have glory now to become the Subject of Jesus Christ submit to the gracious regiment and scepter of his Word and Spirit Rom. 14.8 live to God not to thy selfe by faith and not by sense rule over thy lusts that would rule over thee 2. Cor 5 7. be a little King in thine owne bosome If thou art risen with Christ and ascended with Christ Phil. 3.20 thy heart and conversation is in Heaven and no question but thou shalt at the day of thy Death enter into the Kingdome of Heaven Nay happy soule take this for thy comfort thou hast an Heaven vpon earth The faithfull have eternall life already thou hast taken possession of it already Beleeve not me beleeve the holy Scriptures This is life eternall to know aright thee and him whom thou hast sent Iesus Christ Ioh. 17.2 Ioh 3.36 He that beleeveth in the Sonne hath everlasting life He hath that life begun in his soule that never shall be put out againe and by the lively fruits of faith this life may be knowne as Saint Iohn saith By this we know that we are translated from death to life 1 Ioh. 3.14 because we love the brethren a point of vnspeakable comfort to the child of God if it be well weighed Vse 2 But as for those that are slaves to sinne and Satan drudges to the world Enemies of Christ hope for heaven in vaine rebels against Christ enemies of his gracious government that say with those in the 19. of Luke ver 14 Noturnus hunc regnare We will not have this man to reigne over vs that will have their wills and fight for their lusts alas they have no grace in them have neither ability to doe good duties nor make conscience of doing them Let all such know in vaine they expect at their Death to enter into Heaven Indeed they bow their knee to Christ and call him King but in the meane season they put into his hand a Scepter of Reed and so mocke him and yet they looke when they dye to be caught up into Heaven in a whirlwind with Elias 2. Kin. 2.11 1. Cor. 4.20 But be not deceived God is not mocked The Kingdome of God is not in word but in power saith the Apostle 1 Cor. 4.20 And againe 1. Cor. 6 9. Simile The uncleane and unrighteous shall not inherit the Kingdome of God For as the Heathens so placed the two Temples of Vertue and Honour that no man could enter into that of Honour but first he must passe thorough the other of Vertue In like manner the Lord hath so placed these two parts and degrees of the Kingdome of Heaven that no man can possibly enter into that of glory but first he must passe thorough this of grace And this shall suffice for the first circumstance by which this Purchase is set foorth unto us and that is the NAME or title The Kingdome of Heaven The second followes and that is the value The Kingdome of Heaven is like vnto a TREASVRE The second circumstance But what is a Treasure Thesaurus saith Musculus est copia facultatum bonorum ad omnem eventum jam parata The value It is like a Treasure What a Treasure is A Treasure is the abundance of riches laid up in store for all assayes Thesaurus constat de Raris pretiosis durabilibus saith Hugo It consists of things rare not common pretious not vile durable not of small continuance In a word it is a great masse of silver gold jewels pretious stones great for quantity rich and excellent for quality containing much in a little ready for all occasions laid up as we say for a rainy day and therefore is peculiar to Kings and Princes Now Grace is a Treasure saith our Saviour Doct. yea saith Salomon The merchandize of wisedome that is of Grace is better then of Silver and the Gaine thereof then of fine Gold Grace is a Treasure Pro. 3.14 15. She is more pretious then Rubyes and all Desireable things are not to be compared to her Take triall in one or two graces A meeke and a quiet Spirit in the Hidden man of the heart is a better ornament to a woman saith Saint Peter then all outward adorning plaiting of haire wearing of gold or putting on of apparell for it is in the sight of God 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of great price and value 1. Pet. 3.4 1. Pet. 3.4 when a woman meekely submits her selfe unto her Husband as her head for the ordinance of Gods sake this one grace is worth all the outward ornaments and abiliments in the world See it in another grace The Trial of your Faith that is Bifeild your Faith which is tryed and approved is much more precious then gold that perisheth 1. Pet. 1.7 saith S. Pet. Loe Faith is precious as gold as tried gold yea more yea much more pretious thē tried gold for gold perisheth V. 8. but faith saveth Faith unites the soule to Christ Col. 2.3 Deus est summum bonum fons omnis boni in whom are hid the Treasures of divine wisedome and knowledge Col. 2.3 and by Christ it unites vs to the Father the holy Ghost it makes God the chief good and fountaine of all good to be our God and portion As for Glory that is a Treasure indeed a Treasure laid up in Heaven Glory is a Treasure also there is perfit Holinesse perfit Happinesse Aderit omne bonum aberit omne malum There is the presence of all good and the absence of all evill Augustin There is no sinne no sorrow no want no annoyance no feare of change there is more then eye hath seene 1. Cor. 2.9 eare hath heard of or mans narrow heart can comprehend In a word it is a Treasure that cannot be valued that cannot be wasted Vse 1 Is it thus Beloved that the Kingdome of Heaven is a Treasure let this set an edge upon that Exhortation of our Saviour Seeke Gods Kingdome first Mat. 6.33 Mat. 6.33 Seeke ye first the Kingdome of God and his righteousnesse Let it move us to set our first and best affections and endeavours on grace and glory We covet riches we covet Treasures Loe the onely true riches Quis nisi mentis inop◠〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Luke 16.11 Mat. 6.19 Pro. 10.2.11.4 and heavenly Treasure Treasure on earth cannot be secured from the Canker from the Theefe saith our Saviour but these are durable The Treasures of wicked men profit nothing neyther doe Riches availe in the day of wrath but Righteousnesse delivereth from Death Once cre ye die one graine of Faith though as small as a graine of mustard-seed will be worth all the perishing gold of India For the end of your Faith is the salvation of your soules saith Saint Peter 1. Pet. 1.8 Take therefore to heart the Exhortation of our Saviour Lay not up for your selves Treasures upon
