signifieth to assent willingly and use some kinde of joy to the word of God for the glad tidings which it bringeth thus hypocrits beleeve 3. It signifieth to put confidence in that which wee know and assent unto and to make application thereof unto our selvs to depend and build thereupon and thus the regenerate beleeve Whence learn Doctr. That the hearts of all true beleevers do relie and rest upon the Lord Jesus for everlasting life and happiness for faith is a leaning or resting of the heart in and upon God as the author of everlasting life and salvation this is evident by the phrases used by the Holy Ghost to explain the nature of faith Pro. 3.5 Isa 50.10 Psal 37.3 Psal 71.5 Isa 31.1 Psal 62.7 Rom. 10.11 for to beleeve in God or in Christ is to cleav unto God to lean upon God to rest in God as on him who is all-sufficient to keep us here and to bring us to glory hereafter 2. It is evident by the titles given in scripture to saving faith 2 Cor. 3.4 2 Cor. 5.6 7 8. Ephes 3.12 1 Pet. 1.13 1 Joh. 5.13 14. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Rom. 4 21. Col. 2.2 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Heb. 11.1 3. By the similitudes used to express it it is likened to an house builded on a rock as the house resteth on the foundation so doth the true beleever rest on God to a tree rooted in the ground whereby it is stayed against the force of strong and violent winds to a branch ingraffed into a vine to a ship fastned by a strong anchor to a sure rock to the betrothing or joining of a woman in wedlock all these express a strong and affectionate reliance of the heart upon the Lord. 4. By the charge given by our Saviour Joh. 14 1. rest rely and quiet your souls in God and in mee by the exhortation of the Psalmist Psal 62.8 and of the Apostle 1 Pet. 5.7 Reas 1 Because faith is not so much an act of the understanding discerning and assenting to the promise of life of Christ as it is an act of the will whereby the will is moved to extend it self to embrace that good which it doth approve and therefore faith is called a receiving of Christ which is much more then to know Christ it is one thing for a woman to know a man it is another thing to receive him as her husband faith is not only an action of approbation but also of election John 1.17 an action of the whole man making the good whereunto it is carried to become ours John 6.35 The wise merchant saw the pearl approved of it and beyond that chose it for his own sold all to buy it Math. 13.45 though faith doth alwayes presuppose the knowledg of the Gospel yet there is no man that attaineth saving knowledg unless this act and choice go before it Rom. 10.10 and the other bee dependant upon it therefore the Apostle saith With the heart man believeth John 7.17 John 8.31 32. 1 John 23. 2. Because true and saving faith doth alwaies choos apprehend and imbrace Christ and build upon him as a sufficient and fit means to deliver us from evil to purchase and procure for us all manner of good they see and apprehend in him all manner of fulness and compleat abilities such as are no where to bee found Cant. 5.10 they look on him and see more beauty in him than in all other creatures they behold in him fulness of wisdom to make them wise fulness of power to make them free fulness of life to make them live fulness of all grace to fill the empty vessels of their souls John 22.5 John 6 28. and therefore to him do their hearts cleave from him they will not depart as the Shunamitish woman apprehending the ability of the Prophet to help her caught the Prophet by the feet and would not let him go though Gehazi thrust her 2 Kings 4.17 so true faith causeth the believers heart to cleav to Christ and so to imbrace him that it will not let him go 3. Because true and saving faith doth inable us to look on God as on our father on Christ as on our husband on the word as on food well agreeing with our palate on the sun as on a light much affecting the eye on the promises of God as on a reconciled Soveraign on Christ as on our advocate on the Word as on an embassage of peace this assureth the heart of the pardon of sin this causeth God's words to bee to our souls as the words of Christ were to the Palsie man Math. 9.2 son bee of good cheer therefore the Apostle saith after wee believ wee are sealed as in mutuall contracts men set to seals and when we have a man's word in writing and a seal to it wee rest upon it wee are confident it shall bee verified so when wee believ wee put to our seal that God is true Ephes 1.13 that hee will fulfill what hee hath promised and God doth seal to the believer the salvation believed a seal distinguisheth things so God's people see themselves many wayes distinguished from others as a seal maketh things authentical so true believers are fully assured of God's goodness and their future happiness and thereby their hearts do rest on God 3. Because true faith bringeth us unto a holy communion and gracious fellowship and comfortable and blessed acquaintance with Christ hereby Christ cometh into their hearts resideth revealeth himself Eph. 3.17 and ruleth there as a dweller in his hous Gal. 6.10 hereby they have fellowship with him as the members with the head Rom. 12.5 as the wife with the husband by this they behold Christ revealing himself graciously speaking unto them comfortably and hereby they are wrought upon to rest on Christ strongly 5. Because true faith inableth the true believer to finde much peace and sweet consolation in Christ Rom. 5.1 it strengtheneth him to conquer Satan to subdue the enemies of their salvation Rom. 15.14 to rejoyce in the midst of trouble to overcom all worldly opposition Rom. 8.35 1 John 5.4 hee feeleth faith in Christ to bee to him as a shield in the day of battel as the Ark in the Deluge a shining star in the darkest night of trouble as the hony comb to Sampson in the belly of the lion and finding this in Christ his soul fasteneth on him as on a sure rock and leaneth upon him as upon a never-failing staff 6. Because true believers clearly see and infallibly know the variety and insufficiency of the world they know there is a foundation whereon to build no other bow wherein to trust no other shield for their defence no other fountain whence to draw the water of salvation they know that Psal 33.16 17. that Psal 62.9 10. that Prov. 11.4 that Psal 44.6 they know that all outward abilities like Job's friends are physicians of no value miserable comforters and therefore their hearts do rest upon Christ Jesus
