too short whereupon he cannot stretch himself a covering too scaâ—… wherein he cannot wrap himself Isa 28.20 Thus the Jews sought after righteousness bâ—… obtained it not because they sought not bâ—… faith in believing Gods testimony but 〈◊〉 it were by the works of the Law and submitteâ—… not to the righteousness of God even to Christ who is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believes Rom. 9.31 32. and 10.3 4. with 3.20 Gal. 3.10 Psa 143.2 and so some not believing Jesus Christ the Son of God to be the Saviour of the world and to have died and given himself a ransome for all and to be the propitiation for the sins of the whole world though fully and plainly attested of God in the testimony of the holy Scriptures but through their ignorance how to make those sayings according to their plain import agree with other sayings of Scripture which they rightly understand not or having an high esteem some of them of such holy and precious men as they believe them to be and possibly in the main some such may be or have been God not imputing their ignorances and mistakes that have found out some uncouth ways of interpreting those plain sayings to elude the evident voice of them as that by All is meant only some of all sorts by Every one every one that believes and by the world and whole world only all the Elect whereas the Scriptures speak of the Elect as a party taken and chosen out of the world and so no part of it but distinct from it as in Joh. 15.16.19 they hinder themselves and others from the right and clear understanding and perception of that love and pity of God to man that as reacâ—…ing and including them would be powerful to reconcile them to God and save them being believed and perceived by them Titus 2.11 12 13. and 3.4 5. 1 Joh. 4.14.19 and put themselves and others upon other by-courses to find out that Christ dieâ—… for them and that they have good ground to believe on and hope in him and so theâ—… run to the Law or Works or endeavour to lay a row of frames and good qualitieâ—… below him to lay him upon not having him for the bottome foundation for while they think Christ died only for the Elect they also necessarily think they must know their Election before they can know that He died for them and so that they have any right to come to or believe on him and so oftentimes it happens that some conceiting themselves to be better framed that others think with the Pharisees they are more beholden to God than they despiâ—…sing them and trusting in themselves that they be righteous and his Elect ones and others not able to find any such goodness or betterness in themselves as may persuade them that God loves them better oâ—… hath elected them are ready to distract themselves or run to desperation and indeed how should any works or frames not proceeding from and begotten by the first appearance of Gods love in Christ to men but preceding the perception thereof be good evidences of their Election which is in Christ Jesus and not before or out of him Surely whereas the Apostles say they were after the appearance of the love and pity of God to mankind saved by his mercy those may rather say they were so far saved before as to know their Election or else for their believing on Christ as a Saviour appointed of God for them they have no foundation and what a pudder they put themselves and others into about knowing the rightness of their frames too is wonderful so that as the Wise man saith * Though I do not judge so rashly as to conclude either all of the one apprehension wise nor all of the other in these points to be fools or wicked The labour of the foolish wearieth every one of them because be knoweth not how to go to the City Eccl. 10.15 While he who is the way to it and the gate for admission and the openness of it for all men as sinners and enemies and lost ones in themselves though in respect of the parting with all in entring it and the persecutions or trials thereupon attending it is strait and that Grace of God towards all mankind displayed in him which being believed and minded engages moves and strengthens to enter it is rejected of them But they that are truly in Christ and wisâ—… in Him so far as in Him understand all things in a measure though not all as yet to perfection But from this right judgment proceeds also and is found in these wisâ—… men 2. A renewing of the mind Ephes 4.23 Rom. 12.2 Naturally and according to the course of this world while mens understandings are dark and void of judgment and discretion the mind is full of vanity air and emptiness exercised about things that cannot profit save or do good because vain Loving vanity and following after leasings Psal 4.2 Ephes 4.17 18. Yea noâ—… only Vanity but wicked works possess it Col. 1.21 The minding of the flesh Rom. 8.7 and of earthly things Phil. 3.19 setting the mind on things below savouring and nursing on them are mentioned as things that men ignorant of the truth are guilty of Coâ—… los 3.2 Men of corrupt minds are they that are destitute of the truth 1 Tim. 6.5 even as Children Fools mind Bables Toys Butterflies Trifles and the like while understanding men are exercised in considering weightieâ—… and more useful matters even so the foolish unrenewed mind being destitute of the â—…rinciples of truth for want of understanding and credit given to them is taken up with sensual earthy and worldly vanities â—…eglecting and not taking good heed to â—…hat is of greatest worth and concernment â—…o the Souls happiness like to that foolish â—…mperour that busied himself with catching â—…lies while others were busie to catch away is Empire so fares it with fools or evil â—…ersons