True knowledge is accompanied with unfained purity of heart life all the nasty corners of the Soul are swept which before the shining of this light were altogether over-spread with the dirt of sin and iniquity as the shining of the Sun dispelleth darknes and scattereth the thick clouds which hang in the aire so doth saving knowledge drive away the sin of our Souls therefore Ia. 3.17 The wisedome from above is pure and purifieth the Soul where it dwelleth Psal 19.8 9. It maketh the transgressour cast away his sin as a menstruous garment Isa 30.22 Their Souls are not like a dirty book wherein is nothing but the hand writting of sin and Satan but the Law of God is written therein Ier. 31.33 34. They are no more as strangers but they are returned unto God Jer. 24.7 3. True knowledge is accompanied with bowels of mercy and compassion to our fellow brethren we are grieved to see them in the snare of Satan labour to the utmost of our abilities to free them Psa 119.136 As Moses laboured to bring his brethren out of Aegypt As Paul when his eyes were opened and he instructed he laboured to turne men to God Acts 9. He built all up as fast a ever he did pull down was as diligent for Christ as ever he was laborious against Christ as abundant in his labour as he was before in persecutions all his threatnings were turned into encouragements 4. True knowledge maketh us industrious in imbracing all opportunities for the furtherance of the work of grace to become rich in sanctifications to be freed from sin more thoroughly to performe holy dueties more cherefully more acceptably to be able to withstand temptations more strongly as a man fallen into the hands of theeves having his eyes open watcheth every opportunity to go from them a wise merchant observeth the mart an understanding Husbandman taketh the seasons of the year so will the Children of God entertaine the fittest opportunities to pray when their hearts are most affected with the fence of sin most moved with the desire of grace Jon. 2.1 As Jonah prayed out of the Whales belly the Jewes came to the Apostles when their hearts were pricked Acts 2.37 Anna prayed when she was affected with the fence of her barrenness 1 Sa. 1.6 10. We must be allwayes instant 2 Tim. 4.2 Eph. 5.15 Prov. 8.34 5. True knowledge valueth the best things at the highest rate it esteemeth dross as dross gold as gold 1 Cant. 1.2 The earth is a transitory vaine and flitting thing a snow melting before the Sun a crackling thorne whose fire is as soone extinct but it esteemeth spirituall and heavenly things as things of an abiding nature as a tree never barren of fruit a fire never going out as a Jewell of greater price than all the world thus Psa 119.72 Psa 84.10 Phil. 3.8 Luc. 18.28 It doth not as Luc. 14.18 6. True knowledge is accompanied with a holy jeolausy vigilancy feare care that it may not fall againe into any sin having once gotten it selfe free having had experience of the heavy burden of sin having felt the wounding arrowes of an accusing conscience being acquainted with the propensity of his heart unto sin thorough the remainder of corruption wilines and industry of Satan having felt how hard the passage was from Aegypt to Canaan how full of anguish the throwes of his new birth were how difficultly the broaken bones were healed and being sensible of the peace and comfort of his present estate he is fearefull and carefull that he may not lose it Like a man gotten out of some dangerous gulfe where the darknes covered him the Mire defiles him Serpents sting him heavy burthens oppresse him and whence he had no power to get himselfe free nor no Sun could shine upon him no licour could refresh him no musicall instrument could delight him where every thing seemed as the shadow of death a dreadfull terrour to him will be carefull to keep aloofe off never to full in againe so the Children of God that hath escaped this Dungeon of Sin wherein c. will look well to himselfe he will no more come neare this forrest that he fall not into this Lions mouths 2 Cor. 7.10 11. 1 Thes 5.22 1 Cor. 10.23 Gen. 34.10 These many such are the fruits that grow on this tree the eams which issue from this sun and these must we be able to find in truth wrought in our selves or else our knowledge is vaine and this knowledge must we all strive if we purpose to know the things belonging to our peace to attaine this we must be sensible of our spirituall blindnes otherwise Io. 9.41 We must bewaile it as Prov. 5.4 We must cry after it as blind men did for eye sight we must waite upon the Word the instrument of our illumination The third thing here observed was the fidelity of the Baptist though these Disciples of John did not imbrace Christ yet they do acknowledge that the Baptist taught Christ and gave testimony of him Doctr. Gods Ministers must strive to shew themselves so sound in their Doctrine so industrions in their calling that if it be possible all sorts of people may in that behalfe be constrained to give testimony of them 1 Tim. 3.7 That all may say as they did of our Saviour Marc. 12.14 So we shew the integrity of our hearts the God the sincerity of our minds in the performance of our calling so shall we convince the consciences of our hearers be partakers of much peace within us and give much the more cheerfull accompt of our callings it is our joy 1 Thes 2.19 20. But if this cannot be yet Isa 48.4 Ezek. 33.33 Acts 20.26 27. The next thing is the danger of admiring the person of the person beyond what is convenient Doctr. It is very daungerous to be so devoted to the person of any Minister as thereby they do envy or disgrace a more able teacher This is repugnant to the rule of the Apostle Iam. 2.1 To the charge 1 Thes 5.13 14. 1 Tim. 5.17 Of this the men of Corinth were not innocent they were much devoted to the false Apostles so much as they undervalued the true A just reproof for such as so fasten their eyes upon blind guids and other insufficient Ministers in whose Lampe is either none or at least no good Oile that they reject the best teachers Like the Philistines who were so deeply in love with Dagon that they removed the Arke like seduced Israel 1 Sam. 5.4 5 6. That forsook the living Fountaine and digged broaken cisternes that forsake the living God Ier. 2.12 and made supplication to Baal who could not hear these mens knowledge must needs be according to the wisedome of their instructours there growth must be like the milk flowing out of the Nurses breast and surely of all such both teachers and hearers may that of the Psalmist be spoken Psa 115.5 6 7 8. Lastly they envied the
sheeps cloathing have been shunned by the Lords flocke and the Factors of Rome have had no good utterance for their deceiptfull wares But the Gospel happily and well were it if not unthankfully preserved Christ hath tarried with us longer than in the Land of Iudea we may say as Cant. 2.11 12 13. Lo the winter is past the rain is over and gone The flowers appear on the earth the time of the singing of birds is come and the voyce of the Turtle is heard in our Land The figtree putteth forth her green figs the vines with the tender grapes give a good smell c. Vse 2 Is it such a favour a blessing of such eminent nature to have the Gospel continued to have our Souls watered with these dews our eyes lightned with this light and hath our God in this manner for so long from the Grandfather to the Father from the Father to the Children caused this streame to run without any interruption this Sun to shine without any Eclipse to hide it what should we doe for our God which hath don so much for us how should we all say as the Psalmist Psal 116.12 13 14. What shall I render to the Lord for all his benefits towards mee I will take the cup of salvation and call upon the name of the Lord. I will pay my vows to the Lord now in the presence of all his people How should we all study day and night how to honour that God who hath so honoured us above many other nations These things it should cause 1. This should cause us to love God most entirely how do we love the hand which healeth us when we are sicke the hand which feedeth us being hungry which delivereth us being captivated which cloatheth us being naked which bringeth a light to us being in darkenes which advanceth us to honour out of the dust how much more should the goodnes of God inflame our cold revive our dull affections how can we look on these tokens of Gods love and not be ravished with admiration How can we set in this Banqueting house and not be sick of love Cant. 2.4 How can we live so long under the burning beames of this Sun and not burne with love to him who hath loved us How can we receive so much from God and not gladly leave all for the love we beare him Is not the heat of the fire answearable to the quantity of the wood Is not the depth of the waters in the Channel proportionable to the water distilling from the clouds arising