deceitfulness of sin Reas 4 Because we shall hereby much advance the Gospell and promote the welfare of Christs Kingdom the hiddē mysterie of Godliness shall be the more plainly opened the wayes of life more clearily manifested our bretherens understanding the better informed their cold hearts the more inflamed their unclean affections the more thoroughly purged their feeble faiths the better strengtned the good things of Gods Word the more sweetly relished The often speaking of this language makes it the better understood the often sounding of this Trumpet doth awaken the conscience the more throughly the often shining of this light doth make the way appear the more plain we can in nothing more honour the Gospell or benefit our bretheren than in seeking to perfect their conversion Vse This condemneth our negligence and sloathfulnes our dulnes and backwardnes in doing good in seeking the salvation of our bretheren How many places come we unto where we doe no good how often are we among our bretheren never labouring the welfare of their Souls what more frequent with us than like the Priest and Levite passing between Jericho and Jerusalem never reaching out the hand to help them that lye wounded with sin Luk. 10. to see them erre and not instruct them to see them sorrowfull and not comfort them to see them barren in grace never labouring to make them fruitfull Where is the Disciple that imitateth his Saviour in doing of good continually as he goeth up and down Where is the man that with Mordecay Esther 10.3 that seeketh the wealth of his people and speaking peace to all his seed who with Nehemiah seeketh the welfare of Israel as it is in Neh. 2.10 Who is it that with Iob becoms eyes to the spiritually blind feet to the spiritually lame Iob 29.15 I was saith he eyes to the blind and feet to the lame c. Who is it that becometh a Father to the poor searching out the state of there Souls that breaketh the jawes of sin and plucketh the spoiled Soule out of the teeth of Sathan as Iob did in another case vers 16.17 of that 29. Iob I was saith he a Father to the poor and the cause which I knew not I searched out And I brake the jawes of the wicked and plucked the spoil out of his teeth Whose bowells are so full of compassion to his bretheren that fitteth and prepared himself to cloath there Souls as Dorcas prepared garments to cloath there bodies Acts. 9.39 Who is it that seeketh his straying bretheren as the Shepheard his wandring sheep Eze. 34.12 Where is the Father in Law that with Lot Gen. 19.14 speakes to his sonnes in Law saying Vp get you out of this place for the Lord will destroy this Citie Where is the Father that with David gives incouragment to his children to go on in the Lords Work 1. Cron. 28.9 to know God and serve him with a perfect heart and willing minde Where is the Master of the family that with Abraham commands his houshold to keep the way of the Lord to doe justice and judgment Gen. 18.19 Where is the Minister that holdes not his peace day nor night that makes mention of the Lord and keepeth not Silence That gives him not rest till he establish and make Ierusalem a Praise in the earth as it is in Isa 62.6.7 Where is the bountifull Christian that doth in Spirituall things as Solomon chargeth we should do in temporall Ecl. 7. Who is he that cometh as Abigal to David 1. Sa. 25.25 28. Who redeemeth the time Who seeketh opportunity who imbraceth the offered occasions to do good If we examine our selves we may all lay our hands up our mouths and confess our selves guilty we have all more or lesse withheld the waters which should have refreshed the thirsty the light which should have guided the ignorant the food which should have fed the hungry the staff which should have sustained the weary c. And as long as we are thus slothfull and backward in this behalf it doth discover 1. That we have no bowels of compassion towards our bretheren Who can see his brother taken prisoner by the Prince of darkness led away captive in his chain wounded to the death with sin pressed down under the heavy burden of iniquity stript naked of the rich and pretious garment of true holines altogether defiled with the dirt and slime of Sin if he have any compassion in him and not seek to deliver him how can he chose but pray as the Church Act. 12.3 4 5 6. endeavour as the angell vers the 7.8 Shall Abram raise an army to deliver Lot Gen. 14.14 Will God have men to shew such compassion to an enemies oxe or asse Exo. 23.4 5. How much more to the Souls of our bretheren captivated by Sathan led astray by or sunke under the burden of sin surely this is the truest compassion the sweetest mercy the best kindnes to help the Souls of our brother out of the snare of Sathan according to that of St. Iude vers 22.23 And of some have compassion making a difference and others save with feare pulling them out of the fire c. Men think all the mercy appeareth in giving food for the belly apparell for the back but what is lands and revenews to one confined to perpetuall imprisonment what is food to the diseased who needeth Physick what mercy is this to trim the house and leave the inhabitant in prison I may say as the Lord in Isa 58.5 6 7. Is it such a fast as I have chosen a day for a man to afflict his soule Is it to bow down his head like a bulrush to spread sack-cloth and ashes under him willt thou call this a fast and an acceptable day to the Lord Is not this the fast that I have chosen to loose the bandes of wickednes to undo the hevy burdens and to let the oppressed go free and that ye breake every yoke Is it not to deale thy bread to the hungry and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house when thou seest the naked that thou cover him and that thou hide not thy self from thy one flesh So is this the compassion the Lord looks on for a man now and then to feed cloth the hungry naked body is not this the compassion the Lord looks at to help thy brother off with his wicked bands to undo his heauy burdens to break his yokes c. 2. That we have no hearty and sanctified affection to our bretheren How can we say we love them if we seek not to remove sin from them read that place Lev. 19.17 Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thy heart Thou shalt in any wise rebuke thy Neighbour and not suffer sin upon him The love of Christ appeared not in making his servants rich or advancing them to worldly dignities for they are for the most part a poor despised people as it is in Zeph. 3.13 But his love appeared
sheeps cloathing have been shunned by the Lords flocke and the Factors of Rome have had no good utterance for their deceiptfull wares But the Gospel happily and well were it if not unthankfully preserved Christ hath tarried with us longer than in the Land of Iudea we may say as Cant. 2.11 12 13. Lo the winter is past the rain is over and gone The flowers appear on the earth the time of the singing of birds is come and the voyce of the Turtle is heard in our Land The figtree putteth forth her green figs the vines with the tender grapes give a good smell c. Vse 2 Is it such a favour a blessing of such eminent nature to have the Gospel continued to have our Souls watered with these dews our eyes lightned with this light and hath our God in this manner for so long from the Grandfather to the Father from the Father to the Children caused this streame to run without any interruption this Sun to shine without any Eclipse to hide it what should we doe for our God which hath don so much for us how should we all say as the Psalmist Psal 116.12 13 14. What shall I render to the Lord for all his benefits towards mee I will take the cup of salvation and call upon the name of the Lord. I will pay my vows to the Lord now in the presence of all his people How should we all study day and night how to honour that God who hath so honoured us above many other nations These things it should cause 1. This should cause us to love God most entirely how do we love the hand which healeth us when we are sicke the hand which feedeth us being hungry which delivereth us