planted by the water side Psal 1.3 like an orchard of pomegranats Cant. 4.13 5. In regard of remaining corruptions and imperfections 1. If there be much ignorance in us and we see the things of God but darkly as the man that had his eyes opened did at the first see men as trees The Lord Jesus is in the bosome of his Father Mar. 8.24 in him are all the treasures of wisedome Joh. 1.18 and he is our Husband therefore he will instruct us more perfectly Col. 2.3 In his Schoole we shall learne wisedome he will give us his Spirit Ioh. 14.26 he will open the Scriptures Luc. 24.32 He will give us pastors to feed us with knowledge Ier. 3.14 15. and Luc. 1.77 he will open the sealed book Rev. 5.2 2. If we be weake in faith Christ will strengthen us and make us strong in faith like Abraham Rom. 4.20 Cause us like trees to be rooted in faith Col. 2.7 he will mightily persuade us Rom. 8.37 38. 3. If we find our Souls like a diseased body annoyed with sin as with a strong disease Iesus Christ is a Physician he will heale us Hos 6.1 If our consciences be burdened he will ease us Mat. 11.28 Isai 61.1 2. as Mat. 8.25 26. 6. In regard of perseverance though Satan buffet us though our corruption like a heavy burthen presse us down though the World hang like birdlime about the wings of our Souls Though we sometimes think and are ready to say of sin and Satan as David did of Saul 1 Sam. 27. I. Yet let us remember we are married unto Christ Iesus and that for ever Hos 2.19 there is no dissolution of this wedlocke being in his hand we shall be held fast Ioh. 10 28. We shall be kept by the power of God unto everlasting life 1 Pet. 1.5 Satan may win now us but Christ will not suffer our faith to faile Luk. 22.32 the Ship of our Souls may be shaken but it shall not sinke we may receive many wounds in the battel but yet we shall have the conquest as 2 Cor. 4.8 9. The next thing is the affection which Christ doth bear unto his messengers he calleth them his friends the friend of the Bridegroome a friend is one whom we do entirely love above others and use more familiarly and privately than we do others as David did Ionathan and of such a friend Solomon saith Prov. 18.24 A friend of God is one to whome God imparteth his mind and secrets so familiarly and fully as one friend doth to another Gen. 18.17 and the Apostles Ioh. 15.15 and thus doth the Baptist stile himselfe the friend of Christ noting the love which Christ did beare unto him and the understanding which he had of Gods will and counsell whence Doctr. That Christ Iesus doth beare a singular love to his faithfull Ministers II. Gods faithfull Ministers are after a peculiar manner acquainted with Gods Counsells III. Every faithfull Minister of God is an unfained friend unto God First of the first of these Christ Iesus doth beare a singular love unto his faithfull Ministers this appeareth plainely I. By the place wherein see hath set them made them his Embassadours 2 Cor. 5.19 20. starres in his right hand Rev. 2.20 his mouth Ier. 15.19 keeper of his vineyard Cant. 8.11 steward of his family 1 Cor. 4.1 The nurses of his Children 1 Thes 2.7 II. By the trust he committeth to them the instruction conversion edification salvation of his people hence are they called Fathers 1 Cor 4.15 Saviours Obad vers 21. 1 Tim. 4.16 builders 1 Cor. 3.9 watchmen Heb. 13.17 Shepheards having the custody of Gods flocke Ezek. 34.4 6. the charge to feed Gods people Ioh 21.17 III. By the service they doe him like Souldiers they lead his armies fight his battels subdue sin and Satan his enemies 2 Tim. 2.3 4. 2 Cor. 10.5 Isa 49.2 Psal 45.4 5. Like Husbandmen they roote up the thornes and briars in the Lords vineyard breake up the fallow ground of mens hearts sow therein the seed of Gods Word plant trees of righteousnes and like good Husbandmen bring much fruit unto the Lord Ier. 1.10 1 Cor. 3.6 Like Shepheards they gather home the lost Sheep to Gods fold Like Fishermen by the draw-net of the Gospel they draw the Souls of men out of the gulfe of sin IV. By the acception of the wrongs done unto them he taketh it as done to himselfe as a King taketh the wrongs done to his Embassadour as done to himselfe Luk. 10.16 Exod. 16.8 V. By the care he hath to defend them the arme stretched out against them shall wither 1 Ki. 13.4 the tongues which mock them shall not go unpunished 2 King 2.24 2 Cor. 36.16 and it is the Lords promise Ier. 15.19 20 21. VI. In regard of the recompence provided for them their love and labour shall not be in vaine they that strive lawfully shall have the prize 2 Tim. 2.3 their work is with the Lord Isai 49.4 as they shine by their Doctrine and conversation now so shall they shine hereafter Dan. 12.3 VII In regard of the love they beare unto him Joh. 21.16 a love which maketh them industrious in their callings 2 Cor. 5.14 joyfull to see men convert unto the Lord Iesus 1 Thes 2.19 20. ready to lay down their life Acts 20.24 Vse 1 This must therefore occasion the Ministers to endevour to walke worthy of this love of the Lord Iesus to order themselves in such manner that the Lord may still continue a friend unto them as men near about earthly Princes enjoying the favour of their Soveraigne are carefull to keep so must we by our holy walking sincere faithfull and frequent teaching be carefull to keep the favour of the Lord Iesus II. This must encourage them to beare the hatred of wicked men because the Lord is their friend to be patient in the bearing the difficulties of their calling the Lord will recompence them Vse 2 This must cause the people to love and reverence the faithfull messengers of the Lord to be friends to them to whome Christ is a friend this is required Thes 5.13 not an ordinary but a singular love a peculiar honour and respect 1 Tim. 5.17 and surely there is great cause for I. These are your spirituall parents by whom you are begotten againe to God raised out of the grave of sin to a new life Iohn 5.25 II. These are the instruments by whom we are inabled to behold the great things of the Law of God these are the lights of the World Mal. 2.7 these are as the fiery Pillar to Israel Exo. 13.21 as the starre to the Wisemen Mat. 2.10 III. These are the Lords Champions by whom we are delivered out of sin and Satans bondage these are the Priests who by sounding the Trumpet of the Gospel cast down the walls of Iericho who by the thunder of the Word threw Satan down like lightning IV. These are the Messengers who bring glad tidings of peace
By the stirring struggling and striving nature of sin within them it is not asleep it lieth not like a dead man as it doth in the hearts of carnall and unregenerate people but it fighteth and warreth like a Souldier Gal. 5.17 It is not like a resty jade in the pasture but in the bridle under spur whip It is as pricks and thornes in their sides as the Canaanites were to Israel Iudg. 2.3 as a heavy burthen on their backs Psal 38.4 as a dead body a rotten carkasse unsavoury noisome hatefull a continuall vexation Rom. 7.24 afflictions are very availeable to make and keep a man humble but the feeling of the nature and operation of sin as working more immediately upon the soule conscience is much more forcible to drive man out of himselfe to make him humble this will make a man endued with a propheticall Spirit to say Prov. 30.2 3. It will make a man of the rarest endowments of the greatest industry to say Rom. 7.24 and for this it is that God doth leave sin in the hearts of his Servants 2 Cor. 12.7 3. By the continuall subtle and violent assaults that Sathan doth make against them he spreadeth snares and layeth stumbling blocks in the way to make them fall he seeketh as a Pyrate to rob them like an enemy he layeth continuall siedge against them hunteth like a roaring Lion to make a prey of them he casteth his fiery darts at them to affright such and if it were possible to burne and utterly consume them he raiseth many stormes within and without to disturb and amaze them so mighty so incessant so fraudulent are his attempts that as Israel said in another case Psal 124.1 2 3. So do Gods people in this case and by this meanes it cometh to passe that as the Princes of Israel and the King humbled themselves when Shesack had taken some of their Cities and was come up against Ierusalem 2 Cro. 12.5 6 7. so the people of God perceiving how this Prince of darknes taketh advantages against them how he is in continuall warre with them how they are buffeted by him do still walk humbly before the Lord and this is one use God doth make of him 2 Cor. 12.7 4. By the disposition and qualification of their hearts of Lions they are become Lambs of hard they are become soft and tender ground trembling at the Word of God contrite and breake thorough godly grief and sorrow as a high building beaten to the very dust as a strong body having all the bones broken emptied of all conceit of their strength abilities excellencies cast like Paul from the horse back to the ground denying themselves their owne reason affections purposes thoughts ends renouncing their owne wisedome as folly looking on themselves as on a Lamp that hath no Oile as on a broken vessell wherein is no liquour as on a wounded body wherein is no soundnes 5. By the nature and operation of true and saving grace wheresoever this taketh possession it maketh the heart meek and humble according to the sway and dominion which it beareth the full eare of Corn boweth downeward the full loaden ship goeth deep in the waters The nigher Abraham came to God the more humbly he thought of himself Gen. 18.27 The more grace any man hath the more hee seeth the deformity of his owne hearts the obliquity of his wayes the unprofitablenes of his works Luk. 17.10 it maketh them loath themselves Ezek. 36.25 31. This maketh them esteeme others better than themselves Phil. 2.3 to neglect temporall and externall dignities Heb. 11.24 Christ Iesus in whom was the fulnes of all holines was the most compleat and absolute patterne of all meekness Mat. 11.29 Ioh. 15.3 this is a jewell wherewith they be alwayes adorned a garment with which they be every day cloathed without this they think themselves naked 1 Pet. 5.5 Humility waiteth on true grace like the handmaide upon the Mistriss like the threed following the needle the light attending the Sun the Daughter the Mother Ruth Naomi Gal. 5.22 this is one of the wayting maids belonging to this Princesse one of the branches which springeth from this roote 6. By the work of Gods Word upon their hearts this like a hammer doth breake and bruise them like fire doth melt them Ier. 23.29 like an axe laid to the roote of the tree it doth cast them to the ground Mat. 3.10 like dew it doth soften their hearts which are hard as clay under a long Sun shine Deut. 32.2 Like a warlike weapon it doth cast down the mighty Holds of sin maketh high thoughts stoope 1 Cor. 10.5 maketh hils to become low as the Valleys Luk. 3.5 As the Priest looking upon pronouncing the leprous uncleane caused him to lay his hand upon his mouth and to cry uncleane Lev. 13.44 45. So the Minister of the Lord presenting to Gods people the leprosy of their Souls by the Ministry of the word causeth them Acts 2.37 Rom. 7.9 As David by his perswasions and proffers 2 Sam. 19.14 so God by the Ministry of the Gospel doth bow the heart of the people Psal 45.5 7. By the opinion and apprehension they have of their owne works their best performances their sincerest duties they look upon them as on water running through an impure channel on silver mingled with much drosse a heape of Corn mixed with much chaffe an apple having much rotteness within it their understanding like Leah is bleare-eyed their faith like a palsy mans head hath much shaking in it Joh. 11.44 their will like Lazarus comes forth of the grave bound hand and foote Gen. 32.31 their love is but like a fire in green zeale like the flying of a bird whose wings are broken in their best duties they halt like Jacob and find occasion of humiliation after the performance of their choisest service need to pray for forgivenes of what is amisse for Iob 9.3 Psal 143.1 2. 8. By the afflictions which doe befall them they are a ship tossed a tree shaken corn winnowed spice bruised a field plowed a patridge hunted a body Physicked a Child corrected an oxe in the yoake a tree under the pruning knife Zeph. 3.12 Psal 34.19 Heb. 11.25 and this will keep them low and humble this will make them stoop and bow down to the commandements of the Lord. 9. By the base estimation the World hath of them they are in the eye of the World as the dung and the off-scouring of all things 1 Cor. 4.13 as monsters signes wonders Isa 8.18 Zach. 3.8 gazing stocks Heb. 10.53 excommunicated persons Luk. 6.22 pestilent people unworthy to live upon the face of the earth Acts 22.22 Acts 24.5 driven into dens and caves Heb. 11.36 37. and by this meanes they are also kept meek and humble 10. By the sight and apprehension they have of God which others have not they by faith see him who is invisible are sensibly affected with the beauty
Psalmist alluding to the sacrifices and feasts among the Jews sheweth as they fed delicately filled themselvs plenteously so the people of God fed with the preaching of the Gospel and administration of the Sacraments should be abundantly filled with all heavenly comforts with all saving gifts and graces so filled that they should bee therewith satisfied the like expression to this is used Psal 23.5 6. the Psalmist thereby setting forth the large measure of grace which God conferred on him the abundant holy joy and rejoycing wherewith the Lord did replenish him 6. Because these gifts are of all other gifts the most profitable these like the Ark to Obed Edom like Joseph to Potiphar do cause all wee have all wee do to prosper The Apostle doth excellently express it where hee saith godliness is profitable to all things having the promise of this life and of that which is to come 1 Tim. 4.8 godliness profitable helpfull to every duty to every estate and condition of life it is profitable to us when wee hear it causeth our hearts to bee to the word as good ground to the seed as a healthy stomach to the food it maketh the Word to us as the light to the eye very pleasant and delightfull as musick to the ear very comfortable as a joyfull tidings to the sorrowfull for Mica 2.7 2. It is profitable to us when wee pray it maketh us to com before the Lord with confidence 1 John 3.20 21. it inlargeth the desires of our souls strengtheneth our affections and maketh them more fervent carrying them towards God like a strong flood which cannot bee stopped maketh the cry of our souls vehement maketh them as incense the smoak of sweet wood in God's nostrils Jam. 5.16 this is like Aaron and Hur to Moses Exod. 17.12 14. 