from the fountaine remember you not that place Luk. 7.41 42 43. Hath he not given and forgiven us more than others therefore let us accordingly in our love go beyond other people 2. This should cause us to love the Gospel most unfainedly we have had the experience of it we have seen the wonders it hath wrought the powerfull effects it hath produced we have seen the blessings which have accompanied it how the hand of God hath been with it It is said of David that all Israel and Juda loved him because he went out and in before them and God was with him 1 Sam. 18.14 16. We have had as blessed experience of the goodnes of the Gospel of the long continuance of it of the mighty power of God accompaining it toward us against our enemies as ever the men of Iuda and Israel had of David and therefore we should now set our hearts upon it As Solomon saith in another case Prov. 5.19 Let her be as the loving hinde and pleasant roe let her breast satisfie thee at all times and be thou ravisht with her love We should be so affected with it that with them Iohn 6.34 We should say Lord evermore give us this bread that with Peter Math. 17.4 We should say it is good being here if thou wilt let us make here three Tabernacles c. and with David Psal 119.72 The Law of thy mouth is better to mee than thousands of gold and silver and as the spouse Cant. 1.2 Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth c. Long continuance in the Schoole causeth the Schollers delight this is the instrument of our peace safety comfort and direction therefore as Israel 1 Sam. 4.5 When the Arke of the Covenant came into the camp shouted with a great shoute so that the whole earth rang againe so should we for the continuance of the Gospel 3. This should make us resemble God abundantly in holines and true righteousnes The Iron that lyeth long in the fire burneth like the fire Naaman that hath been seven times in Jordan cometh forth cleansed if the Sun shine long the aire is fully enlightned Moses was but forty dayes in the mount and his face shined we have been more than forty years in this mount with our God and therefore we should shine in holines trees that have long growne in a fertile soile much cost art and labour bestowed about them beare much fruit Psal 1.3 as in the 2 Pet. 3.11 12. Seeing then all things shall be dissolved what manner of persons ought we to be in all holy conversation and godlines So in this case seeing the Gospel hath been so long continued so powerfully preached what manner of persons ought we to be in all holy conversation 4. This should fill our mouths with praises and thanksgivings it should make us to rejoyce as the wise men at the beholding of the starre as the Angels at the birth of Christ. But if insteed of loving God of delighting in the Gospel of God of resembling God of consecrating our selves to God of magnifying him for his long continued merices We dishonour God we disgrace the Gospel by our Religious conversation What can we then looke for at the hands of God but that he turne our long and shining day into a night of everlasting darknes what can we expect but that he take away our Candlestick Rev. 2.5 Put out our Candle Acts 13.46 3. Let us try whither as the long continuance of the Gospel is a blessing in it selfe so it be a blessing to us 1 Sam. 4. Israel had the Arke rejoyced in it Yet the Philistines had the victory Many shall say at last Luk. 13.26 and yet vers 27. Therefore that it may appear to every mans owne conscience that it is a blessing to him it will appear by signes and fruits thereof Signe 1 By the inward holy and thorough chaunge which it worketh to whom-soever God doth blesse it purifieth their hearts as fire doth purify the drosse from every part of the gold like a good houswife it sweepeth every roome like a launcing knife it lets out the corruption which was hidden within like good Physick it hath purged the disease of the Stomacke it hath like a mighty weapon overturned the hold of Sathan like the Arke it hath cast down even Dagon it selfe it hath not onely paired the branch but cut through the roote of sin Signe 2
dominion as King over subjects Isai 43.15 Reas 2 In regard of the right he hath in them they are the work of his hands he is the potter and they are the clay the Creatour and they the thing formed by him trees of his planting tabernacles of his building Joh. 1.3 Reas 3 In regard of the price he hath paid for them not gold and silver hay stubble but his owne blood 1 Pet. 1.19 1 Cor. 6.20 The Captivne being ransomed must live to him that did redeeme him 2 Cor. 5.14 Reas 4 In regard of the relation between them Christ is the head they the members Christ the Husband they the Spouse Christ the Prince they the subjects therefore these must above all things seek the honour of Christ as the Apostle saith of the wife 1 Cor. 7.34 Reas 5 Because the honouring of the Lord Jesus is more dear to Gods Servants than their owne lives neither honours riches pleasures nor successe in worldly undertakings is so delightfull to them as the glorifying of the name of the Lord Acts 20.24 Acts 21.13 Reas 6 Because this is the most ready way to do good unto our selves the seeking of Gods glory will interest us in Gods favour make us capable of Gods blessing give us comfort and courage in all estates and much boldnes in the day of the Lord Iesus 1 Sam. 2.30 Reas 7 Because this is that which God hath chiefly and peculiarly reserved to himselfe this is to the Lord as the crowne to the King though the Lord graunt us many favours yet he will not graunt us this this is as the apple of his eye no man must touch it Isai 42.8 therefore Psa 148.13 Vse This discovereth the iniquity of such as regard not what become of the honour of God Christ so themselves may have honour that regard not though the Sun of Gods glory be overshadowed with an everlasting Eclipse so the corrupt meteor of their vaine glory may shine the extinguishing of the shining Lamp of the Gospel the ruinating of the Walls of Syon the breaking downe of the hedges of Gods vineyard the plucking off the grapes which grow on the Lords vine the entring of the wild boare Psal 80.12 13 16. All this doth not trouble them so the trees in their owne Orchard flourish bud blossome beare who knoweth not that Satan is now let loose his chaine lengthned his fury and his indignation great Whose eyes do not behold that as Rev. 6.12 thorough the insolency pride of Antichrist the glorious Sun of righteousnes is eclipsed The Doctrine the Sacraments the Worship of God is made black with heresies superstitious Idols and the Church bloody with warres tyranny oppression persecution Who seeth not the bottomles pit is now opened the smoak ascending the smoaky Doctrine of the Pope arising like smoake out of a great fornace to obscure the Doctrine of life salvation by Christ Who seeth not a fearefull Apostacy the starres falling from heaven Doctours Bishops learned men like vanishing Meteors to fall to the earth the World the flesh earthly honours Idols Who can but see how out of this smoake of Popish Doctrine there comes forth a multitude of locusts Priests Jesuits Monks who like the locusts leape from earth to earth flying aloft in the aire savour not the things of God but onely the things here below like the locusts go together in great troups singing the sonnet of their prosperity leape and delight in idlenes enter the meadowes green pastures and eate up all the green things Who seeth not bow they incroach upon us as the Sea upon the earth when it hath eate thorough the banks as a fire upon the towne when it hath once fired one house as the frogs on the Land of Aegypt till they made it stinke Besides who heareth not the blaâ—phemies and hideous swearings who seeth not the swinish drunkenes the matchles pride who heareth not of the whoredomes fornicacions amoÌ„g us of the strang contempt of the Gospel by all which the name of God is blasphemed Rom. 2.24 yet who almost regardeth this whose eyes gush out as David did Psal 119.136 Whose countenance us sad as Nehemiahs was Neh. 2.3 4. Who rend his garment and his Mantle as Ezra did Ezr. 9.3 If but the hemme of our owne garment be touched but the least spot of disgrace cast on us we are much displeased disquieted but who layeth to heart the dishonour done to God If men may keep up their owne Dagon they care not what become of the Lords Arke 1 Sam. 5.4 5. If their Ship may row in a secure haven they care not if the Ship of the Church sink in a storme Amos 6.6 If they may be rich they care not though the Church be poore if they may be crowned with the earthly glory they care not who take the crowne of Gods praise from him like Gallio they care for none of these things if they may be at ease in Syon Amos 6.1 6. Whereby it is manifest that they are not Gods Children for a good Child seeketh his Fathers honour more than his owne that they are not the spouse of Christ for the Wife is grieved to see her Husband dishonoured that they love not the Lord Jesus delight not in the Gospel seek not that honour which cometh from God but that which cometh from men were it otherwise the losse of their owne peace plenty revenew praise would not be so offensive to them as to see God dishonoured but as these men grieve not to see God dishonoured forbeare not to rob him of his praise so the time is at hand wherein God will cover them with shame 1 Sam. 2.30 Ezek. 28.2 to 9. Dan. 5.22 23 24. 