being captivated which cloatheth us being naked which bringeth a light to us being in darkenes which advanceth us to honour out of the dust how much more should the goodnes of God inflame our cold revive our dull affections how can we look on these tokens of Gods love and not be ravished with admiration How can we set in this Banqueting house and not be sick of love Cant. 2.4 How can we live so long under the burning beames of this Sun and not burne with love to him who hath loved us How can we receive so much from God and not gladly leave all for the love we beare him Is not the heat of the fire answearable to the quantity of the wood Is not the depth of the waters in the Channel proportionable to the water distilling from the clouds arising from the fountaine remember you not that place Luk. 7.41 42 43. Hath he not given and forgiven us more than others therefore let us accordingly in our love go beyond other people 2. This should cause us to love the Gospel most unfainedly we have had the experience of it we have seen the wonders it hath wrought the powerfull effects it hath produced we have seen the blessings which have accompanied it how the hand of God hath been with it It is said of David that all Israel and Juda loved him because he went out and in before them and God was with him 1 Sam. 18.14 16. We have had as blessed experience of the goodnes of the Gospel of the long continuance of it of the mighty power of God accompaining it toward us against our enemies as ever the men of Iuda and Israel had of David and therefore we should now set our hearts upon it As Solomon saith in another case Prov. 5.19 Let her be as the loving hinde and pleasant roe let her breast satisfie thee at all times and be thou ravisht with her love We should be so affected with it that with them Iohn 6.34 We should say Lord evermore give us this bread that with Peter Math. 17.4 We should say it is good being here if thou wilt let us make here three Tabernacles c. and with David Psal 119.72 The Law of thy mouth is better to mee than thousands of gold and silver and as the spouse Cant. 1.2 Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth c. Long continuance in the Schoole causeth the Schollers delight this is the instrument of our peace safety comfort and direction therefore as Israel 1 Sam. 4.5 When the Arke of the Covenant came into the camp shouted with a great shoute so that the whole earth rang againe so should we for the continuance of the Gospel 3. This should make us resemble God abundantly in holines and true righteousnes The Iron that lyeth long in the fire burneth like the fire Naaman that hath been seven times in Jordan cometh forth cleansed if the Sun shine long the aire is fully enlightned Moses was but forty dayes in the mount and his face shined we have been more than forty years in this mount with our God and therefore we should shine in holines trees that have long growne in a fertile soile much cost art and labour bestowed about them beare much fruit Psal 1.3 as in the 2 Pet. 3.11 12. Seeing then all things shall be dissolved what manner of persons ought we to be in all holy conversation and godlines So in this case seeing the Gospel hath been so long continued so powerfully preached what manner of persons ought we to be in all holy conversation 4. This should fill our mouths with praises and thanksgivings it should make us to rejoyce as the wise men at the beholding of the starre as the Angels at the birth of Christ. But if insteed of loving God of delighting in the Gospel of God of resembling God of consecrating our selves to God of magnifying him for his long continued merices We dishonour God we disgrace the Gospel by our Religious conversation What can we then looke for at the hands of God but that he turne our long and shining day into a night of everlasting darknes what can we expect but that he take away our Candlestick Rev. 2.5 Put out our Candle Acts 13.46 3. Let us try whither as the long continuance of the Gospel is a blessing in it selfe so it be a blessing to us 1 Sam. 4. Israel had the Arke rejoyced in it Yet the Philistines had the victory Many shall say at last Luk. 13.26 and yet vers 27. Therefore that it may appear to every mans owne conscience that it is a blessing to him it will appear by signes and fruits thereof Signe 1 By the inward holy and thorough chaunge which it worketh to whom-soever God doth blesse it purifieth their hearts as fire doth purify the drosse from every part of the gold like a good houswife it sweepeth every roome like a launcing knife it lets out the corruption which was hidden within like good Physick it hath purged the disease of the Stomacke it hath like a mighty weapon overturned the hold of Sathan like the Arke it hath cast down even Dagon it selfe it hath not onely paired the branch but cut through the roote of sin Signe 2
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
entertained not loved it not no man very few that is whence observe Doct. That it is but a very small number that doe faithfully savingly embrace and firmly build upon the doctrine of salvation Of four grounds in Matth. 13.24 but one savingly received the doctrine of salvation This the Prophet complained of Isa 53.2 Isa 65.2 Jer. 8.6 We read of a few Pearles a few Vines Reas 1 In regard of the Election Matth. 20.16 now onely those are capable of wisedome Matth. 11.19.13.11 Reas 2 In regard of the strong sway of corruption Reas 3 In regard that the natural man cannot see into Christ or the Gospel Job 21.14 Isa 53.2 Reas 4 Because there is an Antipathy between carnal soules and Christ as between light and darknesse 2 Cor. 5.14 Saul and David Reas 5 In regard of the hardnesse of the leaving of all things for Christ and the Gospel all must be rejected every false way that is cleare but this hard therefore many men embrace not the Gospel Reas 6 In regard of the strong engagement of the hearts of men to the world Matth. 6.24 1 John 2.15 Matth. 8.34 Vse It shewes that few partake of Christ because few partake of grace and the Gospel the number is but few they are called a little flock few entred into the Ark the Text tells us few came into Canaan and but few embrace the Gospel and receive it Not to leave the way of life because few embrace it It is no wise project for men to lodge among Tombs because mad men did as the Scripture mentions or to forsake meat because sick men doe Nor is it any wisedome for men to leave the way of life Christ Jesus and his Gospel because the generality of men in the world do 3 This must cause to try what entertainment we give unto Christ whether our hearts be open to receive his testimony or shut against it whether it be to us as the dew to the dry earth or to the hard rock as Musick to the hearing or to the deaf ear as a friend or a stranger as a Physitian or a wounding enemy and this will be discerned 1. By the abandoning and exiling of sinne no man giveth credit to the testimony of Christ no man giveth entertainment unto Christ but he thrusteth sin out of the doores of his heart No man entertaineth his Soveraign into his house but he cleanseth his house beautifieth and adorneth the several roomes thereof the woman that wiveth her selfe in wedlock putteth off her menstruous and unseemly rayment the Sun appearing in the