3. It is profitable to us when wee are assaulted it inableth us to draw nigh to God with fulness of assurance Heb. 10.22 it maketh us confident bold and couragious Prov. 28.1 It defendeth us like a breast plate Ephes 6.14 it is an Ark in the Deluge 4. It is profitable when wee are in any affliction It maketh all troubles to bee as fire to the gold fanne to the corn the fiery fornace to the three children an occasion of nearer communion with God holiness to God's people in the time of trouble is as Moses rod making a way thorough the red sea opening the stony rock as the tree making the bitter waters sweet as the meal making the pot which was full of death to become full of health as a wise Phisitian maketh a healthfull and healing medicine of that which in it self is very poison 5. It is profitable when wee are to perform any sacred duty it is to us as wings to the bird as horsmen an chariots to travellers as wind tide sails to the marriner as art skill and strength to him that undergoeth the labor of handicraft it strengtheneth enliveneth and inableth the soul with a singular readiness marvellous joy great content and unspeakable delight to run that race fulfill that task with God hath set him 1 John 5.3 Psa 40.8 Psal 108.3 and Jud. 5.2 6. It is profitable in the collection gathering receiving affective fruition and using of all outward blessings it teacheth us to gain them lawfully to affect them moderately to rejoice in them sparingly to use them holily to order our selvs in all our businesses religiously wisely graciously as becometh the Gospel of God making all outward blessings occurrents and occasions to bee as feet to help us forward and not as stumbling blocks to occasion our fall to bee as a garment not a burden as a cup whereof to drink to refreshment not a sea wherein to drown our selvs 7. It is profitable in sickness in death holiness inableth us to dy with comfort to imbrace it as the most welcom of all guests to look upon it as a friend of a most lovely countenance as a messenger bringing most joifull tidings as a Physitian curing all diseases as a key opening the gates giving liberty from all troubles entrance into all happiness as the marriage day of our souls this will make us with Faninus the Italian to kiss death as hee kissed the traitor which brought him tidings of his execution these are the fruits which grow on this and the like branches this is the gain which is gathered out of this treasury no gift so profitable therefore no gift so sure a pledg of God's love to his people 7. Because these gifts are of all other gifts the most lasting these are gifts without repentance that know no change Rom. 11.29 a living spring that never faileth Joh. 4.14 a seed that never dieth 1 Joh. 3.9 a jewel which never consumeth Prov. 4.18 a sun that never setteth all other gifts of whatsoëver kinde worth or excellency are but like a cloud soon dispelled a vessel of clay soon broken a sandy foundation soon sunk but they who are endued with the saving graces of the Spirit like trees of deep roots shall surely stand like trees planted by the water side they shall not wither but shall bee as the green olive Psal 52.8 as rich treasure in a strong hand Job 10.28 God's covenant shall have no end his grace shall never dy Jer. 32.39 40. so that in all these respects the holy and saving graces of God's Spirit are the chiefest testimony of God's love Vse This will therefore discover unto us plainly assure us undoubtedly make us see infallibly who they are that are best beloved of God who are the joy of his heart the dearly beloved of his soul not the men who have the largest earthly possessions but they whose souls are replenished with most holiness not they who are endowed with most lordship and autority over their brethren but they who have most sway and dominion over their corrupt affections the most holy the most religious the most sincere in heart the most sanctified in their conversation these are God's dear ones God regardeth not the rich man for his abundance the noble man for his birth the great man for his high place the wise man for his policy these are in the eies of God stars of no brightness flowers of no beauty pearls of no price load stones of no virtue to draw the love of God towards the souls of men hee is moved with none of these things Deut. 10.17 the best common abilities without saving grace are but like glorious apparrel about a dead carcase unable to move any affection or to beget desire of communion the greatest living man will rather enter fellowship and hold communion with the poorest living beggar then with the dead carkass of the greatest princes of the world though cloathed in most rich and roial raiment so will God have fellowship with and set his eies upon the poorest soul that hath the life of grace in him then with the most renowned commander on earth being a stranger to the life of God
upon the ordainer of it Why are the waters of Jordan more effectuall than the waters of Abana and Parphar to wash away the Leaprosy of Naaman but because God hath ordained them thereunto 2 King 5.10 Why should Moses Rod divide the waters rather than another staff but because the Lord hath commanded it to be used he ordaineth it and maketh it to accomplish that whereunto he doth send it Isa 55.10.11 Reas 3 Because all the Ordinances of God do receive their vertue saving power from Gods Spirit The waters in Bethesda can do nothing unles the Angel move them John 5.4 The Philistines can never unfold Sampsons riddle unles they plough with his heifer Judg. 14.18 Let God withhold his Spirit the Word will be as a sealed book which we cannot understand you may read that the wisdome and understanding of the Word is by the Spirit Eph. 1.17 So John 16.13 Let God withhold his Spirit and the Word will be a killing letter 2 Cor. 3.6 And for the Sacrament that will be as a shell without a kernell as a dry tree without fruit as a fountaine shut up Vse This must give incouragment to the Lords Ministers though the work be difficult the burden heavy the taske great the opposition strong the hinderances many their armes weak their abilities no way answearable to the work Yet the Lords arme is strong the Lords eye is cleare he is every way sufficient he will make his Ordinances effectuall he will do great things by weak instruments Psal 8.2 Babes and sucklings our one weaknes must not so much dishearten as Gods power must give incouragment to us The consideration of Gods alsufficiency must make us pass through all difficulties with confidence chearfulnes and much courage Though we are as empty vessels yet in God is fulnes though it be a taske to hard for any humane strength a burden to heavy for the shoulders of the very Angels a labour which no created power can accomplish Yet the Lord having given us commission he may look on us and say as he did to Gideon in another case Iud. 6.14 Go you messengers of the Lord of Hosts you that are full of power by the Spirit of the Lord and of judgment and of might Mic. 3.8 Go on in this your might and ye shall save the chosen of the Lord out of the hands of their enemies have not I the Lord sent you and if any reply as Gideon did Iud. 6.15 O my Lord how shall I convert how shall I save this people behold I am weak and fraile a Lamp wherein is little Oile an arme wherein is small strength the most unworthy among the many thousands that beare thy name Yet as the Lord answered Gideon vers 16. So will he answer us surely I will be with thee I will guide assist incourage thee and thou shall smite down the sin of the people as one man thus Ier. 1.6 7 8. and Isa 49.2 Like a sword to peirce open prick and wound the consciences of men Hid me in the shadow of his hand protected me against the snares of men and hath made me as a polished arrow to peirce deeply and speedily into the hearts of the people And since it is the Lords work the faithfull messengers of God the leaders of his army may say one unto another as Ioab did to Abishai his Brother 2 Sam. 10.12 Be strong and let us be valiant for our people and for the Cities of our God and let the Lord doe that which is good in his eyes 2. Since God giveth the efficacy the ministers must take heed that they go not in their name bragging and boasting like the great Goliah of their owne abilities presuming like the Sonnes of Sheva without any commission from God to cast out the uncleane Spirit least as Goliah so they be foiled in the battel least as on the Sonnes of Sheva so the uncleane Spirit leape upon them and prevaile against them But as David went against the great Goliah not in his owne but in the name of the Lord and prevailed so must the ministers of God if they desire the conquest they must go in humility sensible of their owne weaknes as Gideon was of his Iud. 6.15 As Moses was of his Exod. 4.10 Such God will guide in judgment Psal 25.9 And shall do great things Psal 45.4 They must go in faith in the name of the Lord Jesus they shall be able to do great things Acts 3.16 Thorough this they shall cause the walls of the Spirituall Jericho to fall they shall subdue the Kingdom of Sathan stop the mouth of the Roaring Lyon quench the violence of fiery Concupiscence raise the spiritually Dead unto a new life make the weake strong the faint-hearted valiant put to flight armies of strange and strong corruptions worke righteousnes and seale up to mens Souls Gods promises as the Apostle doth in another case speake of Faith Heb. 11.30 33 34 45. They must go in Gods counsell and not in their owne wisedom David could do nothing in Sauls armour but with his sling and his stone he cast Goliah to the ground Humane inventions Philosophicall speculations like Sauls armour fit not Gods Messengers they are as a blunt weapon having no power The Word of the Lord is as a two edged sword the stones gathered out of the Scriptures slung with the sling of faith prevails mightily against sin Jer. 23.22 3. This must teach the people to take heed that they rest not in the naked receiving of Gods Ordinances from the hands of the Minister this is not enough but as the Minister so Christ must also baptize as the one baptizeth the body the other must baptize the conscience as the one preacheth to the eare so the other must preach to the heart Otherwise as the heart of Simon Magus so may ours after baptisme be full of the gall of bitternes Ismaels circumcision of the flesh availed not the heart remaining uncircumcised the washing of the sow doth not cause her to be a lamb as long as her swinish nature is not changed the ravens feathers become not white by being in the Arke with the dove Esau is not accepted of God because in the same womb with Jacob the same waters prove a swallowing gulph to the Egyptians which were dry ground a safe and sure way to Israel That Arke which causeth the house of Obededon to prosper causeth the men of Ashdod to perish It is not the possession but the fruitiō of Gods Ordinances that maketh them effectuall not the naked having but the sound application maketh them powerfull to salvation What availeth the shining of the Sun upon the blind that hath not an open eye to entertaine the light What is Physick in a Box vertuous herbes in a garden if not applied to the diseased Stomack to the wounded member What is raiment in a Wardroab or cloath under the arme if it be not put on the back What are apples above the head
waters under thy feet if thou feed not on the one if thou drinke not of the other dost not thou starve between both What is a faire and stately building to thee if thou take up thy abode in the open field doth not dewes fall upon thee doth not the Sun scorch thee doth not the cold pierce thee What is remission of sin what is resurrection to a new life represented in Baptisme what is it to thee if thy lusts be not mortified if thou rise not by vertue of it to a new life What is it to thee that the word is a Lamp if thou apply it not to thy feet that it is as milk in the breast if thou suck it not that it is a spirituall weapon if thou gird it not about thee that it is a seed if not sown if not hidden in the field of thy heart Say not then as he did Iud. 17.13 Now I know the Lord will be good unto me seeing I have a Levite to be my Priest But if thou wilt have Gods Ordinance prove a blessing if thou wilt know thy self blessed in the having of them cease not till thou find it as a shining Starre a burning Lamp enlightning thy understanding filling thee with knowledge of Gods love to thy Soul in Christ as the candle filleth the house with light the waters the Sea till they wash thy sin from thy Soul as waters wash dirt from the body as the fan driveth chaffe from the corne as Jordan washed away Naamans Leprosy Till they stablish thy saith as a strong foundation supporteth the building as firm rootes sustaine the tree a strong hand upholdeth him that is led by it Till they warme thy heart inflame thy affections as the fire warmeth the house as the Summer Sun doth warm the aire Till it make thy love to God and his wayes as a vehement flame as coales of much fire Till it make thy peace as deep as the rivers even a peace passing all understāding 4. This must teach men to seek to God for the efficacy of his Ordinances desire him to make them as a launcing knife in the hand of the Physician as a Sword in the hand of the Spirit Desire him that when Moses strikes with the Rod upon the Rock when the Minister doth press the Word upon our stony hearts that he will stand before shew his powerfull and gracious presence there in making them to melt in causing them to become contrite and broken for as Psal 33.16 17. There is no King saved by the multitude of an hoast a mighty man is not delivered by much strength c. So without Gods blessing unlesse he put his hand to it it is but vaine as Psal 127.1 2. Except the Lord build the house they labour but in vain c. For as Prov. 10.12 The blessing of the Lord it maketh rich and he addeth no sorrow with it so in this case Therefore as the Daughter of Caleb desired her father having given her south Land that he would also give her springs of water Iud. 15.19 So God having given us his Ordinances let us desire him with all to give us his Spirit As his ministers like seeds men sow the seed of his word so we must desire God to joyne therewith the dewes of heaven that it may not lye like seed in dry ground withering for want of moysture That the Messenger of the Lord may not stand knocking in vaine at the iron gates of our unregenerate hearts but that the Lord will open our eare and heart our eyes to see our hearts to attend believe obey as he opened the heart of Lydia that he will make his Ordinances as seed sowne in good ground as the bow of Jonathan which turned not back and the sword of Saul which returned not empty 2 Sam. 1.22 As the cake and cruse of water whereof the Prophet did eate and drinke and went in the strength thereof to Horeb the mount of God 2 King 19.8 That we may be so refreshed replenished herewith that we may thereby go from strength to strength till we appeare before God in Sion Psal 84.7 5. As the efficacy is the Lords so let the praise be Gods let the hand which doth the worke receive the honour the faithfull instrument which God useth is worthy of double honour of singular love for his works sake David may have the praise for giving Goliah the overthrow The wise men may rejoyce to see the Starre leading unto Christ Iesus The feet of the messenger must be beautifull in the eyes of the people as one of a thousand to them but yet still as he is Gods instrument as a Lamp that hath received his Oile from Gods Olive as a vessel filled with water flowing from the Ocean of all goodnes as a starre held in the hand and receiving all his light from the Sunne of righteousnes the Ministers must be so respected as that God must in and above all be honoured loved praised and rejoyced in If Iosua smite the countrey of the hils Ios 10.40 41. It is because the Lord God of Israel fought for Israel vers 42. So if any or all the Lords Iosuahs the spirituall leaders of Gods Armies smite the sinnes of men which were high as the mountains or deep as the vale which were for Dominion like Kings for continuance like a living spring for extent like the deluge overflowing the whole man if these be beaten if their life be taken away it is because the Lord God of Israel hath fought for Israel If any tree of Pauls planting do grow if any field do flourish by the watering of Apollos it is because the Lord hath given the increase If any man learne wisedom if any man be presented perfect in Christ Iesus by Pauls labour in the ministrey it is thorough the working of God who worketh mightly in him Coll. 1.28 29. If David have escaped the Lion and the beare conquered slaine them delivered the lamb from them it is because God was with him wrought for him 1 Sam. 17.34 35 36. If any Shepheard of Gods flock have delivered any of Gods Lambs out of the jawes of the roaring Lion it is the Lords doing and as the Psalmist touching Israel deliverance from Aegypt So may we all say touching the deliverance of Gods Israel from their spirituall bondage Psal 44.1 2 3 4 5. We have heard with our ears O God! our Fathers have told us what works thou didst in their dayes in the times of old how thou didst drive out the heathen with thy hand and plantedst them how thou didst afflict the people and cast them out c. Therefore let every Soul that hath tasted of Gods goodnes say in this kind that hath felt the mighty arme of God in the weilding of this weapon that hath had any comfortable experience of the moving of Gods Angle in this poole Let him blesse the Lord that hath given him counsell that hath caused his reines to instruct him in the
