way of Instance by which you may judge of the choyceness Priviledges of Saints and preciousness of the rest The Lord is their King Rev. 15. 3. He keeps their feet from falling 1 Sam. 2. 9. He preserves their Souls Psal 97. 10. He preserves them for ever Psal 37. 28. Their death is precious in his sight Psal 116. 15. He will spare them Mal. 3. 17. The Lord Christ prayes for them John 17. 9. The Holy Spirit prayes for them Rom. 8. 27. God admits them into the number of his Children 1 John 3. 1. And being so they have Him their Father The Church their Mother The Lord Christ their Brother Kings and Queens their Nurses The Holy Spirit their Tutor The Angels their Guardians All the Creatures their servants The Bread of life their Food Christ's Righteousness their Cloathing Heaven their Palace A Kingdom of Glory their Inheritance Such many many such Priviledges have the Lords People Such Honour have all his Saints Use 3. Doth the Lord own those only for his people who are true Saints true believers truly obedient Let us labour to gain an assurance to our selves that we are such and then we may confidently build upon it that we are Gods people That you may know whether you have true Faith take these three Marks of true Marks of Faith Faith in stead of many 1. True Faith is accompanied with a sweet peace in the soul arising from the assurance that our sins are pardoned and Christ's Righteousness made ours Being justified by Faith we have peace with God Rom. 5. 1. 2. True Faith purifies the heart Acts 15. 9. He that hath true Faith will still be cleansing himself from all filthiness of flesh and spirit perfecting holiness in the fear of the Lord 2 Cor. 7. 1. 3. True Faith where it is begets love towards God appâ—â—hending him as the Chief Good Hence the faithful have this Character in Scripture that they are lovers of God Rom 8. 28. It stirs up likewise love unto all Gods Children as bearing his Image 1 John 5. 1. That you may know whether your Obedience Marks of Obed. be true or not take these Marks of true Obedience True Obedience prefers Gods Will before our own or any Commands of men Acts 4. 19. 2. True Obedience is universal unto all and every part of Gods Will Psal 119. 6. 3. True Obedience is alwayes accompanied with fear of offending God Heb. 12. 28. 4. It is sincere and hearty Rom. 6. 17. 5. It is zealous in good duties Tit. 2. 14. Now examine thy self by these Marks Hast thou true peace in thy soul Dost thou strive to cleanse thy soul from sin Dost thou love God and his Children Thou hast true Faith Dost thou prefer Gods Will before thine own or before mans Hast thou a respect to all his Will Art thou afraid to offend him Art thou sincere and zealous in the Service of him Thine Obedience is true And thy Faith and thine Obedience being true thou art a true Saint thou art of the number of Gods people and interessed in all those Priviledges which belong unto them Use 4. Doth the Lord own the Saints for his people Let wicked men take heed how they despise them how they oppress vex and persecute them The Lord whose they are is very tender over them They who touch them touch the Apple of his eye Zech. 2. 8. They that persecute them persecute Christ himself Acts 9. 4. They who vex and persecute them vex and persecute those who shall be their Judges 1 Cor. 6. 2. Who shall one day wash their feet in their blood Psal 58. 10. and shall break them in pieces as a Potters Vessel Rev. 2. 27. Not by way of avenging of themselves that belongs not to them but in approving of the just Sentence of Christ against them and rejoycing in the justness of that Vengeance which according to that Sentence they shall see exâ—cuted upon them at that day when the great Judge of the world will be so far from owning such as dye in their Infidelity and disobedience that he will deny them before his Father and the holy Angels Mat. 10. 33. Use last This may serve much for the Comfort of all Gods truly Faithful obedient servants and keep their spirits under the worlds Contempt and Despight What though the World hate and reject them and count them as the Off scowring of all things Yet the Lord owns them they are his people and so interessed in those sweet Promises and high Priviledges wherein they that hate them shall not be sharers Here likewise the Lords People to their exceeding Comfort may as St. Peter adviseth 2 Pet. 1. 10. make their Calling and Election sure For thus they may argue upon Infallible Grounds If I am a Saint whereof by my true Faith and Obedience I am assured then am I effectually called For I am what I was called to be Rom. 1. 7. If I am a Saint then I am sure I am elected For I am what I was elected unto Eph. 1. 4. If I am elected then I am predestinated to Glory and shall most certainly enjoy it For he that elected me predestinated me Eph. 1. 4. And whom he predestinated them he also called and whom he called them he also justified and whom he justified them he also glorified Rom. 8. 30. In his eternal Decree which in his good time he will most certainly accomplish From hence I say may the Lords people draw exceeding Comfort However these sweet Comforts of theirs cannot but be much allayed by their sense of their weakness and frailty For though they are Saints though the Lord ownes them for his People yet are they subject unto sin and are prevailed over by it and fall into the Folly of it Which is the next Particular in this Second Branch of the Point Partic. 