Horizon the darknesse clouds misty and filthy fogs are dispelled no man entertaineth Christ the Lord of life the Prince of glory but he purgeth his soule 1 John 3.3 Departeth from iniquity 2 Tim. 2.19 No man joyneth himselfe in wedlock with Christ but is Psal 45.13 Ezek. 16.9 10. The Sun of righteousnesse ariseth and shineth in the horizon of no mans soule but with healing in his wings he healeth their spiritual diseases endoweth them with strength of grace and maketh them fly from sin as Moses fled from his rod when he saw it turned into a serpent though before it was alwayes in his hand he made continual use of it so when men entertaine Christ once with their soules though sinne were never so pleasant delightfull profitable to them yet now they hate it as the onely enemy of their soules complaine of it as the heaviest burthen labour to root it out as the most noysome weed 2. By the neglect despising rejecting of the world When the Sun appeares the candles are extinguished when the Prince cometh the fellowship the presence of beggars is not regarded when Christ is once entertained into the soule such is his Beauty Fulness Majesty Glory that then the world though before very glorious yet now it is as dung Phil. 3.8 As withered grass Isa 40.8 As a dead thing void of life beauty profit Gal. 6.14 As a thing of nought Amos 6.13 This maketh them sell all for this pearle leave all to entertaine him to forsake goods Heb. 10.3 4. Friends Matth. 10 37. Life Rev. 12.11 This maketh the grapes of the choicest worldly Vine be full of sourenesse the cup of her sweetest wine to be full of poyson the purest manchet full of gravel 3. By the holy fellowship and communion we have with Christ as many as receive him put their confidence in him have felowship with him as the Scholler with the teacher they sit at his feet they heare his voice as one friend with another communicating their mind to him he imparting his councels unto them shedding the warm shining beames of his love into their hearts and their hearts reflecting with love againe to him as the spouse with the Husband after a more entire manner then with any thing in the world as the servants with the Master of the family as the members with the head of the body his presence with them his dominion within them his love to them is vouchsafed and apprehended after a manner unknowne to the unregenerate world hee is to the world a sun under an Eclipse Psa 53.2 to true beleevers as the Sun in a clear day Mal. 4.2 to sinfull men as a stranger Ephes 2.12.1 Jo. 1.6 to others as a brother a man well known Cant. 8.1 4. By the comforts wee finde in him hee refresheth and receiveth the soules of all such as entertaine him comforteth and delighteth their hearts more then all the pleasant things of the world Cant. 1.2 he is to the soules of beleevers as the starre to the wise men Math. 2.10 As a feast to the hungry Rev. 3.20 as the shadow of a great rock to the weary Jsa 32.2 as a precious pearle to the poore Math. 15.44 when all the world like Baal is dumbe and cannot utter a word of comfort then doth Christ rejoyce the hearts of his servants Ro. 3.5 when the world is like an empty pit then is Christ as a fountaine of living waters refreshing the soules of his children when the abilities of the earth are as a candle extinct then is Christ to his servants a glorious Sun Psa 5.6 when the world is like a dry breast then Isa 66.10.11 God doth give comfort to all true beleevers 2 Thes 2.16 making their joy answearable to their sorrowes 2 Cor. 1 5. he will speake unto them when their consciences are perplexed as once he spake to the disciples Mat. 14.26.27 as Iohn 14.1.18 Acts. 18.9 and 23.11 5. By the spirituall liberty and freedome wee gaine by beleeving in him by opening our hearts to entertain him though wee are oppressed reproached assaulted within and without burthened with variety of corruptions ladden with manifold afflictions yet entertaining Christ into our hearts by faith we shall 1 Jo. 5.4 and Ro. 8.36 37. bee like Cyrus Isa 5.1.2 so 1 Jo. 3.8 Heb. 2.14 so that all that give credit to Christs testimony do feele the fetters of sinne smitten off the burthen of
hee hath all power and authority given him and therefore Mat. 17.5 him wee must hear him wee must obey as the members are subject to the head as the wife is subject to the husband as the subjects are obedient to their Prince for all this is Christ to us his will must bee our rule according to which all our doings must bee squared the balance wherein wee must bee weighed the light whereby wee must bee guided his precept must bee to us as the fiery pillar to Israël at whose motion wee must move at whose stopping wee must stay his direction is most perfect free from all error most wholsom it will prove the best counsel most sweet it will certainly yield the truest comfort therefore as the disciples Mat. 19 22. left all and followed him so all impediments beeing removed let us follow his comcommandement this is his will this is our wisedom in this Christ would have us give preheminence above all other occasions and not say to this as Felix to Paul in another case yea though it transcend the limits of our capacity though wee cannot render a reason of it though it seem repugnant to our apprehension yet it is enough that God hath enjoined it and wee shall finde that true obedience to his precepts is ever attended with the best success 2. This must teach us to depend upon Christ with all stedfastness in his hands are all things hee is a compleat Saviour a perfect redeemer hee is a sure rock to all that build upon him a never-failing fountain though our sins bee hainous yet hee hath ability in him to remove them as he cleansed the leper though God bee at a great distance from us his face hidden under the darkest clouds of his displeasure yet Christ is able to reconcile him though wee bee in more than an iron bondage yet hee can free us therefore let us fasten our faith and confidence upon him let our hearts rest in him let us trust our souls with him and his gospel shall surely prove the power of God to our salvation hee will be a propitiation for us in him our sin shall bee covered and wee blessed in him wee shall have peace in him wee shall have access to the throne of grace 3. Are all things in Christ's hand then God's people must rest themselvs contented with Christ alone hee is a rich husband the Father hath given all things into his hands therefore bless God all you that are partakers of Christ say you have a goodly heritage you have the tree which beareth all sorts of fruit you have the pearl which is of more value then all other riches you have the sun and therefore cannot want light you have the fountain and therefore cannot want water you have the Lord of glory and therefore cannot want honor you have the Prince of peace and therefore cannot want joy you have him that hath all things and therefore cannot want any good things you have enough you have that which if you bee not defective to your selvs will bee like Elkanah to Hanna 1 Sam. 1.8 in stead of all other things God hath done more for you in giving Jesus Christ to you in joining you in wedlock with Christ then if hee had bestowed the whole earth upon you hee hath advanced you to greater honor endued you with better riches replenished