the most beautiful creature will seem to have no beauty When we are once apprehensive of that power majesty and goodness which is in him all the world will be as a dry tree a withered arme a vain thing This will exceedingly ravish our souls make us sick of love Cant. 2.4 constraine us to doe all for him 2 Cor. 5.14 make us say with Peter Matth. 7.17 Prov. 31.29 Thus of the repetition of these words He that is from Heaven is above all Verse 32. The Doctrine of life and salvation is of all things the most infallible the most certaine yet of all things hath the worst entertainment in the world This is the surest guide yet hath the fewest followers the best merchandize but hath the fewest buyers the best Physick but hath the smallest number of Patients the truest narration but findeth the smallest credence in the world This is the Rock wheron the wise man builded which the rainy tempest could not overthrow This world as the sand whereon the foolish man built whose house soon fell This like the bow of Jonathan which returned not back and the sword of Saul that returned not empty The world like Israel a bow that started back in the day of battel This like a fountaine alwayes full of water the world like the brooks of Tema dryed up in summer Yet notwithstanding all this the world hath audience affection attendance acceptance when little or no respect at all is given to Christ Jesus for though that which he testifieth be no other then what he hath seen and heard yet no man receiveth his testimony As in the former verse the Baptist commended our Saviour from the excellency of his person so in this verse he commendeth him by the certainty and truth of his Doctrine That which a man doth both hear and see and whereof he is able to perswade another mans conscience that he must needs know with a most certain and sure knowledge But in such manner doth our Saviour know what he speaketh therefore that must needs be most sure and most certain which he teacheth And to the end the Baptist might perswade his Disciples to believe in Christ he doth commend Christs Doctrine to them from the certainty of it intimating to them whatsoever imperfection errour or deceit might be in other mens doctrine whatsoever occasion there might be of doubting yet the doctrine of Christ must needs be true free from all errour And though it be a doctrine thus void of all exception so wholsome good holy heavenly profitable yet there is no entertainment given thereunto by the world few beleeve it love it subject themselves unto it In the verse we have 1. The certainty of Christs Doctrine in it selfe 2. The entertainment given to it in the world From the first learn Doct. 1 That the Doctrine of life and salvation is a most sure and certain doctrine it is that which Christ saw and heard it is a light free from all darknesse a rule exempted from all crookedness silver seven times purified no drosse in it Psalm 12.6 Therefore called a sure word 2 Pet. 1.19 A foundation whereupon whosoever is built sinketh not Eph. 2.20 A word more durable then the world Matth. 5.18 Letters more firm more lasting then such as are written with a pen of iron and the point of a diamond they shall never be defaced nor blotted out like the Lawes of the Medes and Persians they shall not alter Likened to a fountaine of living water which is pure and constant Jer. 2.13 And it is evident 1. By the nature of the Author of it he is the truth it self John 14.6 Without sin without guile 1 Pet. 2.22 2. By his fulnesse of knowledge Col. 3.2 3. John 3.33 As the Sun is full of light the Sea is full of water so is he full of knowledge 3. By his neer union and communion with the Father John 1.18 Matth. 11.23 4. By the opposition which this Doctrine was to meet with from wicked men and devils who would surely have overthrown it if there had been any errour or imperfection in it but this is tryed silver Psal 12.7 A sure vessel Luke 23.4 Acts 4.12 6. For the establishment of the faith of Gods people who must be builded thereupon Eph. 2.20 6. For the discovery of sin Heb. 4.12 7. For the pacifying of the conscience against all assaults and accusations Isa 57.19 2 Cor. 5.18 19. Vse 1 If it be so then beleeve put confidence and rest on this sure pillar a tree that hath firme rooting a light that cannot be darkened other foundations may fail and light too may wax dim but this abideth for ever therefore beleeve it For the more full setting home of this upon you to beleeve put confidence on this Doctrine of Christ take these following considerations 1. Because it is a Doctrine most beneficial a doctrine of consolation Heb. 6.17 18. A doctrine healing soules Matth. 8.13 and bodies opening the eyes Matth. 9.28 29 30. 2. Because it maketh all prosper 2 Chron. 20.20 Like the Ark of Obed-edom it makes a man like the tree by the waters Jer. 17.7 8. 3. Because it is the key that openeth the doores of the Kingdome of grace to soules Matth. 21.31 32. Now that we may beleeve consider the following particulars 1. Cast away sin if ever we would believe wee must have nothing to doe with sin read these places Mark 1.15 Psal 50.16 Psal 66.18 2 Cor. 6.14 John 9.31 2 Tim. 2 19· 2. Deny your selves consult these Texts for this John 5.44 Rom. 7.9 John 9.41 Rom. 7.18 3. See the fulness that is in Christ meditate on it Gen. 17.1 John 6.68 John 14.10 11. 4. Attend the word Rom. 10.17 Acts 16.14 Eph. 1.13 Vse 2 Follow this fiery pillar sure guide best light say of this as Ruth to Naomi Ruth 1.16 Follow it as a shadow the body and that you may doe it aright follow it 1. Heartily Rom. 16.17 Psalm 119.168 1 Cor. 16.14 2. Fully as 1 Kings 18.21 Num. 14.24 1 Kings 11.6 3. Universally Luke 1.6 Psalm 119.128 James 2.10 In every linke ingredient 4. Freely willingly Psalm 110.3 Psalm 119.32 2 Cor. 8.3 Phil. 1.15 5. Holily 1 Pet. 1.15 16. 6. Constantly not going back like Israel Judg. 7.3 Like those mentioned 2 Pet. 2.22 Vse 3 Get interest and make sure of this doctrine of life and salvation to thy soule cease not till thou finde this 1. An instructing word Ps 119.99 2 Tim. 3.17 2. A purifying word Matth. 3.12 Jer. 23.29 John 17.17 purifying as Jordan 3. A quickning word Phil. 2.14 4. A pacifying word 2 Cor. 5.19 5. A rejoycing word Jer. 15 16. As the Star to the wise men Matth. 2.10 6. A fructifying Doctrine Matth. 13 24. Deut. 32.2 But to pass by that observation and to come to a second which may be gathered from the second particular namely the entertainment this doctrine of Christ had the generality of the world received not