2. That the Lords own people his Saints may and do fall into the Folly of sin This is clear from the Text they could not turn again to it unless formerly fallen into it Which is the present sad condition they are now in guilty of the folly of some hainous sins for which they under-lye the sharp sense of Gods high displeasure I do not say that they live or walk in sin as do the Children of disobedience but they may and do fall into it and that often seven times a day Prov. 24 16. In many things Jam. 3. 2. And many many wayes By Omission Commission Ignorance Forgetfulness Infirmity by sinning against knowledge Motions Checks Vows Promises Blessings Patience Chastisements Mercies Judgments by Rashness Inconsiderateness Inconstancy Negligence Beside their other-mens-sins whereof they become guilty by Commanding Exhorting Provoking Conâ—enting Commending Concealing Conniving Parâ—aking Defending not Reproving and other wayes That this is a most certain and sad truth is evident by those many â—xâ—mples of the Lords own people and Saints recorded in the Scripâ—ure who have been thus overtaken and thus fallen and some of them
18. and making them two fold more the Children of Hell than themselves Mat. 23. 15. Thus Corruption with the temptations of Honour Wealth Pleasure wins natural men to the service of sin All these will I give thee Mat. 49. But it sings them to the Rock and smiles them to Ruine For What wages doth it pay them at the last Destruction Death Hell The wages of sin is death Rom. 6. 23. Obs Natural men are by their Corruption led on insensibly unto Hell They are led Texts Eph. 2. 3. Among whom also we had our conversation c. Fulfilling the desires of the flesh Rom. 6. 17. Ye were the servants of sin Inst. The Colossians walked in Fornication Uncleanness and other vile sins when they lived in them Col 3. 7. The Romans had yielded their Members servants to Uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity Rom. 6. 19. They are led on insensibly Texts Prov. 4. 19. The way of the wicked is as darkness they know not at what they stumble Eph. 5. 8. Ye were somtimes darkness Inst The simple young man goeth after the harlot as an Oxe goeth to the slaughter or as a Fool to the correction of the Stocks Prov. 7. 22. St. Paul before his Conversion thought verily that he ought to do many things contrary to the Name of Jesus Acts 26. 9. Unto Hell Texts Rom. 8. 6. To be carnally minded is death Jam. 1. 15. When lust hath conceived it bringeth forth sin and sin when it is finished bringeth forth death Inst The Malefactor on the Cross but a little before his death reviled Christ Mark 15. 32. St. Paul and the Romans when in the Flesh the motions of sin did work in their Members to bring forth fruit unto death Rom. 7. 5. Reas 1. The God of this world hath blinded their minds 2 Cor. 4. 4. 2. It wars against the Soul 1 Pet. 2. 11. Use 1. Think on its wages Rom. 6. 23. 2. Resist it betimes Psal 137. 9. 3. Bless God that though sin doth somtimes captivate thee yet it doth no longer lead thee Rom. 7. 22 23. Resol I will strive to be spiritually minded for that is life and peace Rom. 8. 6. Ejac. What fruit had I then in those things whereof I am now ashamed and whose end is death Rom. 6. 21. Paral. III. Circ The Apprehender Jaylor Prison Obs God hath his Ministers of Justice and his Prison for Punishment EArthly Princes have their rewards for their faithful and loyal Subjects 1 Sam. 22. 7. And as for the disloyal they have Inferiour Ministers of Justice so they have their Sergeants at Arms or armed Troops to fetch in Grand Delinquents and Prisons where to punish them Thus God the great Monarch of the world whose Kingdom ruleth over all Psal 103. 19. as he hath His Paradise to reward So His Prison to punish The good and faithful Servants had the Joy of their Lord to enter into Mat. 25. 21 23. For the wicked sloathful and unprofitable Servant there was a place of utter darkness Mat. 25. 30. Gods Children are an afflicted people Zeph. 3. 12. a weeping lamenting sorrowful people John 16. 20. Often under chastisement Psal 73. 14. For wicked men though in comparison of them They have no Changes Psal 55. 19. The â—od of God is not on them Job 21. 9. They are not plagued as they Psal 73. 5. Yet how often even in this life doth God execute his just pleasure upon them by his inferiour Officers The unbribed Beadle of their Conscience gives them many a secret jerk and stinging lash Rom. 2. 15. He makes man his Rod Isa 10. 5. Or He sends his great Armies of Caterpillers Canker-worms c. to take free quarter upon their fâ—uits of the earth Jocl 2. 25. He gives them up to Satan 1 Cor. 5. 5. To their own vile Affections Rom. 1. 26. But if he spare them as to these and seem to keep silence Psal 50. 21. Yet Death at length will find them â—ut often cutting off the number of their Moneths in the midst Job 21. 21. And when Christ shall appear in his Glory His Angels shall bring them forth to the day of wrath to which they are reserved Job 21. 30. At which day Christ will be a swift witness against them Mal. 3. 5. In a moment bringing to their memories all their wickedness here committed by them for which being accused and condemned By their own Conscience Rom. 2. 15. And so the Judge cleared from all Injustice Psal 51. 4. Immediatly after the Sentence is pronounced His good Angels shall cast them Into a Furnace of fire Mat. 13 42. Into his Prison of Hell there everlastingly to be punished With the Devil and his Angels Mat. 25 46 Probably not by them For there shall be no Order Job 10. 22. And all Authority shall cease 1 Cor. 15. 24. Obs God hath his Ministers of Justice and his Prison for Punishment He hath his Ministers of Justice Here Hereafter Here Temporal Spiritual Temporal Texts Joel 2. 15. The Locust Canker-worm c. my great Army which I sent among you Psal 103. 