your soul with sweeter and more heavenly pleasures than can bee gathered out of worldly store-houses or drink out of earthly fountains therefore thirst not after the world covet not great things bee not disquieted with the slenderness of your external estate think not of using any forbidden means suffer not your affections to be stoln away from the Lord but delight your self in Christ and rest your self abundantly contented with him 4. Are all things put into Christ's hands is hee so abundantly filled with all things then this may comfort God's servants in all estates whatsoëver yee want it is all in the hands of Christ if you want power to resist either bodily or spiritual enemies in Christ there is power to overcom and subdue them all if you want grace if your knowledg faith patience bee small Christ hath a rich store-house hee can fill you if your outward estate bee slender your provision smal and poor Christ can make a little go farr the course taste sweet as hee turned the water into wine Joh. 2.9 10. Vers 36. FUlness of water in the fountain is unusefull unless wee drink thereof fulness of light in the sun yieldeth no comfort unless the eie bee opened to receive it the best apparel giveth no warmth unless the body bee covered with it so the fulness goodness and all sufficiency that is in Christ Jesus is no way beneficial unless wee get assured interest therein therefore the Baptist doth not only acquaint his disciples with Christs fulness authority sovereignty and all sufficiency hee doth not only let them see how hee is a compleat Saviour in himself but doth also move perswade exhort and stir them up by faith to get interest in him and this hee doth by a double argument the one drawn from the single felicity and benefit attending a lively faith in Christ hee that beleeveth in the Son hath everlasting life the other drawn from the danger of not believing but hee that believeth not in the Son shall not see life but the wrath of God remaineth on him wherein wee have 1. The felicity and blessed estate of all true beleevers hee that beleeveth c. 2. The infelicity and miserable condition of all unbeleevers hee that beleeveth not c. First of the felicity of true believers hee that whosoëver hee bee of what nation of what estate or condition soever rich or poor bond or free that beleeveth in Christ that imbraceth buildeth resteth and relieth sincerely firmly and fully upon the Lord Jesus that man hath life everlasting hath already the life of peace inchoated and begun in him that life of God wrought that immortal seed of grace sown in his heart which never shall die so that herein wee may have 1. The necessity of faith hee that beleeveth in the Son of God it is true that in the Son of God there is all fulness all things are in his hands but wee must beleeve in him or his fulness will no waies help us 2. The gain of faith hath everlasting life 1. Of the necessity of faith wherein wee have the nature of faith the object of faith and the extent 1. The nature of faith beleeveth in Christ that is doth not only beleeve that Christ is or that what hee hath said or done is true but beleeveth in Christ pitcheth and resteth fully upon Christ 2. The object of faith Christ 3. The extent hee that whosoëver 1. Of the nature of faith beleeveth in to beleeve sometime signifieth and speculatively to know the Scriptures to bee true and thus the devils do and all wicked men may beleeve 2. Sometime it
as the Dove finding no footing returned to the Ark. 7. Because true believers do make Christ their portion their joy their crown their riches and their glory hee is to them instead of all they will leav all to enjoy him Mark 10.28 they esteem all to bee dung in comparison of him Phil. 3.3 all to bee thorns in respect of this vine Cant. 2.2 to bee barren in respect of this fruitfull tree as the wise men rejoiced more in the star which lead unto Christ then in all other stars in the firmament Mat. 2.10 so true believers rejoyce in Christ more than in all the world and therefore their hearts cleav to him and rest upon him 8. Because true faith in Christ is alwaies attended with a singular love to Christ Jesus according to the strength of our faith is the fervency of our love the more wee apprehend the height depth and length of Christ's love to us the more do our hearts burn with love again to him Ephes 3.19 the nigher wee stand to a great burning fire the more wee are heated with it so the sense of Christ's love apprehended by saith breedeth love again unto the Lord Galat. 6.5 Vse This serveth to shew us that a general consent to the word of God as true is not enough to bring us unto life but besides this there must bee a peculiar resting staying and confidence of the heart thereupon If an earthly man of ability and truth promise us this or that help to bestow upon us this or that gift wee do not only know and think and perswade our selvs that hee saith true but besides wee say that wee trust hereunto rely hereupon quiet our selvs and seek no further the like resting of the heart must wee find upon the promise of God in Christ by this particular confidence and resting of the heart upon Christ do true believers go beyond reprobates by this do they receiv nourishment from Christ as the sions from the stock by this have they claim and interest in Christ as the wife in the husband John 15.2 Cant. 6.3 by this have they claim to the promises of God 2 Pet. 1.4 as the tenant in lands granted him under hand and seal by this is Christ very pleasant and delightful to them as the sun to the opened eye Mal. 4.2 pure and precious liquor to the thirsty Isa 55.1 by this are they distinguished from others as children from strangers John 1.12 by this they have maay sweet relations to Christ which others have not as the members to the head the branches to the vine by this they stand in the time of trouble as a ship fast anchored when others are tossed like a ship without an anchor Heb. 6.19 by this Satan's darts are expelled Ephes 6.16 when others are wounded like men that are naked by this believers are bold and confident as the lion when others fly like a hare before the the hounds Eph. 3.12 Prov. 28.1 by this wee have access to the throne of grace Rom. 5.1 when others like the foolish Virgins having no oyl in their lamps were shut out by this our services are acceptable unto God Heb. 11.6 when others like him that wanted a wedding garment are cast into utter darkness Mat. 22.12 by this the Word of God becometh sweet and savory to our palates Jerem. 