1 Sam. 2.29 2. Therefore this must occasion every one of us neglecting our owne selves thoughts ends to seek the honour and the glory of our God and give the Lord the praise due to his name let this be the prime desire of our Souls Psal 71.8 Let us long after this as much as ever Rahel did after Children Gen. 30 1. And as we are or will make it appeare that we are the Children of God so let us set our whole hearts and all our strength to glorify him for this doth God challeng by vertue of our sonneship and his owne dominion Mal. 1.6 and this let us make the choise of our endevours Mat. 6.33 this let us value before our owne life Joh. 12.27 28. yea let us desire life chiefly for this end Psal 118.17 and unto this let us frame all the abilities we do enjoy whether inward or outward Prov. 3.9 Let every talent be imployed to the advantage of our great Lord and Master let every creature become a string to sound out Gods praise Psal 113.1 2. Let soule and body like well yoaked oxen draw in this yoake let all the members of the one and all the faculties of the other like an army of well trained souldiers fight these battles let
an enemy by their evill works cause him in steed of being a comfortable and shining Sun to be a consuming and burning fire needs must their estate be dangerous for Christ whom they dishonour whom they provoke is above all none is able by his strength to make his part good against him no wicked man shall by any device be able to escape from him he will not be born down with might he will not be appeased with money he will not let any man escape for his nobility or place of eminency though your estate were as glorious rich strong as the image in Nebuchadnezzars vision Da. 12.32 yet vers 34.35 none can exalt himselfe against him but to his owne destruction Mat. 21.44 there will be no hiding place from his wrath he is above all all the creatures are at his command like the Centurious servant Mat. 8.9 They are his armies to execute his wrath upon his enemies he is above all there is no hiding of our selves from him Psal 139.5 6 7. Amos 9.1 2 3 4. The strongest shoulder is too weake to beare the burthen of his indignation the frownings of his face will make the stoutest heart to stoope all the nations of the World are in his hand but as the drop of a bucket Isai 40.15 as chaffe before the wind as stubble before the fire Nah. 1.4 5 6. Iniquity is so repugnant to his nature to his honour to his office so advantagious to Satan so averse to this Kingdome that it shall not escape without punishment where it is found without repentance no hiding no vailing no vaine and frivolous pretences shall excuse or patronize us but as the arrow smote Ahab though he disguised himselfe in the battel so will the arrow of Gods judignation smite all ungodly men notwithstanding all their disguisements for Prov. 21.30 though they be never so high God will bring them down Obad vers 4. he will tread them as the dust under his feet Psal 110.1 If they want their garment Mat. 22.13 If they refuse to be subject to his governement Luk. 19.27 As it was with Sodome that would not have Lot to rule over them they were burned with fire and brimstone so will it be with such as will not suffer Christ to rule over them however they may flourish for a time like the old World promise themselves great things like the rich man Luk. 12.19 yet 2 Thes 1.8 Psal 2.9 2. This setteth before us their folly who neglect and leave Christ Jesus and pursuing and following other things turne their backs on him who is from above and turne their faces on the things which are here below leaving the living fountaine and digging to themselves broken cisternes a folly very manifest I. Because Christ is above all in power none so able to deliver out of danger to preserve in safety he is a sure rocke they who are builded on him shall not sinke he hath a strong arme there is none shall plucke his people out of his hand he is a faithfull keeper Psal 32.7 He is a Lion at whose roaring all the beasts of the forrest shall tremble Deut. 32.11 he is an Eagle bearing his people upon his wings an Arke sustaining them in the deluge of trouble he hath power to restraine the fire that it burne not the winds that they blow not the Seas that they be not boisterous all creatures are in his hands and he can turne them for us or against us Luk. 11.21 Ioh. 11.44 Gen. 18.14 Now is it not great folly to forsake this rocke and build upon the sand like the men of Shechem to leave the shadow of this tree and to hide our selves under the bramble to leave this shield and to arme our selves with browne paper to forsake Christ and trust to the World which will prove a leaking ship in the stormy day a broken bow in the battel able to do nothing 2. Because Christ is above all in wisedome all treasures of wisedome are hid in him as in a store-house Col. 2.3 as light in the Sun as waters in the Sea he is able to endue us to fill us with the truest the sweetest and most usefull knowledge he is able to frustrate the policy of all our adversaries discover and defeate all the stratagems of the old Serpent he knoweth how to heale all the diseases of our Souls he can teach us how to get the favour of God Ephes 4.20 how to become the Sonnes and daughters of God how to find sweetness in his Ordinances Isai 48.17 18. how to attaine peace in our consciences contentment in all estates and conditions how to make a healing Medicine of very poyson how to use an enemies sword as a launcing knife now what folly is it to leave him to reject his counsell and follow them who cannot teach us the Lords way open Gods counsell make us wise unto salvation that cannot shew us how to win the favour of God how to get freedome from Satan this is a wisdome which the World doth not know which her Schooles cannot teach which her treasure cannot buy Job 28.12 13 14 15. 1 Cor. 2.7 8. 3. Because Christ is above all in love all the love of the Creature is but a sparkle to that flame which is in Christ but a shadow to the substance of his love Jacobs love to Rahel causing him to serve for her seaven yeeres in the heate and in the cold was much Jonathans love to David was wonderfull but Christs love doth farre excell them Joh. 15.13 never such love manifested a love so strong that like a mighty streame it did beat down all the banks of opposition Cant. 2.8 a love like an ever living Fountaine alwayes yeelding waters of refreshment like the fire on the Altar alwayes burning Jo. 13.1 A Sun that never setteth though sometime for a moment eclipsed Isai 54.7 This is a love as high above the love of men as the Heaven is above the Earth as the Sea in deepth doth excell the shallow brooke a love so deep so wonderfull that the line of our reason cannot fathome it Eph. 3.19 A love so sweet so pleasant so full of contentement that it beareth a man out against all the hatred of the World it maketh a man cheerefull in the deepest affliction Rom. 5.5 Confident in the strongest opposition constant in the duties of Religion full of inward rejoycing heavenly meditations holy and gracious desires Cant. 1.2 better than Wine Wine is one of the most comfortable Creatures rejoycing the heart of man Psal 104.15 maketh the life joyfull Eccles 10.19 causeth to forget affliction poverty misery Psal 31.6 7. but the love of Christ sensibly felt in the hearts of his Servants doth farre excell all worldly pleasure and causeth such as drinke thereof to forget their bitterness poverty and sorrowes Now is it not great folly to leave this love of Christ so farre above all love for the love of the World which like a shallow brooke is
