2 reproachful as languishing as languishing as painfull then weep [9] Luke 23.28 not for me then let not your heart be troubled no not for my sake but let this be your refuge Believe in God believe also in me Thus from the seven-fold coherence of these words from their foregoing and following Context very evident it is that our greatest [1] 1 John 5.4 comfort against our greatest discomforts is faith Faith rolleth away every stone which presseth heavily upon us to believe in God to believe in Christ this is life life more abundant Object If it be so why am I thus Object If Faith hath a power so soveraign to expell all troubles why yea why are believing hearts so often troubled Answ 1. Answ 1. They are troubled on every side but [1] 2 Cor. 4.8 not distressed perplexed they are but not altogether without help cast down but not forsaken Answ 2. Answ 2. All men have not faith Many Professors there are but few believers I wiss The faith of most Christians is a faith of their own forging not this spirit [1] 2 Cor. 4.11 13 of faith here in my Text viz. That which guardeth every blow from off the heart must be a [2] 1 Thes 5.8 breast-plate of faith and love and of this breast-plate the generality of Believers for Believers they seem unto others and
the seed the spawn of all uncleannesse and wickednesse soever It was not it could not be unknown unto the most holy Jesus how that Peter would deny him or how that these other disciples would all of them forsake him Fore-known unto Him it was prevented by him it was not Behold O Lord our Redeemer Thou hast dyed for sin and yet sin abideth in us Thou hast called us unto holinesse and yet we have no inherent holinesse at all alas we continue above measure sinfull Lord if thou wilt thou [3] Luke 5.12 canst make us clean Our seet thou hast washed Why [4] John 13.9 not also our hands and our head But [5] Gen. 32.10 beggers must not be their own chusers Oh wherefore doth living man [6] Lam. 3.39 22 complain What is dust and ashes that any thought of his [7] Jer. 18.6 Rom. 9.20 should at all reply against his King and his God Secret [8] Deut. 29.29 causes why while we are in the flesh sin dwelleth in us belong unto Him We may finde comfort from the reasons which he [9] Rom. 15.4 hath revealed whether in regard of himself or in regard of us 1. In regard of himself The glory of all his Attributes 1. While He as he is God the Father 1 Comfort taketh occasion to reconcile his justice unto his mercy c. in creating light out of darknesse good out of evil order out of confusion peace out of guilt grace out of sin and out of dishonour his most [1] Psal 35.27 34.3 40.16 Luke 1.46 Phil. 1.20 Eph. 1.10 12 unsearchable Glory 2. 2 Comfort While as he is God the Son Son of the Father and Son of man too he magnifieth that [1] John 5.27 compared with Prov. 29.2 and Job 36.22 authority which the Father hath put into his hands All power was [2] Matth. 28.18 1 Cor. 15.27 given unto Him and it is fit that [3] Matth. 28.28 Prov. 8.22 30 the world should know it In the work of his Creation he [4] John 1.3 Heb. 1.2 sheweth himself a free agent forming many Creatures quite void of life many capable of life among living creatures he giveth unto some a power vegetative as that of Herbs Trees c. but not sensible to others as that of brutes a power both vegetative and sensible but not rational but unto mankind he giveth a power vegetative sensible and [5] Gen. 1.27 reasonable too Just thus the Son of man to shew how absolutely his elect Vessels are [6] Eph. 1.22 Phil 1.10 Revel 4.11 at his pleasure His pleasure is that man before his souls conversion [7] Rom 11.32 Gal. 3.22 should abide void of all grace but full of all sin and should after his souls dissolution [8] Phil. 3.21 1 Cor. 15.42 remain void of all sin but filled with all grace but should be from his souls conversion to his souls dissolution [9] Gal. 5.17 divided between sin assaulting and Grace assisting 3. 