dead as Iud. 2.19 Reas 5 Because spirituall and heavenly things are difficultly understood as Sampsons riddle a hidden mysterie a sealed book a strange thing hardly wrought in our hearts as Characters in a hard stone and therefore have need often to be urged repeated pressed as an unknowne language must be often spoken before we can understand it Isa 28.10 An unknowne way often travelled a fountaine of that depth that we cannot draw forth the water of it Reas 6 Because there is strong violent subtle and constant opposition against us there are many stumbling blocks in the way the World like the Father in Law of the Levite will perswade us to stay Iudg. 19.9 Like the Harlot it will allure us from going our right way Prov. 7.13 Like Dalilah shee will cause us to sleep upon her lap and cut of our locks The devill like Pharaoh will lay heavy burdens upon us to stop us and therefore we have need of very much incouragement to set us forward Use Because our hearts are naturally averse from all holines it is an irksome path an iron yoke a pricking thorne there is in our heart a deadly antipathy against it as between fire and water Esau and Jacob Cain and Abel Saul and David and therefore there is need of much labour often instruction powerfull preaching to winne us to love that which we naturally hate to practise that which we doe now abhorre This discovereth the folly and prophaneness and condemneth the practice of such as content themselves without the powerfull and plenteous Use of Gods Ordinances That come not to the Baptist resort not to the places where God hath set up the light of his truth Many will travell far neer to the Counsellour for advise about their earthly estate to the Physitian for the health of the body to forrein countries for silke spices gold silver and such like Merchandise that will not step out of dores at least not out of their owne parishes for the food of their Souls having none at home As if men had more liberty allowed them to provide for their bodies than for their Souls as if that might be done to preserve the casket which may not be done for the preservation of the jewell that done for the preservation of the house which may not be done for the preservation of the inhabitant as if God had confined men within the precincts of a parish to be damned for want of instruction when we may have enough abroad for the fetching The people in the dayes of the Baptist were not of these mens mindes if they had they would never have gone out of the Region of Judea to him they would never have come to Aenon to be Baptized of him because there was much water there But it is plaine that such men as are so careless of frequenting the means never knew 1. The necessity of them they knew not that these are as needfull to their regeneration as seed to the bringing forth of corne as light to discover the path wherein we must walk as eyes to the body as dewes to the ground without which the one is in darkenes the other withereth 2. That they never felt the comfort of them had they felt how good the Word of the Lord is had they felt them as a River Psalm 44.1 As Noahs Dove bringing an Olive branch as the message of life as Rom. 10.15 Ps 19.20 Doctr. 3. That they never had experience of the change which these worke never felt them as a fan driving away the chaff from the corne as a burning Lamp enlightning their understanding as a Key opening the prison Dores of sin making them the Lords Free men of barren fields made fruitfull vineyards of strangers made Sonnes and Daughters of the Lord had they ever felt these things they would have said as Iohn 6.34 As Ruth to Naomi Ruth 1.26 As Jonathans Soul clave to David no cost paine reproach among men should withhold you from it but as Iohn continued till he was cast in prison so would you as long as you had any liberty which is the next thing here noted and from whence we may collect That Gods Ministers must be diligent in their callings as long as God doth give them ability and freedome to performe the same This is Pauls charge to Timothy 2. Tim. 4.2 It is Gods Mercy to vouchsafe such Isa 66.1 It was the Apostles resolution Acts 20.24 Peter thought it behoofefull 2 Pet. 1.12 This Paul practised 2 Tim. 29. and Ier. 36.5 6. Because Sathan is never weary of hunting the overthrow of Christs Kingdome of seeking the ruine of Gods people 1 Pet. 5.8 His instruments Math. 23.15 These are alwayes sowing their tares therefore we must be as diligent in seeking the welfare of the people we must keep watch as long as the enemy doth lay seidge we must looke to the flock as long as the roaring Lion seeketh to spoile them Acts 20.28 Because the worke is not yet brought to perfection the conquest is not yet fully obtained therefore the Souldiers must still fight the house is not yet finished therefore the builders must still worke the sheaves are not yet brought into the garner therefore the Husbandman may not sleepe the journey is not yet ended therefore the guide must still go forward the Amalekites are not wholly subdued therefore Moses must still lift up his hands The Cananites are not fully overcome therefore Josuah must continually wage warr against them 3. Corruption will still gather strength if it be not continually subdued by the Ministrey of the Word diseased bodies will soone corrupt over-run with corrupt humours if they be not daily physicked the clearest garden will be full of weeds if the gardners hand be not continually imployed about it the purest garment will gather dust if it be not brushed the best vessell will contract some filth if it be not cleansed 4. Received gifts and graces will decay if holy meanes be not used if the dewes distill not the corne in the field withereth if the breasts send not forth milk the child languisheth the fire will go out if fuell be not still administred Vse This exceedingly condemneth the idleness of many Ministers who are as sealed fountains seldome watering the Souls of the people as Merciless Stewards shutting up all their store from Gods Family cruell and careles Physitians Ezek. 34.3 4. slothfull and sluggish Husbandmen who can see Gods vineyard like the sluggards vineyard overgrown with thornes and bryars and not reach out the hand to purge it who can see the Dogs and Lions devour the flock and yet sleepe and securely never seeking the safety of the flock 5. This must therefore occasion both Minister and people to be constant in their callings never weary in the duties of Godlines but still with Paul pressing forward Phil. 3.13 Still following the fiery Pillar like Israel out of Aegypt redeeming the time using well all the opportunities God affordeth delighting
thing in the Verse was the Ministers office as the friend of the Bridegroome prepareth a Bride for him so do Gods Ministers persuade prepare and fit the people to joyne themselves in a Holy wedlock to Christ Jesus Doctr. THat it is the speciall labour of Gods faithfull Ministers to perswade the people to turne unto and joyne themselves in a holy wedlock with Christ Iesus as Abrahams Servant sought a Wife for his Sonne Isaac made an oath to be faithfull praying for good speed Gen. 24.9 12. gave the Woman bracelets and a golden earering vers 22. would not eate till he had done his errant vers 33. commended the riches of his Master vers 35.36 So must the Ministers of the Lord seek woo and perswade men to joyne themselves unto Christ in a spirituall marriage Hence Paul saith he had espoused the Corinthians to one Husband that he might present them as a chast virgin unto Christ 2 Cor. 11.2 the Ministry of the Gospel compared to the marriage feast the Ministers unto Servants inviting men to the wedding by the use fruition sence and feeling of his Ordinances the spouse was made sick of love and filled with vehement and earnest longings after Christ Jesus Cant. 2.4 and this the Apostle sheweth to be their chiefest labour 2 Cor. 5.19 20. and so they make it 1. Because it bringeth much honour to God as Prov. 14.28 So by the encrease of godly men the bringing of many to yeeld ready and cheerefull subjection unto God is the name of the Lord much honoured by this the Scepter of Christ Iesus is erected in the hearts of men the Kings of Tarshish and of the Isles are constrained to bow before him to subject their necks to his yooke to plow up the fallow ground of their hearts and to bring forth fruit unto God by this they are brought to confesse their sin and to give glory unto God as Achan did when the Lot was cast upon him Ios 2.19 by this they are turned from Idols and wordly vanities to serve the living God 1 Thes 1.9 by this their nature is changed Isa 11.6 they are made to be at peace with God and among themselves by this of a barren wilderness they are made a fruitfull vineyard Isai 35.1 2 5 6 7. 2. Because it is very pleasing unto God the returning of the prodigall was delightfull to his Father as appeareth by the hast he made to meet him by the entertainement he gave him the bringing home of the lost sheep doth much rejoyce the Shepheard so the conversion of sinners is very pleasing unto God Luc. 15.7 What the bringing of many sheass into the barne is to the Husbandman what the birth of the Child is to the Mother the same is bringing of many to the new birth the gathering home of many Souls into Gods garner it is not the adorning of the body with gold and silver but the adorning of the heart which is in the sight of God of the greatest price 1 Pet. 3.3 4. It is not the bestowing of much riches upon men but the making of them rich in the grace of the Spirit which God respecteth 3. Because this doth bring the greatest ruine unto Satans Kingdome this like a key openeth the prison doores of sin and bringeth forth the Souls of men to liberty as the Angel brought Peter out of prison Act. 12.7 this overturneth his strong holds 2 Cor. 10.11 driveth him from his former possession Luc. 11.21 as the breaking of the pitchers shining of the lights with the cry of the sword of the Lord and Gideon put the Midianits to flight and gave freedome to Israel thus Isai 9.4 5. 4. Because this is most profitable for the people this of dead doth make them new and living creatures Joh. 5.25 of dry trees doth make them like trees planted by the waters side Psal 1.3 of barren Souls it maketh them fruitfull like a Mother of many Children Isai 54.1 of a desolate and forsaken people it bringeth them to a holy fellowship and honorable Communion with Christ Jesus by working faith in them Ephes 1.13 By separating them from profane persons like sheep from goats Chaffe from Corn Mat. 3.12 Ier. 23.29 Use This therefore discovereth the fearefull sin of such in the Ministry as in stead of turning men unto God do turne them from God in stead of joyning them in wedlock unto Christ do separate them from Christ in stead of drawing the hearts of men unto God and to the love of holy duties do like Absolon steale away the hearts affections of men from delight in the works of sanctification from subjection unto Gods precepts 2 Sam. 15.6 Some like the false Apostles seek to marry the people to themselves not to Christ seeking their owne praise not the honour of the Lord Jesus as the Disciples of the Baptist would have had their Master have taken the honour to himselfe which was due to Christ so there are some Masters labour to make their Disciples give them the reverence obedience praise which is due to Christ alone by making their sayings to be a Law an infallible ruse which must be followed giving preheminence or equalizing their traditions and unwarranted Doctrines to the Scriptures exercising Lordship tyranny over the faith and consciences of men rather than assisting them contrary to that of the Apostle 2 Cor. 1.24 and that of our Saviour Mat. 23.8 9 10. as if they were authours when they can be but instruments the fountaine when they must be like cisternes conveying the waters of life which they receive from God the Sun when they must be but starres in the right hand of Christ shining in the light which they receive from him Ier. 6.14 II. Some draw others from Christ by their false Doctrine flattering them in their sin speaking peace when there is no peace healing the disease of the people deceitfully like an unfaithfull Physician Ezek. 13.10 daubing with untempered morter like a deceitfull builder promising liberty when themselves are the servants of sin 2 Pet. 2.19 III. Some hinder men from coming to Christ harden them in sin by opposing and disgracing the wholesome Doctrine and gracious admonition given by their fellow brethren by sowing tares to choake the wheat by withstanding like Elimas Acts 13.8 by forbidding them to speake Amos 7.10 by seeking to alienate the hearts of the people from them Gal. 4.17 by incouraging the people in evill 1 King 22.11 12. IV. Some hinder men from coming to Christ by their silence they teach not the way of life and salvation they open not the danger of the naturall mans estate they acquaint not men with the riches of Gods mercy but Isai 56.10 11. A man that is both blind and dumb is an unfit man to make a marriage so they who are spiritually blind and dumb are no way meet to perswade the people to joyne themselves in wedlock unto Christ they cannot open unto them the honour
brightness and Majesty of his holines so affected with it that as Daniel when he saw the vision Dan. 10.8 So they in this manner beholding God to be a God of infinite holines righteousnes wisedome are ashained of their owne corruption and all thought of their owne excellency departeth from them this maketh the very Cherubins cover their feet Isai 6.2 and vers 5. now put all these together and they make this argument that people who are affected with the sence of their owne unworthiness the struggling of their corruptions assaults of Satan whose hearts are broken endued with true grace melted by the Word basely conceited of the best of their works loaden with affliction reproaches in the World affected with the beauty of Gods holines that people is an humble people but thus are Gods people Use This therefore acquainteth us with the dangerous estate of all men of high haughty and ambitious Spirits of men that are puffed up with the conceit of their owne excellencies that soare at least in their owne imagination upon the wings of their owne abilities who will needs increase in the eye of the World though it be to the decrease of the honour of Christ and to the reproach of their brethren such men are surely strangers to the Spirit of the Baptist have little experience of the heavy burthen of the loathsome nature of their owne corruptions of the merit of their doings the wages due to their labours this is a sin arising from present and the increase of temporary and common endowments either internall or externall when men look on humane abilities as Nebuchadnezar upon his palace Dan. 4.30 as the peacock upon his feathers as Rabseca upon his Masters victories 2 King 18.33 then they swell this is a sin arising also from the forgetfulnes of God men consider not that all they have is raine falling from the cloud of Gods bounty fruit gathered from the tree of Gods favour and hereupon they magnify the strength of their owne arme celebrate Philistia like the Dagon of their owne wit and endevours Hab. 1.16 of this the Lord forwarned Israel Deut. 8.14 and of this we have all great cause to be very carefull for I. This is a sin repugnant to our very originall and beginning we are not our owne workmanship a house of our owne building but the hands of the Lord have formed us now shall the vessel magnify it selfe against the potter Isai 29.16 Deut. 32.18 19. but Isai 64.8 and besides God made our bodily part out of the dust whereon our feet tread Gen. 2.17 hence Job 4.17 18 19 20 21. pride is a sin which doth repugne our very creation II. This is a sin repugnant to the tenure of all our endowments our goods and lifes are held at the will of the Lord we are but stewards he may take them when he pleaseth according to our abilities will be our reckoning 1 Cor. 4.1 Luc. 16.2 so that in our selves we are an empty vessel having nothing but what God hath given Gen. 31.9 Iac. 1.17 III. This maketh us uncapable of the grace of Gods Spirit a full vessell is uncapable of new water a full hand of a new gift a full stomack of food these say to instruction as Esau to Iacob I have enough Gen. 33.9 thus Rev. 3.17 Ioh. 9.41 While Paul was on horseback he was uncapable of instructions therefore the Lord smote him to to the ground Acts 9.3 IV. This maketh God to crosse curse and punish us to be after a peculiar manner an enemy against us more than against any others pride maketh a man set himselfe in Gods seate rob God of his honour reject Gods precepts despise his fellow brethren which are Gods Workman ship and for this doth God become an enemy to the proud and when he giveth grace to the humble yet he resisteth the proud Iac. 4.6 When he doth encrease the gifts of the meek he will take away what he hath given to the proud leave them destitute like a Well without water a tree without fruit leaf or branch hence Luc. 1.53 They who feel themselves empty like hungry stomacks Matth. 