21. Bless the Lord all ye his Hosts ye Ministers of his that do his Pleasure Inst The Assyrian was the Rod of Gods Anger Isa 10. 5. Wicked men are his Sword his Hand Psal 17. 13 14. Spiritual Texts Psal 103. 20. His Angels that excel in strength which do his Commandments 2 Thes 2. 11 12. God shall send them strong delusions Inst God hardned Pâ—araoh's heart Exod. 7. 3. He sent â—vil Angels among the Egyptians Psal 78. 49. Hereafter Texts Mat. 5. 25. Lest the Judge deliver thee to the Officer Mark 9. 44. Where their worm dieth not and the fire is not quenched Inst. They who have transgressed against God their worm shall not die Isa 66. 24. Dives was tormented in Hell-flames Luke 16. 24. He hath his Prison Texts Isa 30. 33. Tophet is ordained of old he hath made it deep and large Psal 9 17. The wicked shall be cast into Hell Inst Dives was in Hell Luke 16. 23. The fearful unbelieving abominable murderers whore-mongers sorcâ—reâ—s Idolaters Liars shall have their portion in the Lake which burneth with fire and brimstone Rev. 21. 8. Reas 1. For the glory of his Power and Justice upon the Vessels of wrath Rom. 9. 17. 22. 2. To make known the riches of his Glory upon the Vessels of Mercy Rom. 9. 23. Use 1. God will render to every man according to his Deeds Rom. 2. 6. 2. Glorifie God in his Power and Justice Rev. 2. 23. 3. Gloriâ—ie him in the riches of his Mercy Remember what thou hast deserved Eph. 2. 7 8. 4. Tremble in the commission of sin Isa 33. 14. Resol Though the love of my Lord Christ doth chiefly constrain me 2 Cor. 5. 14. Yet I will serve God with reverence and godly fear because he is a consuming fire Heb. 12. 28 29. Ejac. Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first Resurrection on such the
second death hath no Power Rev. 20. 6. Paral. IV. Circ The Gates wide and open the Grates before the Windows Obs The number of the damned will be great their punishment endless ALthough Christ's Flock be said to be a little one Luke 12. 32. Though but a remnant according to the Election of Grace Rom. 11. 5. Yet of those who shall be saved the number will be great An hundred forty and four thousand were sealed and a numberless multitude stood before the Throne Rev. 7. 4 9. However in comparison of them who shall be damned they are but few As a Cottage in a Vinâ—yard as a Lodge in a Garden of Cucumbers as a besieged City a very small remnant Isa 1. 8 9 As the gleaning grapes after the Vintage as two or three Beâ—ries left in the top of the uppermost Bough when the Olives are gathered Isa 17. 6. Where but few are to enter a narrow passage sufficeth where multitudes are to go the way had need to be broad and the Gate wide Such is that which leadeth to destruction and many there be which go in thereat Mat. 7. 13 14. From the Creation to Christ's time how few Worshippers of God were there And among them how few true His own people were a sinful Nation laden with iniquity a seed of evil doers The whole body was corrupted there was no soundness in it Isa 1. 4. 6. In Christ's time how had they made his House a den of Thieves Mat. 21. 13. How few were they that received him and believed in him John 1. 11. Since the spreading of the Gospel how straight is that place where it is proâ—essed in comparison of the rest of the world Among Professors how few sincere ones How many that bear the Name of Christians that yet as if aâ—raid that Hell-gates should be shut against them do hasten thâ—ther with speed and earnestness How swift are they to evil Prov. 1. 16. How do they do evil with both hands earnestly Micah 7 3. How do they work all uncleanness with greediness Eph. 4. 19. How do they drink Iniquity like Water Job 15. 10. Drawing of it on with Coards Isa 5. 18. Wearying themselves therein Jer. 9 5. So laying wait for their own Blood and lurking for their own lives Prov. 1. 18. And with hard and impenitent hearts treasuring up unto themselves wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God At which day from him who will render to every man according to his deeds they shall certainly receive that wrath which they have treasured up Rom. 2 5 6 8. and be enforced to undergo it unto all eternity For as Heaven-gates have their Barrs which the Lord doth so strengthen that no enemy can enter there to interrupt the happiness of his Saints Psal 147 13. So he hath fixed such a gulfe about the gates of his Prison of Hell into which all who die out of Christ shall be cast that they can never come from thence Luke 16. 26. Had the damned the least hope of making an escape or that their torments should have an end this their hope would be no little mitigation of their pain But into this Lions Den all the steps are inwards none returning Tophet is deep the gates and grates strong the Gulfe great and impassâ—ble And The Worm will gnaw as long as there is guilt and envy to sharpen its teeth And The fire cannot but burn as long as the breath of the Lords just wrath continues like a floud of Brimstone to kindle it Isa 30. 33. Obs The number of the damned will be great their punishment endless The number will be great Texts Isa 5. 14. Hell hath enlarged her self and opened her mouth without measure and their glory and their multitude shall descend into it Mat. 7. 13. Wide is the Gate and broad is the way that leadeth to destruction and many there be which go in thereat Inst Of the whole Nation of the Jews God had reserved to himself but seven thousand that had not bowed the knee to Baal 1 Kings 19. 18. Only just Lot and his Family were delivered out of Sodom when that City with Gomorrah were turned into ashes and condemned with an overthrow being made an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly 2 Pet. â— 6 7. Their punishment will be endless Texts Mat. 25. 