THE HIDDEN TREASVRE OPENED IN TWO SERMONS Preached by ZACHARY CATLIN Minister of Gods word at Thurstone in SVFFOLKE UPON MATTHEVV 13.44 These things hast thou HIDDEN from the wise and prudent and hast REVEALED them unto babes MATT. 11.25 LONDON Printed by M. Flesher for ROBERT DAVVLMAN at the signe of the Brazen-Serpent in Pauls Churchyard 1633. THE HIDDEN TREASVRE The first SERMON MATTH 13.44 Againe the Kingdome of heaven is like unto a Treasure hid in a field which when a man hath found he hideth it and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that hee hath and buyeth that field THis Parable welbeloved in the Lord is entire within it selfe and hath no dependance on any thing before delivered only this word Againe Againe gives us to consider our blessed Saviours frequent use of Parables as in other of his Sermons Cohoerence so in this very Chapter which I may call a Nest of seven Parables closely couched together Without a Parable spake he not unto them saith the Text verse 34. and the reason is given verse 35. Vers 34. Vers 35. That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Prophet saying I will open my mouth in Parables Hence observe that it was our Saviours usuall custome to preach by Parables that is Observ to borrow similitudes from earthly things in our ordinary callings Parabola est sermo similitudinarius qui aliud dicit aliud significat Aquin. Reason Simil. to the end that he might by these things that are obvious to sense and reason closely instill and insinuate into the mindes of worldly and naturall men things of an heavenly and spirituall nature with the more facility and greater delight even as skilfull Physitians are wont to minister unto their weake patients bitter Pils lapt up in sugar For this reason our Saviour borrowes similitudes from Husbandmen from Merchantmen from Fishermen from Leaven from Mustardseed from Pearles and from Treasures to illustrate unto his hearers matters concerning the Kingdome of God Vse 1 Vse 1. By which course of our Saviour the best Preacher that ever was wee his schollers may see what a workman in his trade a Minister of Christ ought to bee what a cunning Fisher for soules what a wily Proteus to insinuate the meaning of his doctrine into all capacities and the love of it into all affections Gen. 27.4 1 Cor. 9.22 dressing for every Isaac such meat as his soule loveth and with Paul that Master-builder becomming weake to the weake and all things to all men that by all meanes through Gods blessing we may winne some Vse 2 Secondly let this practice of our Saviour teach us all to labour for spirituall eyes and sanctified hearts that in earthly things wee may see things heavenly and in naturall things things spirituall Carnall Nichodemus hearing the doctrine of the newbirth Joh. 3. dreames againe of entring into his Mothers wombe and the carnall Capernaites hearing of eating the flesh of Christ John 6. dreame of tearing it with their teeth But our blessed Saviour in every common thing hee sees or meetes withall can espie something spirituall and heavenly Joh. 4. In the water of Iacobs Well hee can see the water of life in the stones of the Temple hee can read the destruction of Jerusalem Luke 21.6 and the end of the world and in Seed Tares Leaven Pearles and Treasures he can discerne the Kingdome of God as the Text saith The Kingdome of God is like a Treasure In like manner if we had heavenly hearts every thing we see and heare and meet withall would be unto us a Zacheus his Sycamore tree Luke 19.4 Deut. 34.1 from whence we might see our Saviour Moses his Mount Nebo from whence we might behold the Land of Promise And thus much of our Saviours use of Parables in generall In the Parable in particular Text it selfe the scope and aime of is our blessed Saviour is to teach us to prefer grace and glory Scope called here the Kingdome of heaven before all other things whatsoever and for the acquiring and enjoying of them to denie our selves and all our carnall lusts yea gladly to renounce the whole world that nothing might intangle us from the fruition of so great a good To accomplish this his aime he sets an high price and estimate upon them and greatly extols and sets forth the excellency of Gods Kingdome by comparing it in the next verse to a precious Pearle Verse 45. and here in this verse to a Desirable Treasure for the obtaining where of hee would have us to sell and part with all that wee have A needfull exhortation as in those so in these our dayes wherein alas carnall men do not duely prize the spirituall blessings and graces of God being bewitched with the baites of Satan and inticements of this present world And thus you have the generall scope and drift of this notable parable of the Treasure In the words themselves we have two things to be considered The two parts of the Text. First the Thing it selfe that is to bee purchased and secondly what is to be done