5.6 thirsty like dry grounds the Lord will give abundantly to drink out of the Wells of salvation but the rich such as be puffed up with the conceit of their owne goods these shall remaine like empty vessels empty of the true knowledge of God joy of the Spirit sence and feeling of the Word of God in his heart as a man will send away him whom he knoweth to have money enough without an almes from his doore and as a King taketh away weapons places of dignity from them that lift up themselves and rebell against him Luk. 14.11 The higher men do exalt themselves the more God will abase them as 2 Sa. 15.2 Acts 12.22 therefore let us take heed of all high conceipts of our owne excellencies Vse 2 Since Gods people are of a humble disposition let us try our selves whither we are indued with this humility or not that so we may know whither we are the Children of God or no and if you be indued with the humility proper to Gods Children you shall know it 1. By the instrument or meanes which doth worke it and that is the preaching of the Word of God the Law and Gospel together this doth awaken the conscience like a sounding trumpet this throweth down high thoughts as the sounding of the rams hornes did the Walls of Iericho Ios 6.20 this hath made you with the jailour Acts 16.31 with Paul Rom. 7.9 this light hath caused you to fall to the ground like that Acts 9.3 this like Daniels vision Dan. 10.8 you have felt how the Lord hath pricked your conscience with this goade Eccles 12.11 How the wounding of this arrow have made you fall down before the Lord Psal 45.4 How this looking glasse this Sun hath acquainted you with the spots that sticke in your Souls like dirt in a garment and hath made you vile in your owne eyes you have experience how God hath laydsiedge against your Souls how by the Ministry of his word he hath made you see your owne weakenes caused you to lay down your weapon yeeld up your selves and seek and sue for peace you have felt how the Gospel of God hath shined like the warme Sun into your hearts and hath melted your frozen affections and how God by his goodnes hath lead you to true repentance and made you truely humble as Ios 5.1 7 5. Iud. 5.45 So the people of God have found at the coming of the Word as Psa 97.4 5. 2. By your reverent meek and lowly attention to and entertainement of the Word of God receiving it as from the mouth of God himselfe 1 Thes 2.13 as that which is the instrument wherein and whereby God will shew himselfe powerfull in the work of salvation Rom. 1.16 as the Scepter by which Christ will sway in our hearts as the Child attendeth with an awfull reverence to
worke in the heart of his people Ezek. 16.4 Turning the hearts which were as hard as stones into hearts as tender as flesh Ezek. 36.26 This is a sweet and delightfull Sacrifice unto him Psal 51.17 This is a subject capable of Gods Word as the broken and tender ground is capable of the seed Ier. 4.3 4. Gods eyes are mercifully bent towards them he will communicate his comforts in a plentifull manner to them he will not behave himselfe as a stranger but as a most loving friend towards them Isa 57.15 A contrite heart is a loadstone of more force to draw the love of God to us than all worldly Ornaments Isa 66.2 A jewell of more price with God than many rubies 1 Pet. 3.34 To whom will God be a Physitian to to heal the wounds of the Soul but to the broken heart Psal 147.3 With whom will he be present to whom will he be a sure defence but the contrite heart Psal 34.18 To whom will he make his Gospel a joyfull tidings but the broaken Isa 61.1 2. Who will have a joyfull harvest they that sow in tears Psal 126.5 6. That goeth forth weeping This is one end of our baptisme one fruit thereof in all Gods people Luk. 3.5 And therefore let us all strive to be made partakers of it 3. As the water doth quench the flaming and burning fire so let us strive to feel the vertue of our baptisme in extinguishing all the fiery lusts that are within us in quenching all sinfull and libidinous and disorderly affections as a man cast into a deep water will feel his body cooled burning heats removed so must we strive to feel all unlawfull heats in our Souls by vertue of this water extinguished therefore resembled to a grave wherein all our lusts are buried and how strong soever before yet now they are as a dead body which doth every day more and more consume Rom. 6.3 4 5 6. 4. As the waters doth cause the herbes grasse trees and plants arising out of the earth to grow and flourish So must these waters of baptisme cause us to grow in Sanctification to be like the willowes Isa 44.3 Like the tree Psal 1.3 This is that God requireth 2 Pet. 3.18 This is the property of all the trees in Gods Orchard of Gods Planting Psal 92.13 14. We must imitate our Saviour Luk. 2.52 As the children in the family grow so must we as many as are children in Gods family grow to further perfection in the grace of Gods Spirit Like good Schollers in the Schoole of Christ Like Israelites moving after the fiery Pillar Like Jacobs driving his flocks though slowly like Josuah more and more subduing the Cananites which opposed Like David in his warres against Saul growing stronger and Saul weaker this will make us able 1. To discerne the things that differ Heb. 5.14 2. To take the opportunities God affordeth for the welfare of our Souls 3. To run with chearfullnes the race which God hath set before us 4. To conquer with facility all oppositions 5. To depend on God with much assurance 6. To appeare before him with much boldnes confidence and gladness Thus of the first point the second was this Doctr. 2 That in antient times the whole body of the Baptized did use to be washed Christ went downe into Jordan Math. 3.16 The Eunuch and Philip went into the water Acts 8.38 Resembled to a buriall wherein not one part but every member is buried Rom. 6.4 Wherein the Apostle setteth forth three degrees of our Sanctification 1. The first Mortification whereby the power of sin is destroyed resembled by the putting into the Water and expressed by a death of sin 2. The progresse of our Mortification resembled by the resting of the body under the water and expressed by a buriall with Christ because as the body buried doth continually moulder so doth sin in them that are Gods Children 3. Vivification Newnes of heart life resembled by the rising of the body out of the water and expressed by a resurrection out of the grave Thus the whole body was then dipped or dived into the water as divers Councels testifie Yet not of absolute necessity it should be now as it was then For then they were for the most part of mature age before they were baptized being such as were converted from Paganisme they were instructed in the Christian faith and desired Baptisme before they did participate thereof And besides their countrey was very hot But now few of ripe years are Baptized our countries are cold and therefore the sprinkling of water upon the child is used and that without any injury unto or violation of the Sacrament and that for these reasons 1. Because Baptisme doth signify a sprinkling as well as a dipping into the water 2. The thing signified the sprinkling of Christs blood upon our consciences is signified by the sprinkling of the water upon the Child as well as by dipping it into the water The Analogie between the signe and the thing signified remaineth 3. The weaknes of the Children requiring it The Ceremoniall must give place to the Morall Law charity and necessity may dispence with ceremonies and in equity mitigate their sharpness they being ordained for man and not man for them Onely that which was thereby in baptisme represented unto them and unto us and which we are to learne from it is this That as the whole body was dipped in the water so the whole man must be renewed every sin must be renounced every good duty practised every faculty of the Soul every member of the body must be sanctified graciously exercised in the duties of Godlines As the floore of the house was overlaid with gold within and without 1 King 6.30 So must we have the inward and the outward man adorned with the grace of the Spirit we must like the spouse be glorious within and richly arrayed without Psal 45.13 Thus Ps 119.128 and Luk. 1.6 To the end we may so do consider That 1. By this we shall resemble God as the aire thoroughly inlightned doth resemble the Sun in brightnes hence the change wrought in Gods Servants the restoring of Gods image is likened not to the putting off of a glove from the hand or a shoe from the foot but the putting off of the whole raiment Eph. 4.22 23 24. 2. Hereby we shall shew the truth of repentance which like Noahs flood drowneth hills and valleys all sinnes like a faithfull Physician letteth out the corruption out of every wound Counterfeit repentance like Saul spareth Agag and the best of the beasts But true repentance like Samuel sheatheth the sword in Agag too even in the dearest sin Unsound repentance like Pharaoh will let the aged men go some old sinnes wherein the sinner hath now no more pleasure But Pharaoh will not suffer the younger ones to depart no more will the unsound heart suffer his new sinnes to depart wherein for the present he taketh delight
our good works and glorify our father as every fountaine sendeth forth a streame according to what it hath received every starre giveth light according to the light infused into it knowing that for this end we have received 1 Cor. 12.7 Mat. 10.8 Reas 4 Because this will stirre up men not to envy but to imitation of them whose graces do excell to pray for the like graces to use the like meanes to run the same race to labour in the same vineyard to sow the like seed that they may win the like price receive the like wages reape the like harvest thus Heb. 6.11 12. 1 Cor. 4.16 1 vers 11.1 Ia. 5.10 11. Not to murder Abel because more righteous but to tread in his steps to labour for his faith not to envy David for his great conquests but to strive after the like victories Reas 5 Because this will breed love in our hearts towardsthem their virtues will be as a savoury ointment as a sweet smelling flower in our nostril as a load-stone to draw our hearts toward them when we see how the Lord doth love them How he doth beautify them with his graces how in them are those excellencies after which our Souls long then they will be to us as one of a thousand Job 33.23 As Apple trees among the thornes as starres among the clouds as flowers among the weeds all our delight will be on them that excell in vertue Ps 16.3 Use Therefore whensoever the Spirit of envy doth begin to move within us at the sight of other mens endowments when the light and lustre of their vertues beginneth to trouble our diseased and malignant eyes when at any time the pleasantness and fertility of Naboths vineyard causeth Ahab to languish and repose himselfe upon his bed when Esau conceiveth hatred deviseth mischief against Iacob because he hath gotten the blessing when our hearts begin to repine because the cloud of Gods bounty had dropped more abundantly on others than on us let us look upon the state of our owne Souls let us consider how there is nothing in us why God should bestow any thing upon us why we should expect any thing at his hands Let us consider how the Lord is no way bound to us but may do with his blessing what he will no man can controule him or lay either indiscretion or injustice to his charge And then as David playing on the Harp appeased Sauls evill spirit so shall this appease the distemper of our Spirit and without murmuring magnify the wisedome and freedome of God in the dispensations of his mercies and for the better inuring of our hearts hereunto consider we 1. That God doth distribute his gifts most wisely and justly as may serve most for his owne honour the good of his people as he hath in great wisedome disposed the body naturall and all the members thereof and accordingly given them abilities sutable to their severall places so he hath also in great wisedome dispensed his favours to all the members of the mysticall body of Christ Jesus he hath done all things in number weight and measure and Psa 145.16 17. As he hath filled the Sun Moone and Starres with such quantity of light as may make most for the benefit and ornament of the whole universe so hath God dispensed to his people c. 2. That God hath bestowed some gift upon every one of his family he that hath least hath enough to make him everlastingly happy 1 Cor. 12.8 9. No tree in Gods Orchard but hath some soile about his roots no vessel in Gods house but hath some liccour Mat. 25.15 3. That to murmur against our brethren is to murmur against God for the graces they have are not of their owne getting but of Gods bestowing and therefore as Moses said Exo. 16.8 So it is in this behalfe therefore Augustine Quoties hominibus praesse desidero toties Deo meo praeire contendo As often as I desire to be preferred above men so often I strive to go before my God as arguing discontentednes in the place wherein God had set him 4. That it is farre better to use well the little we have received then to envy our brethren because they have what we have not he that hath least doth not imploy it so well but he might make better use of it and the good use of what we have will give much contentment for the present and hath the promise of a large increase for the future to him that hath shall be given Mat. 15.23 29. Prov. 11.25 5. That what God hath communicated to others is not for themselves but for the good of them that shall need it the cloud hath raine for the dry ground the Sun hath light for the dark aire the tree hath fruit for the hungry stomack the eye hath sight for the body he that gathered much Manna gave to him that had little we are but stewards 6. That the beholding of the graces which are in them must provoke us to pray for the like measure of grace to use all holy means to attaine the same degree of holines when the prodigall saw what they enjoyed who lived in his fathers house he desird to be as one of them 7. That envying at other mens abundance will rob us of the comfort of our endowments as Esth 5.10 11 12 13. Saul so maligned David for his mighty conquests that he lost all the comfort he might have gathered from his owne victories 8. That God doth give as much as we have ability well to manage vessels put to Sea are loaden according to their strength the Master of the family placeth all according to their abilities Mat. 25.15 9. That God will expect from us but as he giveth to us Luc. 12.48 10. That a faithfull imployment of what we have received shall surely be accompained with a blessed increase a little sowne in good ground husbanded well bringeth a competible increase Thus of the connexion prescribing a remedy to the disease of the Disciples of the Baptist in the words themselves we have set before us 1. Our owne emptines a man can receive nothing of himselfe by his owne art industry ability worth he can receive nothing bodily or spirituall transitory or eternall 2 The Fountaine whence all the good we enjoy like so many streams do flow from the first we learne Doctr. That man hath of himselfe no ability to the performances of any good duty he is a Lamp without Oile a well without Water a withered arme without strength therefore like to an evill tree which beareth none but evill fruit Mat. 7.18 to an uncleane Fountaine sending forth none but uncleane Waters Job 14.4 to a black-Moore that cannot make himselfe white Jer. 13.23 to a dead man that cannot performe any action belonging to the living to a wild Olive Prov. 11. Col. 2.13 and therefore the Apostle strippeth man of all inclination or motion unto good Rom. 11.19 2 Cor. 3.5 and the Psalmist saith