46. And these shall go away into everlasting punishment Rev. 14. 11. The smoak of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever Inst The rich man prayed only for mitigation of his torment not for release from it whereof he knew there was no hope Luke 16. 24. The Beast and false Prophets shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever Rev. 20. 10. Reas For their great number 1. Gods Decree of Predestination Many are called but few chosen Mat. 20. 16. 2. All are liable unto wrath in Adam Eph. 2. 3. But few freed from it 1 Thes 1. 10. Reas Why their punishment endless 1. Gods Decree There is a great Gulfe fixed Luk 16. 26. 2. Punishment is to be proportioned to the guilt oâ— sin Deut. 25. 2. Which is infinite being committed against an infinite Majesty 3. A will to sin continues Psal 74. 23. Therefore the punishment continues Use 1. Go not in the way of evil men Prov. 4. 14. They way of the ungodly shall perish Psal 1. 6. 2. Do thy best to save them with fear and to pul them out of the fire Jude 23. 3. Strive to enter in at the straight Gate Luke 13. 24. and to find the narrow way which leadeth unto life Mat. 7. 14. 4. Agree with thine Adversary quickly while thou art in the way with him Mat. 5. 25. Make thy peace with God while thou art here 5. Watch and pray that thou maist be accounted worthy to escape all these things and to stand before the Son of man Luke 21. 36. Resol Though the way to the Kingdom of God be by manifold tribulations made thorny and rough Acts 14. 20. yet shall my foot hold his steps His way will I keep and not decline there-from Job 23. 11. Ejac. O my dear Lord Jesu thou hast freed me from the wrath to come 1 Thes 1. 10. Thou hast shewed me the path of Life Psal 16. 11. Inable me to walk therein unto the end Paral. V. Circ The Jaylor in black apparel Obs Satan is the Prince of Darkness THE inward quality of the mind is often in the Scripture set forth by the outward habit of the Boâ—y As Eph. 4. 22. 24. Put off the old man which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts Put on the new man which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness Somtimes by the colour As Rom. 13. 12 Cast off the works of darkness put on the armour of Light Rev. 3. 18. The white raiment of Christs righteousness imputed Psal 30. 11. Thou hast put off my Sackcloath Thus in this dark resemblance the Lord was pleased
an unworthy Member rejoycing in her unlikely unhoped return from her captivity and say When the Lord turned again the Captivity of Zion we were like them that dream The Lord hath done great things for us whereof we are glad Psal 126. 1 3. Obs Effectual Calling is of Gods free Grace Texts Isa 65. 1. I am sought of them that asked not for me I am found of them that â—ought me not Ezek. 11. 19. I will put a new spirit within you I will take the stony heart out of their flesh and will give them an heart of flesh Inst The Ephesians when dead in sins were quickned together with Christ c. to shew the exceeding riches of Gods Grace in his kindness toward them Eph. 2. 5 6 7. The Word of Truth or the Gospel came to the Colossians not they to it Col. 1. 6. Reas Gods great love to man Eph. 2. 4. Proceeding from the good pleasure of his Will Eph. 1. 5. Use 1. Attribute nothing to thine own will or to thy wary walking according to Natures rule Rom. 9. 16. 2. Give God the praise of the glory of his Grace Eph. 2. 6. Resol I will never boast of any works of mine It is by Grace I am saved through Faith not of my self it is the gift of God Eph. 2. 8. Ejac. Turn thou me and I shall be turned Jer. 31. 18. Lord let thy Kingdom come to me For I am not able by any strength in my self to come to it Mat. 6. 10. Paral. III. Circ My Apprehender's Hand was taken off me when others were within the Grates Obs The Lord hath mercy on whom he will havâ— Mercy THE Losse of the sight of God and The Sense of Pain are the torments of the damned in Hell Isa 66. 24. Infinite in extention as to time Mat. 25. 46. Mitigated in their intention and extremity as tâ— the Sufferers desert Psal 145. 9. These the condemned wretches within the Grates did and shall for ever undergo And What had I deserved that I should be freed froâ— them Nay what had I not deserved that I shoulâ— have felt them in the greatest height and horrour They who appeared at the grates were it may be oâ— those strict moral Ancients of whom we read who liveâ— most exactly according to Natures Rule Or of thosâ— who in Christs Name had prophesied cast out Devils done many wonders Mat. 7. 22. As for me I remember my own evil waies and my doings that were not good and cannot but be ashamed and confounded and loath my self in mine own sight for mine iniquities and abominations Ezek 36 31 32. Yet these are condemned to eternal torments tâ— me polluted in mine own bloud yea in my bloud it was said unto me Live Ezek. 16. 6. These are Vessels of wrath fitted unto Destruction I a Vessel of mercy prepared unto glory The Potter hath power over the Clay to make one Vessel unto honour another to dishonour Ro. 9. 21 22 23. Two shall be in the field the one shall be taken and the other left Two women shall be grinding at the Mill the one shall be taken and the other left Mat. 24. 40 41. Obs The Lord hath Mercy on whom he will have Mercy Texts Exod. 33. 19. I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious and will shew mercy on whom I will shew mercy Rom. 19 18. Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will have mercy and whom he will he hardneth Inst I loved Jacob and I hated Esau Mal. 1. 