about the obtaining of it First the Purchase it selfe about which wee are to bee employed is set forth unto us in the Text by foure severall circumstances Foure circumstances 1. The Name 2. The Value 3. The Place or Situation 4. The Difficultie of finding and obtaining it The Name is The Kingdome of Heaven The Value is It is like a Treasure The Place or Situation It is like a treasure in a Field The Difficulty of finding and obtaining it It is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a Treasure HIDDEN in a field Againe the Kingdome of Heavē is like unto a Treasure hid in a field In the second place for the procuring and obtaining of this Purchase What to bee done Five things five things are to bee done First the Treasure must bee Found Secondly wee must Rejoyce in our finding Thirdly wee must HIDE our Treasure againe Fourthly wee must Withdraw our selves for consideration Fiftly and lastly we must SEL ALL that we have and BVY the Field for the Treasures sake according to the example of this Man propounded by our Saviour in my Text of whom it is said When hee hath found the Treasure he hideth it and for joy thereof he goeth and selleth all that he hath and buyeth the field Of these in order The first Generall part The Purchase it selfe 1. Circumstāce The NAME Kingdome of Heaven as God shall assist and the time permit and first of the Purchase it selfe about which we are to be employed which as you have heard is set forth unto us by foure circumstances and first of all by the NAME The Kingdome of Heaven what that is seeing Interpreters give little satisfaction under correction of better judgement I will lay downe mine own opinion Dan 2.32 The Prophet Daniel in his secōd Chapter tels us of foure earthly
kingdomes coÌ„pared by him to foure severall metals Gold Silver Brasse and Iron in the 44. verse Verse 44. he tels us that in the daies of the fourth Kingdome or Monarchy the God of Heaven shall set up a Kingdome which shall never be destroyed but shall breake and consume all these kingdomes and shall stand for ever and more particularly in the seventh chapter and 13. verse Dan 7.13 hee tels us that the Ancient of dayes shall give to the Sonne of MAN a dominion everlasting and a kingdome that never shall bee destroyed yea the Saints of the most High shal take the kingdome and possesse it for ever and ever verse 18. vers 18. The Kingdom of the Messiah Of this kingdome of the Messiah prophesied of by Daniel I make no question but Iohn the Baptist the Messiahs Harbinger forerunner is to be understood when he cryed saying Repent repent for the Kingdome of Heaven is at hand Mat. 3.2 Matth. 3.2 vide Mat. 26.28 21.9 and of this Kingdome spake our Saviour in this place Againe the Kingdome of heaven is like to a Treasure hid in a field c. And this kingdome is that gracious and spirituall Regiment by which the Lord Jesus God and man What it is as King of the Church ruleth in the hearts of true Beleevers giving them those three priviledges spoken of Rom. 14.17 The Kingdome of God is righteousnesse peace and joy in the Holy Ghost And this Regiment being but one Two degrees of Christs Kingdome 1. Of Grace yet hath two degrees The first is called the kingdome of Grace by which hee communicates himselfe to the soules of the faithfull by his Spirit through the outward Ordinances of the Word and Sacraments in this life present The second degree is called the Kingdome of Glory 2. Of Glory by which hee gives them perfection of holinesse and happinesse by an immediate fellowship with the blessed Trinity for ever in the world to come This government of Christ consisting in these two degrees Three reasons of the Name is called here by the Name and Title of the Kingdome of Heaven for these three Reasons as I conceive Reason 1 First because the King here is not a mere earthly man The King came from Heaven 1 Cor. 15.47 Iohn â— 13 as other Kings are but The Lord from Heaven as Saint Paul saith Who came from heaven and is ascended thither againe and sitteth at the right hand of God in glory Reason 2 Secondly because the government of this kingdome is exercised not so much over the bodies and goods of men The government is spirituall tending to heaven but properly over their soules and consciences and consists not so much in externall things tending to outward peace and tranquility as in inward and spirituall things rending to and ending in an heavenly life this our Saviour himselfe professeth saying My Kingdome is not of this world though it be in this world Iohn 18.36 yet it is not of this world or worldly Reason 3 Thirdly it is called an * Hebrai utuntur gâ—â—â—â—â—ve vice Epithe i regnum caelorum .i. caeleste Every subiect of Christ is a King Revel 1.6 Heavenly Kingdome by way of excellency Because it excells all earthly kingdomes because it excelleth all terrene kingdomes as farre as heaven excelleth earth both in holinesse in happinesse in largenesse and in continuance As namely to instance one particular All the subjects of this kingdome are Kings to raigne here and for ever In earthly Kingdomes the King indeed is rich and glorious and honourable but the subjects may bee meane and poore enough begging their bread from doore to doore but in Christs Kingdome every Saint every beleever is a King Rev. 1.6 He hath made us Kings and Priests unto his Father saith S. Iohn Kings to raigne over sin Satan and the world and Priests to offer unto God the Father spirituall sacrifices upon the Altar of Christs merits And againe verse 9. Vers 9. I Iohn am your brother and companion in Tribulation and in the Kingdome and patience of Iesus Christ Hee is a companion