to reprove so he had zeal to reform the corruptions which he had reproved We read of two solemn Reformations of things amisse in the worship of God which Christ made with his own hands One we have in the Text. Another we read of Mat. 21. 12 13. They are two several stories This is John was done in his entrance upon his Prophetical and Kingly Office as appeares John 2. 11. That in Matth. was towards the end of his life In this of John Christ drave only the sellers out but in that of Matth. he proceeded farther and cast out both them that sold and them that bought Here in John our Saviour speaks only of the deceit of their Merchandize but there in Mat. he speaks of a Den. of Theeves First he rebukes them mildly then afterwards more severely so that twice Christ took this work into his own hand 3 His zeal for the worship of God will appear by his care in the institution of Gospel-worship when he had abolished the Jewish vid. Mat. 28. 19. 20. and Mat. 26. 26 27. And Acts 1. 3. those 40. dayes which he spent in the World after his Resurrection were passed in giving them order about worship and other matters of the Church He gave them punctual Directions for every piece of worship and bindes up their hands that they should exactly keep to the Rule Mat. 28. 20. The Reasons hereof are these 1 The work of reforming corruptions in the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Church did appertain to Christ by vertue of his Offices As the Prophet and King of his Church it lay upon him to remove all the Rubbish which was in the worship of God Jesus Christ was the great Reformer and the great visitor of the Church sent from Heaven for this purpose John Baptist the immediate forerunner of Christ describes the manner of his comming Mat. 3. 13. whose Fan is in his hand and he will thorowly purge his floore c. He could not have been a faithful King if his soul had not been stirred within him at the beholding of such corruptions All the Prophets which foretold of him speak of that glory which he should bring to the Church Hag. 2. 7. vid. Zech. 6. 12 13. and Mal. 3. init 2 This proceeded from that love and dutiful Respect he bore to his Father There is nothing by which God is more dishonoured then by corruptions in worship The Name of God is in his worship and the soyling of Gods worship is the defiling of his Name Now Gods honour was very dear to Christ therefore his zeal burned within him to see such abuse done to his Father This is that which is in the verse before the Text vers 16. Make not my Fathers House an house of Merchandize The Temple was the House of God the place of his rest the place where he had set his Name c. It was the Court of God upon Earth c. Therefore was our Saviour so offended to see it polluted 3 From that love and affection he bore to Religion and to the worship of God Jesus Christ saw a great Beauty in the holy Institutions of God in the Church The Ordinances of God were glorious in his sight therefore was he so zealous against the corruptions which were in them Vid. Mat. 7. 6. Holy things Pearles those words testifie what our Saviour thought of the Institutions of God They were Pearles in his sight they were holy things in his esteem and the corruptions of men would soyl these Pearles would prophane these holy things c. 4 From that love he bore to the souls of this People 1. Some amongst them who loved the worship of God were without question much grieved to behold such defilements And for their sake did our Saviour now act so vigorously vid. Zeph. 3. 18. It s spoken there of the â—educing of the Captivity God would do it for their sakes who were grieved for the solemn Assembly c. Now it s not to be imagined but many were grieved especially after Christ had the first time acted about it Ergo. 2. All of them had losse by it This must needs cause an Intermission of those things which were to be performed in this place Both publick Instruction and publick sacrifices were to be performed in this place c. They had not then liberty to sacrifice elsewhere as we have now c. 1. Vse This is good newes for us and a ground of consolation to all the Sons and Daughters of the Church that are so in truth That the corruptions which are now in the Church shall at last be purged out and reformed It is now many years since we engaged our selves in a work of Reformation where the work hath stuck and still sticks the God of Heaven knowes very well for he can see clearly through all the masks which the Sons of men shall put upon their faces who have hindered the sweeping out of corrupt and noysom Doctrines and who have impeded the removal of false Worships and setling the true And the Lord Jesus hath not lost one spark of his zeal by ascending into Heaven And besides 1. It belongs as much to him now as it did while he was on Earth he hath not laid aside any of those Offices which he had when he was upon Earth He is still Prophet and he is still King He cannot be deposed nor dethroned from his Regency and Kingship over the Church Psal 110. per totum What charge he had on Earth he hath still in Heaven 2. His love to his Father is not any thing abated his affections are still within him burning and boyling 3. Nor is his love to the worship of God and Religion cooled the worship of God and the truth of Religion is still as precious to him as ever it was on Earth 4 Nor are his bowels straitned in the least measure towards his Servants on Earth He is still as sensible of their mournings for the corruption of worship and the defilement of Ordinances as ever he was And he is as careful of their edification as when he was on Earth The Reasons of his former zeal continue and therefore his zeal also continueth And besides all this he hath given us many promises which he will never break that his worship in the Gospel Church shall be established in purity vid. Esa 9. 7. Esa 54 11 12. which refers to the Gospel-Church Rev. 21. per totum Most understand it of a Reformation of the Church in this World Therefore lift up your heads O ye mournful Sons of Zion to whom the present corruptions in the Church are a burden Christ will at last free you from this burthen And let it not seem the lesse possible or feisible because of the small power that is visible on the Churches part or for the great visible power that opposeth it Christs whip of Cords is strong enough against all the power of Creatures If he do but take up his whip