should not have so much of their affection time service care it should not have such Dominion over them it should not so presse them down like a heavy burthen but their hearts should be setled on things which are above and they seek the Kingdome of God and his righteousnes Math. 6.33 and count all things dung and dross c. Philip. 3.8 Vse 3 Since God hath not excluded any place or nation but that he hath and doth tender the means one time or other one way or another Therefore let not any people set down and despaire of salvation as if the arme of God were shortned that it could not save or his ear deaf that he would not hear but as God hath appointed some of all nations and Kinreds to be saved so let this incourage all sorts of people to attend the means of their salvation There is hope if the lame man wayte at Bethesda that he shall be cured if Naaman go to Jordan there is hope that he shall be cleansed if you manure and sow your field there is hope of reaping As all sorts of people attend the Sun for light so must they the Lords Ordinances for direction in the way to heaven As appeareth by the next thing here observable Christs attendants who went with him the Disciples They did not leave him but continually travelled with him and attended on him whence note this thing Doctr. 3 That Gods servants must be constantly conversant with and attendant upon their faithfull teachers As the Scholars attendeth the master as the child the breast So must we 1 Pet. 2.2 as new borne babes desire the sincere milk of the Word c. Iob 23.12 It is Jobs speech neither have I gone back from the commandement of his lips I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food As it is storied of Ruth her speech to Naomi 1 Ruth 16. Intreat me not to leave thee or return from following after thee for whither thou goest I will go and where thou lodgest I will lodge thy people shall be my people c. So must we be as to Gods Ordinances and faithfull ministers not depart from them but go where they go c. Thus it was with persons of old in 13 Acts 42. the gentiles there besought Paul that the Word before taught might be preached to them c. and in the 17 Acts 11. it is spoken of the men of Berea they received the word with all readiness of mind searched the Scriptures daily c. So in the 20 Acts 37.38 there the people attend Paul and wept sore when he spake of seeing their face no more If you aske why Gods servants must be constantly conversant with and attendant upon their faithfull teachers it will appeare if you take notice of these particulars Reas 1 Because God hath replenished them with heavenly knowledge to instruct teach them As the fountains are filled with water and men come daily to draw water thence so as it is in Mal. 2.5 6 7. The Priests lips keep knowledge and people should seek the Law at their mouth for he is the messenger of the Lord of Hosts c. these are nurses as you have it 1. Thes 2.7 these are spirituall parents 2 Cor. 4.15 these are guides in the way Rom. 219. as the children suck the breasts attend their perents and travellers are conversant with their guides so must these be with the Ministers of the Lord. Reas 2 Because God hath promised a blessing hereunto Prov. 8.34 Blessed is the man that heareth me watching daily at my gates wayting at the posts of my doores as he that lay daily at the gates of the Temple received a blessing Acts 3.6 this the Psalmist mentions Psal 65.4 Blessed is the man whom thou chosest and causest to approach unto thee that he may dwell in thy courts We shall be satisfied with the goodnes of thy house even of thy holy Temple and that place Matth. 7.7 8. Reas 3 Because we are prone to go astray like a sheep wanting a Shepheard a traveller wanting a guide The people soone erred when Moses was but a little while absent Israel could not go forward to Canaan longer than they had the light of the fiery Pillar to direct them if God smite the Shepheard the Sheepe are Scattered the Wise men knew not how to travell longer than the Star shined to them Reas 4 Because we shall lose our first love to God like Ephesus Rev. 2.4 If the bellowes blow not the fire of it 's owne accord will extinguish the world will steale away our affections if we do not constantly attend the Gospell of Christ if the child do not feed his strength will decay if we do not constantly visite God we shall soone forget God the world will quickly steale away our heartes from the Lord. Reas 5 Because Gods servants must go from faith to faith Rom. 1.17 From strength to strength Psal 84.7 Like good travellers going onward in the way without cessation Now without these we shall be like Pharaohs Chariot which moved softly and perished in the red Sea Perseverance in grace requireth constancy in attendance upon Gods Ordinances Use 2 This serveth for the sharpe reproof of such as estrange themselves from Gods faithfull ministers choosing rather to converse with them that will poyson than with such as will heale there souls with them that are stumbling blocks than with such as are guides in the way with such as will harden rather than with such as will soften their hearts with such as will rather draw a vail before than such as will take away the scales of ignorance from the eye of their understanding preferring flattery before faithfull counsell desiring to be dawbed over with the untempered morter of deceipt as in Ezek. 13.11 than to have their ruinons walls of sin pulled down wishing that the messengers of God had no eyes to see nor tongues to reprove them for their sin as Isa 30.10 loving no doctrine but what giveth liberty to their corruption Ier. 5. ult But as longe as mens hearts are thus averse from attendance on Gods Ordinances thus void of love to Gods Messengers 1. They can never be well acquainted with the misery of their one estates He that vieweth not himself in the looking glasse cannot know his spots he that estrangeth himself from the Physician knowes not the state of his body he that will not try his metall in the fire cannot know whither it be gold or copper so no man can understand his condition without the ordinances read those places Rom. 7.9 and Acts 9.17 18. and Rev. 3.17 18. 2. They cannot be unfainedly humbled for their sinnes Peter wept not till he heard the cock crow Math. 26.75 the Jewes were not pricked in their hearts till they heard Peter preach Acts 2.37 The Church must first see her teachers and hear a word behind her before she defile her Idols Isa 30.20 21 22. and Ier.
his Lord but as a Wife to the Husband as a sonne to the father with love and cheerfulnes this is the commendation of the Romans Rom. 6.17 the property of Gods people Psal 110.3 hath gracious acceptance 1 Sam. 15.22 a blessed recompence Iob 36.11 12. 2. To love him intirely fervently incessantly above all creatures with all the powers of our Souls bodies Mat. 22.37 None must be so deare to us as Christ our love to him must be as a streame of much water as a chimney having a great fire Mat. 10.37 3. To delight in him as the Bride in the Bridegroome to esteeme and rejoyce in him more than in all the World thus Phil. 3.8 and this he gave in charge Phil. 4.4 thus Cant. 2.3 Psal 94.19 to this they are invited Isai 55.1 2. 4. To depend upon him firmely as upon a sure friend a firme foundation a never failing rock his ability his faithfulnes his love invite us hereunto they that trust in him shall never faile Ier. 17.6 7. their undertakings shall be succesfull 2 Cor. 20.20 their consciences shall be full of joy peace Rom. 15.13 their is not another on whome we may repose our selves Ioh. 6.68 5. To rest our selves contented with him as the Wife with the Husband not joyning any corrivals with him though we have nothing besides yet having him we have enough as Elkana said to Anna 1 Sam. 1.8 Vse 4 This serveth for the singular comfort of every faithfull servaÌ„t of God as an Ark to beare them up in every deluge as a Lamp to shine in every dark night as an anchor to stay them in every storme Feare not saith the Lord to Iacob thou art mine Isai 43.1 Gods interest and propriety in his servants must support them in all dangers encourage them in all feares assure them of a happy passage out of all troubles be unto them as the honycomb in the belly of Sampsons Lion as water out of the rock to Israel they may upon good ground say with the Psalmist though they be poor and needy and Psal 40.17 but more particularly the neare Union between Christ and them may comfort them 1. In regard of reproach though the World dispise there as Rahel despised bleare-eyed Leah though in their eye they be blacke Cant. 1.4 and like the tents of Kedar void of beauty as a garden without flowers as a tree without leaves and blossomes a face without comeliness looked on as signes and wonders Isai 8.18 esteemed as the dung and off-scouring of all things as of all men the most miserable yet Jesus Christ is their Husband the Prince of the Kings of the earth hath joyned himselfe in wedlocke with us 1 Cor. 4.13 1 Cor. 15.19 we are all glorious within comely in his eyes faire as the Moone and cleare as the Sun Cant. 6.10 No estate so honorable as the estate of Gods people none in the eyes of men more despicable none in the eyes of God more beautifull in the eyes of men they are like the Pelican in the wildernes c. Ps 102.6 7. in the eyes of God as the beautifull Doves Cant. 2.14 Though they seeme black as scullions whose lodging is in the chimneys yet Ps 68.13 they shall be beautifull let the honour that God affordeth us sustaine us against all the dishonour that man can cast upon us let the crowne of glory which God hath provided for us cause us patiently to weare the crowne of thornes which wicked men do put upon our head Rev 2.17 Let the new name that God hath given us cause us contentedly to endure the casting out of our name as abominable among men let our Union with God inable us to endure a separation from men Luk. 6.22 for how contemptible soever we are in the eyes of men yet Isa 62.3 4 therefore Isa 51.7 8. 