with them and they with him in the Kingdome of Jesus Christ though it bee a kingdome of tribulation and therfore of patieÌ„ce according also to that which Daniel had foretold The Saints of the most High shall take the kingdome and possesse it for ever and ever Dan. 7.18 Dan. 7.18 And thus beloved you see what is meant by the Kingdome of Heaven as also the reasons of the name And here I pray you to note with mee Note Grace and Glory both one Kingdome that the Kingdome of grace and the Kingdome of Glory have both one and the same name are both stiled The Kingdome of Heaven and no marvaile for Reason 1 First they have one and the same King the Lord Jesus Reason 2 Secondly all the subjects in them both are Kings Reason 3 Thirdly they both have the same government and prerogatives for substance though the one part bee yet militant and warring upon earth and the other part bee triumphant with their King in the Court of Heaven for Quid est gratia nisi gloria inchoata quid est glora nisi gratia consummata Lyra. What is grace but glory begun and what is glory but grace consummate and made perfit Hence wee gather this instruction Doct. Heaven must here be purchased or never that whosoeevr will enter into the kingdome of heaven he must doe it in this present life The Kingdome is here to bee purchased and heaven is on earth to bee obtained or else it is lost for ever hee that will raigne in that of glory must first be a subject in this of grace Rich men are charged in this life to lay a good foundation of aeternall life 1. Tim. 1.19 Here is laid the foundatioÌ„ of that building whose top reacheth up to heaven Except yee be regenerate and borne againe ye cannot enter into the Kingdome of God saith our Saviour Ioh. 3.5 implying that regeneration and the newbirth give us entrance and admission thereunto and most plainly Matth. 18.3 4. Hee that is converted and humbleth himselfe as a little childe Mat. 18.3.4 the same is the greatest in the Kingdome of heaven hee that would bee perfitly holy there Heb. 12.14 must be initially holy here he that would be perfitly happy there must begin to be blessed and happy here Rev. 20.6 In a word we must in our life time enter into the Suburbs of the New Ierusalem the City of the great King and that by the low and narrow gate of repentance and conversion if ever we looke at our death to be admitted into the City it selfe through the beautifull gate of glory Vse 1 If this be so beloved in the Lord be exhorted who ever thou art that desirest to enter into the Kingdome of Heaven Get grace if thou wilt
notable saying of the Lord himselfe Act. 16. Isa 65.1 Isa 65.1 I was found of them that sought me not And it is truely affirmed by Hilary Hilary Thesaurum in venisse gratuitum est It is the free grace of God preventing us that any man should find the Treasure for flesh and blood reveales it not c. Mat. 16.17 Matt. 16.17 Vse But yet beloved finding implyes our duty of seeking Yet we must seeke Gods Kingdome and righteousnes Mat. 6.33 Pro. 2.4 It is the expresse precept of our Saviour elsewhere Seek ye first of all the Kingdome of God and his righteousnesse Mat. 6.23 the counsell of Salomon Pro. 2.4 Seeke her that is wisedome or grace as silver search for her as for Hid Treasures Labour we therefore for illumination for conversion for repentance and for faith and take we this for our comfort Motive The Lord will reveale this Treasure unto us he will enlighten our minds and sanctifie our hearts he will let us see our sinnes and withall his mercy in the pardon of them and the way how to get the dominion over them For if he be found of them that seeke him not how much more will hee be found of us if wee seeke him in vprightnesse of heart For so saith our Saviour expresly Matt. 7.7 Seeke and ye shall finde and againe Every one that seeketh findeth Be exhorted therefore in the words of the Prophet To seeke the Lord while he may be found and to call upon him while he is neere Isa 55.6 seeke the Lord in his Temple and the heavenly Treasure in the field of his Word Duty 2 Secondly he rejoyces in his Finding for that is next in order of time and nature He reioyces though not of the words as they lie in the Text. Finding even of an Earthly Treasure bringeth no question great joy especially in this golden age of the world But to finde the pardon of our sins So must we to be assured of the love of God in Christ and that we shall overcome Satan and all our corruptions and finally attaine eternall life this must needs bring Joy unspeakable and glorious as Saint Peter calls it 1. Pet. 1.8 Zacheus found this Treasure and he Rejoyced The Iaylour found this Treasure and he Rejoyced Luk. 19.6 Act. 16.34 Act. 8.39 The Eunuch found this Treasure and he went on his way Rejoycing Act. 8 39. And David professeth of himselfe Psa 119.162 I rejoyced in thy Word as one that findeth great spoyles Indeed all beleevers have not this joy alike Caution Some have it more at their first conversion and lesse after some lesse at first and more after and never any have it at all times alike but with some remission of degree and intermission of feeling But this is a certaine truth that it is to be found more or lesse in all those that finde this Treasure Vse Abandon we therefore my brethren all false joyes of sinne Let this be our chiefest Joy Jer. 9.23 the object onely of griefe and sorrow and all petty joyes of worldly pleasures profits and honours in companion of this Let not the wise man saith the Lord glory in his wisedome nor the strong man in his might nor the rich man in his riches that is to say comparatively but let him that glorieth glory in this