cum rebus humanis ut meliora placeant plurimis Such is the disposition of humane affairs that the best things ever please fewest W. Gr. The Contents of the Book CHAP. I. SHeweth the occasion and Scope of this Treatise CHAP. II. HHandleth these eight Proposals 1. God delivers his Prophesies in way of a Promise 2. New-Testament Promises are set forth in Old-Testament language 3. Both Prophesies and Promises are to be taken in the largest sense 4. That both Prophesies and Promises admit of divers Degrees Seasons Manners of fullfilling 5. That under one Person or things named a whole Series both of persons and things is to be understood 6. God performes his Promises in these latter Ages in a way of proportion to his former glorious workings 7. The inflicting of judgement on the Adversaries of his Church is subordinate to the performance of his Promises 8. That the time of fullfilliug Prophesies and working great changes is at or before the coming of Christ CHAP. III. SHeweth the Meaning Doctrines and Method of Haggai 2. 6 7 8. CHAP. IV. HAndleth this Doctrine In the great Turnes of Ages God dispenseth himselfe in the way of a Promise 1. This holds out God as a Father 2. Exalts the honour of Christ the Son 3. Honours God in the person of the Spirit 4. Makes notably for the security and improvement of grace 5. Notably confounds the men of the World 6. Greatens our estate Vse 1. of Instruction shewing 1. In great Turnes are great wants 2. It shewes the vanity of the creatures 3. That Gods wayes are in the deeps Vse 2. of Exhortation to search out the Promises of the latter Age. The Motives are six 1. This renders you children of wisdome 2. It s a blessed preservative against the infection of sin 3. It advanceth your faith and love 4. It s proper to conquer difficulties and discouragements 5. It s apt to make you watchful and dutiful 6. It advanceth your heart in praises CHAP. V. SHeweth that when Christ is about to performe his Promises he causeth Changes in Natural bodies How 1. Jesus Christ hath given a being and constant course to Heaven and Earth 2. He maintaines what he hath given 3. The creatures thus made and maintained are at his becke 4. That it is his pleasure they should sometimes step aside from their ordinary constant course 5. Christ governes them in all their turnings aside 6. That these turnes carry the nature of Signes yet favour not Astrological Predictions Why because 1. This is the beginning of taking to himself his great power 2. By this meanes he speaks to all the World 3. By this way of working he minds us that the creatures are not in that state he intends for them 4. By these turns in Natural bodies he knows how to draw forth spiritual actings in his people Vse 1. of Instruction 1. To see Christs excellency 1. In that he causeth these turnes 2. In that he can doe more 2. It s a vain thing to set against Christ 3. It s easie hence to conceive the Promises of this life shall be performed Vse 2. of Exhortation 1. To consider Christ in all these Changes 2. To feare before him 3. To advance your faith 4. To exalt him above man or meanes CHAP. VI. SHeweth the change of Angels and this Doctrine That Jesus Christ in the great turning Providences imployes the ministration of Angels For clearing of which Doctrine take notice of these nine things 1. Jesus Christ God-man is head of Angels 2. Angels are to serve him not in his person alone but in serving of his Saints 3. Angels are to serve Christ and his Saints in the destruction of their enemies 4. Angels are to have more apparent declaration made of their service toward Christ and his world 5. Angels are brought in in the visions and so in the execution of those visions 6. Angels have worke deputed to them concerning Kingdomes and Nations 7. Angels and Saints shall be joyned together hereafter and therefore they are conjoyned in the worke here 8. Christs last dispensations are his greatest wherein he useth Angels 1. In the working of his wisdome 2. When he takes to himselfe his great power 3. Vpon more immediate administration of Saints 4. Shewing forth his unchangablenesse 9. Christ must have his Angels as well as the Dragon his Vse 1. of Instruction 1. To see Christ his excellency who is far above Angels because they are but his servants where Heb. 1. is breifely opened Vse 2. Of Exhortation 1. To behold those glorious works 2. To draw forth your faith and love 3. To provoke you to come forth in the service of these latter dayes to be fellow-servants with the Angels CHAP. VII COntains the shake of Kings for four Reasons because 1. They make the great turnes in the Earth 2. They pretend to be exempt from mans power 3. Dealing with them is a compendious way of dealing with the world 4. They are decked with all worldly power and seem to be the fittest match for Christ Vse of Instruction to see that there is 1. A meanesse in their Majesty 2. That the management of particular places must be reckoned for 3. He will surely account with meaner men 4. It s lawful to appe ale from Princes to Christ 5. Judicial proceedings against Princes is stamped with remarkable Characters of Christ Vse of Exhortation 1. to meditate on these dealings of Christ 2. to give unto Christ the honour due to his Name CHAP. VIII SHewes Pos 1. All power is given to Christ in Heaven and Earth Where observe 1. All power is in Christ 2. All power is his due upon the taking of our nature 3. though it be his due 't is rightly said to be given to him 4. Jesus Christ hath had but little honour of all his power 5 Christ will exalt himselfe in such turnes upon Kings as that they shall honour him in their consciences Vse 1. Of Instruction to teach us 1. the riches of Gods love to Christ 2. that the Father is fully satisfied in the power laid on him 3. the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in Christs hand 4. Christ returnes all his power to the Father Vse 2. of Exhortation 1. To flocke about Christ in love 2. to come with resolvednesse to be at his disposal 3. tremble ye wicked ones though the mighty of the Earth 4. The Lord reigneth let the earth be glad CHAP. IX SHewes that Kings reigne by Christ 1. They are or are not by him 2. He blesseth or blasteth them in the worke of Government 3. What wisdome or power they have they cannot put forth without him 4. the continuation or succession of them is from him 5. Bad Kings as well as good are from him where observe 1. Good men may be bad Kings 2. the badnesse of Kings is not from Christ for 1. It s not by his command 2. It s not by his working 3. He doth not stirre them up to any
shaking of these tall Cedars is one of the greatest works in the world that which notably holds forth Jesus Christ I shall therefore indeavour to open the shaking of these earthly powers both from the consideration 〈…〉 Jesus Christ and that both 1. As King of the World 2. As King os Saints Secondly of these great persons and that both in regard of 1. Themselves 2. Their Relations All which we shall cast into several positions to be handled in the chapters following The consideration of Christ as King of the World gives you a very faire account of the turnes in these latter Ages which that you may the better understand we shall lead you on by twelve several Positions all of them contributing some thing to the right and religious understanding of these turnes Now the first Position is this All power is given to Christ in Heaven and Earth Math. 28. 18. Dan. 2. 44. The God of Heaven sets up Christs Kingdom and the Kingdome shall not be left to other people but it shall break in pieces and consume all those Kingdomes and it shall stand for ever Christs power it so resides in him that it cannot be translated It s a conquering power for it breakes in peices and it enjoyes the fruit of such conquests for it stands for ever This we shall open in five passages 1. That all power is in Christ it is in him as in the proper seat of it He is the first fountaine of all power and all the power in all the creatures flowes from him their power is but a drop of his Ocean the highest and best kinde of power dwells in him He is the first borne of every creature His power is extensive to all creatures and times all creatures are either in heaven or in earth and his power reacheth both Col. 1. 