ground the perswasions of our hearts upon apparant testimonies which will not deceive us Let us still be of humble disposition readily subjecting our selves to the Doctrine of Gods Word Let not affection conceit fond opinion but a judgment well informed be our guide Let all truths find entertainment approbation subjection so shall the Word bring comfort stablish our faith reconcile and draw us home to God assure us of his favour enrich us with his grace I. But if prejudice possesse our hearts bear sway within us we are taken in Satans snare we shall be lead like blind men into the pit of our destruction he hath put out the eye of the understanding that we shall not see the glorious light of the Gospel 2 Cor. 4.4 II. The sweet waters of life will be to our Palate as bitter as Gall the most sumptuous feast shall be but as the bread of adversity and the water of affliction Mal. 3.14 The most pleasant and delightfull light will be either an offence to the eye or at least as a Lamp without Oile Iob 34.9 All Religious and holy exercises will be as a cloud without raine as a vine without grapes III. The wisest counsell will be taken either as flattery or as treason the truest testimonies of the sincerest love will be looked on as baits upon the hooke to draw the fish to his death as meat spread by the fowler an allurement to the snare 2 Sam. 10.4 IV. Prejudice like a diseased stomack turneth good food into corrupted humours 2 Cor. 2.14 Like a diseased eye it beholdeth things in contrary colours Like David in one case it taketh friends to be enemies and enemies to be friends 2 Sam. 19.6 Like thornes and bryars in the field it causeth the seed of the word that it can take no roote Matth. 13.12 Like Sheba that blew the Trumpet of Rebellion it causeth the people to disclaime the Messenger of the Lord and to say they have no part in his Doctrine 2 Sam. 20.1 2. Like the evill Spirit that arose between Abimelech and the men of Shechem it doth breed a great division hasten their ruine Iud 9.23 Like a disease in the body it maketh men greedily imbrace what will nourish it Ahab being possessed with prejudice against the Prophet cast him into prison opened his eares to the false Prophets who deceived him 1 King 22. for the prevention whereof we must labour 1. For a sound judgment to be able to discerne the things which differ to make choise of the things which are most excellent a cleare eye judgeth and distinguesheth colours best delight is most welcome to that sight which hath most perfection sound Doctrine hath best approbation among men of sound knowledge and good understanding and surely as Paul said in another case Acts 26 2.3 So may the Minister of God say in this case and therefore 1 Cor. 14.20 Col. 1.9 1 Cor. 10.15 1 Thes 5.21 but ignorance is the common cause of prejudice 2 Pet. 2.12 2. For a good affection an entire love to the Messenger of the Lord this the Apostle requireth 1 Thes 5.13 This will cause us to hearken to their Doctrine with diligence to endure the word of exhortation with patience to imbrace it with thankfulnes to subject our selves to it with readines we take bitter pils contentedly from the Physitian whom we affect and you know what the Apostle saith of love 1 Cor. 13.5 6 7. 3. We must strive for an humble and teachable Spirit the broken ground entertaineth the seed the meeke in heart do readily subject themselves to the Doctrine of salvation the yoke of Gods precept is not irksome to the humble therefore Mat. 11.29 were we humble as Christ was then as he notwithstanding all his sufferings Isa 42 2. no more would we stirre and cry and make a noise and tumult when the axe is said to the roote of the tree we would not kick against the Word of the Lord though it prick like a goade and pierce like an arrow Ex. 12.11 Ps 45.4 The humble â—oul shall find sweetnes in it it shall be a word of glad tidings Isa 61.1 a pleasant food Psal 22.26 4. Carefully try all things by the touch-stone of Gods Word examine it by that line wherein there is no crookednes weigh it in that ballance wherein is no deceit try it by that touch-stone which will infallibly distinguish between good and reprobate silver the day 1 Cor. 13 13. that is the light of Gods Word Rom. 13.12 shall make it manifest the fire Gods Spirit speaking in the Scriptures will certifie you of the truth of what was taught therefore Isa 8.20 1 Joh. 4.1 Acts 17.11 By this meanes shall ye find that it is not so much man as God that speaketh by this meanes ye shall perceive more power in it attend with more feare and reverence to it and subject your selves thereunto with more willingness 5. Allow not your selfe in any evill way be not wedded to any sin but resolve in the uprightness of your hearts to subject your selves to the whole will of God be glad to be informed in any truth and be able to say to Gods Messenger as Cornelius did to Peter Acts 10.33 and the people to Moses Deu. 5.27 Then shall not your hearts rebell against any truth not distast any wholesome Doctrine not take offence at any godly exhortation more than a traveller resolving to go to his journeys end doth to be guided in the right way when he strayeth or a sick man desirous of a freedome from all diseases doth at the good counsell of a wise Physitian but shall with David 1 Sa. 25.32 33. The allowance of sin maketh true Doctrine unacceptable godly admonition unwelcome the tidings of peace an occasion of trouble the sweet flowers gathered out of the garden of the Scriptures as a bundle of noisome weeds the honey comb of the word as gall therefore let us put iniquity farr away and let no iniquity dwell in our tabernacles and then we shall receive the word without prejudice The Third thing is the Baptists deniall of himself the removing of all that honour from himself which they would falsely have ascribed to him Doctr GOds Servants must not seek their owne but the honour of the Lord Jesus This is given in charge 1 Cor. 6.20 this we are taught to make our first Petition Mat. 6.9 This the Saints Angels of God have refused to receive when men either ignorantly or superstitiously would have bestowed it on and have willed them to give it unto God and Christ Acts 10.25 26 Acts 14 14 15. Rev. 19.10 our Saviour blamed the want of this in the Pharises Joh. 5.44 and the Lord plagued them that neglecting his sought their owne glory Acts 12.21 22. Dan. 4.30 31. Reas 1 In regard of that perrogative which God hath over all he is the Prince of the Kings of the earth Rev. 1.5 every knee must bow to him Rom 14.11 He hath
eyes for their understanding to Fishpooles for the letting of the people to see the face the quality of their estates for watering them with the Doctrine of life and salvation to a nose like the Tower of the Lebanon for their judgment in finding out the sins and discerning the states of the people as men discerne smels by their nostrils 5. In regard of the weakeness of mens capacities they cannot conceive the things of God unles we plainely unfold them rightly and powerfully apply them they cannot walke in this path unles we guide them Acts 8.31 they are Children and we must draw forth the breasts of the Scripture to them they are ignorant and know not the sound of this musick unles we give the distinction they cannot feed on the Corn in these eares before the Ministers of God like the oxe do tread it out Therefore in these and such like respects it is very needfull that every faithfull Minister should be after a peculiar manner acquainted with Gods counsell Use Such therefore as are deprived of the true knowledge of God and have not after a peculiar manner acquaintance with Gods counsels are altogether unfit for the Ministeriall function the blind are unfit to lead the way descry the snares foresee the thiefs forewarne their followers of ensueing dangers disswade them from the crooked incourage them in the right way a lanterne without light is unusefull a Lamp that hath no Oile is unprofitable ignorance in them that possesse the place of Ministers doth not onely make them unprofitable but also very perilous to the people as an ignorant Physician to the patient an unskilfull Pilot to the Ship Mat. 15.14 II. They have no approbation in Gods sight Hos 4.6 Considera saith Ierome sacerdotis esse officium de lege interrogantes respondere si sacerdos est sciat legem Domini si ignorat legem Domini ipse se arguit non esse sacerdotem Domini sacerdotis est enim scire legem ad interrogationem respondere de lege A blind eye is as no eye an empty well is as no well cathedra non facit sacerdotem sed sacerdos cathedram non locus sanctificat hominem sed homo locum Qui bene sederit super cathedram honorem accipit ab illa qui male sederit injuriam facit cathedra Chrysost in Mat. 23. III. These cannot descry the cunning of Satan the grovth of sin the good from the bad any more than a blind Watchman can see the coming of the enemy a blind Gardener the encrease of the weeds or a blind Sheepheard the goates from the Sheep he cannot separate the precious from the vile Ier. 15.19 Eze. 22.26 IV. The accompt of these men at the last will bee fearefull when they shall be constrained to answer for all the Souls that have perished for want of instruction these cannot say as Paul 1 Thes 2.19 Acts 20.26 but as Ezek. 3.18 and such as have Pastours not acquainted with Gods counsell unable to informe them in the way of life and salvation are bound neither by the Lawes of God nor godly men to attend upon them whosoever doth confine himselfe to them hath no more sure ground to expect salvation than a Child depending upon my breast having no breasts Use 2 Therefore here you see how needfull it is that Gods Ministers should be well acquainted with Gods counsels perfectly instructed in the Scriptures like Timothy 2 Tim. 3.15 16. able to Minister a word in due season Isa 50.4 Like a good steward bringing forth new and old out of his store Luk. 13.52 Like a Lamp full of Oile giving much light of heavenly knowledge 2 Cor. 4.6 Like fountaines full of these waters as the Fishpooles of Heshbon that so they may refresh the wearied Souls of Gods people Vse 3 This must make the people resort to them more frequently attend their Doctrine more carefully that so they may be made wise unto salvation for these are appointed of God to feed men with knowledge Ier. 3.15 to build them up in grace to hew them square them and fit them for the Lords building 1 Cor. 3.9 Ephes 4.11 to guide them in the way wherein they should walke Luk. 1.79 to resolve them when they are doubtfull Mal. 2 7. to open to them the great things of Gods Law Acts 10.33 to comfort them when they are afflicted Isai 50.1 2. to heale them when they are wounded Isai 61.1 3. Therefore come to these as Iacob to Aegypt for bread-corn when there was a famine as the men of Gibeon to Iosuah when they were beseidged by the Amorites Gen. 42.1 as Israel to Moses when they were stung by the fiery Serpents Ios 10.6 as the Children to the nurses ordained to feed them Neh. 21.6 Open your eares to their Doctrine subject your necks to the yoake of Gods precepts Ephes 2.7 Follow their counsell with cheerfulnes and you shall find your Souls replenished with many sweet consolations and as themselves are so will they cause you following their counsels to become the friends of the Lord Jesus and thus are we come to the third observation Doctr. Every faithfull Minister of God is an unfained friend of God therefore they are called his friends Joh. 15.15 men after Gods owne heart Jer. 3.15 and Paul found his heart cleaving unto God so firmely that Rom. 8.38 And every Minister must endevour to shew himselfe the friend of Christ 1. By walking in the steps of Christ by being holy as Christ was holy by yeelding sound obedience to his precepts by shining in the integrity of his conversations this is the way to testify our love and friendship 1 Joh. 5.3 and Joh. 15.14 He that liveth ill is an enemy to the Lord Iesus though he preach well the gall of bitternes is in his heart though he seem to have a honey-comb in his mouth Like Iudas he betrayeth Christ by his ungodly walking while he seemeth by his Doctrine to give him a friendly salutation 2. By their diligent conscionable faithfull and powerfull preaching by being instant in season and out of season 2 Tim. 4.2 By dividing the word aright giving every man his portion 2 Tim. 2. â—5 as Eccles 11.2 6. Taking every opportunity Gal. 6.10 going up and down doing good and teaching the Servants of the Lord the way of God making it their joy and their glory to turne men from iniquity 1 Thes 2.19 2 Cor. 1.11 12. 3. By bearing contentedly all reproaches by undergoing readily any losse for the honour of Christ for the testimony of his truth 4. By doing the duties of our calling with a willing and ready mind 1 Pet. 5.2 3. in love 2 Cor. 5.14 15. and as the Minister must in this manner shew themselves the friends of God So must the people shew themselves to be the friends of Christ by attending on the Word diligently receiving it thankfully subjecting to it patiently readily cheerefully bringing forth the fruit thereof abundantly The Third
peace safety and comfort whereunto they shall be advanced they cannot with powefull and invincible arguments work upon and move their affections they cannot make their words pierce like goads Eccles 12.11 and cause the people to cry out Acts 2.37 They cannot give the knowledge of God 1 Cor. 4.6 They cannot with Paul espouse them unto Christ 2 Cor. 11.3 but Jer. 10.21 V. Some hinder the people by their profane walking Ier. 23.14 As the people stood still when they came to the place where Ahasel who went before them fell down 2 Sam. 2.23 So when the people see their leaders fall they stand still have no heart to go forward in the way of life this is a stumbling block a snare a gulfe the Word is usually made unprofitable when the conversation is profane and carnall good Doctrine and evill walking is like a yoake of oxen the one drawing forward the other backward Loquendi authoritas perditur quando vox opere non adjuvatur Vse 2 This teacheth us how requisite the Ministry of the Word is how great the benefits are which thereby do accrew unto us how needfull it is the Messengers of the Lord should be instant with the people 2 Tim. 4.2 wherein it is that they ought chiefly to be imployed even in reconciling men unto God and to the end the Ministers may be able to accomplish this great work make this heavenly marriage between the Church and the sonne of the great King they must do as Abrahams Servant did when he went to make a marriage for his Masters Sonne 1. Abrahams Servant received instruction what he should doe Gen. 24.3 4. So must the Ministers of God receive instruction be taught of God before they become teachers of others the Sun was filled with light before he became the ruler of the day the Sea with water before it undertook the watering of the earth the Apostles staid at Jerusalem the Holy Ghost was poured down upon them before they went forth to preach the Gospel the Lamp must be filled with Oile before it can give light to others Timothy know the Scriptures from a Child 2 Tim. 3.16 Paul had his eyes opened Acts 9. â—7 Isaiahs lips were touched Isai 6.6 he had the tongue of the learned Isa 50.4 Ier. 1.9 and Mal. 2.7 whereas 2 Pet. 2.17 2. Abrahams Servant made an oath to his Master to be faithfull Gen. 24.9 so the Minister of the Lord must be faithfull 1 Cor. 4.2 and 2 Tim. 2.2 unfainedly seeking the glory of God faithfully unfolding the whole counsell of God keeping back nothing either out of feare fraud or sloath Acts 20.26 27. 