which are all one in Scripture language they are busie in minding the riches â—…onours or pleasures of this life Sciences falsly so called or notions of truths crotâ—…hets and conceits elegancy of phrase and â—…peech and such things while remaining â—…gnorant of the truth and not setting their minds to the things of eternal life Sathan â—…atches away their Souls and eternal life from them even while they set not their â—…earts to seek and get the knowledg of God and of our Lord Jesus Christ to obey his heavenly calls and counsels and walk in the exercise and practise of these things that are well-pleasing in his sight But they that are truly wise persons are renewed in some measure in the spirit of their minds so as their hearts and affections are taken with and their minds are exercised about the things which they see in the light of the Gospel of God to be excellent and glorious they are minding the Spirit and thâ—… things thereof which is life and peace
made savoury to others Letting no corrupt communication come out of our mouths but such as is good to the use of edifying that it may minister grace to the hearers Ephes 4.29 which in another Epistle is Let your speech be alway with grace seasoned with salt with the fear of God and so what is of a cleansing nature reproving the false hopes confidences and carriages of the world or of such as do amiss among our brethren that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man Coll. 4.6 for evil communications corrupt good manners 1 Cor. 15.33 but a wholesome tongue is a tree ofâ—…life that brings forth what 's food for those that are whole and sound and leaves that will heaâ—… the Nations or Gentiles that are disceased Prov. 15.4 Ezech. 47.12 Rev. 22.2 Buâ—… for this let the Reader view if he have it the Treatise of our deceased Brother upoâ—… this subject 2. Let our Light so shine before men thâ—… they may see our good works and glorify our Fâ—…ther which is in Heaven For the Disciple of Christ are also the Light of the world anâ—… this light of God and Christ whereby the are made lights is put into them that bâ—…ing made lights by is they might not bâ—… put or put their light under a bushel but 〈◊〉 a candlestick so exercising and holding 〈◊〉 forth that it may give light to all that come iâ—… the house Matt. 5.15 16. And this light they may and ought to their abilities to let shine two ways or in a twofold letting it out viz. 1. In word in holding forth the word of Life so the Apostle exhorts and directs the Philippians with their Bishops and Deacons and not only though principally the Bishops and Deacons are concerned therein Philip. 1.1 and 2.15 16. Shine ye saith he as lights in the world Holding forth the word of life that 's the way as if he should say in which ye are to and may shine as lights not that every Believer is fitted to be a publick Preacher in some Congregation but what they believe in and with their hearts unto righteousness they may and ought also to confess with their mouth unto Salvation as they have opportunity and ability thereunto And such as are gifted with profitable gifts of wisdom knowledge and understanding may and ought soberly and orderly to exercise them too for the good of others For all that have the gift May propheâ—…yone by one that all may learn and all may be comforted Rom. 10.10 1 Cor. 14.31 1 Pet. 4.10 and all that hear as we noted before may nay are commissionated to say come Rev. 22.17 and may shew forth the virtues and praises of him that hath called them out of darkness into his marvellous light being a chosen Generation a royal Priesthood an holy Nation a peculiar People or purchased to that purpose 1 Pet. 2.9 But here is to be minded that if we would do good to others make them wise and turn them to righteousness we must hold forth the Word of life and shew forth the virtues and praises of the Lord. Confess with our mouth the word of faith believed in the heart to righteousness not do as foolish people the workers of iniquity who all boast themselves or as the word signifies speak of or forth themselves Psal 94.4 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 all the workers of iniquity speak themselves talk of their own righteousness paoclaim every man his own goodness Prov. 20.6 which they that do are there opposed to the faithful friend to God Christ or the souls of men which He saith Who shall find as implying that they are not found amongst the self-proclaimers that preach themselves and not Jesus the Lord as the Apostles did 2 Cor. 4.5 and cry up themselves The Church the Church the persons to be adored believed depended on as it is said of the corrupt Israel that made mention of the God of Israel not in truth nor in righteousness they call themselves of the Holy City Isa 48.1 2 call themselves the or of the Holy Catholick Church and tell stories to men of their Perfection religiousness attainments like the Whore that saith I sit a Queen and I shall be a Lady for ever Isa 47.7 Rev. 18.7 No the way to turn many to righteousness and make them truly wise is to shew forth Gods praises to make mention of his loving kindness to do as he who said My mouth shall shew forth thy rightheousnes and thy salvation all the day for I know not its numbers I will go in the strength â—…f the Lord God and I will make mention of â—…hy righteousness of thine only not of mine and thine together Psal 71.15 16. That is Preach confess and make mention of the Gospel of Christ which is the power of God to â—…alvation to every one that believeth for thereâ—…n is the righteousness of God revealed from â—…aith to faith as it is written the just shall â—…ve by faith Rom. 1.16 