16. By him were all things created that were in Heaven and Earth visible and invisible whether they be Thrones or Dominions or Principalities or Powers And Jer. 10. 7. Who would not feare thee Oh King of Nations Psal 22. 28. The kingdome is the Lords and he is Governour among the Nations All earthly powers have their periods their rise and fall their beginning and ending but it s not so with Christs power for Heb. 1. 8. It s spoken to him Thy throne oh God is for ever and ever 2. All power was Christ his due upon the taking of our nature So much is wrapped up upon the assumption of our flesh that thereupon all created power was to be under him Suppose man had not fallen nor Christ suffered yet if he take our nature to himselfe upon this all power in all creatures must be under him Heb. 2. 6. When he bringeth in the First begotten into the world he saith and let all the Angels of God worship him Observe he is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the First borne Christ as taking our nature had a being in the counsel of God and was before any creature was and by that priority and firstnesse of being he hath a preeminence above all creatures whatsoever Col. 1. 18. In all things he must have the pereeminence The first begotten under the Law had a priviledge above all his brethren he had the rule and the double portion So hath Christ he hath the rule of all creatures he guides them to their end and indeed they are all his portion given unto him as the First begotten Againe observe the text mentions God the Fathers bringing Christ into the world which was when at his exhibition in the flesh he manifested it to the world that he was his onely begotten Son And observe lastly that upon this taking of our flesh the Angels which are the highest ranke of creatures are subject to him nay with the highest subjection namely that of adoration now if Angels the highest of creatures surely all other creatures much more 3. That though this power were his due yet it is rightly said to be given to him in that its a power falls on him as in our nature not considered onely as second person Now being thus in our nature the Father is greater then he Joh. 14. 28. I goe unto my Father for my Father is greater then I and he is in that regard lesse then the Father The Father gives all to Christ and Christ returnes all to the Father Dare est dominium transferre John 3. 35. The Father loveth the Sonne and hath given all things into his hand giving is a transferring out of love and the Fathers love is so great he cannot give him lesse then all v. 34. He give the spirit to him but not by measure Joh. 10. 39. God the Father gives all his elect chosen ones to Christ and he gives him worke to do for them Joh. 17. 4. I have finished the worke which thou gavest me to doe Joh. 5. 26 27. He hath given to the Sonne to have life in himselfe v. 27. and he hath given him authority to execute judgement also because he is the Son of Man In regard of all creatures He hath power given him over all flesh Joh. 17. 2. The Government is laid upon his shoulders and he rules among the Nations Dan. 4. 21. 4. Jesus Christ hath had but little glory of all his power Joh. 1. 11. He came to his own and his own received him not How many are there in the world that never heard of Jesus Christ how many that are professed enemies against him and among all that beare his Name how few live indeed by him How many thousands are there in the Synagogue of Antichrist that although they beare his Name being called Christians and make profession of him yet in workes deny him Look upon the great ones of the Earth who have that power of his derived unto them that others have not yet how great strangers are they unto him Nay looke among those who pretend to Reformation and to be adversaries to all superstitions yet how little do they take notice of his power put forth in the World or give him the praise of it 5. Christ will exalt himself in such great various turnes on Kings as shall extort acknowledgement from their consciences that he is above them and make them confesse This is the hand of Christ upon us whose Vassals we are Our Crownes and Scepters are more his then ours He He is the Lords Annointed All powers of earth are immediately and fully given to him and not to us We poor worms struggle for this earth but heaven and earth and all power are his and we are but his underlings Isa 10. 12. I will punish the fruit of the stout heart of the King of Assyria and the glory of his high looks Let us conclude this with the confession of Nebuchadnezzer Dan. 4. I Nebuchadnezzar extol the King of heaven all whose words are truth and his wayes judgement and those that walke in pride he is able to abase
dispenseth himselfe by the way of a promise Gen. 9. 13. Gen. 17. 4. Reas 1. This holds out God as a Father Reas 2. Exalts the honour of Christ the Son Reas 3. Honour God in the person of he spirit Joel 2. 28. Reas 4. Makes for the advantage of Gods people 2 Cor. 7. 1. Reas 5. confounds the men of the world Reas 6. greatens our estate Use 1. of Instruction Great turnes have great wants That God then withers the arme of flesh Psal 76. 5. Gods wayes are in the deep Use 2. To search the promises Dan. 2. 28. Moti 1. This renders you children of wisdome Mot. 2. Preserves against sin Mot. 3. Advanceth your faith and love Mot. 4. Conquers difficulties Mot. 5. Makes us watchful and dutiful Mot. 6. Promotes the praise of God Doct. Christ workes alterations in the natural bodies of heaven earth Christ gives a being to all creatures Maintains what he hath given They are at his beck They sometime step aside from their ordinary course Chirst guides those steppings These turnes have the nature of signes Signes Rememorative Demonstrative Prognostical Practical Reas 1. Christ begins to take his power Reas 2. Speakes to all the world Reas 3. Creatures are not in that estate he intends Rom. 8. 22. The creatures groaning opened Gen. 1. 26. Reas 4. Christ draws out spiritual actings Use 1. See Christs excellency It s vain to oppose Christ It s easie to believe promises of this life shall be performed Use 2. of Exhortation 1. Consider Christ in all the creatures Fear before Christ Expect great things Rom. 4. Praise Christ Angels called Heavens Job 15. 15. How Angels are changed Heaven shaken when Christ takes our nature At Christs birth At Gospel preaching 1 Pet. 1. 12. Angels changed when God reveals new things to them Omnis locutio Dei ad angelos est illumiâ—atio When they have new imployment Doct. Angels minister in these Turnes For 1. Christ is head of Angels Math. 26. 43. Dan. 7. 10. Angels are to serve Christ in â— members Heb. 1. 14. Psal 91. 11. In destruction of enemies Angels are to have honour of their service Angels are in the vision and so in the execution Angels have kingdome worke They shall be coâ—joyn'd with Saints hereafter and so Now. Christ being upon his greatest worke useth his best servants Christ must have his Angels as well as Satan hath his Object Sol. 1. Use of Instruction Use 1. Christ is far above Angels Heb. 1. opened V. 4. V. 6. V. 4. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 V. 2. V. 6. V. 2. V. 3. V. 8. 7. and 10. V. 8. V. 13. Use of Exhortation 1. To behold these works 2 Not to be discouraged 3. Rise in love 4. Come forth to be fellow servants with these Angels 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Heaven meanes hâ—gh things Rev. 12. 7 8. Isa 61. 15 16. Isa 65. 17 18. Isa 34. 4. Doctr. Christ shakes Kings and Princes Reas 1. Kings make great turnes Isa 14 12. 13. Reas 2. They seeme exempt from mans power Reas 3. Dealing with them is a way to deale with Nations Reas 4. Kings seeme to be Christs match Use 1. 1. There is a meanesse in their majesty 2. Management of particular places must be reckoned for 3. Christ will surely account with meaner men 4. We may appeale to Christ 5. Judgements on Kings have characters of Christ on them Rev. 6. 