3. Abrahams Servant made supplication to God that is journey might be prosperous Gen. 24.12 so must the Ministers of the Lord make fervent prayer unto God for a blessing upon their endevours that the Word may be as seed sowen in good ground Mat. 13.24 As the sword of Saul and bow of Ionathan which returned not empty 2 Sam. 1.22 As Moses rod to the Rock turning the stoney into a repenting heart Exod. 17.6 As eye-salve to the blind opening the eye of the understanding Rev. 3.18 Deut. 32.2 As dew to the dry ground causing it to flourish abundantly in the grace of the Spirit thus Phil. 2.9 10 11. Col. 2.9 and Ephes 6.18 4. Abrahams Servant left all other inployments and attended this so must the Minister of the Lord wholy imploy himselfe in the duty of godlines and the work of his Ministry 2 Tim. 2.4 This is a task requiring our best abilities our most serious thoughts our whole time therefore 1 Tim. 4.15 We must be instant in season and out of season 2 Tim. 4.2 take all opportunities Isai 62.5 be as vigilant to save as Satan to destroy the Souls of the people 5. Abrahams Servant gave this imployment the preheminence he would not eate till he had done this errand Gen. 24.33 so must the Minister of God leaving all other busines attend his follow it with all speed with all care with all industry neither pleasure nor profit must be an obstacle to it but as all men Mat. 6.33 So especially the Ministers of the Lord must seek the Kingdome of Christ this must be their meate and drink as it was Christs Ioh. 4.34 6. Abrahams Servant related the great riches of his Master and how he had given all to his Sonne Isaac Gen. 24.35 36. so must the Ministers of God acquaint the people with the gloriousnes of Gods nature the honorable condition of Christ the blessed estate they shall enjoy the dignity whereunto they shall be advanced that so their hearts may be affected with Christ lead unto repentance by Gods goodnes and moved to joyne themselves in wedlock with the Lord Jesus greatnes riches dignities prevaile much in earthly marriages a powerfull loadstone to move and draw affections all the excellencies in the World are in this Bridegroome nothing can be desired but it may be found here in perfection therefore 1 Cor. 7.1 Rom. 12.1 2. 3. Is it the chiefest labour of the Minister to perswade the people to turne to God to joyne themselves in wedlock with Christ do they cry day and might for this do they leave all other inployments to accomplish this work Then this must stirr up the people to turne to God to yeeld up themselves into the hands of Christ Rom. 6.13 to give themselves unto God 2 Cor. 8.5 and Rom. 6.17 for I. This is the chiefest end of the Ministry the most comfortable use of the word even the reconciling of men to God 2 Cor. 5.20 therefore called the Ministry of reconciliation vers 18. as the speciall imployment of an Embassadour is to make peace so is the speciall labour of Gods Embassadours to make peace between God and his Servants therefore Acts 26.17 18. II. This advanceth us to the highest dignity this maketh us to be a chosen generation 1 Pet. 2.9 the spouse of Christ faire and beautifull as the great light of the World Cant. 6.10 as the comeliest person deckt with the choisest ornaments Cant. 1.1 11. This incorporated us into Christ 1 Cor. 12.12 this maketh us citizens of the new Jerusalem Ephes 2.19 this maketh us Kings and Priests unto God Rev. 1.6 No such way to honour as to leave the broad way of sin and to set our feet in the way of Gods cammandements Rom. 2.10 to sow in righteousnes is the way to reape in mercy Hos 10.12 Gal. 6.8 III. This bringeth us to the surest safety the strongest defence this maketh God to be a wall of fire Zach. 2.5 this causeth Christ Isai 32.3 Iob 22.23 25. No wals are so sure for defence no weapon so succesfull for conquest as a godly conversation a Holy Union with Christ he will beare us as an Eagle beareth her yong Deut. 32.11 and Zach. 12.6 7 8. We shall be as fire and they as stubble we shall be as the wind and they as the chaffe we
Bridegroome so do they to hear the voyce of Christ Cant. 5.16 Reas 6 From the love which it doth breed in their hearts towards Christ This like a bellowes bloweth up the coales of their affections like the warme Sun it heateth their frozen hearts causeth them to be rooted and grounded in love Ephes 3.18 19. So to love him as to leave all for him Mat. 10.37 to despise all in comparison of him Luc. 14.26 an affection so strong that nothing can breed a separation Rom. 8.35 38 and loving Christ so fervently they cannot chuse but rejoyce abundantly in him love and joy like joynt companions go together Gal. 5.22 like the Sun and the light they will not he separated the one from the other Reas 7 From the operation of the Holy Ghost which doth attend it the Spirit of God which is the Fountaine of all joy is given with the Ministry of the word this is the key by which our hearts are opened and the Holy Ghost admitted into our Souls hence Acts 10.44 1 Thes 1.6 Acts 13.52 Reas 8 From the benefits which arise from hence by this the understanding is enlightned 2 Cor. 4.6 their faith is confirmed Ephes 1.13 victory over Satan obtained Ier. 31.11 their hearts are so softened and made tender as ground by the dewes Deu. 32.2 Isa 55.10 their affections are purified as the Corn by the fanne Mat. 2.12 Ier. 23.29 their consciences are purified Isa 57.19 their love and zeale is increased of a small drop these affections become like a flowing streame of few sparks become a burning flame of weake plants they become tall trees full of good fruit and hence as Acts 3.8 so Isa 35.5 6. Reas 9 From the protection which by this meanes they enjoy the Ministry of the Gospel is as Horsemen and Chariots to the people a sure defence Gods Ministers the best Watchmen the best Souldiers the Word of God is the surest shield the strongest shot the sounding of the Trumpet prevailed more against the walls than much Canon shot the shining of the Lamps the cry of the Sword of the Lord and Gideon put the Midianites to flight sooner than an army of men the Arke put the Philistines in greater feare than all the Israelitish army when the Ministry of life was removed from Ierusalem their house lest desolate then the Temple was cast to the ground Reas 10 From the grief which they conceive at the removing of it as Phinea's Wife would not be comforted when the Arke was taken away 1 Sam. 4.21 Ioseph and Mary went up and down sorrowing when Christ was lost Luk. 2.46 so the people of God are full of heaviness at the absence of the Word La. 2.6 12. Ps 74.9 Use This discovereth the misery of such as take no joy as delight not in the fruition of the Gospel to whom it is as light to the blind not seeing it musick to the deafe not hearing it food to the sick not relishing it want of delight in that Word of God is a sufficient argument of alienation from God an apparent testimony that we are not of God that we have not tasted of Gods goodnes he that doth not with David dance before the Lords Arke hath not Davids heart wanteth Davids love is a strangers to Davids sence and feeling of the working of Gods Word and Spirit within him He that looketh on this as on a vessell without water a tree without fruite a Lamp without Oile hath a heart without grace who is it but a Stoick a man of a stupified heart a seared conscience that accompteth Pauls preaching to be but babling that saith Job 21.14 A theef hideth himselfe from light Ioh. 3.20 Who but the deaf taketh no comfort in pleasant musick Psal 58.5 Mat. 11.17 Who but they that know not the things belonging to their peace Luk. 19.42 are not delighted with the Gospel of peace how canst thou be the Child of God if thou rejoyce not to heare the voyce of thy Father How canst thou be the Bride of Christ if thou art not affected with the language of thy Husband How canst thou be a new creature if like a new borne Child thou art not delighted with the milk of these breasts How canst thou be a traveller towards the heavenly Canaan and not be glad to see this fiery Pillar shine before thee How canst thou be a man of a hungry stomack and not be glad of this honey-comb How canst thou be experienced in the assaults of Satan and not rejoyce at the having of this weapon he cannot be the faithfull servant of God that findeth no delight in the Word of God Vse 2 This discovereth the cause why the people of God do so desire Gods Word Psa 27.4 Why they thirst after it as dry ground thirsteth Ps 63.1 Why they seek it Amos 8.12 why they incourage one another Zach. 8.21 why they wait Pro. 8.34 as Ioh. 5.5 Acts 3.3 why they say Ioh. 6.34 It is musick to their eares and they like David 2 Sam 6.16 it is Isa 25.6 and as Eccles 10.19 it is the joy and rejoycing of their hearts Ier. 15.16 It is the Sun that giveth light to them in darknes the staffe that sustaineth them in their weakenes the Arke bearing them up in the deepest deluge of troubles the Fountaine affording refreshment when all their water brooks do faile therefore no wonder they attend upon it Use 3 This must cause every one of us to try whether we can find this joy in the Word of God in hearing the Gospel preached whether it be to our Souls as the voyce of a kind friend a gracious Father a loving husband whether these apples these flagons Cant. 2.4 comfort stay and glad our hearts as they with their bottles Hos 5.3 made the King glad and if we doe rejoyce at it indeed it will appeare 1. By our conscionable preparation to it as sick men prepare their stomacks and Husbandmen their vineyards before the one receiveth Physick or the other soweth his seed so do they that delight in the Word for this is Physick and seed which they who wisely husband their Souls and highly value the wored of the Lord will not suffer to be sowne among thornes and briers but as Exo. 19.10 2. By our frequent meditation upon it man often thinketh upon that wherein he rejoyceth thus Psal 11.2 delight is a loadstone that draweth the thoughts a Chariot that carrieth the mind with an irresistible force to the thing rejoyced in 3. By our constant attendance on the same if we delight in it we will wait patiently and constantly upon it we will hearken diligently what the Lord will speake unto us we will be no strangers in Gods house but we will take every opportunity to go thither desire to make it our habitation Ps 27.4 accompt it our happines to have admittance within the gates of his house Ps 84.10 4. By our high valuation of it as the Sun above the Candle pure wheat
credits with our possessions trust him in prosperity when we have the abundance of all things rely on him alone as if we had nothing trust him in adversity when we have nothing being as confident as if we had all things as the Apostle saith of patience Ia. 1.4 So let me say of faith let faith have his perfect worke trust the Lord in every estate in every undertaking in every affliction trust him in health in sicknes in liberty in bondage in riches in poverty in temptation in peace trust him in six and be not doubtfull of him in seaven trouble for he is above all he can doe all nothing is impossible if we can beleeve Mar. 9.23 all things shall be according to our faith Mat. 9.29 there is water enough in this Well if we have faith like a bucket to draw there is riches enough in this store-house if we have faith like a key to open there is stedfastnes enough in this rocke if we have faith like a sure anchor to lay fast hold upon it there is no danger so great but if we have faith in him we shall passe thorough it Matth. 17.20 by faith we shall do as they did Heb. 11.29 30 31 32 33. By faith Christ dwelleth in us is become ours and then nothing can be too hard for us when he is omnipotent who is within us 1 Sam. 17.45 Goliah was better armed but by faith the Lord was with David by faith the Lord is our strength Psal 37.39 and Marc. 5.26 29 34. this is Gods precept 1 Ioh. 3.23 this is the way to prosper Ier. 15.5 therefore as 2 Cro. 20.30 7. Let Christ have preheminence in our love as he is above all so we must love him above all creatures the choise the strength of our affection must be bestowed upon him Deut. 6.4 We must love him with all manner of love as the work the of his hand that framed it the creature the Creator for we are the work of his hands Col. 1.16 as the subject loveth his gracious Soveraigne for he is the Prince of our peace Isa 9.6 as the ransomed loveth him that redeemed him for he is our Redeemer 1 Tim. 2.6 as the Disciple loveth the teacher for he is our Master Mat. 10.24 as one friend doth love another for he is our choisest friend Iohn 15.13 as the Wife the Husband for he hath joyned himselfe in wedlocke to us so we must love him with creatures love a subjects love a ransomed mans love af a true love c. Hos 2.19 none in himselfe so worthy to be beloved none ever can so well deserve our love none will none is able so abundantly to requite our love none doth or can so well entertaine our love none can yeeld such abundant satisfaction to our affection therefore let us give him the chiefest roome in our affections let us have our hearts so wrought upon that with the spouse we be even sicke of love Cant. 2.4 that Psal 73.25 that 2 Cor. 5.14 8. Let Christ have the preheminence in our joy as he is above all so let us rejoyce in him more than in Father Mother Child Wife or any other endowment as Paul said of the Thessalonians so let us say of Christ 1 Thes 2.19 20. this was the Apostles charge Phil. 4.4 and his resolution Gal. 6.14 Gods people can see nothing but Christ worthy to be rejoyced in the men of the World do hate them Ioh. 15.19 the strength riches of the world have vanity and changeablenes in them Psa 33.17 Psal 60.11 1 Cor. 3.20 21. the peace and pleasures of the World are great strangers to them their way is full of thornes their day full of clouds their habitation is like a house in the wildernes their condition like the condition of Pilgrimes Psa 34.19 1 Pet. 2.11 onely Christ is their comfort Phil 3.3 He bringeth remission of sin reconcileth them to God and therefore in him they rejoyce Rom. 5.11 He maketh peace for them worketh peace in them he revealeth Gods counsell to them 1 Cor. 1.30 therefore vers 31. they have nothing whereof to rejoyce but it cometh from him therefore behoofull they should rejoyce principally in him and turne all matter and occasion of rejoycing to rejoycing in Christ 9. Let us give him preheminence of Dominion in our hearts in our lives above all others above the World above Satan above our own corruption Let Christ have the whole possession of the heart let sin like Dagon be cast to the ground and the Kingdome of Christ like the Arke erected let the whole man be made universally subject to him let the eye in seeing the ear in hearing the tongue in speaking the hand in working the foot in walking the heart in thinking the understanding in judging the will in chosing the affections in imbracing or refusing shew their subjection yeeld unto Christ the chief Dominion every Member every faculty must be so serviceable that Christ may be able to say of it as the Centurion of his Servants Mat. 8.9 They must all wait like Ahimaaz for their commission run as soon as Christ shall give their charge unto them This is the Apostles charge Rom. 6.13 his commendation of the Romans vers 17. Christ must have no corrivals he must raigne as King alone he will not live as a Servant it must not be in this as Solomon saw it sometimes in another case Eccles 10.7 Christ will not walk on foot and the World Sin and Satan on hors-back no neither will he ride in the same Chariot with them 2 Cor. 6.14.15 as he is above all so he will rule over all 10. Let Christ have the preheminence in all our undertakings as he is above all so let us above all things seek his glory let us as it were set Christ upon our shoulders that he onely may be preheminent that he onely may be seen and we like men stand in the croud not taken notice of if Christ may be honoured let us be content to be reproach'd if be may be enriched let us be willingly made poor thus the Baptist was content to be as a tree that withereth that the beauty of Christ the tree of righteousness might be the more glorious to lose his honour if thereby the honour of Christ might increase so Paul 2 Cor. 4.3 he exalted Christ did not preach himself did not set forth himself shew his wit learning eloquence hunt applause but sought onely how to make Christ glorious as a man that carrieth a light to direct others doth not put forth himself but putteth forth his light that all may see by it a man that goeth to take fowl putteth forth his bait but hideth himself so Gal. 1.10 Acts 20.24 1 Cor. 10.31 33. Acts 3.12 In all these things we must study to give Christ the preheminence This serveth for the singular comfort of all Gods Servants who by a lively faith are ingrafted into Christ and have imbraced him as their