17. and this accorâ—…ing both to the appointment of the Lord of â—…ld who established a testimony in Jacob and â—…pointed a law in Israel in which he commandâ—…d the Fathers to shâ—…w to their Children the â—…eneration to come the praises of the Lord his â—…rength and the wonderful works that he hath â—…ne to the end that they might set their hope 〈◊〉 God and not forget his works and not be as â—…eir Fathers a stubborn and rebellious geneâ—…tion Psal 78.4 5 7 8. and to his own practise too who having done marvellouâ—… things his own right hand and his holy arm having gotten himself the victory in his greatâ—… combate with and against Sathan and all the principalities and powers of darkness He hath made known his salvation his resurrection from the dead and the salvation therethrough obtained for us and his Gospel which is the salvation of God that the Gentile heard Acts 28 28. his righteousness not ours but as he is ours the Lorâ—… our Righteousness Jer 23.6 hath he openâ—… shewed or revealed Rom. 3.22 in thâ—… sight of the Heathen not preaching something first to make them Jews Proselites Converts to God then when they ceaseâ—… to be heathen shew them his righteousness as the false Apostles way was And this hâ—… commanded to his Disciples and Apostlâ—… after him to do not to go preach the law 〈◊〉 works but go preach the Gospel to every creâ—…ture or in the whole Creation Mark 16 1â—… preaching repentance and forgiveness of sâ—… not in Moses but in his Name in opeâ—…ning his name and so upon account of whâ—… He hath done and is become for men aâ—… in his Authority and Power requiring it aâ—… that among all Nations beginning at Jerusâ—…lem the People and City that had mâ—… deeply sinned dying their hands in blood the Prophets and just men yea and of the Lord himself Luke 29.46 47. And so the spirit of Prophecy instructed and required of men in the days past saying Give thanks unto the
a righteous demeanour conversation and walking proposed to us in the Scriptures of truth in the word and doctrine of the Gospel to be followed after by us in the receiving of and walking in Christ Jesus which the grace of God that brings Salvation or is saving to all men teacheth Tit. 2.11 12. 1 Tim. 6.11 and All Scripture given by inspiration of God is profitable to instruct and direct us in and promote in us 2 Tim. 3.15 16. 3. That men may be turned to this righteousness from their unrighteous state and practices or they may be made partakers and practicers thereof It is true no man can of himself turn himself thereto or make himself righteous therewith This also is of God who as he made his Son who knew no sin sin for us that we might be made the righteousness of God in him so also sent his Son to bless us in turning every one of us from our iniquities Acts 3.26 and hath put his spirit upon him that he might bring forth judgement to us By whom he hath also given forth his Law and Doctrine which is a ministration of the spirit and so is perfect converting the soul Psal 19.7 and of righteousness 2 Cor. 3.8 9. The Gospel or preaching of Christ is the power of God to salvation to every one that believeth yea and the word of faith by which seriously heard and minded the heart is perswaded to believe Rom. 1.16 10.8.17 Isa 55.3 With this our Lord Jesus sent his Servants to open the eyes of the blind and to turn them from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God Acts 26.18 True it is that all have not this Law and Doctrine of God alike clearly nor some at all declared to them but even there the goodness or kindness of God as otherwise evidenced is leading them to repentance to which also his chastisments provokes them And though they cannot by those less clear means attain to that understanding and abundance of consolation as men may by the clearer means the Law and Doctrine of God as audibly and distinctly made known at least ordinarily and without miracle yet they that by such means fear God and work righteousness or keep the righteousness of the Law their uncircumcision is counted circumcision and God through and by means of Christ accepts them Acts 10.34 Rom. 2.4 5 26 27. But the choice way and means that God useth for conversion and turning of men to himself is the preaching of the Gospel That being a preaching of repentance and remission of sins in the name of Jesus Christ Luke 24.46 47. and therein Christ is set forth a Prince and a Saviour giving repentance and forgiveness of sins Acts 5.31 though so as yet men are therefore required to listen to him and in hearing to receive the grace he gives for turning them so as to repent and be converted that God may blot out their sins and forgive them Acts 3.19 Yea he now by and with the Gospel preached to all Nations commands all men every where to repent Acts 17.30 whereunto his Spirit is not straitned or shortned but so administred that his words do good to him that walks uprightly that doth not willingly and stubbornly decline the force of them winking with the eye that he might not see and hardning the heart that he might not understand and be converted but singly yields up to the power working therewith Mic. 2.7 Matt. 13 12-15 Acts 28.26 27. 