15.16 when as it is like gall to others Heb. 4.2 by this it is to us as good seed to good ground and good meat to a healthy stomach 2. Therefore every man must try whether hee finde his heart thus to cleav unto and to rest upon the Lord Jesus whether hee bee sensible of the life and operation of his affection this way whether hee feel his heart trusting and resting upon the Lord as the childe upon the parent the building upon the foundation the wife upon the husband and this wee must discern 1. By the deniall of our selvs and the rejection of all humane abilities as every way insufficient to bring us unto life the more the heart resteth upon the Lord the less it resteth on worldly and created powers Prov. 3.5 the true believer knoweth the wisdom of the flesh to bee foolishness with God yea enmity against God Rom. 8.7 to bee a false prophet a deceitfull guide a withered feed and therefore will not lean thereupon will not trust thereunto any more then a traveller to a blinde guid a passenger to an ignorant pilot a sick man to one that will as soon minister poison as good physick to him but will search and seek out for a better instructer for a surer guide this the Apostle taught 1 Cor. 3.18 this the wise man gave in charge Prov. 3.7 this the prophet perswaded Isa 8.19 20 and declareth the dolefull issue of the contrary Isa 50.11 2. By our constant abiding with God in the time of affliction in the hour of temptation the more true faith is assaulted the more strongly the heart layeth hold upon God the more the childe is made afraid with any thing the more earnestly hee cryeth to his parent to keep him the more closely hee applieth himself to him the furious assault of the enemy causeth men to lay the faster hold upon the sword to hide themselvs in castles and places of sure defense the seed sown in good ground held out to the harvest Mat. 13 24. so the heart which resteth once upon the Lord abideth constant with him as a woman joyned in wedlock abideth with her husband till death so nothing can make a separation between God and the true believer hee findeth such sweetness such goodness in the Lord that neither pleasure nor torment honor nor ignominy shall remove him Job 13.5 Ro. 8.35 Isa 50.10 Psal 55.22 3. By the blessed apprehension wee have of God's goodness towards us when wee believe men will do any great thing for us then wee feel a love in our hearts arising towards them so wee first apprehend love of God in Christ towards us and then our hearts rest upon him in nature nothing moveth in desire to this or that but as wee see it lovely no more do our souls move towards or rest on God till wee apprehend him reconciled the sinfull soul doth see God forgiving many sins and then it loveth much again Luke 7.48 therefore the Apostle having mentioned our peace with God through faith annexeth the shedding of God's love abroad into our hearts Rom. 5.1.5 4. By our abundant delight and joy in God and the light of his face by our alacrity in runing the race of his commandements Psal 37.3 4. wee must delight our selvs in God with all manner of delight as the rich man is delighted with his treasure the souldier in his victories the wife in her husband Rom. 15.14 5. By our well-doing Psal 37.3 wee must strive to bee full of good works to bee plenteous in well-doing to bee fruitfull trees bearing much fruit as good servants well imploying our talent and so
of death 2 Cor. 2. ver 16. Now a lively faith make's the Word of God as comfortable tidings to the sorrowfull Rom. 20.15 as a word of Reconciliation to them with whom God is at variance 2 Cor. 5.19 as a healing medicine to the diseased Isa 61.2 as food to the hungry as a light to the traveller as dew to the weary ground as good seed to good land Job 23.12 It maketh the Sacrament to bee as a seal to the King's pardon Rom 4.11 to confirm them in the assurance of the forgiveness of all their offences it maketh prayer strong as wings to carry the soul aloft to God Jam. 5.16 it maketh meditation of God and his promises very sweet Psal 104.34 so that to him that beleeveth God's ordinances prove an effectual means to to draw him from sin to turn him from every evil way to bring him home to God to enable him to grow up in all holiness and to walk before the Lord in all well-pleasing this the Apostle intimateth Heb. 4.2 and out of all this it appeareth That everlasting life must need 's bee a fruit of faith Vse This must stir up every man to labor for a lively faith in Christ to rest and rely wholly upon him to get assured interest in him it is not favor with men places of eminency in the world abundance of riches nor any of these external endowments can make a man's daies everlasting this is a fruit growing upon none of the trees in this garden this is a stream flowing from none of these muddy fountains a treasure to bee found in none of these store-houses it is not the valor of the strong the wisedom of the politick the act of the learned the honor of the mighty the pleasures of the wanton the wealth and great abundance of the rich can make their estate everlasting Psal 33.16 17. Psal 49.6 7 8 9. The high cedars are cast down as well as the little shrubs the flowers are plucked as well as the common grass it is onely a lively faith will bring us to everlasting life Therefore use all means to bee made partakers of it with the wise Merchant sell all to buy this pearl Mat. 13. cast away all your sins that you enjoy this gift with the disciples leave the world that you may win Christ Mat. 4.22 with Paul esteem all but dung and dross that you may bee found in Christ cloathed with that righteousness which is by faith Phil. 3.8 9. wait with all diligence at the post of God's house let the Word bee as your dayly food as your guid and counseller let it sink into your souls let it work upon your hearts let it dwell and rule within you that so you at length have the fruition of this faith pray for it desire it long after it as earnestly as ever Rachel or Anna did for children Gen. 30. 1 Sam. 1. go to God in his house in thy family in thy closet morning evening at noon-day at mid-night and beg for a lively faith say unto the Lord Thou art undone thou art but a dead man if God give not this faith unto thee say that all riches pleasures worldly endowments are but hay and stubble as long as this is absent Oh! think of this go about this as about a matter of most need of greatest importance of chiefest use of sweetest consolation and as Naomi said to Ruth of Boaz Ruth 3.18 so take thou no rest till thou hast finished this thing till thou hast by a lively faith joyned thy self in wedlock with the Lord Jesus make a covenant with thy soul in this as David did in another case Psal 132.4 and when you feel your hearts beginning affectionately to lean upon and cleave unto the Lord Jesus pray with the men in the Gospel Mar. 9.24 you shall never have just cause to repent of your labor in this behalf nothing can bring you so nigh to God as a lively faith nothing can give you such access to God nothing can inable you so to prevail with God and to gain so many good things from the hands of God nothing can stand you in such stead and afford you so much comfort the owner of this will not give it for the rich man's gold the noble man's honor the King's renown and the time will come wherein such as now want would give ten thousand worlds if they had them to bee partakers of it therefore while God giveth time and means seek it 2. This serveth for the singular comfort of all true believers if they have nothing but their faith their condition is infinitely more happy than the worlds choicest darling as Prov. 7.1 so the poorest condition of life with patience faith is better than a stalled oxe with unbelief this will supply all wants as the presence of the sun supplieth the want of all lights as David said of Goliah's sword 1 Sam. 21.9 so I may say of a lively faith there is none like that neither riches honors nor pleasures for this maketh both our persons and actions acceptable to God which no worldly furniture can do this in