he will soon put to flight all opposers 2d Vse How unlike to Jesus Christ are the greatest part of Christians in our dayes we may take up sad complaints against sundry sorts of persons 1 There are some like Gallio that care for no such things as the worship of God They are Act. 18. 17. indifferent whether they have Religion amongst them or no if they have the worship of God they can be content and if the Tabernacle of God be removed they can bear it without grief it doth not much trouble their spirits though all the Synagogues of God in the Land be burnt up So they may enjoy their civil liberties have free Trading secure their Estates raise their Families fill their Treasuries with the good things of this life they are not much solicitous for the concernments of Religion or the worship of God They will not much dispute against Religion neither will they contend for it with any great life the presence of Religion is no great burden to them and the want of it is no great losse They will not repine if they have the Ark and they will not be greatly offended if they have it not if the Ordinances of God be in the Temple t is well and if the buyers and sellers there be t is not much amisse They stand in aequilibrio as to these matters if Religion dwell in their Coasts they will not thrust it out of doors and if it be removing they will not lament after it nor beg its continuance They are affected with these matters as some men are with their ordinary friends if they will stay with them they will not bid them be gone and if they have a minde to depart they will not desire their stay c. They are concerning Religion of that minde which Paul commands believing Husbands to be of towards their unbelieving Wives 1 Cor. 7. 13. 15. If she be pleased to dwell with him let him not put her away but if she will depart let her depart so they say and so they act concerning Religion and the Ordinances of God I have a few things to say to such They are not like the Gaderenes Matth. 8. 34. Nor are they like the two Disciples Luk. 24. 29. 1. Certainly they are not acted by the Spirit of Jesus Christ his was a fiery Spirit but theirs is a cold Spirit he had life they are dead 2. God hath threatned that he will spue such luke-warm Christians out of his mouth Rev. 3. 15 16. They are just between Heaven and Hell They are like Ephraim Hos 7. 8. Half-baked The Prophet Elijah chides such halters as these 1 Reg. 18. 21. 3. The Ordinances of God are not very like to do much good upon the Spirits of such Christians The Kingdom of Heaven suffers violence and the violent take it by force Mat. 11. 12. Heaven must be stormed or never entred 2 Others there are who are zealous against the worship of God and against Religion Some are very zealous for superstition the Traditions of their Fathers Unsawful and unwarranted Ceremonies and sinful Inventions of men in the worship of God such was Demetrius and his Associates Acts 19. 24. He was as hot for the golden shrines for Diana as if they had been the golden Plates of the Temple Great is Diana of the Ephesians Such were those old Idolaters with whom the Prophet Jeremiah had to do Jer. 44. 16 17. We will do as we have done We and our Fathers to burn incense to the Queen of Heaven They are grieved to see any endeavour to purge the waters of the Sanctuary from defilements Others are zealous for errors in Doctrine They would have an unlimited Toleration of all opinions and all kindes of worship in the Church of God The Woman Jezebel shall have liberty to vent her falsehoods as well as the Prophets of God to preach their Truths Antichrist shall have his Throne as well as Christ Altars shall be set up to the unknown God as well as to the true God the Ministers of Satan shall keep as free Markets as the Ministers of Christ the envious man shall have Field-room to scatter his Tares as well as the Seeds-men of the Gospel their wheat And if any of the Ministers of Christ out of zeal to Gods glory endeavour to whip out these abuses out of the Temple they are looked upon as firebrands Incendiaries by them who are the true Incendiaries They are reputed worse then Theeves because they disturb this Den of Theeves from nesting in the Temple of God They are looked upon as abominable because they would sweep out these abominations They are thought unworthy to have a liberty in the Kingdom because they will not proclaim a liberty to all these false wayes in the Church the Kingdom of Christ This zeal is certainly none of that which was in Christ It is Diabolical zeal like the unruly Tongue set on fire of Hell James 3. 6. Jesus Christ whipt the buyers and sellers out of the Temple and these lash such as would whip them out Jesus Christ was sore displeased with the Angel of Thyatira for suffering such corruptions Rev. 2. 20. and they are displeased with the Angels of the Churches because they will not tolerate such corruptions Jesus Christ would not have any bid God speed to such 2 Epist John 10 and they would have such embraced and encouraged Jesus Christ saith the mouthes of such as teach false Doctrines must be stopped Tit. 1. 11. And they are ready to stop the mouthes of such as would have these disturbed Jesus Christ layes a Command upon Ministers and Magistrates to apprehend these Foxes but they lay snares for such as would have them apprehended vid. Cant. 2. 15. Take us the Foxes the little Foxes c. Answ By Foxes there we are to understand Hereticks and false Prophets as Ezech. 13. 4. they are Foxes for their subtilty therefore the Apostle calls them deceitful workers transforming themseâ—ves into the Apostles of Christ 2 Cor. 11. 23. Now Christ would have these taken and rooted out The Church is to take them by censuring confuting and casting them out of the Church and the godly Magistrate is to take them by penal lawes civil punishments c. vid. Deut. 13. 6 7 8 9. which is again Zech. 13. 3. applyed to Gospel-times And that Law was given by Jesus Christ the Mr. Cotton Bloody Tenet washed c. p. 66. 67. Angel of Gods presence whom God promised to send with his People Exod. 33. 2 3. And that Angel was Christ whom they tempted in the Wilderness 1 Cor. 10. 9. Therefore Jesus Christ appointed the civil Sword for a Remedy in such a case and hath not repealed it in the Gospel And accordingly the good Kings of Judah exercised this power Asa Joash Josiah and are commended for so doing Nor are only the greater and the worser sort of Foxes to be taken but even the little Foxes the lesser sort of errors
to be found only there In the volume of the Book it is written of me There are but three places where Christ is In Heaven corporally In the hearts of his people by his Spirit In the Gospel by his Example The Gospel is the Table wherein the lively picture of Christ is it reads us a Lecture of the life and death of Christ Here are vestigia Christi you may see the prints of his feet here here is the golden Sampler it s a rich Treasure the Gospel vid. Col. 3. 16. not to sojourn with us but to dwell c. What strange Families that want Bibles or having them read them not what strange work would Children make had they no Sampler 3. This is justification for a strict and circumspect life Many are ready to quarrel with the Servants of God for their preciseness because they will not run into the same excess of riot 1 Pet. 4. 4. Profaneness is not so much quarrel'd as Piety Gods Servants dare not swear dare not omit prayer c. wicked men reproach them for it but God commands it Eph. 5. 15. and Christs example calls for it Christ never sware never spake idle word c. He that reproaches them for their holiness reproacheth Christ As the Apostle saith in another case Jam. 4. 11. so 't is in this he speaks evill of Christ and judgeth Christ 4. It shewes us that many who live in the visible Church are far from true Christianity because they have so little of Christ upon them Swearers Blasphemers c. yea formall Professors c. Our Saviour argues well with such men shewes them their Pedigree by their works Joh. 6. 