4. That he makes use of Men and their Ministry or Service even such as he hath indued with wisedome and capacity thereto by holding forth that word law and doctrine and walking therein blamelesly to be means or instruments for converting men and bringing them to righteousness by bringing them to Christ Jesus to know believe on and obey him And such as are made wise and gracious themselves by that blessed word He commissionates and commands them to call others to Christ that they might be made wise and righteous also in and by him So He gave the word and great was the company of publishers of it Psal 68.11 and Christ being ascended on high gave gifts to men And He gave some Apostles some Prophets some Evangelists or Gospel-preachers some Pastors and Teachers furnishing them with gifts and appointing them in the exercise of those gifts to instruct others that are ignorant in the knowledg of Christ and thereby endeavour their conversion unto God Eph. 4 8-11 and so to make them Disciples to Christ and so wise and righteous persons Matt. 28.18 19 20. Mark 16.15 16. He hath set them as the salt of the earth and light of the world to be useful and profitable to others to draw them in also to glorifie God Mat. 5.13 14 15 16. Yea The manifestation of the Spirit is given to every one to profit withal 1 Cor. 12.7 and No man lights any candle to put it under a bushel or under a bed but to set it on a Candlestick that it may give light to all that come into the house Matt. 5.15 Every one that hears that in any measure udderstands and is obedient to the truth of the Gospel hath commission and command from Christ to call others to him endeavouring their coming to him that they may be made righteous Let him that heareth say Come Rev. 22.17 Christ commissionates neither all nor only University Scholars and those that are learned in the Arts and Sciences to be his Ministers Preachers of his Gospel and inviters of men to Him and so instruments of turning them to righteousness and makers of them righteous If they hear not his Call themselves and be not subject and obedient to Him He commissionates them not to be his Preachers nor accepts their service how learned soever otherwise they be For to the wicked God saith What hast thou to do to declare my Statutes or that thou shouldst take my Covenant in thy mouth seeing thou hatest instruction and castest my words behind thee Psal 50.16 17. But whoso hears yea whither man or woman learned or unlearned in worldly Sciences they are bid to say Come and they may do it so they keep as all must within their bounds and go not beyond the proportion of Faith that they have received or behave not themselves disorderly A Woman indeed is not permitted to speak in the Church or Congregation nor to usurp authority over the man but otherwise if they have the gift they may pray or prophecy 1 Cor. 14.24 and 11.5 1 Tim. 2.11 12 and be Teachers of good things Tit. 2.3 and by their good conversaion may endeavour to win in their husbands that believe not the word 1 Pet. 3.1 the woman of Samaria was a good instrument by calling her neighbours to bring them to know Christ Joh. 4. and not only Aquila but Priscilla too instructed Apollos and helped to bring him to a perfecter understanding in the way of the Lord Acts 18.24 25 26. and we read in
merchandise whereof is better than the merchaudise of Silver and the gain whereof is better than fine Gold that is more precious than Rubies and so excellent that all the things that a man can desire are not to be compared to her In her right hand is length of days and in her left hand riches and honour her ways are ways of pleasantness and all her paths peace She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her happy is every one that retaineth her Prov. 3.13 14 15 16 17 18. For they that be wise with this wisdome shall shine as the brightness of the Firmament for ever and eveâ—… Other wisdome worldly and humane literature may make a man shine for a time nay sometime through many ages likâ—… some candles and torches that have the thieves as they call them in them the strong sents and stinking smoakes belonging to them as in the heathen Poets and Philosophers and divers Heathen-Christian may be seen But it s this heavenly wisdoâ—… only that will advance a man on high aâ—… make him shine most purely brightly aâ—… above the reach of envy and for ever 〈◊〉 the world to come And therefore the wise having such happiness entail'd upon them as may render it evident and easie to be believed that Wisdome is the principal thing Proverbs 4.7 It may in the next place Vse 2. Exhort us all to get wisdome get understanding yea above all things with all gettings to get this understanding that we may be made of the number and company of these wise men who shall obtain such excellent glory such a happy portion And surely it s not a thing impossible to get this wisdome for then the Holy Ghost would not exhort us to go about it let there be but an earnest and hearty endeavour after it according to Gods directions given us thereabout and God that is ready to give it yea that gives liberally to all and upbraids not will give it to us James 1.5 Labour we then for that meat that endureth to everlasting life which the Son of man will give unto us so labouring for it for him hath God even the Father sealed John 6.27 Fools and Scorners and all are called to it to look after it and promise is made of God that â—…n obeying his Calls and Counsels thereabout they shall have it given them To â—…hat end that we might have it did God â—…end his only begotten Son his Word and Wisdome both to take out of the way that which hindered its communication to us and having done that to be the author and giver of it and to that end hath he put his Spirit upon him that he might bring forth judgment to us though barbarous and brutish Gentiles naturally and thereby make us wise to Salvation and He that spared not his own Son but delivered Him up for us all how shall he not with Him freely give us all things and so this wisdome also Rom. 8.32 Yea and Christ came forth from God to that purpose to set on foot the preaching of that word wherethrough