corporateth us into Christ this giveth us the fruition of all the good things which are in Christ this distinguisheth us from all God's enemies bringeth us within God's Covenant breedeth many sweet and glorious relations betwixt God and us and at last bringeth us to peace and everlasting happiness The gain of faith thus unfolded the comforts thereof thus opened and proposed the danger and dammage arising from unbelief presenteth it self in the next place to bee considered which wee shall find to bee a root bearing as many uncomfortable branches loaden with as many sower grapes as the other with sweet a spring as full of bitter as the other of pleasant water for hee that believeth not shall not see life hee that believeth not whose soul cleaveth not unto whose heart resteth not upon the Lord Jesus who buildeth not upon him as on a sure foundation who cometh not to him as to the fountain of living water who getteth not assured interest in him who joyneth not himself in wedlock to him who becometh not to him as the wife to the husband in subjection in affection in use in dependance and in intire union hee that believeth not shall not see life shall not enjoy no nor have the least apprehension or comfortable feeling of the felicity peace glory and fulness of all goodness which true believers shall enjoy in the heavens but the wrath of God diseases uncomeliness shame sorrow torment all manner of misery all kinde of calamity all the testimonies of God's displeasure abideth on him abideth not cometh for wee are born the children of wrath Ephes 2.3 and so continue thorough unbelief therefore this wrath abideth it will not wear with time like a garment it will not overflow the body and soul for an hundred and fifty dayes as the Deluge of old did overflow the earth and then abode Genes 7.24
15. for Isa 55.1 As the cloud freely poureth down his raine upon the thirsty ground so doth God his blessings upon the thirsty Souls of men blessings of every kind both spirituall and temporall of the right hand and of the lest are freely bestowed touching blessings of the most eminent nature our Saviour speaketh Rev. 22.17 touching favours of inferiour condition Psal 104.28 Yea the very wicked drink of the water of this Fountaine and are relieved by the bounty of this hand Iob 22.18 So that the Apostles question may well be proposed to every person 1 Cor. 4.17 and the reason hereof is Reas 1 Because God is the Fountaine of all goodness all blessings are in his store house he is the vine whereon all the grapes grow which nourish our Souls bodies he is the Sun which giveth us light the nurse whose breasts afford us refreshment the Olive tree which filleth our Lamp full of Oile this Nehemiah doth acknowledge Neh. 9.25 Psal 68.9 10. and thus the Prophet ascribeth all the welfare of Gods people to his goodnes Zach. 9.15 16 17. Reas 2 Because we cannot claime nor challenge any blessing or favour at the hands of God we have forfeited all by our sin Ephes 2.12 All things are become impure Tit. 1.15 We have broken the Covenant and have made forfeyture of all we did enjoy so that we can lay claime to nothing by vertue of any promise from God till we be in Christ according to that of the Prophet Hos 2.19 20 21 22. Reas 3 Because the whole praise of all we enjoy belongeth unto God Rom. 11.36 1 Cor. 1.30 31. so 1 Cor. 4.6 7. This is a jewell of which God will not suffer himselfe to be robbed the onely thing that God aimeth at in all his works Isai 42.5 6 7 8. Use This therefore overthroweth the proud and insolent Babel of Popish merit challenging eternall life and glory as a wages due to their labours as a fruit growing upon the trees of their owne planting a harvest arising from a vineyard of their owne manuring for thus they teach Opera bona justorum ex seipsis absque ullo pacto acceptatione digna esse remnueratione vitae eternae 2. Operibus iustorum nullum dignitatis accrementum provenire ex meritis aut persona Christi c. Whereas the Baptist a man of a more sanctified Spirit and profound judgment than any sly and subtle Jesuite taught his disciples that a man could receive nothing unles it were given not merited and whatsoever these Româ—sh Doctours do now teach their Apostatized Romans yet Paul a chosen vessel of God a man that was extraordinarily converted richly endued with the grace of the Spirit in labour more abundaÌ„t than any other Apostle taught the Romans of his time that the wages of sin was death but the gift of God was eternall life Rom. 6.23 and our Saviour taught his Disciples Luc. 17.10 Whereupon Hierome si inutilis qui fecit omnia quid de illo dicendum qui explere non potuit and St Paul teacheth that not onely the actions but the passions also added thereunto hold no proportion of condignity with life eternall Rom. 8.18 For should we be able to merit eternall life by our works win the crowne by our owne strength then we should turne the fountaine of Gods favour into a well without water where should there be any place for Gods bounty If we could merit and make salvatioÌ„ a due debt then Christ should have spent his labours borne the heavy burthen of afflictioÌ„s undergone the ignominy of the crosse shed his blood in vaine Gal. 2.21 Then there should be no more place for grace Rom. 11.6 Non est in quo gratia intret ubi meritum jam occupavit Bernard in Cant. Ser. 67. therefore Ephes 2 8. and yet we do not take away the reward because we deny the merit of good works for in the keeping of Gods commandements Psa 19.11 and Prov 11.18 But the question is whence he that soweth must expect to reape so great and sure a harvest whether from Gods justice which he must do if he stand upon merit or from his mercy as a recompence freely bestowed out of Gods gracious bounty and not injustice due for the worth of the work performed which question the Prophet Hosea hath sufficiently resolved Hos 10.12 The Lord doth crowne his graces adding an encrease to that which he hath given and inabled us well to use Psal 62.12 giving an encrease of glory according to the measure of grace bestowed so that originally and in it selfe this reward proceedeth merely from Gods free bounty mercy but accidentally in regard God hath bound himselfe by his Word and promise to comferr such a reward so it proveth after a sort an act of justice as 1 Joh. 1.9 The thing promised is free and by us undeserved and if God should faile in performance yet do us no wrong but wrong himselfe and therefore Canaan was called a Land of promise not of merit Dut. 9.5 Neh. 9 8. Ja. 1.12 2 Tim. 4.8 Not just because of our merit but because of Gods promise therefore Augustine fidelis homo est credens promittenti Deo fidelis Deus exhibens quod promisit homini teneamus fidelissimu debitorem quia tenemus misericordissimum promissorem Vse 2 Is every good blessing Gods gift doth it all come from heaven then in all our wants let us addresse our selves to God Whatsoever we want let us seek it at the Lords hand let us not go to Endor Baalzebub Aegypt or Assyria as if there were no God in Israel as if there were no Oile in Gods Lamp no strength in Gods arme no light left in the Sun or his favour let us not go to broaken cisternes but say with Peter Ioh. 6.68 this is that we are commanded to do Amos 5.4 5 6. It is at the Lords gate that we must knocke one begger doth not make supplication at another beggers doore but at the gates of the rich what are all creatures in respect of God but beggars they have no water in their owne wells but what distilleth from the cloud of Gods bounty therefore Mat. 7.7 8. the Lords eares open to heare his hands are open to relieve Exo. 22.23 Though Baal be deafe and cannot heare his suppliants yet the God of Israel will surely attend to the cry of his people let us silence out crying sins let us turne our feet into the path of Gods precepts and the Lord shall heare our requests Job 22.23 to 28. Let us in the sence of our wants in the humility of our Souls draw nigh unto the Lord and then Psa 102.17 Let us pour out our Souls before the Lord as the full clouds do their raine let us cry out as a woman in travell and though we were as dead men yet we shall live Isa 26.16 17 19. Let us not waver but believe we shall obtaine Ia. 16. Let us come