2 3 4 5. V. 2. V. 3. 4. V. 5. 6. V. 7. 8. V. 9. V. 12. Rev. 8. 2. Rev. 16. 1. Use 1. of Exhortation To meditate on Christ and his shaking 2. Give Christ the honour due to him Pos 1. All power is given to Christ 1. All power is in Christ 2. His due upon the taking of our nature 3. All power is rightly said to be given Christ 4. Christ hath had little glory of all his power 5. Christ will exalt himselfe so as Kings shal confesse his power Dan. 4. 37. Use of Instruction See Gods love to Christ 2. The Father is fully satisfied that all is in him 3. The pleasure of the Lord shall prosper Use 2. Exhort 1. To invite to love Christ 2. To be at his disposal 3. Let wicked ones tremble 4. Let the Earth be glad Psal 97. 1. Pos 2. Kings reigne by Christ Prov. 8 16. For 1. They are or are not by him 2. Christ blesseth or blasteth in goverment 3. Kings cannot put forth their power without him 4. Continuation and succession is from him Bad Kings as well as good reigne by Christ Good men may be bad Kings 2. The badnesse of Kings is not from Christ 3. Yet he suffers them to be 4. Christ is righteous in thus suffering them Hos 13. 11. 5. Christ â—s gracious as well as righteous 6. Christ reigns more in those who are good then in those who are bad Use 1. For Instruction Christ stamps a majesty on them 2. To rise against them is to rise against Christ Rom. 13. 2. 3. Ascribe the good of government to Christ 4 A ground of patience under bad Rulers 5. Christ is more glorious then all Kings Use 1. of Exhortation Psal 2. 10. 1. To be wise 2. To be instructed 3. To feare 4. To serve 1 Pet. 2. 14. Prov. 20. 26. 5. To rejoyce with trembling 6. To kisse the Son Pos 3. Government is for the Worlds good 1 Pet. 2. 13. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 1. It keeps the world in order Persons so kept enjoy propriety 3. Government promotes increase 4. Protects our peace 1 Tim. 2. 2. 5. When God fits some and makes others consenting 6. This is for the good of all ranks of men 7. In their whole lives 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 1 Tim. 2. 2. 8. Honour due to governours Use 1. for Instruct 1. God is a faithful Creator 2. Governours need wâ—ldome and publick spirits Use 2. Exhort 1 To esteeme them highly 2. Make honourable mention of them Gen. 42. 10. 3. To speak to God for them 1 Tim. 2. 1 2. 4. To submit to every ordinance of man 5. To serve in person purse Pos 4. Government is apt to change 1. Governours change 2. Forms of government change 3. People change 4. Laws change 5. Leagues and Trade change 6. Christ changes them by his judgements on them Use of Instruction 1. Surely lesse bodies will change 2. See the creatures vanity Psal 118. 8 9. Use 2. of Exhort 1. To governours to look after true wisdome and righteousnesse 2. To be little in their own eyes 3. To have our Treasures in Heaven 4. Cast off quarrelling passions at these Turns 5. Contend that the change may be for the better Pos 5. Kings abuse their Power Gen. 10 10. 1. They serve themselvs more then others 2. They turn their power to the hurt of others 3. The Powers were against Christ in his person 4. They have been enemies to Christ his people 5. They give up their power to the beast Use of Instruction 1. See
Yet a little while Time repeated Yet once more The promise is confirmed to our faith by the repetition of the first words Thus saith the Lord at the end of vers 7. CHAP. IIII. Shews how in the great turnes of Ages God dispenseth himselfe in the way of a Promise for FIrst this holds out God as a Father 2. This exalts the honour of Christ the Son 3. This honours God in the person of the Spirit 4. This makes notably for the security and improvement of Grace 5. This confounds the men of the world 6. This greatens our estate Use of Instruction and Exhortation You have heard the meaning of these words Thus saith the Lord that they hold out a promise and that the Lords saying is not a bare expressing of a thing to be so or so but an expression with an engagement of himselfe it s a saying by way of a promise Hence we shall begin with this observation That the Lord in the great turnes and changes of all Ages dispenseth himselfe by the way of promises Thus he did to Adam in Paradise Do this and live the like after his fall The seed of the woman shall break the Serpents head It was a great turne when all the world was drowned and then how doth God dispense himself he makes a Covenant with Noah Gen. 9. 13. I will set my bow in the clouds and it shall be a token of Covenant between me and the Earth It was no small turne when Terah and others were grossly defiled by Idolatry then for God to call Abraham out but how doth he doe it by making a Covenant with him Gen. 17. 4. Behold my Covenant is with thee and thou shalt be a father of many Nations We are not ignorant what variety of changes Jacob had experience of but God supports him by his promise Gen. 28. 15. Behold I am with thee and will keep thee in all places whither thou goest Gen. 46. 1. Israel takes his journey for Egypt but v. 3. he hath this viaticum this provision by the way I am the God of thy Father fear not to go down to Egypt for I will make of thee a great Nation It was a great and mighty work to bring Israel out of Egypt and behold then Exod. 34 27 28. The Lord said to Moses Write these words for after the tenour of these words have I made a covenant with thee Againe in the time of the Judges Josh 1. 5. of Kingly power 2 Chron. 1. 9. In the time of the captivity under the King of Babylon Jer. 25. 11 12. the like when they came out of captivity Hag. 1. 8. In all these times God dispensed himselfe in way of a promise So he doth in Gospel-times Acts 2. 39. The promises are to you and to your children 1 Tim. 4. 8. Godlinesse is profitable for all things and so in all conditions and hath the promise of the life that now is and that that is to come The New Heavens and the New earth do certainly holdout the greatest alterations that ever shall be but this is by promise 2 Pet. 3. 13. The demonstration of this we shall hold out in these six passages This promising way holds out God as a Father in his glorious excellency of wisdome and Immensity All creatures are measured by the present time but God in promising shews he hath all times in his power creatures have onely the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the present Now but God is and was and will be Oh! the riches of his unspeakable mercy the present time is a short moment God cannot expresse his love to us in it sufficiently nor are we in capacity to receive his love and therefore he takes the time to come and puts it into the promise yea he takes eternity to doe it in A promising way glorifies the power of God Rom. 4. 21. Abraham was fully perswaded that what he had promised he was able also 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to performe it God doth not put you off with a promise because he is weak but because he is able to performe Be not troubled because you have not present possession for he is faithfull that promised Heb. 10. 22. This promising way exalts the honour of Jesus Christ for all promises are made to him first therefore he is called The Covenant Isa 42. 6. The promises center in him and have firstly their performance in and to and for him 2 Cor. 1. 20. In him yea and in him Amen We are creatures at too great a distance from God he cannot firstly and immediatly deale with us we are too low for that dealing but he deals with Christ We are all promised as a seed to him Isa 53. 10. to him is the everlasting Kingdome promised and he waits till his enemies become his footstool Psal 110. 1. that is his enemies shall be so far from prevailing against him as that they shall be although they intend not so a meanes of making him ascend into his throne as a man climbs into the throne by the footstoole the spirit is first on Him and from him on us God is first his Father then ours first his God then ours John 20. 