2. In regard of enemies hating us advancing themselves against us insulting over us the Lord Jesus he is our Husband he is a faithfull friend he will be a wall of fire about us in stead of all munition to defend us to destroy them that rise against us a wall round about us no place shall be undefenced this he will be for ever Psa 125.2 and he will not onely be a defence but a glory to us Zach. 2.5 He will appoint salvation for walls and bulwarks he will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on him Isa 26 1 3. He will be a sure foundation bearing up all that are builded on â—im a victorious Captaine of the Lord of hoasts Ios 5.14 make his people conquerours over all that rise against them Rom. 8.37 he can easily subdue their adversaries Psal 29 The love of the Lord Jesus must weigh downe the hatred of all enemies the light of the Kings face will countervale the frownings of many inferiour persons the shining of the Sun comforteth the traveller against the clouds which hang over his head thus Psa 46.6 7. 3. In regard of the failing of all earthly friends though these forsake us and stand aloofe off from us as from men that have the pestilence Psal 38.11 though they run from us as mice from the barne when the Corn is gone as marriners from the ship when it is broaken and beginneth to sinke though they breake the bands of nature in which they were tyed to us though our familiar friends offer us the greatest injuries Psal 55.12 13 14. though they which have been lodged in the same womb with us contend against us like Esau against Jacob Mat. 10. though their hands lay heavy burthens on us whose breasts have nourished us whose knees have dandled us Psal 27.10 Though father and mother faile us Yet Christ is our Husband his love is unchangeable his friendship is a tree which never withereth a bow that never starteth a chaine that never breaketh a Lamp that is ever full of Oile allway shining the love of Christ is like the cruse of Oile that did not faile with using 1 King 17.16 Like the shoes and garments of the Israelits that did not waxe old with using Deut. 29.5 Though Orpah went back yet Ruth clave to Naomi so though all thy friends go back from thee yet Christ will still cleave unto thee Mat. 28.20 he will not be as a Liar nor as waters that faile Ier. 15.18 but as Mat. 5.18 so the love of Christ is perpetuall Isai 9.6 Isai 54.8 4. In regard of barreness in grace though we are as a woman of dry breasts a field wherein is little Corn as a tree wherein is a small portion of fruite yet here is comfort Christ Jesus is our Husband he can if we be instant with him he will make as fruitfull in the grace of the Spirit as the Lord opened the womb of Sarah Gen. 18.10 when the time was past in the course of nature Ps 113.9 and maketh the barren woman the mother of many Children so can ke make us fruitfull in all holines like trees
roabs of Christs righteousnesse the Needle-wrought Garment of sanctification will abundantly supply that want if a man want dainty food have nothing but the bread of adversity and the water of affliction the spiritual dainties which God affordeth his servants will be sufficient he who hath Christ hath all things hath him who is above all things he hath Lands Gold Silver honour peace pleasure more than all this as he who hath the Sun hath the light which is in many Torches and more again if a man want an earthly object whereon to fasten his love his trust whereon to expresse his joy whereto to reveal his minde yet Christ is above all and on him and about him he may with more delight and fulnesse of contentment expresse his love his joy his trust desire speech than to any creature in the world so that this should exceedingly comfort us in all our wants for Ephes 1.21.22 6. Against the fiercenesse of Gods anger the mighty force of Gods displeasure though it be a fire which all the water in the world cannot quench as the roaring of a Lion that maketh all the beasts in the forrest to tremble like a mighty wind rending the rocks Nah. 4.5 like that 1 Kings 19.11 an Arrow that drieth up the spirits Job 6.4 a burthen which no created shoulder can bear a Sword whose prickings a Scorpion whose slingings a rod whose lashings none can without desperation endure though it makes profane men at last say as once Job in the extremities of his anguish did Job 3.3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13. that Rev. 6.16 though like the appearing of the hand-writing Dan. 5.4 5. like the tidings Jos 5.1 though it be of all terribles the most terrible of all noises the most hideous of all fires the most hot the most fervent of all Arrows the most sharp of all Gall the most bitter of all Clouds the most dark of all wayes the most Thorny of all burthens the most heavy of all tidings the most dismall yet fear not the Lord Iesus is above all he is at the right hand of his Father interceding for us he will stand between us and his fathers indignations his bloud speaketh better things than the bloud of Abel Rom. 5.9 10. 1 Thes 1.10 by him we have accesse to God Rom. 5.1 Eph. 2.17 he will turn the consuming fire into a warm and shining Sun the exceeding winde into a still voice the stormy Tempest into a calm the dreadfull voice into a joyfull sound Mount Synai into Mount Syon he will bring us from Mount Ebal to Mount Gerizim Deut. 11.29 7. Against the difficulty of attaining grace working perfecting true holinesse though it be a work of the highest transcendency a work not to be wrought by the finger of men or any angel not sound in any earthly Mine a flower not growing in our Gardens a Tree not to be planted by the Art of the choisest husband-men though Iob 15.14 though 2 Cor. 3.5 though Ier. 13.23 though Mat. 7.15 16. though Isa 11.6 though Ier. 2.24 Ier. 17 9. though as Martha told Christ Ioh. 11.39 so we stink in the grave of sin yet Christ is above all though Abana and Pharpar cannot wash away Naamans Leprosy yet Jordan can though the Disciple cannot cast out the unclean Spirit yet Christ is able he can turn the Lion into a lamb the thorne into a vine as he turned water into Wine he can open the eyes of the blind the ears of the deaf heal the hands that are withered the feet that are lame he can stop the bloudy issue cure all diseases he can send his Spirit into our hearts 1 Ioh. 1.7 Ioh. 1.29 Ioh. 8.36 1 Pet. 2.9 1 Thes 5.23 Ephes 5.26 27. therefore think on this and be comforted Thus of Christs excellency next let us look upon mans indignity described by his originall of the earth Man is resembled to the earth in regard of the bodily part whereof he consisteth he was made of the dust and in regard of the corruption he hath contracted dishonorable condition whereinto his sin hath brought him for as the earth of all the other Elements is most subject to mens feet tendeth downward is ful of slime corruption and the receptacle of worms vermines and many noisome creatures so are the bodies of men brought into a low estate even as low as hell thorough sin the minds of men are altogether downward upon the things of the earth dens of all uncleaness such doth the Baptist shew mans originall to be to his Disciples to teach them not to magnify man nor to think over highly of him but to ascribe all honour unto God and the Lord Jesus who is from above whence learne Doctr. THat Man is of a very low and weak originall and beginning dust and ashes Gen. 18.27 composed of the dust in regard of his bodily visible parts Gen. 2.7 his foundation is said to be laid in the dust to note his frailty easily cast down as a house builded on no better foundation than the dust Iob 4.19 Use 1 This must teach us humility we are but earth dust weak poor frail vessels of a very base beginning the earth which our eyes always behold whereon our feet continually tread should teach us this lesson this earthly garment of the flesh which covereth us by day and is not put off by night should always minde us hereof be as water to quench as a warlike instrument to throw down all high thoughts which exalt themselves the flowers have beauty the trees have blossoms leaves fruit the Cattle have strength the starres have brightness and glory but what hath the dust whereof to glory no Creature hath lesse cause of glorying than man hath of himself if we look either upon his earthly originall or corrupt condition since the fall of Adam therefore as the blackness of the Peacocks feet take away the pride he would otherwise take in his feathers so must the dusty condition of man take away all occasion of glorying which may arise from the other endowments God hath bestowed on him Use 2 This teacheth us to acknowledge the freedom of God in the Donation of his favours it is earth and dust that God hath advanced therefore let us not dream of any worthiness in our selves of any thing in us that might move God hereunto but 1 Cor. 1.20 Ioh. 3.8 Exod. 3.2 3. Zeph. 3.12 Use 3 This must teach us so much the more to admire the goodness and the singular love of God in advancing us into so high estate as to have sonship with him hership with Christ David thought it much that he having stood behinde the Ewes should be advanced in marriage with an earthly Kings Son how much more should we magnify the Lord for advancing us to Wed-lock with Christ the Sonne of a Heavenly King so did the Psalmist Psal 8.3 4. Oh! let this till our hearts with love to God with joy