before the Lord with sincere and unpright hearts and then Ps 145.18 19. Let us have no more to do with sin but say as Ephraim to his Idols Hos 14.8 let us take us Words vers 2.3 and then vers 4.5 6 7. Let us win on God with patience and constancy and the Lord at length will look upon us in mercy Heb. 10 35. Whatsoever be our want in the Lord is all fullnes all readiness to supply us therefore as Ia. 1.5 So if thou want faith knowledge patience if thou want tendrings of heart peace of conscience sence of Gods love or any other good blessing aske it the Lord will surely bestow it on thee Hanna was troubled with her barrenness cryed to the Lord he opened her womb Solomon considered the weightines of his calling sought wisedome and the Lord gave him wisedome Sampson was much oppressed with thirst called on the Lord and the Lord gave him water Iud. 15.18 19. In like manner when the barrenness of grace want of knowledge doth afflict thee seek it at the hands of the Lord and the Lord shall grant the supplication of thy Soul unto thee had we but hearts to seek we might enjoy what now we want the ignorant might be full of knowledge the empty Lamp might be full of oile the weake faith which shaketh like a withered reed might be like a Cedar of deep and strong roots the Soul which is like a barren vineyard might be full of grace like the valleys overspread with Corn and good pasture the naked Soul might be well armed richly apparelled the dejected Spirit might be full of comfort the mind that is pressed down with worldly cares like a cart with sheaves might soar aloft as on eagles wings unto the heavens the unstable Soul might be as well fastned the wilderness of the life might be made a Paradise a sweet Communion with God a holy fellow ship with the saints might be maintained much delight might be found in Gods Ordinances Isa 41.17 18 19. Isa 44.3 This must teach us to receive all as from God whatsoever our care labour industry hath been yet let us not look upon what we possesse as upon yarne of our owne weaving fish of our owne taking Hab. 1.16 Upon a house of our owne building as Dan. 4.30 But let us looke on all we have as on Gods blessing a gift from Gods hand a light shining from the sun of Gods bounty though Paul plant and Apollo water the encrease is Gods though Israel fight the victory is the Lords whatsoever evill is in us whatsoever evill is committed by us is the seed of our owne sowing whatsoever evill is inflicted on us is a wages of our owne deserving whatsoever good we work it is the labour of Gods finger whatsoever good we receive it is of the fulnes and freedome of Gods bounty therefore we must all say as 1 Cor. 29 11 12 13.14.15 16. for Prov. 21.31 Therefore let us fasten our eyes on all both internall and externall endowments as on shewers falling from the cloud of Gods love as on gifts given by the Lords hand even the least the meanest as well as upon the fairest of our possessions this will make us the more sensible of Gods love the more ashamed of our ingratitude and disobedience this will the more endeare and oblige our hearts to God this will make us the more thankfull the more circumspect and heavenly minded in the use of them nothing doth more occasion the abuse of Gods blessing than forgetfulnes of the hand whence they have there originall and beginning Ps 78.10 11. 4. This may acquaint us with a sure way how to be provided for in all estates to find a supply in all our wants to have some liccour alwayes in our vessel to refresh us some fruit upon the barrenest tree to relieve us God you see is the giver of every good blessing all cometh from him therefore get into his favour and you shall want no good thing be regenerate become a new creature make God your Father and your wants shall be supplied let the prodigall returne and in his Fathers house there is all manner of provision his Father kindly entertaining him Luc. 15. So let us do c. for as Mat. 7.11 this hath the promise Psal 84. â—â— Used as a motive to stirre up men to feare God Psal 34.10 to follow Christ Matth 19.29.30 This will bring us within the Covenant giveth us interest in all Gods blessings we shall be in league and Job 5.23 24 25 26. We shall enjoy security boldnes towards God tranquility and cheerfulnes in our hearts Job 11.13 14 15 16 17 18. It is not a carnall vexing care a greedy heaping up of things of the earth that will be sufficient defence a never setting light a never failing streame but the fruition of Gods love is the way to win it Mat. 6.33 this Psal 23. â— If God be Shepheard he will provide pasture and Ps 37.25 it is iniquity an ungracious conversation that bringeth want Pro. 13.25 Eccles 5.13.14 5. Is every good gift from God cometh it all from him then let us remember that we must give an accompt of all we do enjoy we are not Lords but stewards of Gods blessings such as must yield accompt to God of all our abilities though it be long before the Lord call us yet he will at length require a strict accompt of all our doings how we spent our time our strength our temporall blessing our spirituall graces how they have been improved what increase hath been made therefore as the Apostle said in another case 2 Cor. 1.24 1 Pet. 5.2 3. So in this case use what you have received not as Lords to do with it what you list but as they who must be accountable to the Lord that not onely for the greatest but also for the least blessings as our Saviour said we must render accompt of every idle Word so we must render accompt of every little favour which God hath bestowed on us the time will come Luc. 16.2 Therefore we should think of this that we might be able to do it with joy Heb. 13.16 6. As it is all from God so let us be carefull to imploy it to the honour of God his good ground receiving good seed yieldeth a good increase as the good servant Mat. 25.20 as it cometh from heaven so let us use it in a heavenly manner to the praise of him whose dwelling is in the heavens this their very originall doth challenge Ro. 11.36 This the Dominion that God hath over all doth claime this the end which God proposeth to himselfe in all his works doth require Prov. 16.4 Rev. 4.11 Ephes 1.5 6. and it is the charge 1 Cor. 6.20 and if we neglect this we abuse the gift we have received it is a wrong to the creature to restraine it from the service of the Creator I. It is a wrong to the light