2 3. The Malefactors on the Cross the one of them was received to mercy the other died in his sin Luke 23. 40. Reas God is a free Lord Rom. 9. 21. Having from before the foundation of the world by his unchangeable decree predestinated Some to eternal happiness for the manifestation of the glory of his Mercy Eph. 1. 5 6. Others to eternal punishment for the manifestation of the glory of his Justice Prov. 16. 4. Use 1. Despair not thou maist belong unto Gods Election 2. Judge not any to his own Master he standeth or falleth Rom. 14. 4. 3. Give diligence to make thy Calling and Election sure 2 Pet. 1. 10. 4. Rejoyce that thy Name is written in Heaven Luke 10. 20. Resol Thou hast predestinated me to be conformable to the Image of thy Son Rom. 8. 29. Thou hast noâ— effectually called me I will therefore strive more and more to put on the new man which after God is created in righteousness and true Holiness Eph. 3. 24. Ejac. O the depth of the riches both of the Wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his Judgments and his wayes past finding out Rom. 11. 33. Paral. IV. Circ My Apprehender's hand was taken off me at the Prison-Gate Obs God sometimes effectually calls men when they are at the Mouth of Hell O Daughter of Babylon who art to be destroyed c. Happy shall he be that taketh and dasheth thy little ones against the stones Psal 137. 8 9. So should sin be dealt with This Cockatrice should be crushed in the Egge resisted in it's beginning I way be given unto it it grows and gathers strength and in time contracts an hardness upon the Soul and What is then to be expected but ruine For wheâ— Lust hath conceived it bringeth forth sin and sin when it is finished bringeth forth death James 1. 15. Sin is not finished on a sudden Neither doth it bring unto death by an hasty and violent precipitation But it hath certain steps and degrees by which as by stairs it sâ—iely leads down thâ— Soul unto the Mouth of the Pit It begins by Suggestion Upon that follows delight Delight wins to Consent Consent proceeds unto Act. The Act brings on Custom Custom Necessity Necessity is attended with Blindnesse Blindnesse by hardnesse And the Close of all is an utter Exclusion from Gods Eternal Rest Psal 95. 8 11. I was now full ripe for Hell and had not great unexpected Mercy intervened I had for ever been one of those unhappy Exiles But He who with groaning in himself and crying with a loud voice thereby shewing the difficulty of the work as to the Soul to recover a customary sinner raised Lazarus when stinking in the Grave He was pleased to manifest his Almighty Power in raising me long long dead and stinking in my sins and trespasses and thereby deserving that with loathing he should have turned his face from me He who of stones is able to raise up Children unto Abraham Mat. 3. 9. was pleased to break my rocky heart to take away my heart of stone and to give unto me an heart of flesh Ezek. 36. 26. Obs God somtimes effectually calls men when they are at the very Mouth of Hell Texts Mat. 20. 6. And about the eleventh hour he went out c. And he saith unto them go ye also into the Vineyard c. Rev. 3. 9. Behold I will make them of the Synagogue of Satan which say they are Jews and are
From the Head c. Sense From the Head c. Motion From the Head c. Increase From the Head c. 7. A Family Luke 12. 42. In respect Of its Lord. Steward Provision Wholsom Seasonable 8. A Building 1 Cor. 3. 9. Which Resemblance the Spirit was now pleased to make use of in this quadrangular Figure and thus left imperfect to present to the eye of my soul a more evident and full Representation of the Church into which I was now received At that Instant when by my Apprehenders hand being taken off me I was delivered from the power of daâ—kness by that Almighty Spirit which in the first work of Grace in the soul knows no delayes I was immediatly translated into the Kingdom of Christ into his true Church Col. 1. 13. Faith was then inâ—used my Will changed and all those other following requisites to a through renovation were wrought in that moment However my great Reformer was pleased more clearly to inform my understanding as to the manner of their working and to direct me how I should apprehend each after other by their successive imaginary resâ—mblances Among which this of the Building with my descent into it was represented at the Savoy as a soveraign Cordial to recover and raise my Spirit when at any time brought low by the afflicting Mementoe's of the Place and Descent When they shall wound Here is healing under the wings of the Sun of righteousness Mal 4. 2. When those fiery Serpents shall bite Num. 21. 6. Here is the Brazen Serpent to give life Num. 21. 9. John 3. 14. 15. Thus the Lord is nigh unto the broken-heart Psal 34. 18. to revive the spirit of the humble and the heart contrite Isa 57. 15. He maketh sore and bindeth up he woundeth and his hands make whole Job 5. 18. The Rosemblance is very apt as to these following Particulars 1. In respect of the Foundation which is Christ 1 Cor. 3. 11. who is A firm and sure Foundation Isa 28. 16. A secret Foundation Col. 3. 3. 2. In respect of the Corners of the Building which Christ being the Chief Corner-stone Isa 28. 16. do joyn the walls together so taking into the Church both Jews and Gentiles out of all the quarters of the world Isa 60. 3. Psalm 19. 4. 3. In respect of the Materials whereof it was built signifying the Members of the Church which are squared and fitted for their place by afflictions Rom. 5. 3. Hardned by the fire of the spirit for continuance Ezek. 36. 27 Acts 2. 3 4. 4. In respect of the Cement or Morter which is Charity whereby the Members of the Church are united together in which regard chiefly Charity is called the Bond of Perâ—ectnesse Colos 3. 