39. They claim Abraham for their Father because of their outward priviledges Circumcision c. yea v. 41. They claim God to be their Father our Saviour v. 44. tells them whose they are or if Christs Example must be the Standard of true Christianity we may complain Quam pauci c. Many hate his Example many only talk of it many follow it in one kind only few take up his whole Example c. Exhortation That we would be more careful Use 2. for time to come to do our duty A Christian should be alter Christus When you miscarry or are tempted to it say then Did Christ thus I might use many more viz. 1. 'T is the will of God 2. 'T is the end of your Calling 3. It will credit Religion 4. It will vex the spirit of Satan As sin grieves Gods Spirit so holiness grieves Satan 5. Christ will direct you if you desire to walk as he did he will shew his actions to him that would be like him 6. Christ will protect you when you act by his example 7. Christ will give you comfort in such Actions Matth. 11. 29. you shall find rest 8. Christ will be sure to walk with you if you take up his Copy 9. Else you shall have no benefit by his sufferings none have benefit by his Ransom but such as imitate his Example 1 Pet. 2. 21. A serious motive This shall suffice for the urging of this Doctrine in general I shall further press this necessary Subject by giving you a more large Table of Christs Actions severally which I shall gather out of the Gospel from other Texts and then I shall urge them upon your practise severally by this Text. And I shall begin with that grace which was very eminent in Christ viz. the grace of humility and lowliness of mind out of that Text Matth. 11. 29. And I shall urge it upon you in the words of this Text. He that saith he abides in Christ ought so to walk as he walked So much for this Text which is only a Preamble or Preface to those which follow Septemb. 10th 1648. Mary Wolnoth Matth. 11. 29. Lowly in heart 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 THere are in this Chapter several passages 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 recorded for our instruction viz. 1. A Message sent by John Baptist now in prison to our Saviour wherein we have 1 The occasion of it viz. the report brought to him of the great works of Christ particularly that miracle of restoring the Widdowes Son Vers 2. of Naim from death to life so Luke sets it down Luk. 7. 18. 2 The Messengers sent two of Johns Disciples Vers 2. 3 The Message it self Art thou he that should come c. This Message he sent not for his own sake as though he were ignorant Vers 3. or doubtful but for the sake of his Disciples who it should seem were doubtful of Johns Testimony 4 The Answer returned which hath two branches 1. A Narrative of his works the blind receive Vers 4. 5 6. their sight c. 2. A positive Answer which is propounded by way of admonition blessed is he c. 2 The Testimony which is given by our Vers 7. ad 16. Saviour to John Baptist and his Ministery to the multitudes which were with him ver 7. ad 16. 3 A sad complaint of the obstinate carriage of the Jews both in the rejecting of John Baptist Vers 16. ad 20. and Christ vers 16. ad 20. Neither the retiredness and austerity of John nor the sociableness and affability of Christ did prevail with them but both of them were quarrel'd v. 18. 19. 4 A sharp reproof of Chorazim Bethsaida Vers 20. ad 25. and Capernaum Cities of Galilee for their impenitency unbelief and intractableness vers 20. ad 25. 5 The Argument used by our Saviour to Vers 25. ad 28. comfort himself and others against this obstinacy and incredulity of the Jews in rejecting him and his Doctrine viz. from the determination of God in giving effectual grace to some and denying it to others I thank thee O Father c. 6 A general Exhortation unto all wearied Vers 28. ad finem and penitent sinners v. 28. ad finem wherein we have 1. The matter of the Exhortation viz. 1. To come to Christ and submit to his yoak 2. To follow his Example 2. The Arguments urging both these which are three 1. From the nature of Christ meek and lowly 2. From the benefit and advantage find rest c. 3. From the Nature of Christ's Government my yoak is easie my burden is light That part of the Verse which I have read is a description or commendation which our Saviour gives of himself and for orders sake they have two parts 1. The excellent quality 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 2. The Subject of it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Lowly the word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 properly signifies one that is neere the ground quasi 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ab 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 pavimentum solum as the Latine word Humilis doth ab Humo Quum de homine dicitur à corpore ejus ad animum translatum est It s opposed sometimes to rich Jam. 1. 9 10. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 usually its â—pposed unto
God himselfe God hath his Throne and God hath set him in his Throne I have set my King upon my holy hill of Zion Psal 2. 6 7. I will declare the Decree c. The Government is put upon his Shoulders vid. Esa 22. 20 21 22 23. Eliakim was a figure of the Kingdome of Christ and if you look into Dan. 7. 13. 14. after that abolishing of the four Monarchies we have the establishment of Christs Monarchy and we see the Ancient of dayes gave his dominion c. Christ did not thrust himself into the Throne as many do though they leape over the heads of the right heyres no he stayed till Authority was given him vid. Heb. 1. 8. 9. Psal 110. 2. 3 For his Propheticall office He hath his thority from God for this also Moses preached this long agoe Deut. 18. 18. he did not raise himself God raised him to this great office He was anointed of God to preach glad tidings Esa 61. 1. In a word whatsoever work belongs to Christ as mediator t is put into his hands by a power Divine The Father loveth the Son and hath given all things into his hand Joh. 3. 35. He hath ordained him to be Judge of quick and dead Acts 10. 42. 2 How hee is made and appointed Here are three things 1 There is a Divine Decree by which Jesus Christ is from all eternity appointed for this service Psal 2. 7. Yea there is the oath of God Psal 110. 4. vid. Heb. 6 20. 22. 2 By Covenant There is a firme Covenant and stipulation passed between God and Christ vid. Esa 53. 10. Christ was to undertake an office of service and obedience for the good of men To take mans nature to offer himself up a Sacrifice c. and for this God was to prolong his dayes to give him a seed the uttermost part of the earth for his inheritance c. to divide him a spoil with the great c. to set a glory for him Heb. 12. 2. vid. Heb. 10. 9. 10. 4 There is a very solemn and publike Promulgation of the eternall Decree by God himself first to Adam Gen. 3. 15. Then at the Baptisme of Christ by vertue of which Christ is declared to be appointed for this work We read of it Math. 3. 17. and repeated againe at his transfiguration Math. 17. 5. 1 Pet. 1. 17. And afterwards by his Apostles who were commanded to testifie that he was ordained of God c. 3 By Divine unction which was the work of the holy Ghost Heb. 1. 9. The holy Ghost formed him in the womb anointed his humane nature c. 1. Use Information 1 That the work of our salvation is a work which God doth exceedingly approve and delight in as well as Jesus Christ T is the Father's work as well as the work of Christ My Meate saith Christ is to do the work of him that sent me Joh. 4. 34. He that appoints another for a work is as well the Author of it as he that doth the work appointed T is called the pleasure of the Lord Esa 53. 