the Kingdom of glory is departed from you 2. We may behold here the recompence due to our works as they are the work of sin so death is the wages due to the same an evil race a dishonourable price a bad seed an uncomfortable Harvest an evil ground burning will be the issue of it 3. Therefore since our Original is earth our disposition earthly our talk of the earth our whole practise carnal worldly things tending to the irrecoverable ruins both of soul body let us strive to get forth of this miserable and uncomfortable estate to finde a gracious change and alteration wrought in our hearts let us get the fallow ground of our hearts to be broken up that we may sow no more among Thorns that we way no more conceive Chaffe and bring forth stubble Isa 33.11 that we may be made free from sin and become the servants of God Rom. 6.22 that the old man with all his lusts like a menstruous garment may be put off and the new man like a rich and royal roabe put on that we may no longer sit in darknesse and in the shadow of death but that we may behold the glorious light of the truth and the comfortable light of Gods face and that our feet may be guided into the way of peace that all old things may be put off and all things become new 2 Cor. 5.17 that we may lead a new life speak a new language love with new affections discern with new judgements and be made partakers of new favours receive a new name Rev. 2.17 let it be the choise of our cares the strongest of our desires the first of our labours the chief of all our endeavours to put off sin to put on the Lord Jesus to make no more provision for the flesh to fulfill the lusts thereof but provide for the welfare of the Soul 1 Pet. 4.3 4. but 2 Cor. 5.15 as David Psal 132.2 3 4 5. so let us enter into Covenant with our God not to take any rest any pleasure not to seek any worldly store any earthly contentment till our souls of a den of thieves of a lodge of unclean spirits be made a habitation for the Lord to dwell in as Gen. 8.9 as Ruth 3.18 so let there be no rest till you are returned unto your God till you have made your peace with him till you finde in your selves a sanctified and holy alteration and to the end we may no longer continue in this corrupt and sinfull estate let us 1. Be sensible of our sin as a Thorn in our side a prick in our eyes as sensible as Israel of the Cananites as the chased Hart of the wounding Arrow and then as the Hart goeth to the water brooks Psal 42.1 2. as the Traveller of a heavy burthen and then as Israel groaned under the burthens Pharaoh imposed and sought freedom so shall we as a woman of her travell and then as she hath no rest till delivered of her burthen so shall we take no rest till delivered of the burthen of our corruption by regeneration the sence which David had of his sin made him earnest to be washed Psal 51.2 this made him pray Ps 38.1 2 3. thus Acts. 2.37 2. Be throughly affected with the vilenesse the dishonourablenesse the dangerousnesse and uncomfortable issue of sin 1 Be affected with the vilenesse of it as the eye with an ugly spectacle the nostril with an ill savour the palate with unsavoury food the stomack with meat repugnant to it there the Psalmist was affected with his sin as with a loathsom disease Ps 38.5.7 thus Iob 42.6 as Iobs friends beholding the loathsome disease how it disfigured him how deformed and unpleasant it had made him to the eye then they sate down and wept so shall we do when we are throughly afflicted with the vilenesse of our sin 2. with the dishonorablenesse of it it leadeth into bondage 2 Tim. 2.26 into poverty strippeth the Soul naked Rev. 3.17 it casteth into a ditch of spiritual filthinesse Ezek. 16.3 4 5. it cloatheth the Soul with menstrous rags Isa 30.22 Isa 64.6 as Isa 20.4 5. so sin leadeth us away prisoners and captives not onely the buttocks but the shoulders also even the whole man uncovered and were we throughly affected with this we could not but be afraid and ashamed Rom. 6.21 3. with the dangerousnesse of it how as long as this is not repented of renounced your Souls are as a bird in the snare as a condemned malefactor every day looking for execution as bad ground nigh to burning as a woman with Childe whose travel is neer as a rotten ship in a stormy tempest every moment ready to sink never able to return to the Haven as Cattle in fat pasture Jer. 12.3 2 Pet. 2.3 an estate wherein is no escaping 1 Thes 5.3 Jer. 11.11 4. The uncomfortable issue of sin how the Honey will turn to Gal the wine into water of Marah the manchet into Gravel Jer. 2.19 their Paradice into a Thorny wildernesse their pleasant stream into a tempestuous Sea Amos 8.9.10 however with Agag 1 Sam. 15 32. yet vers 33. as Dalilab to Sampson as Jael to Sisera Isa 24.6.7 were the hearts of men throughly affected with this did this sink deep into their Souls then surely they would never rest in that estate but with the Jaylor Acts 16.29.30 as the Disciples in the storm Mat. 8.25 this will make them run as the men of Gibeon Ios 10.6 3. Be carefull and willing to be instructed shut not the eye against the light stop not thy ear against the voice of the truth withdraw not thy shoulder make not thy heart as an Adamant stone Zach. 7.11.12 but wait upon the posts of Gods house Prov. 8.34 lye as the lame man for an Almes dayly at the Gate of the Temple Acts 3.2 fasten thine eyes on this Sun be thou constant in Christs School behold view thy self throughly in this looking glasse Rom. 7.8.9 Ier. 31.18.19 let thine ear be open to the crowing of this Cock Matt. 26.75 let thy heart imbrace this as the ground doth the seed and thereby thou shalt be new born Ia. 1.18 4. Come unto Christ by fervent prayer as the blinde men by the high-way side as the Centurion for his servant the ruler for his daughter open thy estate discover the condition of thy Soul unto the Lord pray with Ephraim Ier. 31.18 Psal 80.7 as Solomon asked neither riches nor long life nor the life of his enemies but onely wisdom 1 King 3.9 so do you ask neither wealth nor honour prosperity nor pleasure but above all things ask for the saving grace of the spirit pray for the dews of grace as Eliah for rain upon the earth and as the Lord caused a cloud to appear which though little at first yet at length it covered the whole heavens so shall God cause the power of his spirit so to distill into thy Soul that
the whole man shall be cleansed from all iniquity and to labour for this estate let us be perswaded 1. Because this will interest us in all Gods favours make all things to become ours to be comfortable helpfull beneficial this will make God to be our God our Father Christ to be our friend Mediator Advocate Husband Sun Shield Prince of peace the Spirit of God to be our comforter Ioh. 15.26 our guide Io. 16.13 to be our earnest penny and our Seal to assure us of the Lords mercy and loving kindnesse Ephes 1.13.14 a fire to warm us 1 Thes 5.19 water to cleanse us Isa 44.3 the Ministery of the Gospel to be a Ministery of reconciliation to us 2 Cor. 5.18 a pleasant light to shine unto our feet Psal 119.105 a heavenly Manna pure milk to feed our Souls 1 Pet. 2.2 a goad to drive us forward Physick to heal us a weapon to kill sin and defend our Souls all the earth shall be serviceable to us this life and the life to come shall be ours 1 Tim. 4.8 we shall be the richest people upon earth have better revenues than all the mighty men in the World Psal 34.10 Because this will inable us to finde many sweet and heavenly comforts in Gods ordinances this will make them full of precious and choise delights to our Souls this will make them be a delicate and dainty feast this will cause us to behold them as a letter of love from the Lord Jesus the Bridegroom of our Souls this will make them sweet as the hony-comb to our palate Psal 19.10 even the rejoycing of our hearts Jer. 15.16 this will make them more precious than any Treasure Psal 119.72 more pleasant than any tidings Luke 2.10 this will make them the savour of life to our Souls 2 Cor. 2.14 this will make them speak peace to our consciences Isa 57.19 this will make them as a banquet to the hungry stomack Cant. 2.4 this will make them as the Dove to Noah as the Star to the wise-men as the water out of the Rocks to Israel this will inable us to say of them as David of Jonathan 2 Sam. 1.26 3 Because this will cause all to work for our good if we be regenerate whatsoever is against us shall in the issue be with us prove beneficial for us as David said of Shimei's railing 2 Sam. 16.11 So the fiery darts which Satan casteth the venemous arrowes which the evill speakers quiver shooteth the heavy burthens which the hand of the potent enemy imposeth imprisonment sicknesse poverty temptations disgrace and whatsoever it be it shall all by the gracious hand of God be turned to our good if we like David be men after Gods own heart for Tit. 1.15 all shall be for their welfare all shall be blessed to them the sword which is unsheathed against them shall like Goliah's sword become an instrument to cut off the enemies head the envious practises of their brethren shall be a means of their advancement as in Joseph the pit which is digged the snare which is spread for them shal take and entangle him that spread it every obstacle shall be turned into a furtherance every burthen into wings every lyon shall have a honey-comb in his belly This is the priviledge of Gods people the prerogative of sanctification an inducement full of power to perswade all that are not past feeling to return to God by true repentance to serve him in holiness and true righteousness 4. Since the natural mans workes are all naught water of a poysonous fountaine fruit from an evil tree let us all examine and try our selves what our workes are whether they be good or evill And this we shall discerne 1. By the fountaine whence they spring all good works must come from a good and a sanctified heart The good ground which brought forth good fruit resembled a good and honest heart and Matth. 12.35 Matth. 7.17 all the works of a carnal man are dead works in regard of their original nature and issue none but a new creature can doe the works of new obedience All our actions are actions of uncleanness till we be washed and justified by the blood of the Lord Jesus 2. By the rule by and in obedience to which they are done They must not be done after our fancy in obedience to our own will our Sacrifice must be offered with fire from Gods Altar what we doe must be that which God required and it must be done because God hath required it Lev. 10.1 2. 1 Sam. 15.22 out of conscience to Gods precept 3. By the faith and perswasion we have in our heart when we do it We must beleeve that God in Christ is well pleased with us we must bear fruit as branches of Christ else it will be in Gods account as soure grapes Heb. 11.6 As we must ask all so we must do all in the name of Christ 4. By the affection wherewith it is performed It must not arise out of feare nor proceed from constraint but out of unfeigned love to God This must be the first mover in all our undertakings 1 Cor. 16.14 2 Cor. 9.7 as Jude 5.2 5. By the circumstances wherewith it is apparelled as Prov. 25.11 for Eccles 3.1 and Matth. 6.3 4. 6. By the end whereunto it is done We must chiefly look unto God all our arrows must be levelled to his glory as to the chiefest mark we are not our own but his by our election he hath chosen us Eph. 1.5 6. By our creation he hath made us for himselfe Prov. 16.4 By our redemption he hath bought us to himselfe 1 Cor. 6.20 By our vocation he hath called us to shew forth his praise 1 Pet. 2.9 and to him must we live 2 Cor. 5.15 If our works be thus qualified we may be sure they come from a regenerate spirit and are well accepted of him who is above all This is a repetition of what was formerly spoken to shew his disciples that they must needs subject themselves to Christ and to let them see how difficult it is he doth againe repeat it So that you see the repetition and the reason of the repetition The former may teach us Doct. 1 1. It is very needfull that Gods Ministers should often urge and presse the same material duties upon their hearts Phil. 3.1 that they may understand it more clearly be awakened by it more effectually affected with it more throughly that it may be imprinted upon their hearts the more effectually that it may abide with them the more constantly People must not think it unprofitable to heare the same points of doctrine often pressed upon them Naaman went seven times into Jordan Peters cock crowed thrice From the other we may learn Doct. It is a very hard thing to make men renounce all self-confidence and subject themselves unto and altogether rely vpon Christ Jesus therefore the Baptist doth againe and againe presse it This occasioned
earth hee doth not promise them a paradise of pleasures to dwell in a river of wordly delights to drink of a wardrobe of rich raiment a treasury of gold and silver an eminent place of wordly honor but the grace of the spirit a holy fear to displeas him a holy care to walk uprightly before him Jer. 32.38 39 40 41. this is prophesied to be the sequel of God's love to his people Jer. 31. is the promise of his love ver 3. the testimony of it ver 8 9. I will bring them from the north countrey and all the coasts of the earth literally from Babylon Assyria and the Medes where they were detained captive spiritually from the slavery and bondage of sin and Satan and when will hee bring the blinde who cannot see the waies the commandements of the Lord the lame who cannot walk aright in the path of his precepts the woman with childe such as feel themselvs heavy loaden with the burden of their sin and did much long like a woman in travel to bee delivered and hee that travelleth with the childe the broken hearted afflicted and such as want spiritual strength to do good but how in what manner shall they come from their bondage with weeping grief for their sin and with supplication with praier for the remission of sin but by what way shall they bee led by the rivers of the water their spiritual thirst after rightetousness shall bee quenched by the preaching of the Gospel and their souls watered and refreshed by the dews of the Spirit in a right way by the doctrine of life wherein is no terror no obliquity and for why shall all this bee for I a father to Israël and Ephraïm is my first-born that is I love them with a most intimate affection they are very dear unto mee and therefore I will bestow this spiritual favor upon them this the Prophet Hosea after a metaphorical manner doth most lively and elegantly express Hos 14. v. 4. first hee maketh mention of the freedom of God's love toward them then hee setteth forth the consequences thereof the fruit growing on this tree of God's love the gifts given by this hand of God so full of love unto them and first by the similitude of a Physitian healing hee setteth out the free remission of their sin by the similitude of the dew the grace of the Spirit regenerating and quickning to new obedience by the similitude of the growing of the lilie which is an effect of the dew hee setteth out the adorning of the faithfull with heavenly graces that so both they and their services might cast a sweet savour in God's nostrils by the similitude of casting out of roots as Lebanon hee expresseth their constancy and perseverance in the grace of the Spirit notwithstanding all temptations by the similitude of spreading their branches hee declareth their increas of the Church both in graces and also in persons the great glory of the Church and the sweet savour which they should send forth both in the nostrils of God also of men by the similitude of siting under his shadow he expresseth the safety security and peace which they should enjoy under the protection of Christ by the similitude taken from the reviving of the corn hee sheweth their growth in grace even by the storms and tempests of affliction which fall upon us by the similitude of the growing of the Vine and sent of Lebanon hee proposeth the zeal of the godly and the fragrancy of their conversation so that the forgiveness of sin regeneration sanctified and acceptable obedience constancy in the way of God's commandements growth in grace joy and peace in the holy Ghost zeal and courage for God's truth these are gifts which above all the gifts in the world do testifie the love of God therefore 1 Joh. 3.1 2. Eph. 2.4 5. Reas Because these of all gifts are the most excellent these are as the Spouse said of our Saviour Cant. 2.2 Cant. 5.10 as the apple-tree among the trees of the forrest the fairest of ten thousand therefore called by the Apostle the best gifts 1 Cor. 12.31 preferred by Joh above the choicest treasure lockt up in the bowels of the earth Job 28.16 by Solomon before the chiefest riches in the custody of the merchant Prov. 3.14 though other gifts are in their kinde excellent and of great comfort to such as can rightly apply apply them yet as Prov. 31.29 so many other endowments deserve much commendation but the saving grace of the Spirit excelleth them all 2. Because these gifts of all other are the most rare most proper and peculiar to God's own children these are precious pearls given to a few they are flowers growing in few gardens a seed sown but in few fields stars shining in the firmament of few mens souls 2 Thes 3.2 earthly endowments are a liquor put into every vessel a sion graffed on every stock a seed sown on every field but these are bestowed only on the elect Tit. 1.1 3. Because these gifts do bring a man nighest to God in likeness of nature these make a man holy as God is holy for the truth though not for the measure of holiness these make a man like God as the childe is like the parent as the aër is like the sun therefore 2 Pet. 1.4 being holy wise simple sincere immortal as God is not in perfection but in trueth not independently but by communication hereby wee have fellowship with God walk with him have our conversation in heaven are of God's counsel Psal 25 9. are his friends Joh. 15.15 enjoy the light of his face Psal 21.6 a man may have all other gifts bee furnished with all other abilities and yet bee a stranger to God and Christ Eph. 1.12 4. Because these gifts of all other gifts are the most pleasant the most delightfull and full of comfort this maketh the soul of a Christian cheerfull and full of rejoycing Lu. 10.20 Isa 55.12 13. 