14. 5. In its being left imperfect the work being to be continued by a dayly addition unto the Church of those that shall be saved to the end of the world Acts 2. 47. 6. In respect of the Beams and Jyces layd ready for a Floor and second Story signifying the Calling of the Jews when the fulness of the Gentiles shall be come in Rom. 11. 25 26. I remember not that the Fabrick had any Windows It needed not the Sun to enlighten it the Lord is an everlasting Light unto his Church and her God her Glory Isa 60. 19. Obs The Church of Christ is aptly resembled by a Square Brick-Building Texts 1 Cor. 3. 9 16. Ye are Gods building ye are the Temple of God and the Spirit of God dwelleth in you Mat. 16. 18. Upon this Rock will I build my Church Inst. The Church of the Ephesians was built upon the Foundation of the Apostles and Prophets Jesus Christ being the chief Corner-stone in whom all the building fitly framed together groweth into an holy Temple in the Lord Eph. 2. 20 21. The scattered strangers through Pontus Galaâ—iâ— c. being born again of incorruptible seed by the Word of God 1 Pet. 1. 1 23. are assured by Saint Peter that coming unto Christ they as lively stones are built up a spiritual House 1 Pet. 2. 4 5. Reasons See them before in the Discourse Use 1. Be sure that thou art built upon the Rock and thou wilt be able to withstand the violence of the Rain Floods Winds Mat. 7. 24 25. 2. They who are built upon the Sand will fall in the day of Tryal Mat 7. 26 27. 3. Glory in Tribulations they do but square and polish thee for the spiritual Fabrick Rom. 5. 3. 4. Above all put on Charity which is the Bond of Perfectness Col. 3. 14. 5. Pray for the Calling of the Jews that the Building may be perfected and that there may be one Fold and one Shepherd John 10. 16. Resol I will count it all joy when I fall into divers Temptations Jam. 1. 2. Knowing that by them I am fitted for my place in the Building Ejac. I acknowledge my self O Lord to be most unworâ—hy of the meanest place in thy Building yet thou hast admitted me to that high honour to be one of thy Builders O grant that I may only build upon Christ the Foundation and so take heed how I build thereupon that when my work shall be tryed that which I have built may abide and I may receive a Reward 1 Cor. 3. 10 13 14. Paral. IV. Circ The Fear of being taken again and carried back to the Prison made me endeavour to hide my self in the Building Obs Upon Effectual Calling the feaâ— of Hell is a principal means to bring the Soul unto Christ. BEside the before-touched Reasons of my being brought to the Prison-Gate this was one and a principal one that I might be made sensible that there was somthing to be feared A grim Jaylor strong walls and Graâ—es threatned a sharp and lasting restraint The consideration of this with my just desert thereof winged me in my flight and still kept up in me notwithstanding the dâ—stance at which I had left my Pursuer and that unexpected assistance which I evidently saw a fear of his getting loose and taking me again Whither should the soul sensible of its danger flee for safety but to Christ the strongest shield for defence the only secure hiding place Psal 119. 14. Who alone is able to the uttermost to save us Heb. 7 25. Imminent danger causeth fear fear stirs up to seâ—k out for a means to escape There is a threefold Fear Servile Filial Initial Servile or slavish fear proceeding from the spirit of Bondage is good and commendable as it awes from sin and approved of by God in the Israelites Deut. 5. 29. This as preparing the soul for the great work is first wrought in every one that is effectually called at ripeness of years Rom. 8. 15. It was first in them The Word again necessarily implies it But as it is accompanied with a secret desire after sin and dislike of and repining against Gods Justice threatning punishment against such and such sins wherein its slavishness doth consist
this Office by the Lord of the Family Luke 12. 42. A sharp Appetite 1 Pet. 2. 2. A Stomack purg'd from the clogging humours of sin 1 Pet. 2. 1. Improvement in all Grace is compared by St. Paul to the Fruitfulness of a Tree Col. 1. 10. To this universal Fruitfulness is required Seed in the soul disposing to such Fruitfulness Gal. 5. 22. Plentiful juyce or nourishment Psal 1. 3. Purging or pruning John 15. 2. Improvement by degrees is by our Saviour compared to the growth of Grain Mark 4. 26 27. To this is required A good soyl Luke 8. 15. Dews Rain and Influence from above 1 Cor. 3 7. Perseverance in Grace is compared by St Paul to a Race Phil. 3. 13 14. To this is required as there A Consideration of the richness of of the Price Fixing the eye upon the Mark of Perfection to which we must run Eph. 4. 13. An only serious and hearty minding of this A forgetting of our good deeds which are behind A reaching forth and pressing forward to the utmost of our power A careful shunning of the by-waies Of soft effeminatâ—ness or yielding upon a slight temptation 1 Cor. 6. 9. Of perverse stubbornness wilfully persisting in Error 2 Tim. 3. 8. Thus as St. Peter adviseth 2 Pet. 1. 5 c. the effectually-Called are with diligence to add to their Faith in which is included Hope as its life-blood Charity and so they have the three Theological Graces To these they are to add the four Cardinal or Mother-Vertues to which all other do refer namely Vertue or Fortitude a Branch whereof is Patience Knowledge or Prudence Temperance And Justice rendring To God his due in Godliness To our Neighbour his in Brotherly kindness Having these they have the whole Gold-Chain of Graces that precious Chain of the Spouses neck wherewith she ravished the heart of Christ her Beloved Cant. 4. 