17. I goe to my Father and your Father to my God and your God This honoureth God in the person of the spirit who is called Ephes 1. 13. The holy Spirit of promise the reason is this because all promises carry in their nature a reall application of that good which the promise holds out Now applicationwork is proper unto God in that person of the Spirit God must have honour in this person as well as in the person of the Father or Son Therefore in the last days the spirit shall be poured out upon all flesh This spirit shall appear to rule men more in Kingdoms and Governments in matters of Peace and War then ever yet our eyes have seen This makes notably for the advantage of Gods people and that 1. To render them in a secure estate when our stock was in Adams hand we lost all but now it s in Christs and under a promise its safe and secure Rom. 4. 16. If our good estate did depend on any thing in Vs it could not but be uncertain because we are so but being of promise of grace in him and faith in us it renders our state secure 2. Promises from God draw forth performances from Vs praemiis ducimur we are led by rewards 2. Cor. 7. 1. we must Cleanse and cleanse thorowly not from some but all filthinesse not onely of the flesh but of the spirit and all on this ground Having 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 these promises we must not onely be holy and in the feare of God but perfect holinesse still upon this ground Having these promises God will have it known his people dare trust him and fall to work upon a promise although they have little in hand It is that which
of Saints returns a full answer to The prayers of Saints are Christ his spirit breathing in siâ—hts and groanes and making a voyce of supplication Now surely he understands his own voyce in them and will heare his own spirit When God rejected Saul Samuel is commanded not to pray for him 1 Sam. 16. 10. It s a sad thing when those in authority fall out of Saints prayers or when Saints pray against them not for them 1 Tim. 2. 2. We must pray for Kings and all that be in authority and surely it is fatal and ominous when Gods people justly indite Princes and plead as Ananias against Saul Act. 9. 13. Lord I have heard by many of this man how much evil he hath done to thy Saints When the soules under the Altar cry Rev. 6. 10. then v. 12. Behold a great Earthquake little do you conceive what great Changes Saints prayers make Rev. 5. 8. The four living creatures and the four and twenty Elders which is the resemblance of a Gospel-Church the four living creatures representing the Officers and the four and twenty Elders the Brethren of the Congregation now these are said to have golden vials full of odors which are the prayers of Saints Now these viaâ—â— of prayers fill the vials of wrath Rev. 15. 1. God assumes it as his high prerogative to break the arrows that flie and wound afar off to break the sheild that should defend the sword that wounds neer at hand He breaks Arrows Sheild Sword Battle All But where It s in Salem in Sion where Judah knew God and Israel greatened his Name It s there there where his people cry to him Psal 76. 3. Sect. VII Jesus Christ shall have a willing people in the day of his power Psal 110. 3. Oh! strange what a Turne will that be oh how backward are men now and to nothing more backward then to holinesse and holy things when they come forth in their beauty I but Jesus Christ shall have the day of it and it shall be the day of his power the day wherein his power shall be gloriously manifested and subjected unto Isa 49. 19 20 21. The land shall be too narrow by reason of the inhabitants The children shall say the place is too straite for us give place to us that we may dwell yea the Church shall say in regard of the numerous addition of Members who hath begotten me these seeing I have lost my children who hath brought up these Behold I was left alone That is a remarkable Prophesie and Promise in Ezek. 36. 37 38. I will increase them with men like a flock as the holy flock as the flâ—ck of Jerusalem in her solemne Feasts So shall thy waste Cities be filled with flocks of men and they shall know that I am the Lord. Sect. VIII Some of the Kings of the Earth shall be among this willing people Oh wonderful wonderful Kings to become subjects to be among the people and the willing people whom aforetime they most hated that is strange that those who were the greatest enemies should now become friends that those who have done so much against Christ shall now be active for him God had of old his David Hezekiah Jehosaphat Asa and Josiah good and godly Kings and he will have some like them again outward pomps and pleasures shall be no let to his call and working on them and by them Isa 49. 7. Thus saith the Lord the Redeemer of Israel and his holy One Kings shall see and arise Princes also shall worship because of the Lord that is faithful and the holy One of Israel and he shall chuse thee Isa 30. 21. Their Nobles shall be of themselves and their Governours shall proceed from the midst of them He will restore their Judges as at the first and their Counsellers as at the beginning afterward thou shalt be called the City of righteousnesse the faithful City Isa 49. 23. Kings shall be thy Nursing fathers and Queens or Princesses thy Nursing mothers Those who have been the persecutors shall be the preservers the destroyers shall prove nourishers those that did minde nothing but their pride and pleasure they shall now minde the Church and her interest They that made the people of God bow down till they passed over them they shall come and bow down to the Church with their faces toward the earth Isa 60. 16. The Prophet there speaking of the state of the Jewish Church after their general conversion to Christ promiseth Thou shalt also sucke the milke of the Gentiles that now accursed people of the Jews shall become blessed they are still beloved for their father sake v. 10. They shall suck the breasts of Kings none have been and are so squeezed in all parts of the World where they are scattered as the poor Jews are who although they enjoy an Old-Testament blessing and become rich where they live yet then those who rule over them use them as we do a spunge that is full wring it dry So are they dealt withal but now those that sucked from them shall give sucke to them yea the sonnes of strangers shall build up thy walls and their Kings shall minister unto thee for in my wrath I smote thee but in my favour have I mercy on thee Sect. IX That Christ having great works to do in the last dayes he will mightily stir up the spirits of Princes and People When Temple-work was in hand when the solemne and publick worship of God was to be set up Hagg. 1. 14. God stirs up the spirit of Zorobabel Governour of Judah and the spirit of Jehoshuah the high Preist and the spirit of all the remnant of the people Marke it s particularly set down the spirit the spirit the spirit God had particular work for the Governour the high Preist and the people and therefore in particular he stirs up their spirits oh sweet and blessed work and blessed spirits Zorobabel Joshua People all are stirred and stirred in spirit and all work Zorobabel doth not disdain the work nor scorne the people The people are not crosse to Zorobabel but all sweetly agree It was a great work to establish the Kingdome in Davids hand and then 1 Chron. 12. 18. The spirit clothed Amasa and he said Thine are we David and on thy side thou son of Jesse Peace peace be to thy helpers for thy God helpeth thee Christ hath Temples now in Gospel-times as well as formerly and there is a great deale of Temple-work of Church-work to be done now as well as then and God will stirre up the spirits of Governours Pastors and People now as well as then and they shall work and the work shall prosper in their hand God the Father hath now the Kingdome of David the Kingdome of his Son Jesus Christ to set up and it must be strengthened in his hand God will now cloath many like Amasa with his spirit that shall come forth to the help of the