Luk. 10.20 that he knoweth me to be the Lord. Rejoyce not in this saith our Saviour that the spirits or divels be subdued unto you but rather that your Names are written in Heaven that you are enrolled as Subjects into this Kingdome And in this rejoyce and spare not the true ground of sound comfort is in the grace and favour of God manifested to us in our true conversion I wonder they that want it can be so merry and that those that have it can be so sad Rev. 3.17 If we have found our selves heretofore most miserable poore and naked out of Gods favour in the cords of sinne in the jawes of Satan every moment in the danger of hell fire and now by the mercy of God finde our selves delivered from these miseries and enstated in a Kingdome and a Treasure how can we possibly be sad Let us with David checke our selves for our lumpish pensivenes Why art thou thus cast downe O my soule Psal 43.5 and why art thou thus disquieted within me and make conscience of the Apostles earnest charge Rejoyce in the Lo d evermore Phil. 4.4 and againe I say Rejoyce for the fruit of the Spirit is joy and peace and the Kingdome of God is Righteousnesse and Peace Rom. 14.17 and Ioy in the Holy Ghost In a word spirituall joy is a certaine consequent and assured note of one that hath found the Treasure The 3. Duty He hides it Lyra. Thirdly having found it and rejoyced in it he hideth it againe Lyra observeth that a Treasure hid in any mans ground is ordered by the civill law for the common peace of men to be equally divided betweene the finder of the Treasure and the owner of the Land Reason This man therefore hides it and conceales it not onely from other men but even from the owner and possessour of the field lest having gotten knowledge of it he would not have parted with the field at least would have claymed halfe the Treasure no marvell therefore though he hides it Not that thus it ought to be but that too too often thus it is It is naught it is naught saith the buyer but when he is gone aside he boasteth Prov. 20.14 Pro. 20.14 So wise and wily are the children of this world in their generation as our Saviour observeth Luk. 16.8 Luk. 16.8 As this man so generally all men use to hide their Treasures lest other men should defraud them at least share with them and so their Dividend and share should be the lesse Indeed there is no such cause in Christs Kingdome in that respect There is grace and glory enough for us all For besides that God cannot bee mocked or beguiled of his Treasure There is in the Word Grace enough for us all and though we bee many hearers yet every hearer may have all And in Christ there is merit enough to supply us all and in heaven is glory enough to make us all fully happy Joh. 14.2 In my Fathers house saith our Saviour are many mansions many dwelling places roome enough And indeed such is the nature of spirituall graces and blessings that the more they are communicated unto others the more they are increased in themselves like the widowes oyle that multiplied more the oftner it was powred from vessell to vessell 2. King â— 2 Neverthelesse How wee must hide our graces to hold proportion to the parable in the application of it to our selves I conceive it is fit for us to Hide our Treasure also and that in three or foure respects
Earth c. but lay up for your selves Treasures in Heaven c. that is make sure in this life of grace for glory Vse 2 Secondly this lets us see the rich estate of a true beleever a sound Christian a faithfull subject of Christs Kingdome he hath a rich Treasure See the rich estate of Christs Subiect He hath faith more precious then gold he hath Christ the perfect Gaine he hath God the fountaine of all good to be his God bound to him by fatherly love by promise by covenant by oath never to faile him nor forsake him Heb. 3.5 but to provide for him in all his wants to protect him in all dangers and finally to possesse him of a Crowne and Kingdome incorruptible Poore Christians why envy ye the outward prosperity of carnall worldlings who have their portion in this Life Psa 17.14 whose belly God hath filled with his hidden Treasures saith the Psalmist meaning the hidden treasures of the earth which they are stripped of at death like that rich foole Luke 12. Why droope your spirits under outward want and pressures David could say The Lord is my portion I have goodly heritage Psal 16.5 6. Ps 23.1 Ps 16.5 6. And againe The Lord is my shepheard I shall want nothing And Paul could say of himselfe and Timothy We are as poore yet making many rich 2. Cor. 6.10 as having nothing yet possessing all things How can he want any thing which tends to true happinesse that is at the Well head All things are possible to him that beleeveth Mar. 9.23 saith our Saviour Et habet omnia qui habet habentem omnia saith a Father he hath all things at least in some sort that hath him that hath all things Saint Paul sweetly All things are yours 1 Cor. 3.22 23. and you Christs and Christ Gods God and Christ are yours and so all things are yours things present and things to come O beloved comfort your selves and one another with these words Know your happinesse you are Lord Treasurers you have the Kingdome of heaven the true Treasure The third circumstance The Place But to come to the third circumstance of the place or situation Quae regio in terris In what place is this Treasure to be found our Saviour tels vs In a Field In a Field And that Field is no other but the Word of God which is compared to a greene pasture Psal 23.2 but in this place to a Field and that for three Reasons Ager est Euangelium saith Calvia Praedicatio verbâ— saith Musc Scriptura