that heavenly wisdome may be obtained and being ascended up on high and having received of the Father the promise of the Spirit even the spirit of Wisdome and Vnderstanding the spirit of Counselâ—… and Might the spirit of Knowledg and of the fear of the Lord. He hath given forth this Spirit also and thereby made known the heavenly word wherethrough this excellent wisdome is conveighed and may be received and all that we may be made wise so that it is not to be despaired of no not by the most simple and foolish but hopefully and believingly to be sought for and endeavoured after by us In and for worldly matters and earthy advantages men may possibly weary themselves in the very fires for nought and labour in vain and to no purpose but looking after this we shall neither labour in vain for God hath not said to the House of Jacob seek ye me in vain He the Lord speaks righteousness and declares things that are right and He hath said Ask and ye shall receive Seek and ye shall find Knock and it shall be opened unto you with reference to this Heavenly commodity For every one that asketh receiveth and he that seeks finds and to him that knocketh it shall be opened Isai 45.14 Mat. 7.7 8. Nor being obtained shall we ever repent the labour and diligence we use for getting it it is of that infinite price worth and benefit as the Honey is good and the Honey-comb is sweet to the taste so shall the knowledg of Wisdome be unto thy Soul when thou hast found it then there shall be a reward and thine expectation shall not be cut off Prov. 24.13 14. Yea Man knoweth not the price thereof it cannot be valued with the Gold of Ophir the precious Onyx or the Saphire the Gold and Christal cannot equal it and the exchange of it shall not be for Jewels or vessels of fine Gold no mention shall be made of Coral or of Pearl for the price of Wisdome is above Rubies The Topaz of Ethiopia cannot equal it neither shall it be valued with the â—…ure Gold Job 28.13 15 16 17 18 19. Quest But as there follows where shall this Wisdome be found and where is the place of Vnderstanding How shall we come by it or what shall we do to obtain it Answ I might say while it is yet a day of Grace as the wise Virgins said unto the foolish Go ye to them that sell and buy for yourselves Matt. 25.9 1. Go to them that sell that is to Jesus Chriâ—… and to God in Christ and to his Holy Spirit in and among his people oâ—… Church his house or Temple for Wisdome hath built her house and hewed out her seven Pillars and there she hath killed her Sacrifice mingled her Wine and furnished her Table and she sends out her maids or servants with whom she and her spirit also go forth to caâ—… persons in thither and she saith to the simpâ—… turn in hither and to them that have no understanding Come eat of my bread and drink 〈◊〉 the wine that I have mingled Prov. 9 1-5 6. Ho every one that thirsteth come ye to the waters and he that hath no money c. Isa 55. 〈◊〉 and Blessed is he that heareth her words watâ—…ing at her gates and waiting at the posts of â—…doors for whoso finds her finds life and 〈◊〉 obtain favour of the Lord Prov. 8.33 34 3â—… But take heed of other posts Go not to â—…thel nor enter into Gilgal c. Amos 5. 〈◊〉 Seek by the faith and in the Doctrine aâ—… Ordinances of the Lord Jesus Christ aâ—… not as it were by the works of the Law or by other mens precepts or devises Rom. 9.31 32. Isai 29.13 Matt. 15.8 9. Quest But how shall we know which is Gods house his Church and beloved People For many lay claim to that name and titly The Church of
Lord call upon or proclaim his Name make known not yours but His deeds among the people Sing unto him Sing Psalms unto him Talk ye all of his wondrous works Glory ye in his holy name And again Sing unto the Lord all ye earth Shew forth from day to day his salvation Declare his gloâ—…y his Son the brightness of his glory among the Heathens his marvellous works among all Nations For great is the Lord and greatly â—…o be praised He also is to be feared above all Gods 1 Chron. 16.8 9 10 23 24 25. Psal 96.1 2 3. 105.1 2 3. And so it was fore-prophecyed One generation shall waise thy works to another and shall declare â—…hy mighty Acts. I will speak of the glorious hoâ—…our of thy Majesty and of thy wondrous works things or words they others â—…hall abundantly utter the memory of thy great goodness and shall sing of thy righteousness The Lord is gracious full of compassion slow â—…o anger and great of mercy The Lord is good 〈◊〉 all and his tender mercy over or upon all â—…is works Psal 145 4-10 And surely Christ â—…eing made to us of God wisdome righteousâ—…ess c. The way to make men wife and righteous is to turn them to him that they may be made in him which though it be the work of God yet it 's a work that he doth by his Law or Doctrine that goeth forth from Sion the preaching of the Gospel Acts 26.18 or confessing his name which He therefore hath made known unto men and put into their hearts that they might thereby be made instruments of converting others to him as he hath also chosen them to put his name upon them and to declare it that the residue of men might thereby be moved and have advantage to seek after God Acts 15.16 17. With Gods Law oâ—… Doctrine then which is perfect converting the soul such as know it and have fitness in any measure for it are to endeavour to convert others to God by Jesus Christ setting him forth to and before all and every man as they have opportunity and capacity as the only righteousness are salvation of God prepared for them aâ—… and every one Luke 2.30 31. Isa 49.6 Rom. 3.21 22. the righteousness of God 〈◊〉 or for all and upon all that believe Anâ—… so declare his mighty works to that purpose tâ—… them which he hath done for all and ever one as the holy Apostle did who tells uâ—… He dyed for all and gave himself a ransom foâ—… all and tasted death by the grace of God for ever very one so as through his one righteousness the free gift is to or for its all men to justification of life that he is the propitiation for our sins even for ours who have him our Advocate to make good our cause with God as He is and doth for all that believe on him but not ours only but also for the whole worlds 2 Cor. 4.44 15. 