laid it onely on his shoulders Psal 2. 6. He hath set his King on his holy hill set him 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which signifies to pour out I have annointed and set him by my eternal counsel and decree yea the Father hath passed it with an oath Psal 110. His swearing is to be extended not onely to his Priestly but also to his Kingly Office so that he will never repent of his choice His right is then by the best Election 2. He hath right by Donation and that is a right with the highest love All power is given to him Math. 18. in heaven and in earth Aske of me and I will give thee the Heathen His Kingdome is all of love The Father loves and gives him the Kingdome The Son loves the Father and us and gives himselfe to us with command to love him and one another he calls us his little flock and assures us It is the Fathers good pleasure to give us the Kingdome also 3. He hath his right by Birth it is his Birthright So he is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the First-borne of every creature Col. 1. 16. v. 18. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the First-borne from the dead Psal 2. 7. Thou art my Son and then follows the inheritance and possession v. 8. I will give thee the Heathen for thine inheritance and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession Inheritance is the portion of a Son and his inheritance hath present possession with it although his father live for ever 4. Christ hath his right by Purchase He layes down a considerable price for his Kingdome Isa 53. 10. He makes his soul an offering for sin and then follows He shall see his seed and prolong his dayes that is having poured out his soul his blood as a drink-offering to his Father he shall prolong the dayes of his Kingdome and the good pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hand 5. Lastly his Conquest gives it him 1 Cor. 15. 25. He must reigne and put all his enemies under his feet he must reigne and his enemies must be destroyed yea he destroyes that which destroyeth all namely Death he then lives and reignes reignes and conquers and justly reignes because he justly conquers Equity is surely attractive and none hath more of that then Christ and therefore unto him should we look 2. Christ hath not onely right but the most incomprehensible qualification for his Government Here on earth many have right who have not wisdome to rule Christ hath superlatively all right and all qualification He is the wisdome and power of God 1 Cor. 1. 24. In him dwells all the fullnesse of the Godhead bodily All treasures of knowledge are hid in him His anointing is with oyle of gladnesse above his fellows He hath the spirit but not by measure and that spirit resting on him Isa 11. 2. all which shew the person of Christ to be most heavenly and that with which we should most be taken 3. Christs Administrations are the highest and purest Rev. 15. 3. His wayes are just and true Psal 85. 10. Here mercy and truth meet together righteousnesse and peace kisse each other He is most absolute accountable to none but his Father He rules by will and justly too because his will is a Law what is Tyranny in the Creature is Equity in Christ His exalting his will to be our Law is righteous in him and good to us for Men to do so is to intrench on his prerogative and render themselves obnoxious to his vindictive power He makes the Subjects he rules over Psal 149. 2. Let Israel rejoyce in him that made him Let the children of Zion be joyfull in their King Their King is their Maker and therefore requireth the most observance from them 2 Cor. 10. 5. Every thonght is to be under a happy captivity to the obedience of Christ Let Tyrants be never so crafty and cruel they may restraine the body and gag the tongues of men but they cannot reach their thoughts But Christ layes his dominion there leaves us not one thought to be at our own disposal but requires all to come under him It is for the poor low governments here to be tied to Time and Place Christ rules over all all persons and things allwayes He makes all and preserveth what he hath made and orders righteously that which he hath preserved He hath gladium justitiae the sword of Justice by which he cuts up vice and defends his own people and he hath gladium belli the sword of War to destroy his incorrigible enemies Let them gather together he will scatter them let them make their nests in the Stars yet thence he will plucke them down Let them lay their plots deep and magnifie themselves to do great things yet he will turn their wisdom into foolishnesse and their plots to the advance of his own designes 4. Christs Communications are the largest 1 Joh. 5. 20. He hath given us understanding to know him that is true Men may propound something for your knowledge but they cannot give the understanding but Christ triumphs in this to give wisdome to the simple and knowledge to them that have no understanding Phil. 1. 29. Vnto you it s given on the behalfe of Christ not onely to believe but also to suffer for his sake Acts 5. 31. God hath exalted him to be a Prince and a Saviour to give repentance to Israel and remission of sin When he left the World he bequeaths no worse legacy to his Disciples then what himselfe had enjoyed Joh. 14. 27. Peace he leaves with them yea his peace to relieve their troubled and fearful hearts Eph. 4. 8. and 1◠When he ascends up on high he led captivity captive and gave gifts unto men Verse 12. He gave some Apostles and some Prophets some Evangelists some Pastors and Teachers for the perfecting of the Saints for the worke of the Ministery for the edifying of the body of Christ 2 Tim. 4. 7 8. To all that love his appearance and that have fought the good fight and kept the faith he as a righteous Lord and Judge hath laid up and will give a Crown of righteousnesse Now summe up all to give knowledge and faith and so all other graces to give repentance and remission of sins grace and gifts gifts to men and those men to his Church and hereafter a Crown of righteousnesse What are if these are not large Communications Every man is a friend to him that giveth gifts and shall not the consideration of Christ his bountiful giing make us desirously longing after that Title of true honour to be called his friends We have seen King Jesus upon the Throne and his Throne all glorious we have seen his Right his Qualifications Administrations and Communications Let us now in the second place veiw the Properties of his Kingdome 1. His
of God that his people have a bit of bread that they have meat for their mouths and drink to quench their thirst but when it s added He is ever mindful of his Covenant His Covenant and his mindfulnesse of his Covenant and so giving them meat renders this common path of providence this so giving them meat to be truly wonderful v. 6. He hath shewed his people the power of his works How few are there that take notice of the works of God and fewer that take notice of God in his works But this is the favour that he shewes his people not onely his works but the power of them their Verity and Judgement Truth Vprightnesse and Stedfastnesse as it is v. 7 8. Vision is the glory and light of life he lives most like a man not that eates and drinks most sleeps and sports most but he that with the acting eye of Reason sees most of things and their difference He lives most like a Christian that by faith seâ—th him that is invisible makes a reall presence of things absent and an evidence and trâ—e enjoyment of things hoped for our present and after-happinesse is in vision by faith here really and truly but more hereafter when we shall see him face to face and know as we are known 1 Cor. 13. 12. Daniel and John the greatly beloved Prophet and Disciple were both much honoured with Visions and Revelations our Saviour commends Abraham for that he saw his day and rejoyced Joh. 8. 