Ierom. Hugo Reason 1 First Propter laborem for the labour In gardens and orchards is pleasure and recreation in houses and chambers is eating and drinking and amorous delights but Ager ab agendo in the field is labour and toyle Ibi foditur ibi aratur ibi sudatur there men dig and plow and harrow and sweat and toyle Ager est Scriptura saith Hugo quia agendo laborando acquiritur scientia For the labor the word is compared to a field because by labour and industry we attaine to heavenly knowledge Reason 2 Secondly Propter sterilitatem for the barrennesse of it in the conceit of carnall men For as Treasures saith Iunius are not found in rich pastures and From the barrennes and plainnes fruitfull medowes but in sterile and barren grounds so heavenly wisedome is not found in the wittie devices of Poets or subtill and profound Speculations of Philosophers but in the plaine and simple word of God Reason 3 Thirdly Propter amplitudinem for the largenesse I have seene an end of all perfection saith David For the largenesse Ps 119.96 but thy Law is exceeding broad I have seene the bounds of Townes of Kingdomes and of Countryes yea the Sea and Land hath bounds and borders but thy Word is exceeding broad For it teacheth the whole Will of God and the whole duty of Man the beginning of All things in the Creation and the end of All in the dissolution of the world the right knowledge both of God and of our selves of the mercy of God reaching as high as the highest heavens of his justice reaching downe to the nethermost Hell In a word 2 Tim. 3 17.1◠〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 it is able to make the man of God perfit and absolute and to make us all wise unto salvation Aâ—oro plenitudinem Scripturae saith Tertullian I admire the largenesse and fulnesse of the Scripture Let twenty able Divines preach on this one verse yet twenty more may come after them and twenty more after them and still find a living veine of exquisite matter A large field indeed wherein long-lived Methuselah may walke all his life and yet not find out the dimensions of this field O the depth of the wisedome and knowledge of God! Rom. 11.33 how unsearchable are his judgements and his wayes past finding out Doctr. Note we then that in the Field of the Word the Treasure of Gods Kingdome is to be found By his Word the Lord is wont to worke Grace in vs and so to prepare us unto Glory For this cause is the Word in Scriptures called The Word of Grace Act. 20.32 The Word of eternall Life Ioh. 6.68 Act. 20.32 Jo. 60.68 and that we may see the correspondency of Scripture with Scripture The word of the Kingdome Mat. 13.19 in 19. verse of this chapter because in it the Kingdome is to be found Is 53.1 1. Cor. 1.18 In a word It is the Arme of God Is 53.1 and the power of God to salvation 1. Cor 1 18. Vse O then Beloved that all we that desire to finde this Treasure would delight to walk in this Field Other bookes and other words have their use but as David said of Golias sword so say I of the Word of God 1. Sam. 21.9 There is none to that for it hath pleased God by the foolishnesse of preaching to save them that beleeve 1. Cor. 1.21 As for them that despise the Word of God read and preached and delight to walke elsewhere as in wanton play-bookes poeticall fables philosophicall discourses well compiled Historyes politicke Lawes or Statutes eyther they seeke not grace and glory or at least they seeke them where they are not like to finde them and like the Sadducees They erre not knowing the Scriptures Mat. 22.29 But beloved remember ye that saying of David that the man is blessed that hath not walked in the way of sinners Ps 1.1 2. but his delight is in the Law of the Lord and therein doth he meditate day and night I say to you as Booz to Ruth Ruth 2.8 Goe not to gleane in an other field neyther goe from hence but abide ye here Walke in this field more or lesse every day especially on the Sabbath day and meditate herein day and night When many revolted and went backe from Christ he turning to his Disciples
nulla cupido Men see not the hidden excellency of the Scriptures and of Grace in them and in Gods children in whom it is overwhelmed with infirmities and corruptions Mar 4.11 To you saith our Saviour to his faithfull disciples it is given to know the Mystery of the Kingdome of God to them without all these things are done in parables Indeed the Scriptures and Religion for the power of it are to them a mystery Joh 4.10 a parable and a very riddle If thou knewest the gift of God saith our Saviour to the Samaritan woman and who it is that speaketh to thee thou wouldest have asked so say I of the men of this Generation If they knew the worth of Grace and the happy estate of Gods children they would not so neglect and contemne as they doe both the word and Christ Faith and Glory As our Saviour spake in great compassion and sorrow over Jerusalem now ready to perish O Ierusalem Luk. 19.42 Ierusalem If thou hadst knowne even thou at least in this thy day the things that belong unto thy peace but now they are HID from thine eye So say I with a bleeding heart over many of you my brethren If you had knowne even you at least in this your day the things that belong unto your peace If the drunkard the swearer the blasphemer the Sabbath-breaker the adulterer and the covetous worldling did know the things that belong unto their peace they would not so neglect and undervalue the Kingdome the word of God the graces of the Spirit and the joyes of Heaven but alas alas these things are hidden from their eyes 2. Cor. 4.7 in whom the God of this world hath blinded their minds lest the light