1 Pet. 1.8 Isa 4.6 5. Because these gifts are of all others the most satisfactory and contenting these like living springs do abundantly fill the vessel of their souls like clouds full of rain they quench the thirst of the heart as they do-the dry and barren grounds like trees loaden with plenty and variety of all good fruit they fill the hungry stomack therefore likened to a living spring whose waters never fail Jo. 4.14 to milk and wine which quench the thirst Isa 55.1 to a of the choisest dainties both filling and delighting the hungry soul Isa 25.6 to great gain which quieteth the heart though enlarged with strong desires 1 Tim. 6.6 when all other gifts like water to a dropsie man do inflame their thirst and make them cry like a horsleach and make them miserable as the grave Pro. 30.15 16. then they who have the grace of the Spirit are satisfied as the child that sucketh milk from a full breast Isa 66.11 this is promised Psal 22.26 where the
shall wee give good evidence of our faith according to that of the Apostle 2 Pet. 1.5 6 7. Thus of the nature of faith the second thing here noted was the object of faith in Christ it receiveth imbraceth resteth and relieth upon Christ whence observe Doctr. That the Lord Jesus is the proper and peculiar object of the faith of all true believers God is the object of our faith not as hee is considered simply and absolutely in himself but as wee do live to him thorough the grace favor and goodness wee receive from him 1 Tim. 4.10 the word and promises of God by a Metonymy of the adjunct are said to the object of faith so far forth as they continue in them and exhibite unto us that which is the object of faith Christ as a mediator is the mediate but not the ultimate object of faith because wee believ thorough Christ in God Rom. 6.11 2 Cor. 3 4. 1 Pet. 1.22 and in this respect wee are said to bee in Christ 2 Cor. 5.17 to have put on Christ Gal. 3.27 to bee betrothed to Christ Eph. 5.23 this was the doctrine of the Baptist as St Paul relateth it Acts 19.9 the charge given by St Paul himself Acts 16.31 this is the gift of God to his chosen children Phil. 1.29 and this is the foundation whereon the people of God have builded John 12 11. and Christ must bee the object of our faith 1. Because hee alone is ordained of God to bee a Saviour Mediator between us and God him God the Father heareth in him hee is well-pleased Math. 18.5 him hath God the Father sealed and set apart for this work John 3.35 hee is the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world Rev. 13.8 hee is the promised feed Gen. 3.15 there is no other name Acts 12.1 1 Tim. 3.5 2. Because in him alone is eternal life to bee found God himself without Christ is a consuming sire Heb. 12.29 by reason of our sin all the creatures are as a dead thing they can do us no good all the ordinances of God are a killing letter God hath put all fulness into Christ Col. 2.9 our life is hidden in him Col. 3.3 and this was the ground of Peter's answer to our Saviour John 6.68 whither shall wee go no creature can save us they are all as Physicians of no value as empty vessels blinde guids thou alone hast the words of eternal life thou alone canst make the doctrine of salvation to quicken us when wee are dead 1 John 5.12 to comfort us when wee are dejected to encourage us when wee are opposed to make us wise wherein we are Ignorant Hee that harh him hath all hee that hath not the Son hath nothing 1 John 3.24 3. Because hee alone is a sure foundation whereon to build hee is a rock which will never sink Mat. 7.23 a friend which will never fail a bow which will never break he will save at the uttermost all such as come unto him Heb 7.25 no storm shall make shipwrack of the soul which is fastned to him by the anchor of a lively faith Heb. 6.19 no violent and boisterous windes shall overturn the trees rooted in him Col. 2.7 nor cast down the hous builded upon him 4. Because in his blood alone is efficacy to wash away our sins no water but Jordan could wash away the leprosie of Naaman 2 Kings 5. no Physician but Christ could heal the diseased woman Mark 5.29 none but hee could clâ—ans the Leper None but hee can redeem us from iniquity and procure remissionn of sin for us Eph. 1.7 1 John 1.7 5. Because in his intercession is efficacy to procure all good things for us at the hands of God Jonathan may strive to intercede with Saul for David and not prevail Solomon's mother may make suit for Adonijah and not bee heard men may make suit with men for others and not obtain their request good men make earnest supplication to God in the behalf of others and their petition not accomplished Ezek. 14.14 but Christ doth ever prevail with God for them that beleeve Rom. 8.34 Heb. 7.25 6. Because in him alone is righteouss to make us just hee hath robes to cover all our imperfections hee can make us righteous in God's sight Gal. 2.16 Rom. 8.1 Vse Then this will acquaint us with the vanity of their faith who rely on any thing besides Christ who trust to their work to the naked observation of some religious duties to their civil righteousness who lean on this and make it the object of their faith are like the foolish builder that builded upon the sand like the Babylonish builders that thought to escape the deluge to ascend the highest heavens by a building of their own making these are men that go to a broken cistern for water to a drie breast for milk to a barren tree for fruit to a dumb idol for counsel or comfort and it will bee with them as with the worshippers of Baal 1 King 18 26 27. their abilities will prove like a deceitfull man Prov. 25.19 like a spiders web Job 8.14 like the Aegyptians garments Isa 20.4 for so Isa 59.5 6. Isa 64.6 when they shall come to the trial what is said of men will bee verified of their works Psal 62.9 and when they think to finde comfort they will go away sorrowfull as the young man did Mat. 19.22 2. Therefore this must stir up every man to make Christ the object of his faith to build and rest on him with lively and sure confidence to bee ingraffed into him to become a member of that body whereof Christ is the head to rest our hearts in him as the author of our salvation and everlasting life this is the commandement of God 1 Job 3.23 this is the pearl for the gaining whereof wee should sell all wee have this is the price for which wee should all strive Jude v. 3. this is the riches for which wee should labor this is the blessing which wee should uncessantly beg wee are cumbred with Martha about many things but this is the thing which is most needfull some sell their birthrights with Esau for a mess of pottage for worldly and vanishing pleasures som with Judas sell all the comforts they might finde in Christ for a little worldly lucre the most part spend their strength for that which is no bread which yieldeth no sound and solid comfort but if you will bee rich indeed if you will have that which shall bring true riches and everlasting consolations to your souls then labor for a lively faith in the Son of God And that you may bee able to make Christ the object of your faith 1. You must labor clearly to see to be truely sensible of the vanity of all humane abilities you must bee able to say of all humane abilities of all earthly endowments as Solomon did Eccl. 2.17 Eccl. 11.8 as Agur did Prov. 30.8 look on these things as on a tottering fence
to hide it under the bushell to the seed to withhold it from the earth II. We rob our selves of the comfort we might enjoy in the good inployment of our received Talent Gods service well performed is comfortable not onely when it is finished but even in the very performance of it Paul and Silas sung before they had the crown even while they were in prison c. 2 Cor. 1.12 It is a joy to the husbandman to see the Corn spring though long before the harvest a comfort whereof the sluggard is utterly deprived III. We expose our selves to an utter deprivation of what we have received the one Talent was taken from him that did not imploy it and it is generally threatned from him that hath not shall be taken away even what he hath c. Prov. 11.24 IV. We discover our selves to be altogether vile and evill it is evill ground that after much soile and seed is full of weeds a corrupt body that after much Physicking is more diseased therefore Mat. 25.26 7. This teacheth us to waite and depend upon God for every good thing and in the use of means to seek to God by prayer for a blessing for as his goodness giveth us the means so his providence must make them effectuall for our benefit thus Jehosaphat's eyes were towards the Lord for help in the day of distress 2 Chro. 20.12 Thus David would not look to the earth and seek for help among the things there below but Psal 5.3 Thus the Prophet would have them look unto the promise which God had made to their fore-fathers Isai 511 2. and the Psalmist Psa 44.5 6. Thus Nehemiah used means but prayed unto God for a blessing Neh. 4.9 and this even Joab had respect unto 2 Sam. 10.12 and indeed without this Psal 127.1 2. 8. This must stirre up the hearts of men to love and praise God every man according to that which God hath bestowed upon him according to the number and the measure of our graces must be our thankfulnes we have nothing but it is the Lords gift and many are his favours challenging thankfulness from us the Donation of his Sonne Joh. 3.16 the giving of his Word Ier. 3.15 the separating of us from the workers of darknes 1 Pet. 2.9 saith in his promises Ioh. 6.29 peace of conscience forgiveness of sin sence of Gods love with every other good grace they are all the gifts of God 1 Cor 2â—1 We were not worthy of any of this but deserved the coÌ„trary when we deserved death the Lord gave us life when we sate in darknes and the shadow of death and were worthy to be so left then did God send us light Mat. 4.16 When we were in bondage the Lord made us free when we lay like the man between Jericho and Jerusalem robbed wounded Luc. 10.30 then did God like the mercifull Samaritan help us when the Leprosy of sin had altogether overspread us then did the Lord wash us in the Jordan of his Sonnes blood 1 Ioh. 1.7 when we could expect nothing but everlasting burnings then God turned his consuning fire into a shining Sun our tempestuous Sea into a calme River our Hell into a Paradise and oh that we had hearts to love him laud him delight in him for this his goodnes and mercy towards us 9. Lastly this serveth for the great comfort of the Children of God every good thing is in their Fathers hand he that loveth them is the Lord of all things Psa 23. therefore they may rest themselves assured that they shall never want any good thing were these things in the hand of any stranger they might in the hand of an enemy they surely should lack them but now since all things are in the hand of God be sure of this I. God will give you the best things though Ismael have the movables Isaac hath the inheritance if Esaa have the fatnes of the earth yet Jacob shall have the birth-right if profane men have what the bodily eye doth see yet 1 Cor. 2 9. II. You shall have a competency that which shall give contentment Phil. 4.11 You shall have such peace therewith as will make the coursest dirt more pleasant than the danitiest feast Prov. 15.15 III. You shall have that which God doth see to be best for you as a loving Physitian a wise father giveth what is best for his child for his patient so will our wise loving God do for us VERS 28. THe matter contained in these Words hath been already opened for the most part onely here we may observe I. A reprehension of that particular sin whereof they were guilty II. How hardly men are brought to the knowledge of the truth being once possessed with prejudice III. The desire of Gods people to have all the glory given unto Christ not to rob him of the least part of it The first of this will teach us Doctr. That Gods Ministers must reprove the peculiar and particular sins of their hears the Physican doth apply to the particular diseases of his patient the gardiner reacheth the hands to the weeds which are most noysome thus Isa 58.1 and 2 Sam. 12.11 12. Mar. 6.20 Acts 2 36. Reas 1 Because these sins are most dangerous it is the predominant disease that threatneth the dissolution of the body Reas 2 Because this will awaken the conscience convince the judgment lead unto repentance 1 Sam. 15.14 19. When the Lot was cast on Achan than he confessed so 2 Sam. 12.13 Vse 1 Therefore Ministers must acquaint themselves thoroughly with the state of the people search into their particular diseases as Physitians try the estate of their patients marriners look to the state of their ships builders the decayed places of the house and accordingly prepare their exhortations for the convincing of the obstinate informing of the ignorant awakening of the secure reclaiming of them that stray 2 Tim. 3.16 and consolation of the dejected thus as they are stiled so shall they shew themselves seers stewards Physitians guides lights and thus Ier. 15.19 Vse 2 This must cause the people to be patient willing thankfull to hear their particular sins discovered reproved as they would have the disease of their body launced the breaches of their houses repaired Ps 141.5 1 King 18.21 Heb. 13.23 The second point teacheth us Doctr. That men are hardly brought to the knowledge of the truth when once they are possessed with prejudice against it these men were perswaded that the Baptist was the Christ they would not be driven from it though he plainely told them he was not Mat. 13.56 57. Ioh. 7.52 By this means things appear in other colours than indeed they are as to him that looketh thorough a glasse of a red colour things seeme to be of a red colour therefore let us take heed that this weed arise not stand not in the garden of our hearts quench it like fire destroy it like stubble Isa 20 8. Psa 57.3.17 Let us