56. Those who are Abrahams seed cannot but eye Christ and rejoyce in the dawning of his day if God have an hand to work surely we must have an eye to see an heart to believe and a tongue to praise him God doth not work little things for his people it stands not with his love and their condition and when he doth great things we must meet him and them with great observation I have heard an Ambassador residing here should write home that he lived in a Land of wonders well noteing how great turns passed on us and how little blood was shed about them then if strangers see so much we should see more Doubtlesse God hath revived his works of old made his arme bare commanding and creating deliverances for us How often hath he brought us to the gates of death and then said return return ye children of men How many and mighty malicious and prosperous have our enemies been and yet how destroyed How little and low how despised and nothing have your Councils Armies Allyes your all been and yet God hath remembred us in our low estate He hath not been weary of doing us good although we have soon been weary of serving him There is a voyce in the râ—d saith the Prophet and surely mercies deliverances and salvations have their voyce also and the greater any danger or deliverance is the louder is the voyce Oh! that we could heare so as to love and learn righteousnesse Oh! that we were wise to read Gods works out of his word his providences in his prophesies Dan. 12. 10. The wise shall understand Thus to understand him will be our wisdome When the Devil tempted our Saviour it was by shewing him the World and the glory of it But behold here a better vision the glory of the world and worldly Kingdomes and the fall of them Mountains tumbling down and Vallyes filled up high things brought low and low things exalted How many and mighty precious and seasonable have been the returns of fervent righteous faithful prayers They were made in former Ages but are answered Now our fore-fathers had the honour to sow and we the blessing to reape the fruits of their prayers Oh! the riches of the grace of God that hightens our mercies by steeping them in blood Our Adoption Reconciliation Redemption Remission of sin and salvation is by the precious blood of Jesus the glorious truths of the everlasting Gospel come to us dyed in his blood who was the great Martyr and in the blood of many his servants and Martyrs Rev. 6. 9. Our present Liberty Peace and Enjoyments did they not cost the dearest blood of many valiant Worthies Oh! let not let not the blood of Christ his Martyrs and Souldiers condemn us Let it not be said God stretched forth his hand to a foolish and gainsaying people that the Oxe knoweth his owner and the Asse his Masters crib and that we know not care not consider not when God works such glorious things When David had the water of the Well of Bethlehem brought to him he poured it out before the Lord because it was the blood of these men Oh! that now your hearts might rebound these mercies to Heaven whence they came in humble thankfulnesse and watchful obedience seeing they are the blood of your brethren When the time of performing great promises and prophesies drew nigh God raiseth up Daniel's spirit to search Oh! that we might be praying and searching praying and reading praying and inquiring and not giving over till we come to some understanding of these blessed mysteries Now to help you in this search to informe your understanding to be instrumental to draw forth and establish your faith about the great works of this latter Age is the scope of this insuing Treatise The Lord in much mercy blesse you and it together that those good ends may be obtained Chap. 2. Handleth these eight Propositions FIrst that God delivers his prophesies in the way of a promise 2. New-Testament Promises are set forth in Old Testament language 3. That both prophesies and promises are to be taken in the largest extent 4. That they admit of divers degrees seasons and manners of fulfilling 5. That under one person or thing named the whole series both of persons and things is to be understood 6. God performes his promises in these latter ages in a way of proportion to his former glorious workings 7. The inflicting of punishment on the adversaries of his Church is subordinate to the performance of his promise to his people 8. That the time of fulfilling Prophesies and Promises and working great changes is at or before the coming of Christ Before we come to the particulars which we intend to insist upon give me leave first for the better understanding of the matter and the Scriptures produced to lay down these eight Considerations God delivers his Prophesies in the way of a Promise Prophesies are the foretelling of things that shall come to passe in their proper times God cannot speak to his Saints but in away of love his foreteling things to come tells you how he loves them Our God is a God of power and grace and promises are the engagements of both The Father worketh and Christ worketh for his peoples special good and you have them both at work in performing prophetical promises The prophesie of Christ his coming in the flesh it s in the way of a promise
1. Take notice of the exceeding riches of Gods love to Christ and in him to us He loves and gives and gives no lesse then all not some but all power Power 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 rightful power priviledged power Christ hath the highest and the sweetest Title He hath all by gift The Father gives and gives to him immediately nothing intervenes between the Father and Christ In all his giving to us Christ comes between he is the Mediatour 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the middle person but in this gift to Christ none comes between him and the Father 2. Learne hence the Father is fully satisfied in that he hath laid all power on Christ he will never question Christ his Title he is as he would have him to be All power would cracke the creatures shoulders Christ alone is able to beare it Men under a little power how do they pride pranke and wanton it But behold Jesus Christ altogether lovely and lovely in his power The power is given him not onely of heaven or over the things in heaven but it s given him in heaven The power is the most glorious power and it s given him in the most glorious place for so the words may be read not onely all power in heaven is given me but all power is given me in heaven Men receive their Commissions here on the earth Christ takes it in Heaven 3. Doubtlesse as it is Isa 53. 10. The pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hand he wants nothing to effect it He hookes the unruly Leviathans restrains the cruelty and oppression of their power and turnes their vanity to his Fathers glory power shall not alwayes be in the hands of the wicked the Saints shall rule for Christ is the greatest Saint 4. Christ returnes alI to the Father He receives all power from him and shall returne it all to him 1 Cor. 15. 24. He delivers up the Kingdome to God even the Father The Kingdome is Christs power in the whole frame and body of it but that he delivers up to his Father and for the present he will sacrifice all the unjust powers of the earth to his Fathers justice and cause goodnesse to arise with greatnesse and peace with power Let me adde one word to exhort you 1. To flocke about Christ in love to come where the power is and Loe here is all power were Christ powerlesse or weak I would never invite you to him Heb. 7. 25. He is able and able to save and to save to the utmost Oh why hang you backe why linger so long are you unwilling to be happy doe you love your weaknesse that you run not to his power What is scattered elsewhere is centered here It s a Christian art rightly to abstract all earthly powers all are but ciphers till Christ put a figure to them Every man is a friend to him that giveth gifts Now who can give so much as he that hath All and is it not our wisdome to have him to friend Let me bespeake you as Balak said to Balaam Num. 22. 