of the glorious Gospel of Christ should shine unto them But let no wise man thinke the worse of Religion because it is so commonly neglected for as the Apostle saith 2. Cor 4.3 If our Gospel be Hid it is Hid to them that perish And as it is true of knowledge in generall so of divine and heavenly knowledge in particular Scientia non habet inimâ—cum nisi ignorantem it is hated of none despised of none but such as doe not discerne the hidden excellency of it V. 7 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 because we have this Treasure in earthen vessels as the Apostle speakes in the same place Vse 2 Secondly and to conclude if Grace and Glory be a Treasure hidden in the Word how carefull should we be to follow the counsell of our Saviour in Io. 5.39 Search the Scriptures diligently Joh. 5.39 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Search the Scriptures for in them we looke to have eternall life How should we search and digge in these holy Mines as with spades and mattocks not for the literall meaning of them but especially for the spirituall How should we follow the counsell of Salomon Cry for knowledge Pro. 2 3 4. and call for understanding seeke her as silver and search for her as for HID TREASVRES V. 6. for then saith Salomon We should understand the feare of the Lord and find the knowledge of God then should we perceive the excellency of Grace not onely by speculation in our braines but even in our hearts and soules we should taste feele the goodnes and sweetnes of it to our unspeakable comfort When we come at any time to reade or heare the Word how should we pray with David Lord open thou mine eyes that I may beheld the wonderfull things contained in thy Law Psal 119.18 And when the eyes of our minds are opened to behold them how should we prayse the Lord in the words of our Saviour I thanke thee O Father Lord of Heaven and Earth Mat. 11.25 because thou hast Hid these things from the wise and prudent and hast revealed them unto Babes Even so O Father because it seemed good in thy sight V. 26. And thus you have heard the first generall part of the Text namely the heavenly purchase set forth unto us by foure severall circumstances the name the value the place and the difficulty of obtaining We should now proceede to the second generall part namely to show what is to be done about the obtaining of this Purchase to our selves But the handling hereof will require another houre Let us therefore pray to God for a blessing upon that that hath beene already spoken The end of the first Sermon THE HIDDEN TREASVRE OPENED IN A SECOND SERMON UPON MATTHEVV 13.44 Preached by ZACHARY CATLIN Minister of Gods word at Thurstone in SVFFOLKE To him that overcommeth I will give to eate of the HIDDEN Manna REV. 2.17 LONDON Printed by M. Flesher for ROBERT DAVVLMAN at the signe of the Brazen-Serpent in Pauls Churchyard 1633. THE SECOND SERMON MATTHEVV 13.44 Againe the Kingdome of Heaven is like unto Treasure Hid in a field the which when a man hath found he hideth and for ioy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath and buyeth that field HAving spoken of the first generall part of this Text in the former Sermon namely of the Heavenly purchase about which we are to be employed entituled by our Saviour The Kingdome of Heaven likened for value to a Treasure placed and scituate in a field yea and said to be Hidden in that field to note the difficultie of obtaining it The second generall part What is to be done to obtaine the purchase J now proceede unto the second generall part propounded at the first Namely what is to be done by us about the acquiring of it to our selves and here our blessed Saviour propounds unto us for out direction the example of a worldly wise man in this parable in whose steps we are directed to tread and they are five In five particulars First he findes the Treasure Secondly he rejoyces in his finding for that is next in order of nature though not in the order of the words Thirdly he hideth it againe Fourthly he withdrawes himselfe for consideration Fiftly and lastly he sels all that he hath to buy that field not for it own sake but for the Treasures sake which Treasure when a man hath found He hides it saith our Saviour and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath to buy that field Duty 1 First of all he findes the Treasure A Treasure is sometimes casually found before ever it be sought He findes it Note Finding is Gods free gift 1. Sam. 9. Acts 9. So the Lord doth oftentimes prevent us with his Grace while we are conversant in the field of the word for by-respects As Saul seeking his Fathers asses found a kingdome so Paul seeking the blood of Martyrs in the way to Damascus found the bloud of Iesus and this kingdome of heaven In like manner the woman of Samaria seeking the water of Iacobs Well Iohn 4. found the God of Iacob and the water of life And so the Jailour and many others according to that