9. Which being in them and abounding will assure them of their effectual Calling and Election and doing of them they shall never fall but an entrance shall be ministred unto them abundantly into the everlasting Kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ Obs The Effectually-Called are to grow in all Grace by degrees and to persevere therein They are to grow in Grace Texts 2 Cor. 10. 15. Having Hope when your Faith is en creased Rom. 5. 13. The God of Hope fill you with all joy that ye may abound in hope Inst He that had received the five Talents traded with them and made them other five Talents Mat. 25. 16. The Church in Thyatira is commended because her last works were more than the first Rev. 2. 19. They are to grow in all Grace Texâ—s 2 Pet. 3. 18. Grow in Grace Col. 1. 10. Being fruitful in every good work Inst The Ephesians are to grow up in Christ in all things Eph. 4. 15. Paul prayes that the Thessalonians may be sanctified wholly 1 Thes 5. 23. They are to grow by degrees Texts Prov. 4. 18. The path of the just is as the shining Light that shineth more and more unto the perfect day 2 Cor. 4. 16. Though our outward man perish yet the inward man is renewed day by day Inst He that delights in the Law of the Lord c. He shall be like a Tree planted by the Rivers of water that bringeth forth his fruit in his season Psal 1. 3. The good hearer that with an honest and good heart hears the Word keeps it and brings forth fruit with patience Luke 8. 15. They are to persevere therein Texts Ezek. 18. 24. When the righteous turneth away from his righteousness and committeth Iniquity in his sin that he hath sinned he shall dye Rom. 11. 22. Behold the goodness of God towards thee if thou continue in his goodness otherwise thou also shalt be cut off Inst Paul finished his course and kept the Faith 2 Tim. 4. 7. The Angel of the Church of Smyrna with the Members thereof have a Crown of life promised upon their faithfulness to the death Rev. 2. 10 Reas For growing in Grace 1. There is food enough in thy Fathers House that thou maist grow Luke 15. 17. 2. Thou must aim at Perfection Phil. 3. 12. 3. Not to go forward is to go backward Rev. 2. 4. Reas For growing in all Grace 1. Gods Command 2 Pet. 3. 18. 2. The Seed of the Spirit disposeth to such fruitfulness Gal. 5. 22. Reas For growing by degrees 1. God will have man to wait upon him Phil. 1. 6. 2. Preproperous hast discovers want of Faith Isa 28. 16. Christians too hasty are rootless and will fall away in the day of temptation Luke 8. 13. Reas For persevering therein 1. Without Perseverance we cannot partake of Christs Benefits Col. 1. 23. 2. We are as much as in us lies to strive to proportion our Work to the reward which will continue for ever 1 Pet. 1. 4. 3. Without Perseverance we cannot be saved Mat. 24. 13. 4. They who want this mark shall be â—lain without pity Ezek 9. 5 6. Use 1. Get an assurance that thou hast the Spirit that maketh fruitful and is known by its Fruits Gal. 5. 22. 2. Let thine obedience be Universal Psal 119. 6. 3. Bear afflictions patiently by them thou art pruned that thou maist bring forth more Fruitâ— John 15. 2. 4. Think on the rich Price Phil. 3. 14. 5. Pray unto God to perfect thee and trust him upon his Promise Phil. 1. 6. 6. Fall not from thy first love Rev. 2. 4. 7. The wicked sloathful and unprofitable Servant shall be cast into utter darkness Mat. 25. 30. Resol I will strive to be fruitful in every good work and to encrease in the knowledge of God so shall I walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing Col. 1. 10. and continue stedfast in the Faith 2 Pet. 3. 17 18. Ejac. Thou O Lord who hast called me art faithful and wilt do it O sanctifie me wholly and let ' my whole Spirit and Soul and Body be preserved blameless unto the Coming of my Lord Jesus Christ 1 Thes 5. 23 24. Paral. XIV Circ I observed men under the Scaffolds as lurking there to hinder those that would ascend Obs Our spiritual Enemies are to be watched with diligence lest they hinder us in our Improvement in Grace BY the Assistance of that Mighty Power backing me in my Descent into the Building one would think mine enemies had been sufficiently baffled and discouraged Yet here they are ready again if not with violence to oppose yet subtilly to supplant Though the serpents head be broken yet if possible he will bruise the heel Gen. 3. 15. When he first set upon our Great Captain he shewed himself a bold Asâ—ailant who would not be beaten off with one or two Repulses Mat. 4. 8. He hath not his Name of Beelzebub for nothing This great flesh-fly for so the Word signifies flap him away as often as you will yet will light on again Before at the Building he assaulted