37. Am not I able indeed to promote thee to honour So is not Christ able indeed to pay all thy debts to heale all thy diseases to protect thee from dangers and to inrich thee with fullest enjoyments Oh! come come stay no longer let that which can command invite you namely his power 2. â—â—me and wellcome but come with resolvednesse to be wholly at his disposal Ordinary and common observance will not suffice All power doth challenge all love and all subjection from all hearts Oh! let Christ have all bring your Lamb to him for he is worthy How little is your all to his your largest compasse is in your thoughts and desires Oh bring them to him let him be in all your thoughts and the onely desireable one to you He demands your hearts you have his already your hearts and therein your all what is heartlesse is nothing Let your hearts then and with your hearts your feare and hope and faith and joy attend him 3. Tremble you wicked ones though the mighty of the earth Against whom have you exalted your selves how will you deale with him that hath all power all power to punish as well as reward your power is his and he must not suffer his power in your hands to be abused Your mountains and your hills cannot cover you from the power of his wrath who makes Rivers of brimstone and everlasting burnings for you and prepares Tophet of old 4. The Lord Reigneth let the earth be glad Feare not your Summer and Winter your Seed-time and Harvest your Sun to shine and raine and dews to fall your dayes and nights provisions and protections for all power is his and honour him to whom all power is given CHAP. IX Shews Pos 2. That Kings reigne by Christ 1. They are or are not by him 2. He blesseth or blasteth them in Government 3. What wisdome or power they have they cannot put forth without him 4. Continuation and succession is from him 5. Bad Kings as well as good are from him Vses for Instruction and Exhortation CHrist hath all power as we shewed in the former Chapter and as he hath all so he gives all It s his glory to communicate he hath of the best and he giveth of the best All Kingly power is given to him and he gives all power to men whence followes this second Position The Kings of the Earth they reigne by Christ this is set down in so many words Pro. 8. 15. By me Kings reigne and Princes decree justice v. 16. By me Princes rule and Nobles even all the Judges of the earth I observe three things from those words 1. That the several ranks of Governours are from him both the supreame and the subordinate Magistrates not onely Kings but Princes also rule by him not onely Kings and Princes but Nobles and Judges 2. I observe in the highest act of power that Kings and Princes put forth that therein they are but Christs Substitutes To make Lawes and Decrees to decree that which is right and for publicke good is one of their highest and most noble acts of power but that they cannot doe without him I observe thirdly That the particular execution as well as the decree is from Christ to bring down this or that Decree or Law to this or that person or case the application of the Law to those whom it doth concerne even this is from Christ for all the Judges of the earth are by him Judices sunt qui inter litigantes jus dicunt Judges are they that declare what is Law among those that are at variance and these Judges and their sentences are here referred to Christ you will more fully apprehend this Position by the five passages following 1. That Kings are or are not by him They have not onely their being from him as they are men but as they
are Kings as they are Kingly men he sets them up and then they are Kings and pulls them down and then they are as other common men 1 Sam. 15. 1. The Lord sent Samuel to annoint Saul to be King of his people there he is set up there he is a King but v. 23. because thou hast rejected the word of the Lord He hath also rejected thee from being King there he is pulled down He gave the Kingdome power and strength and glory to Nebuchadnezzar made him King of Kings Dan. 2. 3. But he un-kings him yea un-mans him too Dan. 4. 25 31 32. Oh King Nebuchadnezzar to thee it is spoken The Kingdome is departed from thee there he is un-kinged and v. 32. They shall drive thee from men and thy dwelling shall be with the beasts of the feild there he is un-manned He annointed Hazael King over Syria and Jehu over Israel 1 King 19. 15 16. Yea all the Kingdomes of men are solely at his disposal and he giveth them to whomsoever he will Dan. 4. 32. 2. He either blesseth or blasteth men in the worke of Government Upon Him is first and resteth the spirit of wisdome and understanding of counsel and might to judge and reprove with all Isa 11. 2 3. and Dan. 2. 21. He giveth wisdome to the wise and knowledge to them that know understanding and again Dan. 4. 16. Let his heart be changed from mans and let a beasts heart be given to him When Saul was annointed King over Israel 1 Sam. 10. v. 16. It s said of him Thou shalt be turned into another man and v. 9. God gave him another heart He doth not say a new heart a holy heart but another heart a heart differing from the heart he had while he was a private person then he minded his fathers Asses and family-occasions but now he had another heart a heart for government a heart for publicke affaires and their management Jesus Christ divides wisdome and folly among the Grandees of the world Solomon was the wisest Prince that ever was But his sonne Rehoboam was not so he was but a little removed from a foole Eccles 10. 16. They are men or children according as he makes them 3. What wisdome and power they have they cannot put forth without him Sometime they appeare stronger then men another time weaker then children Now none so wise as they and by and by none so foolish and all according as Christ enlargeth or contracteth them They assume power to make or unmake to establish or null Lawes but sure they are wofuly out if they leave him out Grant they are the high ones yet sure he is higher then they we deny not but they have an Image on them that makes them better then other men but still they are but men and he is better then they It s his prerogative to be 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 The Law-giver Jam. 4. 12. and he gives law to them and they cannot without him lay law on their people He is one there is one Law-giver and the onely one there is no more They cannot make Laws without him but he doth without them Let their hearts meditate high and great things yet their hearts are in his hand Prov. 21. 1. and he turns them as seemeth him good 4. Their Continuation and succession is from him 1. Sam. 15. 28. The Lord hath rent the Kingdome of Israel from thee this day and hath given it to a neighbour of thine that is better then thou This Solomon acknowledgeth 1 King 3. 7. Oh Lord my God thou hast made thy servant King instead of David my father How much of King craft is laid out to settle and perpetuate governments on heires and successors but how little can this pretend to without Christ Dan. 5. 26 27. He is the great Numberer and Ponderer Belshazzars Kingdome was numbered and finished he was weighed in the ballance and found wanting This King David knew well 2 Sam. 5. 12. He perceived not that men so much nor that Joab or Abner but that the Lord had established him King over Israel Hence is that conclusion from wise Daniel Chap. 2. 21. He changeth times and seasons he removeth Kings and setteth up Kings 5. Bad Kings as well as good reigne by Christ Christ had in especial manner the visible administration of the Kingdomes of Israel and Judah and their Kings were anointed by him but how few good among them all Now because this may seeme a hard saying give me leave to open it in these sixe passages 1. Good men may be bad Kings their grace makes them good but it s their gifts and the acting of them fits them for their Kingship David was a good man a man after Gods one heart but when out of pride he numbered the people in that he was no good King for it brought a plague upon them 2 Sam. 24. Hezekiah was a good man but in vaine ostentation shewing the Ambassadors of the King of Babylon his Treasure in that he was no good King 2 King 20. Asa was a good man but when he imprisoned the Seer and oppressed some of the people in that he was no good King 2 Chron. 