10. though it be put into the hands of Christ We only look at Jesus Christ in the work of our salvation c. seldome or but little at the Father c. we are to look at the Father's appointment as well as at the Son's accomplishment 2 That those who reject Jesus Christ they reject God himself by whose Authority and power Christ is made Lord King Priest Saviour Our Saviour oftentimes in the Gospell hints this My doctrine is not mine but his that sent me and he that rejecteth me rejecteth him that sent me c. T is a great aggravation of the rejecting of Christ because he is Authoriz'd by a Commission from the Father vid. Exod. 23. 21. 3 That the Salvation of the Church of God by Iesus Christ is bottom'd and builded upon a sure and stable foundation It s builded upon Christ and Christ is appointed to that work by the supreme Authority of all All those who have layed hold on Christ are fled to a sure refuge and Sanctuary He is verily that Messiah in whom all the Patriarchs and Prophets beleeved vid. Heb. 6. 18. Gods call is mans comfort 4 That all the Lawes Ordinances and Administrations appointed by Iesus Christ are of Divine Authority Baptisme Ministry Government Censures and every thing he hath appointed in the Church are of God Thus are all according to the instructions given him by God All power is given to me in Heaven and Earth Goe ye therefore c. Matth. 28. 18. 5 That God will most certainly uphold maintaine and defend all the dominion power administrations of Iesus Christ against all who oppose them or incroach upon them All his Kingly dignities all his Priestly and Propheticall dignities Ministry Ordinances Government c. God who hath called him to the work will uphold him and all he doth by vertue of his offices Though Satan and men storme c. Behold my servant whom I uphold Esa 42. 1. he doth all by Gods appointment ergo God will maintaine what he doth vid. Psal 110. 1 2. There is Gods appointment see what followes ver 5 6. God will stand by him vid. Esa 45. 13. he will maintaine Christs right in thy soul 2 Use What can those say for themselves who intrude themselves into offices in the Church without any due and regular appointment Those who are not afraid to do ministeriall acts Preach baptize c. and yet were never made by God or by them whom he hath Authorized for that purpose There is a double call to the work of the ministry Neither of man nor by man 1 Immediate such as were the calls of the Prophets Apostles Evangelists c. of this Paul speaks 1 Tim. 1. 2. and Gal. 1. 1. This call was accompanied in them who had it with extraordinary gifts c. This is not to be pretended to by any now when the Church is setled and the Scripture compleat 2. Mediate by men whom Jesus Christ hath put apart and Authorized for that work Of God by man and employment viz. Those who are Pastors and Teachers in the Church who are by prayer fasting imposition of hands to set apart those who are fit and called to these employments Now what an act of boldnesse and usurpation is it in any to undertake such a work as this of their own accord though they have gifts c. when Jesus Christ would not without Gods appointment I would have such to consider 1. What became of Uzziah who usurped the Priests office vid. 2 Chr. 26. 18. 19. 20. 2. What God pronounceth against those Prophets who run without being sent Ier. 14. 14 15. The people are threatned for hearing them vid. Ioh. 10. 5. 8. T is an act of high Treason against Jesus Christ his Crown and dignity to take such imployments uncalled of him T is as if a man should make himself an Ambassador
1. He gave lawes according to which his people ought to live and demeane themselves both towards God and men He is the Churches Law-giver Esa 33. 22. yea he brings them into obedience to these Lawes by writing them in their hearts Ezech. 36. 27. 2 To gather together his elect which are his subjects out of the world into one body or Church This Christ hath done in part and doth daily by his word and spirit vid. Ioh. 12. 32. Ioh. 11. 52. Math. 28. 19. 3. To subdue and vanquish all the enimies of his Church Thus Christ hath done in his own person Col. 2. 14. Ioh. 12. 31. he hath overcome sin Satan the world and he doth continually repress them by his word and spirit 2 Cor. 10. 4 5. and will perfectly do it at last 1 Cor. 15. 25 26. 4. To communicate and convey unto his subjects all those good things which are necessary for them for this or another life This Christ hath done 5. To appoint and establish Governours and a setled Government in his Church whereby it might be rightly ordered according to his mind This Christ hath done vid. Acts. 1. 3. and Math. 28. 19. 20. vid. 1 Cor. 12. 28. 29. vid. Esa 9. 6. 7. 3. He was faithfull in his Priestly office There were two parts of this office Satisfaction Intercession 1 Satisfaction is that whereby Jesus Christ having taken our nature upon him did in that Nature make full satisfaction to divine justice for the sins of man paid all our debts and so set us free from the curse This was done two wayes By his perfect obedience By his sufferings for our guilt Now Jesus Christ did faithfully do both these 1. He did by his righteousnesse and obedience perfectly fullfill the Law He did fulfill all Righteousnesse Rom. 5. 19. 2. He did faithfully suffer and undergoe all that punishment which was due to our sins The Apostle speaks of both these parts of his satisfaction Phil. 2. 5 6 7 8. and Esa 53. 5 6. 2 Intercession is that part of Christs Priestly office whereby he appeares before the Father desiring that for the perpetuall vertue and merit of his sacrifice all his members may find acceptance with God and may enjoy the benefit of his obedience and sufferings Now this Christ faithfully began on earth Heb. 7. 5. Ioh. 17. per totum And is faithfully continued still in heaven Heb. 7. 25. and Heb. 9. 24. In the opening of this doctrine I shall shew you 1. That Christ was faithfull 2. Why he was so 1 That Christ was faithfull in performing what service was appointed him will appeare 1 By the many publicke Testimonies which God gave to him when he was on earth At his Baptisme at his Transfiguration This is my wellbeloved Son in whom I am well pleased Math. 3. 17. and Math. 17. 5. The Testimony of God is according to truth God would never thus have borne witnesse to Christ if there had been in him the least unfaithfullness He could not have been satisfied and well-pleased with him if there had been the least failure yea before his incarnation God beares him witnesse vid. Esa 42. 1. 2. 3. 4. 2 By the exaltation of Christ to the right hand of God in glory He should never have had either Crowne or Throne from God if he had not faithfully discharged every thing which he undertook for his glorification was upon that condition that he should faithfully discharge every part and parcell of what he undertook vid Esa 53. 12. The Apostle saith he was taken from prison Esa 53. 8. the prison of the grave Jesus Christ could never have risen out of the grave the prison-doores would never have opened the Jaylor Death would never have let his Prisoner out if he had not faithfully performed all The Heavens would never have opened to him or given him any entertainment had he been in the least unfaithfull Therefore our Saviour demands his glory from God upon the faithfull discharge of his duty as that which by compact and covenant was due to him vid Ioh. 17 5. When you read that Scripture 1 Tim. 3. 