accord This you may descerne 1. By the soundnesse the fulnesse holiness of their knowledge in the matter of life and salvation for as the Sun ruling the world is full of light the Sea watring the earth is full of Waters so must the Ministers of God be full of knowledge therefore called starres Rev. 1.16 And light Mat. 5.14 Guides Acts. 8.31 Shepheards Ephes 4.11 Captaines 2 Tim. 2.3 Stewards Lu. 13.52 And it is Gods ordinance Mal. 2.7 Gods promise Jer. 3.15 The contrary to this is an argument men are not sent Hos 4.6 Jer. 2.8 2. By the holinesse and integrity of their conversations Kings send not rebels to reclaim others they who are tainted with the Plague themselves are very dangerous Physitians no man will willingly take Physick from them but Lu. 4.23 therefore God doth purify and cleanse his Messengers from iniquity Mal. 2.5 6. And 1 Tim. 4.12 And therefore our Saviour Matth. 5.16 and Isaiah was cleansed Isa 6.5 And Paul proposeth himselfe and the rest for an example Phil. 3.17 The contrary to this argueth want of commission Jer. 23.14 1 Sam 2.17 Mat. 5.3 3. By the fervency of their Zeal affections they must be full of courage comming forth as it is said of the Sun like Bridegrooms out of their Chamber rejoycing like mighty men to run the race which God hath set them being like burning iron warming them that are about them thus the word as fire shut up in Jeremy his bones Jer. 20.9 Examples hereof wee have in Eliah 1 Kings 18.21 Zacharias 2 Chron. 24 20. In the Baptist Mat. 3.7 In Stephen Acts. 7.51 In Paul Acts. 34 20. The want of this is taxed Matth. 7.29 and Rev. 3.16 4. By their sincere and Heavenly Doctrine such as God sendeth delivereth Gods message good nurses give wholesome milke to the children good Stewards give not gravell but good bread to the family thus 2 Tim. 2.15 They give every man his portion out of Gods word knowledge to the ignorant reproofe to the obstinate comfort to the afflicted encouragement to the opposed and 1 Pet. 4.11 Tit. 1.9 And then Jer. 23.22 But the contrary hereunto Mica 2.11 Lam. 2.24 5. By their industry in their calling expressed by the similitudes of Husband-men builders 1 Cor. 3.6 9. Souldiers 2 Tim. 2.3 It was prophesied Isa 62.5 Charged 2 Tim. 4.2 1 Tim. 4.15 Practised 1 Cor. 15.10 But the want of this discovereth want of commission Isa 56.10 6. By their griefe to see men sinfull as a good Physitian to see his patient diseased a loving Nurse to see her childe sick thus 2 Pet. 2.8 Jer. 9.1 Jer. 13.17 Psa 119.136 But Acts. 4.2 7. By their seeking of the Glory of God and the good of his Church more then themselves or their owne good 2 Cor. 4.5 2 Cor. 12.14 1 Cor. 10.33 1 Thes 2.19 But 2. Pet. 2.3 These meeting together in a Minister are assured evidence that God hath sent such one in mercy to his servants 8. By their constancy in their calling and religious and holy conversation such as God sendeth are not like a broken Bow that starteth back in the day of battle like the sluggard that would not walke because there was a Lion in the Street like the sloathfull man that would not sow because it was cold they grow not weary of the work of the Lord their calling is a delight no trouble their work is pleasant no iron yoke to them and therefore as Eccles 11.6 So they sow in the morning in the Evening are constant in imbracing every occasion looking unto God for a blessing though they fish long with Peter catched nothing yet at Christs command they cast forth the net in hope of a good draught at last they know that God hath severall houres for mens conversion some at the third some at the sixth hour some at the ninth hour some at the last hour of the day so must they continue constant to the last hour in their calling and if none convert by their labours yet they know that their endeavours shall not be altogether fruitlesse Jsa 49 4 And therefore they are not like Meteors and blazing starrs shining for a season and then fall to ground but like the sun they are constant in their care this was Gods charge to Jeremy Jer. 15.19 20 21. And it was his practise Jer. 20.9.10 This was Pauls resolution Acts. 20.24 And this he verified 2 Tim. 4.7 This the Apostles also manifested it was within them as a fire not to be quenched as a streame not to be stopped Acts. 4.19.20 But Apostacy from God either in doctrine or conversation may justly call into question their commission Demas once accounted a fellow-labourer Philimon verse 24. afterward proved an Apostaticall lover of the world 2 Tim. 4.10 And Rev. 12.4 Faithfulnesse to the end in the Ministeriall calling is a gracious testimony that God hath given them a commission and that hee hath sent them for the good of his people Thus of his authority Next let us looke upon his Alsufficiency Authority without ability is like a sword without a hand ability without authority is like a hand without a sword both insufficient both of little use but where both concurre they make a man compleat to fulfill the calling hee hath undertaken therefore that the Baptist might the better move the more effectually perswade the hearts of his disciples to imbrace beleeve and build upon Christ he commendeth him not onely by his authority whom God hath sent he speaketh the word of God but also by his Alsufficiency for God hath not given the spirit by measure Some extend these words to Gods abundant common dispensation of all good things why being the fountaine of all goodnesse doth largely poure out his blessings and yet is not emptied any more then the Sun of his light by Shining or the sea of water by sending forth many streams to water the earth he that draweth out of a vessel what he giveth commeth at length to the bottome but he that dippeth out of the Sea never commeth to the bottome the abilities of the creatures are soone like a little vessell drawne dry but God never giveth so much but there is a great fulnes in him at the last as there was at the first his hand is never short that it cannot help his arme is never weary that it cannot give assistance it is never low water but alwaies full Sea with this goodnesse a singular expression of the transcendency of God beyond and above all creatures a powerfull load-stone to draw men to God from the world a singular encouragement to men to relye upon God as on a sure foundation which will never sinke to draw nigh to God as to the fountaine of living waters which will most certainely refresh us as to a tree loaden with all forts of fruit bearing new fruit every month an admirable comfort to Gods children that their God is their stay and their
hereby no way diminished Reso 2. The son is the person which doth chiefly manifest himself in the administration of the kingdom not that the Father and holy Ghost are excluded but the work of the Son is most apparent seen and observed and therfore to him it is chiefly attributed Qu. If the Father gave all things into Christ's hands how come's it to pass that hee was in externall condition so poor loaden with so many reproaches that hee lived in the form of a servant why had hee not lived as a King and glorious prince Reso Christ's Kingly Office during his abode on earth was to give place to his Priestly office the priestly office was now fully to bee executed the kingly office but sparingly manifested that the execution of his priestly office might not bee hindered which would have been if his kingly office had now been fully manifested 1 Cor. 2.8 and therefore hee often charged his disciples to conceal the miracles which hee wrought These things thus answered the Use serveth Vse 1. To bee terror in the hearts of all profane men of all such as are enemies to Christ by their evil works the power of a mortal enemy doth much affright us hee that is regardless at the barking of a dog will fly at the roaring of a lion the great stature and strength of Goliah made all Israel tremble Christ hath all things in his hands hee is endowed with all power and authority none shall bee able to resist him none can make his part good against him hee is a stone hewen out of the mountains breaking in pieces the greatest opposing kingdoms Dan. 2.44 a stone