3 Comfort While as he is God the [1] 1 Joh. 5.7 Holy Ghost he keepeth man [2] Jude 24 from falling raiseth man [3] Psalm 145.14 Rom. 8.11 when fallen The preserver of men delighteth [4] Prov. 8.3 in the habitable parts of the earth and since this is his will even [5] 1 Thes 4.3 our sanctification He will not fail of his Will if we [6] Cal. 6.8 his Vessels be not wanting unto our own selves 2. In regard of us He glorifieth himself many wayes by our inherent sin as 1. 1 Comfort The demeanour of Gods Children under their corruptions (1) Job 1.8 22 Deut. 32.5 Phil. 2.15 16 justifieth the severity of God against Reprobates We are Gods witnesses Are Vnbelievers sinfull so are sound Believers but (2) 1 Sam. 24 10 Psalm 32.5 51.3 Zeph. 3.5 Jer. 3.3 6.15 Esay 44.9 66.5 Ezek. 16.61 43.11 2 King 22.19 not with that high hand not with that greedinesse not with the like presumption fearlesnesse shamelesnesse or impenitency When we commit evil there is sooner or later some regret some remorse some compunction some mis-givings in our consciences St. Peter (2) Matth. 27.75 weepeth out of the Hall he getteth he avoideth the like temptations again The Disciples forsake Christ but the Disciples hearts are troubled Alas (3) John 14.1 sinfull (4) 1 John 1.8 we are but this is one comfort yet viz. The (5) Deut. 33.29 haters of God shall be found lyars They shall not say we (6) 1 John 3.3 take that pleasure in our evil doings which the unbeliever taketh 2. 2 Comfort Our continual guilt ever remembreth us [1] Rom. 6.23 Lam. 3.39 Psalm 103.3 4 from what everlasting burnings we are rescued Unto which of the Angels said he at any time Thy sins are forgiven thee If the men of Jabesh must lose every one their right eyes [2] 1 Sam. 11. 2 compare v. 9 with 2 Sam. 2.4 it must be because their lives were given unto them for a prey The Lords mercy it is [3] Heb. 12.29 that we are not eternally consumed 3. 3 Comfort Our corruptions mind us from what an (1) Psalm 51.6 Exod. 12.8.11 compared with Exod. 1.14 12 39 excessive sinfulnesse we are delivered Slay them not lest (2) Psalm 59.11 my people forget it Are the imaginations of our heart evil continually evil Blessed be our God that they are not (3) 2 Cor. 3.5 more evil I thank my God (4) Rom. 7.25 through Jesus Christ our Lord. 4. 4 Comfort Our sins teach us (1) Rom. 12.9 Acts 11.23 Jer. 13.11 Psalm 101.3 Josh 23.8 22.5 Deut. 10 20 21 11.22 13.4 18.13 28.47 58 30.20 self-denial for Who would serve divers lusts Who would love a false heart Who would maintain an enmity against holinesse Who would make provision for that flesh which warreth against his soul or cherish those affections which lust against the Spirit yea who would combine with Satan against God 5. 5 Comfort Our in-bred sin (1) Deut. 13.3 Gen. 22.12 Exod. 16.28 20.20 Deut 8.2 16.30.15 19.20 Judges 2.22 31 4. compared with Psalm 26.2 Rom. 12.2 8 6 2 Cor. 8 8 13.5 Gal. 6 4 5.25 James 2.27 3.18 Heb. 3.13 1 John 3.7 8 9.10.2.3 5.3.19 24.4.13 2 Pet. 1.10 Eph. 5.1 proveth us VVhat thanks is it unto the Sun that he daily runneth so even a course or that his beames are ever glorious just none at all for a necessity of Nature compelleth the Sun to be as he is and to do as he doth I say the Sun doth never run nor shine upon choyce But our God who worketh in us all our holy desires setteth before us as well evil as good that we (2) Dicet aliquis si Deus vellet isti boni essent sed melius voluit ut quod vellent essent August may have the comfort of chusing the better part Since God