16. conclude that Paul was faithfull 3 By all those commands which are given by God to all sinners to beleeve in Christ And by all those promises which God himself hath made of acceptance of all those who receive Jesus Christ upon the Termes of the Gospell Many commands are given by God This is my beloved Son heare him This is the will of God that ye should beleeve in him whom he hath sent And for promises of acceptance of us in Christ how doth the Scripture abound vid. Ioh. 3. 16. Yea we know that all the Patriarchs before Christs incarnation they were accepted and saved by vertue of Christs satisfaction to be made God accepted of Christs intention There would have been no such thing as reconciliation between God and man or salvation if Christ had not been faithfull No promises of pardon c. or Adoption c. No giving of the Spirit c. if Christ had been unfaithfull 1. Consider the Father who imposed the trust 2. Why Christ was faithfull Consider 1. The person trusting 2. The trusted 3. The trustee 1 For the honouring of his Father who had intrusted him The work which he had to accomplish was a work which would bring great glory unto God It was a work with which God was marvellously delighted 'T is called the pleasure of the Lord Esa 53. 10. Therefore out of that respect which he had to Gods honour he would be faithful God would have been disappointed of his end if Christ had not been faithful He would promote his Fathers joy This is in the Text 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 2 For the honouring of himself It s the honour 2. The Trustee of an Embassador to be faithful in the discharging of his trust unfaithfulness is one of the greatest stains and blots which can be fastned upon a person faithfulness is a Crown of glory Prov. 13. 17. The work was his own as well as his Fathers This is in the Text Heb. 3. 6. John 10 12 13 14. 3 From that love he bare to those for whom 3. Those for whom he was trusted he was intrusted and employed The work which was put into the hands of Christ was a work which exceedingly pleased him The saving of souls the reconciling of men to God the Redemp of his Elect from everlasting destruction c. The Scripture speaks very clearly of the affection of Christ to the work he undertook I have a Bapt. to be baptized with and how am I straitned c. Luk. 12. 50. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 he was as it were in prison till the work was done he was in pain till he was delivered vid. Esa 53. 11. That travel of his soul pleased him Ergo. 1. Use Confutation and Reproof to all those Doctrine and opinions which deny faithfulness Christ and overthrow it 1 The Papists by
Brethren Rev. 12. 10. We may see by his suggestions against Iob Cap. 1. 10. Cap. 2. 4. As fast as he brings Accusations in so fast doth thy Advocate cast them out vid. Zech. 3. 1 2 3 4. When Satan shewes to God the filthy Garments of thy pollution then doth Christ shew the glorious Garments of his righteousness and so non-suites Satan presently and casts out the Bill And this thou mayst the rather be confident of because he is alwayes present in the Court Nothing can be entered or done without his knowledge He lives for this very work Heb. 7. 25. He is yet in the habit of the High Priest vid. Rev. 1. 13. He hath his Robe on him and his curious Girdle even now in Heaven Steephen sees him in his mediatory posture standing at the right hand of God Acts 7. 56. 3d Use Exhortation 1. That you would believingly and fiducially trust Iesus Christ with all your concernments He is able and besides he is faithful Cast all your cares upon him and that without wavering vid. 1 Pet. 5. 7. venture all upon him It was spoken to the Church in scattered times So Psal 55. 22. There are many burdens 1. A burden of sin 2. A burden of duty 3. A burden of suffering 4. A burden of success Throw all these upon him boldly 2 Make that use which the Apostle commands vid. 1 John 2. 6. Let us be like to him in faithfulness let us be faithful to God to men to our selves in all matters of trust reposed in us It was the honour of Jesus Christ that Righteousness was the Girdle of his loyns and faithfulness the Girdle of his reyns Esa 11. 5. Let us get this Girdle about us Faithfulness is one of Christs Names Rev. 19. 11. Let it be our Name also As we are Christiani à Christo so let us be fideles from him who is Faithful 1 We are fallen into unfaithful times Necessity of urging this Doctrine threefold Davids Complaint may be ours Psal 12. 1. or the Prophets complaint Mich. 7. 5. Every Brother is a supplanter Treachery is one of the last dayes sins 2 Tim. 3. 4. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Every where you may hear sad complaints of unfaithfulness Masters complaining of their Servants People of their Ministers Subjects of Rulers Orphans of their Guardians Clients of their Advocates c. Jer. 9. 2. therefore very necessary to presse this Duty of fidelity 2 We all of us have some matter of trust reposed in us some way or other though some more then other yet all in some case or other some one Talent or other As we are Christians God hath trusted us with our souls a great trust life health time As we are particularly related something of trust is committed to us Ministers are trusted with peoples souls Magistrates they are trusted with the Lawes c. Governours of Families they are trusted with Children Servants c. There 's no man but he hath some Feoffeship or other Stewardship is committed to us all Ergo necessary And the lesse the trust the greater the treachery because its easie Your Prentices are trusted in your hands by their Parents for education nurture c. 3 We have all of us the same seed of unfaithfulness which is manifested in any who do betray their trust Ergo treacherous hearts in the best I shall handle this only in a general way And herein I shall 1. Shew you wherein fidelity consists 2. Give some Motives to it 3. Give some helps or meanes 1 Fidelity in discharging any Trust or Office hath these three things in it which makes it up viz. 1 All and every branch and piece of work belonging to that Office must be done respect must be had to every part of the Commission Equal respect These things ought ye to have done and not to leave the other undone Universality in respect of the Object of the charge enjoyned You often read in Scripture of keeping the Charge Zech. 3. 7. Partiality overthrowes fidelity To instance in particulars A Minister that is faithful must deliver the whole Councel of God Acts 20. 27. He must teach every truth reprove every sin confute every error which is crept abroad in the age he lives in if he keep back any thing of that which he is enjoyned to deliver he is an unfaithful Minister vid. 1 Tim. 5. 21. A Servant who would be faithful must perform every piece of his Masters work if he do one thing leave another undone he proves unfaithful vid. 1 Sam. 2. 35. An Embassador that would be faithful must deliver the whole Message of him who sent him vid. 1 Sam. 3. 