God as the Apostle speaketh 2. Tim. 3.4 not that ever any were so simple as to say thus with their tongues or to kneele downe and worship their bellies for their God but hee that knoweth the heart and raines telleth us that thus it is and the Apostle tels us that in the last dayes thus it should be Loe then unlawfull things wil not be parted withall for the Treasures sake And as for lawfull things I meane the good Blessings of this Life Much lesse will they part with lawfull things Oh where is the man to be found that is content to part with them Where is the man that esteemes basely of them as drosse and doung in respect of Christ and sauing graces that layeth them aside for conscience sake when the publike and private exercises of Religion call for their devotion attendance Where is the man that parteth with them cheerefully to good and commendable uses sowing liberally that hee may reape liberally at the harvest that in preparation of heart hath resolved if persecution come to suffer the losse of all joyfully knowing in himselfe that he hath in heaven a better and an enduring substance where is the man that when losses affliction and death come can bid them all adue and that from his heart that hee may enjoy the Heavenly Treasure I speake not this Beloved as if I thought there were none such to be found some yea many there are I doubt not and I pray God increase the number of them but yet in respect of the multitude they are as rare as Blacke Swans The most part of men every where dote upon the world loving it onely and altogether or at least in the first and chiefest place How many Esaus are there in the world that say Tush what is this Birthright to me give me the pottage so red Gen. 25.32 How many Gadarens that will rather part with their Saviour Mar. 5.17 then with their very Swine Mar. 26.15 How many Iudasses that will sell their Saviour and their Soules for thirty pieces of silver nay for a farthing token Troche ludunt prandium perdunt pueri Children saith Chrysostome Chrys will play with their toppes and play away their dinners and most men childishly for toyes and trifles lose their God and heaven and their owne precious soules Hagar now adayes hath beaten her Mistresse Sarah out of doores Gen. 16.6 I meane the love of the world hath beaten the love of God and of Religion out of our hearts The world the world that 's our Treasure If our Saviours rule be true That where our hearts be there are our Treasures also Matthew 6.21 Mat. 6.21 then it is most plaine that wee have layd up our Treasures upon Earth for our thoughts our words our works our company are all worldly all earthly All the day all the weeke yea and the Sabbath day too is too little for the world Now if any man love the world saith Saint Iohn in expresse tearmes the love of the Father is not in him 1. Ioh. 2.15 1. Joh. 2.15 and as the ground where gold groweth is barren of all other things so an heart set vpon the world Simile is ever barren and devoid of heavenly graces for ye cannot serve God and Mammon saith our Saviour Mat. 6 24. Mat. 6 24. As for our buying of the Field I meane the Truth and Word of God 2 Men will not buy the Word it grieves my soule to think how the Booke of God is generally neglected his tenth part for the maintenance of his Ministers defrauded gelt and curtayled and all the labour the most men take for buying Truth is but to sit and give the Minister the hearing no preparation made before and after no meditation no conference no repetition of the things they have heard 3 At least not the Treasure no turning the Sermons into Prayer or into Practise Men place the utmost of their Religion in this they have read the Word they have heard the Sermon but never shew me the Meat but shew me the Man Never tell me thus many Chapters I have read thus many Sermons I have heard But tell mee what art thou what knowledge hast thou gotten what faith what hope what love what patience what temperance what humility what thankfulnesse what obedience what good hast thou gotten by the Word How justly may we take up the complaint of Salomon Pro. 17.16 Pro. 17.16 Why is there a price in the hand of a foole to get wisedome but he wants an heart Men have money time wit strength meanes of all sorts to buy the Field and to gaine the Treasure but the foole wants an heart eyther they get not the Word or get no knowledge out of the Word or turne not their knowledge into gracious practise Scire cupiunt tantum ut sciant They desire to know onely that they may know as if a man should get together Nummum ad numerandum Mony onely to number and tell it over Vas vitreum lingimus sed pultem non attingimus and not to buy necessaries withall and if it be thus with them certainly they may have got the Field the shell the huske and empty Casket but they have not gotten yet one peny-worth of the Treasure And by these meanes it comes to passe that while the Divel and the world have multitudes of Chapmen flocking and thronging about them to buy their Pedling-stuffe and painted Bables Simile The Lord may stand in the high places of the City making Proclamation Hoe come and buy of me Isa 55.1 Isa 55.1 and offering his rich and inualuable Treasures and few or none will come to the price Something they will bid and something they are content to give But hoc aliquid nihil est this something is as good as nothing for when he tels them They must sell all that meane to have the Treasure they goe away sorrowfull Joh. 6. â—0 saying in themselves Durus est hic sermo this is an hard saying and who can beare it this is an hard purchase and who can buy it as if poore soules that heaven and happines should be bought at too deare a rate if they should give their sins and vanities in exchange for it Vse 2 But alas alas Non Priamus tanti totaque Troia fuit All the lusts of Hell are not worth so much Mat. 16.26 and it will be a poore advantage to win the whole world and to lose Gods Kingdome and their owne soules Of ExhortatioÌ„ to withdraw our love from sin the world and set it on better things Let the second use be for Exhortation Let us all beloved in the Lord be persuaded to call off withdraw our love and affections from our sinfull lusts and from this present evill world and to settle and fasten them upon the Treasures of the Word namely upon Christ upon grace and upon glory