whosoever falleth on him shall bee bruised on whomsoever it falleth it will grinde him to powder Rev. 5.5 hee is the lion of the tribe of Judah if hee roar in his indignation hee will make all the beasts of the forrest all the wicked men of the world to tremble if hee appear in his wrath they will fly like Gaal before Abimelech however they make a mock of the day of Judgment 2 Pet. 2 3. as Gaal did of the coming of Abimelech as hee is to his servants like the sun with healing in his wings Mal. 4.2 so to his enemies will hee bee as a flaming fire 2 Thes 1.8 full of burning as hee is gentle like a gracious and sweetly disposed friend to the one so will hee bee terrible as a man of war to the other Psal 54 5. as hee appeased the storm to the comfort of his disciples Mat. 8.26 so will hee raise a stormy tempest to annoy his enemies which never shall bee quieted There are 5. things in Christ which should make all the prophane men on the earth to tremble 1. The fulness of his power her can dash them in pieces as a potter's vessel Psal 2.9 hee can beat the mountains into dust if hee becom an enemy if hee arm himself against us it will bee with us as when Joshua came it was with the Canaanires Josh 5.1 there will no more spirit remain within us no friend will help us no shield will defend us no walls will shelter us hee hath all creatures to command the very divels are subject to him 2. The knowledg of Christ as the Psalmist saith of the sun Psal 19. so it is much more true of the Son of righteousness hee searcheth from one end of the soul from one end of the life to the other and nothing is hidden from his eie hee will finde out the sin that lieth like Jonah in the bottom of the ship hee will finde out the Babylonish garment and golden wedg like Joshua it was in vain for Jeroboam's wife to disfigure her self before the Prophet it is in vain for any man to draw off the concealment of his sin or the hiding of himself from the eies of the Lord Iesus 3. The justice of Christ hee will not suffer sin to go unpunished punishment shal as surely follow sin as the thread doth follow the needle as the heat doth follow the fire there is no iniquity shall escape as the carefull husbandman rooteth out the thorns and briars as the diligent houswife casteth the rubbish out of the hous as the chaff and tares are cast into the fire so will Christ deal with the thorns and briars chaff and tares profane men of the world therefore as the Angel said to Lot as David to the people so let mee in this behalf say to you 4. That Christ shall bee Judg it will much trouble a malefactor that his enemy shall bee his judg Christ whose ordinances you have neglected whose precepts you have transgressed whose servants you have abused hee shall bee your judg therefore labor to bee in with Christ as men labor to bee in with the Judg and to make him your friend or else you are for ever undone 5. That Christ alone is the Saviour if hee do not deliver thy soul as David the sheep out of the jaws of the lion if hee do not open the prison as the Angel did to Peter if hee do not cure you no Physitian can heal you if his blood do not wash you no water can cleans you therefore there is no hope of entring into life if you make not your peace with him no beholding of God's face unless you bee united to his Son no reigning with him unless you bee now made conformable to him unless you now enter into Covenant with him better all the world were an enemy against him better beg like Lazarus from door to door better bee esteemed as a monster in the world better live in goats skins and sheep skins having his favor then with all the pomp pride pleasure and jollity of the world with his displeasure if hee bee angry what will you do whither can you go who can help you will not all creatures say as the King of Israël said to Naaman 2 King 5.7 Am I a God to kill and to make alive that you come to mee cannot all creatures join with Christ against us as the souldiers with the General are not all things given into his hands oh think on this even this fulness of the power of Christ and tremble to go on in any sin against Christ to continue under the wrath of Christ for bitter at the last will be the portion of all such as are not at peace with him as walk not uprightly before him Psal 110 1 2. Mat. 21.41 Mat. 22.13 I would chuse rather to live in the poorest condition in the world with the love of my Saviour than possess the highest places of the earth and drink of the sweetest river of worldly pleasures and bee a stranger to the light of his countenance and to all that walk as enemies to the cross of Christ I will say as Jacob did to Simeon Genes 49.6 7. 2. Is all put into Christ's hands then this must teach all God's people 1. Obedience and a holy subjection to his will in all things
of death 2 Cor. 2. ver 16. Now a lively faith make's the Word of God as comfortable tidings to the sorrowfull Rom. 20.15 as a word of Reconciliation to them with whom God is at variance 2 Cor. 5.19 as a healing medicine to the diseased Isa 61.2 as food to the hungry as a light to the traveller as dew to the weary ground as good seed to good land Job 23.12 It maketh the Sacrament to bee as a seal to the King's pardon Rom 4.11 to confirm them in the assurance of the forgiveness of all their offences it maketh prayer strong as wings to carry the soul aloft to God Jam. 5.16 it maketh meditation of God and his promises very sweet Psal 104.34 so that to him that beleeveth God's ordinances prove an effectual means to to draw him from sin to turn him from every evil way to bring him home to God to enable him to grow up in all holiness and to walk before the Lord in all well-pleasing this the Apostle intimateth Heb. 4.2 and out of all this it appeareth That everlasting life must need 's bee a fruit of faith Vse This must stir up every man to labor for a lively faith in Christ to rest and rely wholly upon him to get assured interest in him it is not favor with men places of eminency in the world abundance of riches nor any of these external endowments can make a man's daies everlasting this is a fruit growing upon none of the trees in this garden this is a stream flowing from none of these muddy fountains a treasure to bee found in none of these store-houses it is not the valor of the strong the wisedom of the politick the act of the learned the honor of the mighty the pleasures of the wanton the wealth and great abundance of the rich can make their estate everlasting Psal 33.16 17. Psal 49.6 7 8 9. The high cedars are cast down as well as the little shrubs the flowers are plucked as well as the common grass it is onely a lively faith will bring us to everlasting life Therefore use all means to bee made partakers of it with the wise Merchant sell all to buy this pearl Mat. 13. cast away all your sins that you enjoy this gift with the disciples leave the world that you may win Christ Mat. 4.22 with Paul esteem all but dung and dross that you may bee found in Christ cloathed with that righteousness which is by faith Phil. 3.8 9. wait with all diligence at the post of God's house let the Word bee as your dayly food as your guid and counseller let it sink into your souls let it work upon your hearts let it dwell and rule within you that so you at length have the fruition of this faith pray for it desire it long after it as earnestly as ever Rachel or Anna did for children Gen. 30. 1 Sam. 1. go to God in his house in thy family in thy closet morning evening at noon-day at mid-night and beg for a lively faith say unto the Lord Thou art undone thou art but a dead man if God give not this faith unto thee say that all riches pleasures worldly endowments are but hay and stubble as long as this is absent Oh! think of this go about this as about a matter of most need of greatest importance of chiefest use of sweetest consolation and as Naomi said to Ruth of Boaz Ruth 3.18 so take thou no rest till thou hast finished this thing till thou hast by a lively faith joyned thy self in wedlock with the Lord Jesus make a covenant with thy soul in this as David did in another case Psal 132.4 and when you feel your hearts beginning affectionately to lean upon and cleave unto the Lord Jesus pray with the men in the Gospel Mar. 9.24 you shall never have just cause to repent of your labor in this behalf nothing can bring you so nigh to God as a lively faith nothing can give you such access to God nothing can inable you so to prevail with God and to gain so many good things from the hands of God nothing can stand you in such stead and afford you so much comfort the owner of this will not give it for the rich man's gold the noble man's honor the King's renown and the time will come wherein such as now want would give ten thousand worlds if they had them to bee partakers of it therefore while God giveth time and means seek it 2. This serveth for the singular comfort of all true