18. A Magistrate that would be faithful must discharge every piece of his Duty An Executor that would be faithful must fulfill the whole will of the Testator pay every debt discharge every Legacy perform every pious and charitable work An Agent or Factor who would be faithful must observe all his instructions pay every peny enjoyned deliver to him that employed him every peny he receives An Advocate must plead every part of the Cause urge every Argument c. look how far any part of our taske is omitted willingly so far we fail of fidelity 2 Fidelity must have diligence in acting and exactness in fulfilling what is undertaken All that is done must be done as well as is possible as seasonably as can be with all the skill strength knowledge we have or can attain to A Minister that is faithful must not only preach every truth confute every error reprove every sin but he must do it convincingly as powerfully as fully as he can A Servant must do his Masters work as carefully perfectly as he can To this purpose is required a very diligent use of all meanes helps to fit a person for his employment undertaken that he may be able to mannage it with all exactness and dexterity vid. Gen. 24. 33. He would not eat till he had delivered his Embassage So Jacob Gen. 31. 6. and vers 40. Let him who hath an Office wait upon his Office vid. Rom. 12. 7 8. A man may be as guilty of an unfaithfulness in a careless and negligent doing as in a total and careless omission As good never a whit as never the better vid. 1 Reg. 20. 33. and 2 Cor. 8. 23. Faithfulness is set out by diligence we have often proved diligent in many things 3 All that which is done must be done out of a sincere respect and love to him that hath intrusted and to those for whom we are intrusted and employed Self-seeking and faithfulness have no agreement they are not consistent If an Embassador discharge all his trust and that with all exactness yet if he aim not at the honour of him who sent him but at his own honour he is not a faithful Embassador If a Minister be exact in discharging his whole trust yet if he aym at his own applause profit c and not at Gods
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Luke 23. 34. Then said Jesus Father forgive them for they know not what they doe 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 IN this Chapter we have the saddest Tragedy that ever was acted upon earth by the Sons of men the cruell and bloody murthering of Jesus Christ by the Jewes his own Countrey-men for whose salvation he came from heaven the best of Kings put to death by his own subjects We may divide this Tragedy into these five acts which are the parts of the Chapter Five Acts of this Tragedy 1. His Betraying Cap. 22. v. v. 3. ad 54. 2 His apprehending and arraignment Cap. 22. 54. Cap. 23. v. 1. ad 23. 1 His Betraying This Act is in the 22. Chapter ver 3. c 2 His arraignment and apprehending ver 1. ad 23. in which there are many things very observable both concerning the Judges Herod and Pilate they post him from one to another Pilate sends him to Herod and Herod when he had made sufficient sport with him remands him to Pilate Neither of them find any fault in him worthy of death and yet neither the one nor the other would deliver him And concerning the prosecutors and witnesses we see their violent fiercenesse and eagernesse after his blood Though they were told once and againe that neither Pilate nor Herod had found any thing done by him worthy of death yet they would not be satisfied but like furious blood-hounds rather then reasonable men they cry out for justice and execution and would not be appeased with any thing lesse then this ver 5. and ver 23. Barabbas is released Christ destroyed 3 His Condemnation or sentence ver 23 24 25. Pilate washeth his hands Math. 27. 24. 3 His Condâ—mnation ver 23 24 25. Knowing that for envy they had delivered him ver 18. pronounceth Christ just and yet to please a giddy headed multitude gives a sentence against him 4 His execution ver 26. ad 50. in which 4. His execution ver 26. ad 50. there are many very remarkable thinâ—s 1 Concerning the action It was done after the most cruell savage reproachfull and deriding manner that was possible to inâ—ent on their parts Two theeves with mocking scorning c. And at a great publique feast Passover publike place Calvary Math. 27. 51 52. c. a place famous for execution 2 Concerning the Concomitants There were a concurrence of many strange and wonderfull miracles on Gods part the Sun darkned vaile rent c. the Earth quaked Rocks rent and which was great One of the malefactors converted c. 3 Concerning Christ his patience his pietie ver 27 28 29 30 31. As he went to the place of sexecution And 2 at the time of his execution ver 33. c. mild candid patient c. 5 His buryall ver 50. ad finem This act 5. His Burial v. 50. ad finem onely hath something of mercy love and piety in it Ioseph of Arimathea who had not consented c. The words of the Text are within the third part The prayer of Christ for his bloody adversaries 3. Parts 1. The person to whom he prayes 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 though he was now under Torment wrath c. Yet he sees Fatherly love in God However God afflict his people yet he is still their Father 2. The matter of his prayer 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 3. The person for whom he prayes 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Iewes the Souldiers Pilate c. all who had a hand in his Death A quibus vulneratur illis medetur vitam procurat illis à quibus occiditur illis compatitur à quibus patitur c. Aust Tract 111. in Ioh. Doct. Iesus Christ did heartily and freely forgive the worst of his adversaries he prayes that God would forgive them who did maliciously embrue their hands in his innocent blood the Souldiers who spit in his face the Jews who unjustly prosecuted him Pilate who condemned him c. he forgives them freely and whilst they are busily employed in the taking away of his life he is petitioning the Father for their pardon and forgivenesse It was prophesied of him long before his incarnation Esa 53. 12. and here it is accomplished by him As he taught this lession of forgiving enemies unto others so he did carefully practise it in himself He doth not break forth into reviling or raging passion he doth not curse and reproach them as they did him but from his heart intreats for mercy and begs remission from God for them In the opening of this Doctrine I shall shew 1. What is meant by forgivenesse 2. Why Christ begs for this mercy for them 3. Whether they were all forgiven 1 The word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 doth properly and strictly signifie à se amovere ab 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 mitto so Math. 4. 20. They presently leaving their nets followed him 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 It is used also for to set a man free Debitorem per acceptilationem libero Budaeus in comment Gr. Ling. fol. 370. it also signifies Manumitto It is especially used for pardoning of Debts and Sins Math. 6. 12. and Math. 9. 2. and Math. 12. 31. when God removes a mans sin from him when God gives the sinner an acquittance and discharge and when he breaks those bonds and fetters in which he is held then is he said to forgive their sins vid. Psal 103. 12. pardon is described by removing sins far from us Job 10. 14. pardon is described by acquitting and discharging so Nah. 1. 3. Rom. 6. 