Love to God Active Love brings forth Obedience John 14. 23. Passive Love brings forth Patience 1 Cor. 13. 4. This arms a Christian against that evil that is upon him as Fortitude arms him against evil invading of him It s Object is Afflictions to which it hath a double respect To their weight To their continuance And we have great need of it Heb. 10. 36. as for other reasons so especially in reference to all other Graces Which being the Materials of the spiritual Building in the soul 1 Cor. 3. 9. to which that I referred that at the Savoy though chiefly pointing ouâ—â—he Church I erred not in the Interpretation Faith in Christ is their Foundation Patience their Roof Faith gives them firmness Mat. 7. 14 15. Patience gives them continuance Rom. 2. 7. Faith strengthens them against the storms of afflictions that they fall not Patience shelters them from the storms that they decay not And it will the better be able thus to secure them when it hath its perfect work Jam. 1. 4. Which it then hath When we suffer for righteousness sake Mat. 5. 10. When we glory in afflictions not in the Object of our Patience which both by weight and continuance causeth grief Heb. 12. 11 Yet In its Act Heb. 10. 34. In its Fruit Heb. 12. 11. In its end 2 Cor. 4. 17. When which is the Ridge of the Roof so perfectly and entirely compleating the Building that nothing is wanting Jam. 1. 4. we endure and faint not under them Jam. 5 11. And now when it pleaseth our Father to lay afflictions upon us why should we not thus bear them Knowing That we suffer not alone 1 Pet. 5. 9. That our afflictions are discoveries of our Fathers Love Rev. 3. 19. That it is an high honour to suffer for Christ Acts 5. 41. That they will be a means to better us Heb 12. 11. That they shall not long continue upon us 1 Pet. 5 10. That our Father will support us under them 1 Cor. 10. 13. That their end shall be Glory Matth. 5. 10. As the water ebbs so it flows Gods Children may somtimes have their Intervals of Comfort some respite from the Rod. Psal 30. 5. But the Tide will turn again When it doth and the Rod is upon thee bear it as thou art directed with an humble and silent submission unto thy Fathers hand Psal 39. 9. And so according to Samsons Riddle thou shalt fetch meat out of the eater and out of the strong sweetness Judges 14. 14. Obs Each true Member of the Church in his way to Heaven must expect Afflictions and prepare himself with patience to undergo them He must expect â—fflâ—ctions Texts Acts 14. â—2 We must thâ—ough much Tribulation enter into the Kingdom or God 2 Tim. 3 12. All that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer Persecution Inst. David was plagued all the day long and chastened every morning Psal 73 14. Christ â—els the Sons of Zebâ—dee that they shall drink of his Cup and be bapâ—ized with his Baptism Mat. 20. 23. He must prepare himself with Patience Texts â—am 58 Bâ— patiâ—nt stablâ—sh your hearts for the Coming of the Lord draweth nigh Iuk 21 19 In your Patience postless yâ— your souls Inst The Angel of the Chuâ—ch of Ephâ—sus with thâ— Members thereof are commended in that they had born and had patience and for Christ's Name sake had laboured and had not faintâ—d Râ—v â— 3. Paul took pleaâ—ure in Infirmities in reproaches in necessities in persecutions in distresses for Christ s sake 2 Cor 2 â—0 Reas Why God afflicts his Children 1. For Chastisement to manifest his Justice Psal 89. 30. 2. For Trial and for the exercise of their Graces 1 Pet. 1. 7. 3. That they may be conformable unto Christ in his Sufferings Phil. 3. 10. 4. That God may bâ— glorified 1 Pet. 4. 14. 5. That their râ—ward may be â—nlarged 2 Cor. 4 17. 6. That it may appear that they serve God not for temporal things Job 2. 3. Reas Why they must prepare themselves with patience 1. Otherwise they cannot continue in well-doing Rom. 2. 7. 2. Otherwise Satan will get possession of the Soul Luke 21. 9. 3. Patienâ—e will overcome their enemies Jud. 8. 3. 4. It will make their enemies their Servants to wreath a Crown of Glory for them Mat 5. 10. Use 1. Look not for a life of Pleasure John 16. 33. The way to Heaven is strowed with thorns Hos 2. 6. 2. They are Bastards not Sons who are without Chastisement Heb. 12. 8. 3. Keep possession of thy soul Luke 21. 19. 4. Despise not Gods Rod neither faint under it Heb. 12. 5. 5. Let Patience have its perfect work Jam. 1. 4. Resol I will glory in Tribulations knowing that tribulation worketh patience and patience experience and experience hope and hope maketh not ashamed because the Love of God is shed abroad in my heart by the Holy Ghost which is given unto me Rom. 5. 3 4 5. Ejac. Blessed is the man that endureth temptation for when he is tried he shall receive the Crown of Life which the Lord hath promised to them that love him Jam. 1. 12. Rev. 5. 13. Blessing Honour Glory and Power be unâ—o him that sitteth upon the Throne and unto the Lamb for ever and ever AMEN To all those that fear God SAint Paul blushed not to acknowledge to the world that he had been a Blasphemer a Persecuter injurious 1 Tim. 1. 13. That he had been foolish disobedient Deceived serving divers Lusts and Pleasures living in Malice Envy Hatred T it 3. 3. That he had been a Child of Wrath That his Conversation among others the Children of disobedience had been in the Lusts of the Flesh fulfilling the desires thereof Eph. 2. 3. And indeed why should he The yet guilty soul may have its Face filled with shame But that which is renewed by the Holy Spirit though as to it self it will upon their remembrance have secret Blushings Yet need not as to others be cast down for any former sins from which the Lord Christ hath washed it in his Blood It is now cleansed and Innocency and Purity are alwaies accompanied with an holy Confidence With such I now tell you my Brethren who I am assured will glorifie God in me for the Glory of the riches of whose Grace I now publish this that the wayes of the former part of my life were so far from being according to Gods wayes that more truly then that blessed Saint who out of the lowliness of his Spirit and sincerity of his Repentance and to magnifie Gods exceeding Grace towards him was willing to aggravate his sins I may say I am the chief of sinners For I could add to his summe charged upon himself thousands of Talents many many heinouâ— sins committed with an high hand of long continuance which may justly give me the priority In Sin I have the precedence O Lord thou knowest the groanings of my spirit O that