believers if they have nothing but their faith their condition is infinitely more happy than the worlds choicest darling as Prov. 7.1 so the poorest condition of life with patience faith is better than a stalled oxe with unbelief this will supply all wants as the presence of the sun supplieth the want of all lights as David said of Goliah's sword 1 Sam. 21.9 so I may say of a lively faith there is none like that neither riches honors nor pleasures for this maketh both our persons and actions acceptable to God which no worldly furniture can do this in corporateth us into Christ this giveth us the fruition of all the good things which are in Christ this distinguisheth us from all God's enemies bringeth us within God's Covenant breedeth many sweet and glorious relations betwixt God and us and at last bringeth us to peace and everlasting happiness The gain of faith thus unfolded the comforts thereof thus opened and proposed the danger and dammage arising from unbelief presenteth it self in the next place to bee considered which wee shall find to bee a root bearing as many uncomfortable branches loaden with as many sower grapes as the other with sweet a spring as full of bitter as the other of pleasant water for hee that believeth not shall not see life hee that believeth not whose soul cleaveth not unto whose heart resteth not upon the Lord Jesus who buildeth not upon him as on a sure foundation who cometh not to him as to the fountain of living water who getteth not assured interest in him who joyneth not himself in wedlock to him who becometh not to him as the wife to the husband in subjection in affection in use in dependance and in intire union hee that believeth not shall not see life shall not enjoy no nor have the least apprehension or comfortable feeling of the felicity peace glory and fulness of all goodness which true believers shall enjoy in the heavens but the wrath of God diseases uncomeliness shame sorrow torment all manner of misery all kinde of calamity all the testimonies of God's displeasure abideth on him abideth not cometh for wee are born the children of wrath Ephes 2.3 and so continue thorough unbelief therefore this wrath abideth it will not wear with time like a garment it will not overflow the body and soul for an hundred and fifty dayes as the Deluge of old did overflow the earth and then abode Genes 7.24
but this is a fire that ever burneth a stinging worm which without any cessation gnaweth a cloudy day whose darkness is never dispelled so that here wee have our loss arising from unbelief set before us privatively and positively privatively inferring a denial a removeal or absence of all good of all peace of all comfort positively an imposition inflicting and presence of whatsoever may make man miserable From the privative loss wee gather Doctrine That unbelief doth for ever exclude men from everlasting happiness and all the joy of the next life the foolish Virgins were shut out from entring in with the bridegrome for want of oyl in their lamps Mat. 25. Israël of old entered not into the rest of God because of unbelief Heb. 3.19 Heb. 4.6 the publicans and harlots believed and found entrance into God's kingdom the Pharises believed not and therefore could not finde any admission Mat. 21.31 32. this was the general scope and sum of the doctrine which our Saviour would have the Apostles to deliver to the people Mark 16.16 and no wonder that unbelievers are excluded from everlasting happiness for Reas 1. Where there is no true faith there is no union with Christ no participation of the benefits which come unto us from the Lord Jesus but men are as withered branches dead members Rom. 11.20 whatsoever profession wee make of love to Christ of fellowship with Christ whatsoëver shews of goodness do appear yet if wee bee destitute of a lively faith wee build upon the sand our building will fall Matth. 7.24 2. There is no purity no sanctification no saving grace where the root is not there are no branches where there is no spring there are no streams it is faith that setteth the whole man a work in God's business it is the apprehension of God's promises which causeth us to cleans our selvs from sin 2 Cor. 7.1 it is the perswasion of God's goodness that leadeth us to repentance Rom. 2.4 it is our interest in Christ it is Christ's dwelling in us by faith Eph. 3.18 it is our participation of his fulness which giveth us victory of our corruption 1 John 5.4 it is the meditation and perswasion of what God hath done of what hee hath bestowed already of what hee hath provided to bestow this is that which causeth us to depart from every evil way 1 John 1 2 3. hence Acts 15.9 hence faith without works is said to bee dead James 2.17 not that the life of faith commeth from works but because works are second acts flowing from the life of faith and faith is said to bee made perfect by works James 2.22 not by essentiall perfection as the effect is perfected by the cause but by a complemental or filling perfection as the caus is perfected or made compleat in the production of its effect as the tree is made perfect in the bringing of fruit man in the generation of his like it is the nature of the perfection and excellency of faith to bee fruitfull and where this faith is not the soul is like a barren woman at best but like the tree in the Gospel 3. There is no love to God his word or people it is faith which joyneth us in wedlock with Christ that breedeth communion between us and God that maketh his word sweet and savory that maketh us delight in them that excell in virtue therefore Gal. 5.6 not that the efficacy of faith dependeth upon charity as the cause ground life and being to faith but that faith doth put forth and manifest its efficacy in the excitation and stirring up of love to God and his wayes so that where faith is not there â—s no love 4. There is no promiss of life for all the promises of God are to us thorough faith in Christ 2 Cor. 1.20 Acts 2.39 without this wee are aliens strangers and enemies Ephes 2.12 and wee have nothing to do with God's Covenant Psalm 50.16 wee have nothing to do with the fruit growing within the pale of this garden nothing to do with the bread on this table it belongeth not to the dogs but to the children 5. There is no sweetness no benefit no consolation to bee drawn from the Ordinances of God without faith they are as musick to a deaf ear as water to a vessel whole mouth is stopt as rain to the hard rock it doth not profit Heb. 4.2 6. Because without faith there is no shield to defend us from the darts of Satan no fence to keep us from the wild boar of the forrest no weapon to overcom the Prince of darkness no stone to beat down this great Goliah but wee are as a field without fence a city without wells a souldier without armor Ephes 6.16 1 Pet. 5.9 without this wee can do nothing so that unbelief separating us from Christ filling our hearts with uncleanness disabling us to love God excluding us from interest in God's promises making the Ordinances of God fruitless exposing us to all Satan's suggestions leaving us to bee led captive by him at his will it must needs follow that all unbelievers are hereby excluded from everlasting happiness Vse This presenteth before us the uncomfortable condition of all such as live in unbelief are not incorporated into Christ in whom the nature and life of true faith cannot bee found whose souls cleave not to God as the heart of a childe to his father as the heart of a wife cleaveth to her husband the heart of one brother or friend to another the heart of Jonathan to David 1 Sam. 18.2 for this is the nature and property of faith to cleav to God strongly affectionately feelingly with the full power of the soul Joshua 23.6 Acts 11.23 1 Cor. 6.17 to choose and rest upon the Testimonies of the Lord Psal 119.30 31. and such as do not in this manner believ they shall never see life whatsoever great and glorious things are revealed proffered promised they shall never enjoy them they are as fruit upon a high tree which they have no hand to reach as water in a deep well which they for want of a bucket cannot draw as the glorious sun to the blinde which for want of an eye they cannot behold to them there is no help of rest no promiss of bliss though the light of God's face bee better than life the presence of Christ bee delighfull as the shadow of a great tree though the Ordinances of God bee as marrow and fatness now Psalm 63.5 Isa 32.2 Cant. 2.3 Psal 65.5 and the ensuing comforts of Gods people a thousand fold more glorious yet unbelievers shall never taste hereof they are in bondage from whence is no freedom in a darkness where there shall never bee no any sunrising in a sickness out of which they shall never see a recovery for the Lord hath denied them all good things as 2 Kings 7.1 2. so whatsoëver Gods plenty or fulness bee to others yet his hand shall bee empty to unbelievers all his