22. pardon of sin is described by making free from sin so that the meaning of our Saviour is Father these sinners have in the taking away of my life brought upon themselves a great sin They have contracted a very great debt to themselves c. but doe not require this debt from them let them have an acquittance from it remove their sin away from them c. I desire no revenge therefore Father please to pardon them 2. Why Christ prayes for forgivenesse of this sin 1 That by this meanes they might be convinced of their own sin and pray for themselves that it might be forgiven them Christ begs of the Father that he would give them an acquittance that so their consciences might be awakened to aske God forgivenesse This reason Austin gives oravit miserecordia ut oraret miseria oravit medicus ut oraret aegrotus oravit Judex parcere desiderans ut reus indulgentiam quaerat Jesus Christ intended to mollify and pierce their hearts by this meanes and to bring them to repentance 2 To testify his great love and kindnesse to the sons of men how unwilling he was that sin should be their ruine he did beare a great good will to the whole Nature which he had assumed it was a trouble to him to see that any misery should befall them Therefore he forgives them and prayes the Father to do so likewise it was an act
Joh. 12. 35. He is like Sampson when his eies are put out the Divell may make him grind in any mill use him for any kind of imploiment He can do nothing well nothing acceptable 2 Ignorance of God is damnable our Saviour saith It is life eternall to know God and Jesus Christ whom he hath sent Joh. 17. 3. And therefore it must needs be eternall death to be ignorant of God and of Jesus Christ especiallie when sufficient means for this knowledg is and may be enjoyed It is the complaint of God that his people were destroied for want of knowledge Hos 4. 6. not onely with temporall but eternall destruction And if any soul perish through ignorance under your roofe through your default his soul will be required at your hands What God saith to the Watchman concerning his charge is as applicable to every governour of a family in his sphere If you give not the wicked man warning he shall die but his blood will I require at thy hands Ezech. 33. 8. Every Master of a family is as well and as truly made a Watchman of God to do all domesticall duties within his sphere where of this is one as the Minister is over the Congregation and must as wel be accountable to God for the souls under his charge And therfore God in the 4th Commandement puts the care and inspection of all within the family upon the governours Thou thy Son thy Daughter thy man-Servant c. Thou mightst perhaps be the instrument of saving thy Child or Servant from Hell wert thou carefull of doing thy dutie 6 Consider the justice and equity of this duty That you shouldst instruct those who are thy Children by Nature is but Equitie in as much as the blindness and ignorance which is in them is from thee conveid as the immediate instrumentall cause They drew their blindness from thy loines thou didst beget and bring them forth in thine own sinfull Image whereof this ignorance is a part and therefore thou art bound by all rules of justice to do what thou canst to make restitution And for adopted Children and Servants by contract committed to thy care by friends or guardians the like obligation lieth upon thee in point of justice to teach them the knowledge of the Most Holie according to thy power for though expresly this clause be not put into the engagement yet virtuallie and implicitly it is intended the parent or friends commit their Children into thy hands upon such termes that the soul should be looked after as well as the bodie and if They do not expect it yet Theologically by vertue of thy place as a Master God expects it from thee and thou art not onely uncharitable but unjust also if thou neglect this part of the engagement It will not be enough to say I have instructed them in all the parts of the mysterie I profess I have made them skilfull in their Art but if they be uninstructed in the knowledge of God the least halfe of the Covenant is made good God will both judge punish thee for a fraudulent and unfaithfull man that hast betrayed thy trust 2ly Directions Take these three 1 Thou must be carefull to furnish thy self with a competency of knowledge and understanding in Religion To govern a small familie requires no small knowledge God would have a Master of a familie to be able to instruct both Wife and Children Dwell with thy Wife as a man of knowledge 1 Pet. 3. 7. and the woman is commanded not to speak in the Church but if she want to ask her husband at home 1 Cor. 14. 35. If the Wife must aske the Husband should be able to resolve necessarie questions I doubt the want of knowledge in governours takes them off from this duty indeed renders them uncapable to discharge it Therefore by studying the Scriptures by reading good Catechisms and other good books and by Praier get sound knowledge 2 Pray for a good Conscience and keep a good Conscience As a good conscience will keep men close to God in other Duties so will it do in this and truely though a man have never such plenty of knowledge yet if he want Conscience the work will fall 3 Get large bowels of affections to God to the knowledge of God and the Souls of such as God hath given thee inspection over This will promote the work He that loves God truly will disperse the knowledge of God freely and he who beares any affection to souls will be willing to light his Candle to set them in the waie to life and happinesse He that doth not teach his Child I dare say hath not a true Fatherlie love either to God or his Child Love will seek the best wellfare of that which is beloved 3dly The Objections are these 1. Object If I should instruct thus my Family and be so strict repeat Sermons c. I should be reproached c. Sol. 1. No good man would reproach thee no they would love thee honour thee if Michal scoffe and reproach 't is no great matter vid. 2 Sam. 6. 21 22. 'T is no honour to be praysed no dishonour to be reproached by a wicked man 2. Such reproach is the way to happiness vid. 1 Pet. 4. 14. The Saints of God have gloried in reproaches for Christs sake they have worn them as a Crown 3. If thou art afraid of reproach be afraid of Gods reproach He will reproach thee if thou neglect this duty and that not only here but hereafter vid. Dan. 12. 2. If thou neglect this duty for fear of the Worlds reproach thou mayst lie down at last with the Worlds honour but thou wilt rise again to everlasting shame 2. Object But my Servants they will not submit to instruction they think their Consciences are free and that no such thing should be imposed upon them c. Sol. 1. And what if they should pretend the like freedom of Conscience as they call it for the not doing of thy work in thine employment wouldst thou think it a sufficient Salvo and why wilt thou take it for a discharge from doing Gods work 2. I answered they are not free by any Law of God nay they are bound if Abraham must teach his Houshold the way of Jehovah surelie his Houshold must submit to be instructed else the Commandment is void And Joshuah took it for granted that his House should serve the Lord together with himself Josh 24. 15. He should not dwell in Joshuahs House that would not serve Joshuahs God whatsoever they pretended The Rod of Discipline should teach such other practices if after admonition and conviction they remain obstinate 3. Object But they are catechised and instructed by the Minister therefore its needless I should meddle Sol. The Ministerial instruction doth not excuse Domestical instruction Christ taught his Disciples publickly as a Minister and yet he neglected not private instruction also private instruction helps on the publick and the publick the private 2. Vse This is a Doctrine of singular comfort for the godlie Jesus Christ hath a Familie on Earth still though he be in Heaven and the Church is his Houshold Heb. 3. 6. And it s his Office to teach and instruct now as much as ever when he was on Earth And be confident you ignorant Christians that Christ your Master will untie all knots which you cannot untie your selves Qui docet corda Cathedram habet in Coelo Carry your doubts to him freely FINIS