1 Tim. 2.6 Heb. 2.9 1 John 2.1 2. and this without such Ifs or corrupt additions as are the product of mens ignorance or unbelief of Gods Testimonie and dependance upon one anothers Wisdome seeking honor one of onother or loving the praise of men more than the praise that comes from God only viz. those glosses and additions of all the Elect every one of the believers and the world of the Elect c. Whereas the Scriptures every where distinguish the Elect from the world and do not call them by the name of the world Alas how should men be turned unto righteousness unless they see that there is a perfect righteousness that is worthy to be turned to made ready for them and to be turned to by them a righteousness wherein and wherewith they may be righteous or which comes to the same how shall men be made righteous if not made in Christ or brought in to believe on and submit to him there being no other way to righteousness for them that that is of or after the Law as attained to or attainable by sinful fallen man being rejected of God! And how shall men be made in Christ if they see no excellency and preciousness in him and preparation of him for them if they be borne in hand that God sent him but for here and there one they know not who and they must infallibly be brought in yea they cannot hinder themselves of it and if not so they must perish notwithstanding all endeavours after salvation who that hath and useth the exercise of his reason will look after him upon such motives as that Doctrine contains and not rather take his course till he cannnt choose but come into him as thinking otherwise or till then all his labor will be needless in vain And what abouts are men fain to go courses take they to bring men to righteousness through their not knowing or believing Christ to be the Saviour of the world the Saviour of all men and especially of them that believe while they put them upon the Law and legal humblings and works and opperations preceding the knowledge of Christ and the good foundation laid in him to be as evidences or grounds of conceiving and believing that they are of the Elect for whom only they imagine and say that Christ died and oh what wretched mistakes are those men guilty of and how destitute are they of the truth that durst call the very manifest expressions of the Holy Apostles Errours and Blasphemies But Gods way of holding forth light to men to open their eyes and to turn them from darkness to light and from the power of Sathan to God â—…s to preach Gospel to them to let them know that they being all Sinners against God and lyable to his wrath ungodly and enemies He in the greatness of his mercy to keep them from perdition sent his own and only begotten Son into the world to be their Saviour and that he might be so He delivered him up to Death for their offences that were upon them and raised him again for their justification and hath exalted and glorified him and filled him with all His fulness that they inlistening to and obeying him might be saved and made happy by him To such purpose is that Word of reconciliation put into the Apostles or committed to them 2 Cor. 5.18 19-21 That God was in Christ reconciing the world to himself not imputing their trespasses to them but made him that knew no sin to be sin for us that we might be made the righteousness of God in him wherewith agrees the Doctrine preached by our Saviour to Nicodemus to regenerate him viz. That as Moses lifted up the Serpent in the Wilderness so must the Son of man be lifted up that whosoever believeth on Him might not perish but have eternal life For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son that whosoever believeth on him might not perish but have everlasting life For God sent not his Son into
flatt'ries to allure Foundations being out of sight A mountain they present secure What can the righteous do say they Now their upholders are destroy'd All will come down they are our prey Our snares and baits they can't avoid But these did not build us upon Themselves to Christ as surely laid The standing good foundation They us directed for our aid He is the holy Temple where God is and with respect to whom His chastisements now ordered are And so shall be the wickeds doom Let us likewise now in our Grief Direct to him our earnest pray'r To send unto us some relief And this our grcevous Breach repair The Father who out liv'd the Son Is in like manner taken hence He who hath turned many a one To God from sin and ignorance But Death him always shall not keep Nor yet his glorious splendour hide When he is raised out of sleep His shining brightness shall abide An Acrostick by the same hand The breach before was much to be bewail'd His taking from us that was fil'd with skill On all occasions and who never fail'd Minding men daily of Gods holy will And have we not a fresh occasion now Since that presented to lament afresh May we not fear God with a further blo Our hearts will humble for our stupidness O Let us hast our selves to humble then Returning to the Lord acting like men Ere he come over with his blow agen Surely God is