16. 10. 2. The badnesse of men or of Kings is not from Christ though we say bad Kings reigne by him yet we do not say their badnesse is by him we abhor the thoughts of making him the author of sin who is the holy One of God 1. All his Commandements are right his Statutes pure his Law perfect there is not the least hint there to warrant any wickednesse but still that which is contrary is commanded He commands no wickednesse 2. It s far from the heart of Christ to worke any wickednesse in their hearts you must father your sin somewhere else Christ will never own it accuse accuse as you have just cause your selves your wicked corrupt natures but you must acquit him 3. Neither doth Christ stirre up unto any wickednesse his spirit is a holy spirit and no inviting or encouraging men to sin comes from that spirit 3. Though he is no cause of their badnesse yet they could not be and so not be bad but that he suffers it If it were the absolute Decree of God that there should be no bad men nor Kings sure there should be none Its impossible any thing should be so against his will for then he were not happy in himselfe and so not God But surely all grant it s his will to suffer it to permit it to be and is there not something more though sin be evil yet is it not good that sin have a being God would not so much as suffer sin in the World but that he knows how to produce good out of it and may not he will the production of good and is it not to worke like himselfe to bring good out of evil Gen. 50. 20. Ye thought evil against me saith Joseph to his Brethren that
they are in the darke and that your zeale may provoke very may You must hold out the word of life you have not onely the word of light but the word of life within you which to you is a quickning word dividing asunder between the joynts and marrow and this word of light and life this living word you are to hold out for your light must shine before men that they may see your good works before men most men are in darknesse and sit in darknesse carnal sensual men cannot receive the things of God and yet God requires such a shining in you that these men these blind men may some way see and here again observe it must be good works and good works with light not barely good words or good profession that will convince them you may talke long enough and these men will never see any good unlesse you worke it frequently and constantly You must glorifie your Father which is in heaven and they by you It was Christ his work upon earth and it s yours and he finished that work and so should you Joh. 17. Herein is my Father glorified that you bring forth much fruit so shall ye be my Disciples You must be abounding and abounding alway in the work of the Lord knowing your labour is not in vain filled with the fruits of righteousnesse which are by Christ to the glory of the Father giving all diligence and adding to your faith virtue and to virtue knowledge to knowledge temperance and to temperance patience to patience godlinesse and to godlinesse brotherly-kindnesse and to brotherly-kindnesse love These things must be in you and abound in you that ye may not be barren or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ You have been the servants of sin long enough now it concerns you to obey from the heart the form of Doctrine into which you were delivered It lies upon you to raise common things by holy ends and to turne outward objects into spiritual converse If you do but eat and drink walk or work work or recreate what ever ye do in word or deed it must be all to the glory of God in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ giving thanks to God the Father by him Eating and drinking are but natural actions but they must have Gods glory as their end Nature may teach you to give thanks but it s the Gospel that teacheth you in your thanksgiving to haverecourse to God the Father in the Name of the Lord Jesus The meanesse of your condition must not hinder the raisednesse of you holinesse Suppose you are servants the Gospel teacheth you how to make your service to become divine Col. 3. 22. Servants obey in all things your Masters not with eye-service as men-pleasers but in singlenesse of heart fearing God and whatever you do do it heartily as to the Lord and not to men knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive a reward for ye serve the Lord Christ You must obey your Masters but so as you must declare you are fearing God while you are obeying them you must render them service but not eye-service God requires the heart for himselfe and when he requires your respect to another he requires your heart thereto How unlike is your complemental expression of saying Your servant your humble servant Sir to the singlenesse of heart here mentioned You must please men and yet not be men-pleasers but please God in the pleasing of them you must do and do heartily but as to the Lord and not to men and there 's good reason for it for of him you must receive the reward for ye serve the Lord Christ he tells you of serving men and serving Christ yea serving Christ in serving men and thus you greaten little and highten low things You should be persons of a raised manner of behaviour in all actions states and conditions in all holy conversation and godlinesse But most of all when you come to worship God who will be sanctified in his nigh ones and glorified before all the people Levit. 10. 3. To worship God is to be neer to him you are then under a promise of his special presence But then he will be sanctified either you must sanctifie him or he will sanctifie himselfe he must be sanctified either in and by you in the holinesse of your hearts or upon you in the execution of his just judgements You must not think to content your selves with pretence to worship God alone in your Closet or Family but you must worship him also before all the people and that is a glorifying him You must worship the Father Joh. 4. 24. but it must be in spirit and truth Gospel-worship hath lesse outward pompe and ceremony then that under the Law and therefore it must have more of plainesse and purity else God should be a loser You must pray alwayes Eph. 6. 18. with all manner of prayer and supplication not prate but pray repetition of words in form of confessions or petition are not prayer your praying must be in the spirit your spirits in prayer must be drawn forth and acted by Gods spirit your affections must be spiritual or you cannot pray it may be babling and howling but praying it is not unlesse it be in the spirit your heads may work and your lips may move but it s no prayer if the heart lie still the voice of words is not the voice of prayer but the sighs and groans that cannot be uttered Rom. 8. 26 27. You must lift up your souls in prayer lay hold on the strength of the Almighty and wrastle with him not letting him alone until he blesse you Jesus Christ hath set up and set open a Throne of grace and given us a boldnesse of accesse Eph. 3. 12. You must come in his Name with confidence Aske and you shall bave seeke and you shall finde knock and it shall be opened to you You must watch and pray yea watch unto prayer with all perseverance and joy Eph. 6. 18. You lose many sweet praying opportunities by not watching your season you lose the acting and improvement of many graces and obtaining of many precious comforts and sweet returnes by not persevering in prayer Far be it from you to pray as a task or as a work which you are soon weary of and glad when it is over but you must persevere in prayer and pray with joy and joy to pray You must attend at the posts of Wisdomes door Prov 8. 34. Laying aside all malice and all guile and hypocrisies and envyes and all evil speakings as new born babes desire the sincere milke of the word that you may grow thereby 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the sincere milke the form of wholesome words not sugared with the wisdome of words but coming in the demonstration of the spirit and with power That word desire and desire as new born babes out of