establishing their unwritten Traditions and humane Inventions they do derogate from the faithfulness of Christ in his prophetical Office Jesus Christ was not faithful in revealing the will of God necessary to mans salvation if there be need of their unwritten Traditions if Christ was a faithful Prophet then they are unfaithful Impostors to obtrude their unwarrantable Traditions upon men instead of Scripture vid. Rev. 22. 18 19. 2. That opinion of the Enthusiasts who not contented with the written word depend upon immediate Revelations from Heaven above the written word These no lesse then the Papists by their Traditions do enervate and overthrow the fidelity of Christ in his prophetical Office They think the teachings of Christ are not sufficient These are no better then the younger brethren of Papists 3. The Papists in their daily offering up of sacrifice for the quick and the dead they overthrow his faithfulness in his Priestly Office vid. Heb. 10. 14. 4. The Papists by joyning other Mediators with Christ thy overthrow the fidelity and sufficiency of Christ in his Priestly Office of Intercession If Christ was faithful and sufficient we need no other Intercessor 5. They who are of opinion that there is no setled Government in the Church c. They deny the fidelity of Christ in his Kingly Office His work as a King was to appoint Lawes c. He had not been so faithful as Moses was else for Moses gave Lawes for the governing of the Jewish Church According to all that which God shewed Moses in the Mount so did he 2d Use Consolation to the Servants of God and that 1. in general 2. in particular 1 In general it layes down this comfort That all the work of your Salvation and Redemption which Christ undertook is fully and really accomplished Consummatum est Against all despaires doubtings against all their own unfaithfulness distrust You may live upon the joy and comfort of this Truth in all your feares When Conscience accuseth when Satan tempts you to despair you may cling to this Doctrine as a sure refuge And the rather because thy salvation is builded and bottomed upon the fidelity of Christ not upon thy faithfulness but upon Christs Now as God laid help upon one that was mighty to save So he laid help upon one who was faithful in saving Thy Salvation is most certain 2 That God will give thee all thy good which Christ hath purchased See the Covenant Ezech. 36. 25 26 27. 2. Particularly Here ariseth comfort from every Office of Christ to all his members 1. From his Prophetical Office these four comforts 1 That Jesus Christ will open thy heart to understand and believe and apply those truths which are held out in and by the Ministry of the Word Thou hast a blind mind darkness clouds thy understanding c. Thou wantest memory c. well Christ hath undertaken this as thy Prophet to teach thy heart c. to annoint thy eyes He is able to remove all the blindness rudeness intractableness indocibleness of thy soul c. Vid. Esa 54. 13. He can teach irresistibly infallibly 2 That Jesus Christ will teach thee to put a difference between truth and error We live in erroneous times c. many false lights c. are risen up many seducers gone out c. well Christ is a faithful Prophet And by vertue of that Office he hath undertaken to lead his Children into all truth John 16. 13. Ye have an unction c. 1 John 2. 20. Esa 30. 21. To deceive if it were possible the very Elect that is impossible Mark 13. 22. For a time they may go astray but Christ their Prophet will reduce them They went out from us because they were not of us c. 1 John 2. 19. 3 Jesus Christ will at last root out of his Church error Heresies and false Doctrines c. This belongs to his Prophetical Office He hath in all Ages done so He overthrew Arrianisme c. All those old errors which over-spread the face of the Church in the beginning of the Gospel they are all routed and scattered Vid. Rev. 12. 15 16. They are not the Anabaptists in Germany They are not c. We may live in hopes now Toleration is endeavoured 4 That Jesus Christ will endue his Ministers with gifts of teaching governing and that he will preserve continue them in his Church notwithstanding all the malice of men and Devils against them vid. Rev. 2. 1. 2. The Devil hath laboured in all Ages to rout the Ministry Chariots and Horsemen 2 Reg. 13. 14. Antesignani all shoot at the Colours I will smite the Shepheard and the Sheep shall be scattered Antichrist could never yet put out these Lamps Stars vid. Jer. 33. 18 19 20. A Gospel-promise 2. For his Kingly Office comfort ariseth in these five particulars 1 That Jesus Christ will settle the Government of his Church He will not suffer the Lawes he hath made the hedge he hath set up to be alwayes demolished vid. Esa 54. 11 12 13 14. A Gospel-promise He will fit men with gifts and hearts to be Rulers in his Church Though some should fall off after they have put their hands to the Plough Luk. 9. 62. 2 That he will vanquish all the enemies of thy soul Corruptions passions c. These invisible enemies vid. 2. Cor. 10. 4 5. vid. 1 John 3. 8. 3 That He will destroy all the visible enemies of his Church Antichrist c. the last great enemy vid. Psal 2. 9. Psal 110. 5. Rev. 8. init vid. Zech. 1. 19. 21. vid. Mich. 4. per totum especially vers 9. 13. Gospel-promise 4 That He will communicate and convey into thee those gifts graces which are necessary for thee for all thy Relations Of his fulness we have all received Iohn 1. 16. Col. 1. 19. Jesus Christ is a Feoffee or Guardian intrusted with thy Patrimony of grace He hath no need of thy grace he hath enough of his own he will not pocket up any of that which belongs to thee 5 That he will effectually gather all his sheep together vid. John 10. 16. 3 For his Priestly-Office much comfort ariseth 1 In reference to the satisfactory part thy comfort is 1 That Jesus Christ hath left nothing upon the score which God can exact from thee All that thou didst owe to Divine Justice is faithfully discharged The Law Satan Conscience can lay nothing to thy charge vid. Rom. 8. 33 34. Heb. 10. 14. vid. Col. 2. 14. 2 That thy person is accepted through him 2 In reference to the Intercessory part of it thy comfort is 1 That he will faithfully present thy Prayers and procure acceptance with God for them through Rev. 8. 34. the sweetness of his incense though they be rough harsh smoky in themselves 2 That He will appear and suffer no plea to fasten against thee in Heaven Satan is continually preferring Inditements and Accusations against thee He is the accuser of the