beginning for to rise Even up from off his Mercy-seat No greater sign is set before our eyes In holy Writ than gather'ng thus his whea O when he takes his precious Grain away Ruine is threatned unto them that stay An Epitaph by the same HEre breathless lies our Brother dear Who spent his breath to make us hear The joyful sound our hearts to chear But of how few was it believ'd Nay by our deafness we him griev'd Aâ—â— he by death is now repriev'd Death put an end unto his pain Which while he liv'd he did sustain And is to him an endless gain In service he did oft go forth Setting before us Christs great worth But God with us shew'd himself wroth Which he of times hath done before But in this stroke He wounded Moore The wound to us was very sore Oh may it now be laid to heart That with our Idols we may part Before we feel a further smart So may we meet with in the end The good God doth by all intend And be made happy with our Friend But we awhile must bid Adieu And bide the sorrows that ensue The Death of him like whom there 's few Which few the Lord continue still To publish his most blessed will Till they their numbred years fulfil An Anagram upon the name of his Honoured Friend Tho. Moore Son by Thom. Goddrick O man t is love Homo amor est or Homo est amor The man is love 1. The man is love this is too much to say Of any man but one though some may be Conformd so farto him through grace this day That much of 's image men in them may see Who Being with his Father always one Is truely love even Jesus Christ alone 2. God manifested in the flesh is love In Him thereto is nothing contrary He is the light that shineth from above In Him 's no darkness nor obscurity O man its love as it in him doth shine That thou shouldst mind to it thy heart encline 3. Tongues Prophesie and knowledge bounty faith With constancy to death continued in If Love be wanting so the Scripture saith Advanceth nothing doth nor profit win Nor Circumcision nor its contrary Availes but faith which works by Charity 4. Love 's the fulfilling of the holy Law What it to God what it to man doth bind us That worship service reverence and aw Which is our Makers due as it doth mind us To love the Lord with all the soul heart Comprehends all includeth every part 5. Love to our Neighbour never worketh ill What 's due to him it therefore comprehendeth Our Lord to us the substance of his will In those two words alone briefly commendeth On which the weight and stress of what was said By Moses and the Prophets both is laid 6. The man whose name you see prefixed here Was exercis'd in shewing forth Gods love In its extent making it to appear That charity descendeth from above That men in knowing God might somewhat be In love mercy perfected as he 7. The Scriptures only made him wise to be An instrument of winning souls and sure without the help of vain philosophy Through faith in Christ their virtue doth endure Throughly to perfect and to furnish us To each good work This man was furnisht thus 8. Who more than half the age of man assayd By word and pen the mists to drive away Which do obscure the true foundation laid By God for men to build on in this day That men might neither slight not yet mis-place The precious corner-stone that gift of grace Who hold forth truth in its simplicity Unveil the love which mens traditions hide Turn many to Gods righteousness and by His special favour ever shall abide Even as the brightness of the firmament And shine as stars in glory permanent READER my absence from the Press â—…ath occasioned these following Errata's which thou art hereby desired to mend As also the Learned Reader may easily discern â—…me Hebrew Letters in p. 84. l. 26. 122. l. 15. â—…rossly mistaken which I leave to his ingeâ—…uity to mend PAge 14. line 30. read that which was p. 25. l. 20. for thy r. they p. 30. l. 21. for nursing r. musing p. 34. l. 7. â—…seeth p. 37. l. 20. r. that that p. 43. l. 1. r. Mat. 18.20 l. 18. â—…or Joh. 2. r. 2 Joh. p. 25. l. 26. dele him p. 46. l. 7. for can r. 〈◊〉 l. 18. for deprives r. can deprive p. 60. l. 22. d. 〈◊〉 p. 66. l. 〈◊〉 8. r. understand p. 68. l. 18. r. orderly p. 7. l. 28. r. and did p. 73. l. 12. r. other l. 7. for race r. rate p. 76. l. 27. for to r. too p. 81. l. 1. set the figure 2 before pure p. 85. l. 9. r. Psal 49. p. 88. l. 20. d. got p. 97. l. 11. for Isa 45.14 r. 45.19 p. 102. 〈◊〉 3. for or r. as l. 10. r. kept p. 105. l. 13. for to r. too p. 106. 〈◊〉 19. d. that l. 29. r. my sayings p. 124. l. 10. r. Gentiles p. 125. l. 2. for Luk. 29. r. 24. p. 127. l. 8. for 2 Cor. 44. r. 2 Cor. 6.14 p. 136. l. 15. for an r. and. at folly d. Comma p. 140. 〈◊〉 18. for has r. hast p. 141. d. be l. 29. r. this iâ—… p. 142. l. 6. 〈◊〉 things p. 155. l. 5. for God r. good
any man is in closing with and â—…beying it made in Christ so being thereby â—…rought to and made in him Christ is made 〈◊〉 God to him wisedome righteousness c. 〈◊〉 Cor. 1.30 the Author and Fountain of â—…avenly and true wisdome to him In which wisdome and so in those that are made wise thereby there are among other â—…ings these chiefly observable viz. 1. A right understanding and judgment â—…f things Naturally men in and of themselses and as walking in the principles of â—…e world are blind and darkened in their understandings especially as having reâ—…sed the tenders of wisdome Sathan gets power over them to blind them 2 Cor. 4 4â—… the Gentiles that receive not the Grace 〈◊〉 God have their understandings darkned bâ—…ing alienated from the life of God through thâ—… ignorance that is in them because of the blindness or hardness of their hearts but theâ—… having learned Christ and having heard hiâ—… and been taught by him as the truth is in Jesuâ—… are inabled and helped to put away lying knowing and understanding the truth Ephes 4.17 18 19 20 21 25. Men genâ—…rally as in and of themselves and as walâ—…ing after the course of this world are brâ—…tish and foolish void of all right judgment and understanding Surely every man by 〈◊〉 own knowledg is brutish every founder is coâ—…founded Jer. 10.14 There is none that 〈◊〉 derstandeth none that seeketh after God Râ—…man 3.11 But God sent his only begotteâ—… Son into the world and hath put his Spirit upon him that He might be the light of the world and bring forth judgment to the Geâ—…tiles and having given him a light to the peâ—…ple the Jews or professed Church and 〈◊〉 the Gentiles hath appointed him therein 〈◊〉 be for salvation his salvation or way of â—…aving men to the ends of the earth that whâ—… ever believes on and follows him might 〈◊〉 walk in darkness but have the light of life Isaah 42.1 and 49.6 with Acts 13.46 47â—… John 8.12 and 12.46 and to those that behold and listen to him he brings forth â—…udgment into truth or into victory over all â—…he errors of the world that was in their minds and over all their corrupt passions â—…usts and affections giving them to understand the truth and to discern between the right and wrong good and evil that they might chuse the good and live and so in his might they see light they see where their true interest is where peace and safety felicity and happiness are to be met with by them viz. that it lies not in their having the riches honours or pleasures of this life or world nor in having the science and knowledg of many things or in being morally just among men and approved of them nor in living long here in health and quietness or the like but in having the love favour and approvement of the great God the Maker and Creator of all things and in the being blessed and accepted of him and enjoying him for our portion and they see the way to this peace the way by which they may obtain this love and favour acceptance and approbation with God that it is by coming to believing on and abiding in Christ He being the Way the Truth and the Life so as None can come to the Father but by him for it is through his Blood We have access to the Father by his Spirit which Spirit He in and with this Heavenly Doctrine administers and gives forth to those that yield up themselves according there unto to obey and serve him Joh. 14.6 7. Ephes 2.18 Acts 5.32 Prov. 1.23 〈◊〉 that in this wisdome is a right discerning of and these wise ones know and perceivâ—… their true Interest both as to the end wherein their happiness stands and as to the Way to attain that End yea and theiâ—… want and need of both the emptiness iâ—… themselves and in all other things to relievâ—… and help them for seeking God they knowâ—… all things Prov. 28.5 In knowing Christ and him crucified they know God the only true God and his infinite excellencies his power wisdome and goodness for helping and saving us men and for overthrowing the power policy and malicious contrivances of all his and our enemies his truth and faithfulness for making good his Words and Promises his hatred of sin and wickedness love of purity and holiness c. and they know themselves their own sinfulness death poverty brutishness and misery the emptiness and falsness in their own wisdome righteousness strength c. the vanity of the world the right end and use of all things whom God approves chuses and specially loves whom he hates â—…nd rejects and what not that concerns â—…heir happiness judging that one even Christ died for all they judg also that all were â—…ead at Law and that He died for all that â—…ey who live should not hencefrrth live to themselves but to him that died for them and is â—…sen again and so they know in some measure their ingagements to Christ and to God in Christ yea they know no man after 〈◊〉 Flesh themselves or others but if any â—…an be in Christ that he is a new Creature old â—…ings passed away and all things become new â—…nd that all things are of God 2 Cor. 5.14 15 16 17 18. Other men as to these things 〈◊〉 fools and walk in darkness Eccles 2.14 â—…ey neither know aright their own misery â—…or what it is will do them good they have 〈◊〉 learned that Precept of the Heathen 〈◊〉 teipsum to know themselves much 〈◊〉 do thy know God and him whom he hath 〈◊〉 Jesus Christ there is no judgment in thier â—…ings Isa 59.8 they take a Cloud for Ju 〈◊〉 as is the Proverb they worship some 〈◊〉 instead of God this world with its â—…easures honors riches or some such thing 〈◊〉 their summum bonum their greatest good 〈◊〉 spring of good to be enjoyed by them 〈◊〉 their apprehensions Or if they have â—…ard of and believe a God and that the happiness of the Soul stands in his favour and blessing yet they know not the way how to obtain that and enjoy him for their portion but seek and think to please him with their own or other mens inventions even with doing those things that he hath forbidden choosing the things which he delight not in yea which his Soul abhors Isa 66 4â—… having false imaginations and conceptions oâ—… him as some think to pacifie him and hiâ—… anger by making Groves Altars and 〈◊〉 mages and offering up corrupt Sacrifices yea some have thought to please him and obtain his favour by slaying and sacrificing their Sons and Daughters to him yeâ—… sometimes to Idols and Devils instead of him Mic. 6.6 7. Jer. 19.4 5. Isa 17.8 Psal 106.36 37 38. others by establishing their own righteousness according to the Law and so by their own goodness even the deeds of the Law whereby no man living can be justified a mans own righteousness being a bed