the iniquity removed the holds of Satan cast downe they themselves delivered Isa 1.74 75. made free Jo. 8.36 from the dominion of sinfull lusts free from the tyranny of Satan the Prince of darknesse free from the world that it cannot carry us away captives free to know God free to love God free to beleeve receive and delight in God Rom. 6.18 no more the children of the bond but of the free woman Gal. 3 31 no more like Lazarus in the grave but like Lazarus risen walking after following and eating with Christ obeying delighting and rejoycing in him no more going about the duties of holinesse by compulsion but like the elders Iud. 5.3 6. By the matter of our mediation having entertained Christ into our hearts we thinke of Christ the things appertaining to his kingdome more then of any other thing whatsoever As the Wife thinketh of her Husband more frequently more affectionately with more freedome fulness strength with more motion of love then of any other mans the good subject spendeth more and better thoughts about his Soveraigne then about a forraign Prince so all they who by a lively faith have betrothed themselves to Christ given up their names to him do frequently and fervently meditate upon him and his testimonies Phil. 4.8 Cant. 3.1 Psa 1.2 Phil. 3.20 Heb. 13.14 7. By the simplicity plainnesse and integrity of our hearts true believers are true Nathaniels like Christ in whom there was no deceit their disposition their conversation is like Christs Coat without welt or gard therefore likened to Doves Mat. 10.16 to little children Mat. 18.3 Rom. 16.19 like bounglers that have no skil no art in working what is unlawful this is the exoration of the Apostle Phil. 2.15 and this is the care of Gods servants Acts. 23.16 And this is the joy of Gods people 2 Cor. 1.12 and by these things may we know whither we have entertained Christ or not Verse 33. It is not the least but the choisest labour of Gods faithfull ministers to breed faith in the hearts of Gods servants the nature of this is most excellent the presence of it most pleasant the use of it most profitable the opposition against it very strong the honour arising to God from it very great therefore the baptist endeavoureth from the singuler use benefit of faith on the one side and from the danger and dammage of infidelity on the other side to perswade his disciples to beleeve tels them that hee who hath received his testimony hath set to his seale that God is good Hee whatsoever hee be of whatsoever condition or calling of whatsoever place or Countrey who hath received his testimony hath hearkned to the voice of Christ with his eare comprehended the message of Christ with his understanding opened his heart imbraced it with his affection builded his confidence thereupon that man hath put to his seale consented subscribed acknowledged confessed published declared that God is true that all the words which Christ hath spoken are the words of God that there is no deceit in them that God is faithfull in fulfilling all his promises from whence the Baptist teacheth us That it is a great honour to God that his servants do by a lively faith imbrace build upon his promises as man is honoured when his words are beleeved his promises imbraed so is God c. and God by this meanes is honoured First by then acknowledging of of his truth and fidelity nothing is more dear to God then his truth no sacrifice more acceptable to God then a lively faith whereby we publish him to be a true a faithfull and a righteous God a God of truth Deut. 32.4 a faithfull God Deut. 7.9 2. By the acknowledging of his power and Alsufficiency hereby we declare to all the world that power belongeth unto God Psa 62.11 that he is Alsufficient Gen. 17.1 that he can doe whatsoever pleaseth him Psa 135.4 5. Gen. 18.14 3. By relying wholly upon him for life and salvation not leaning on any arme of flesh not trusting to any of our owne or others works but acknowledging our owne righteousnesse to bee but ragges Isa 64.6 our owne Vessel to be empty the fruit of our owne Tree to bee sower grapes the wages of our own worke to be death therefore going out of our selves unto God and relying on him by faith wee doe glorifie his name 2 Cor. 12.9 4. By departing from iniquity beleeving the promises of mercy the threatnings of Wrath wee humble our selves for our iniquities are moved to repentance Jona 3.5 Acts. 15.9 5. By becoming living members of Christ fruitfull and bearing branches in the true Vine Christ Jesus Jo. 15.8.6 by addressing our selves to God by fervent prayer for comfort in heavines for deliverance in dangers for peace in troubles Psa 116.10 7. By giving us victory over all assaults Ro. 8.36 37. 1. Jo. 5.4 Vse This therefore will teach us that it is a great sinne not to beleeve a great dishonour to God not to give credit to his word to heare and not receive his testimony to have the promise of life unfolded and not heartily imbrace it not firmly build upon it for hereby they call the truth of God into question make God like a man that may lye the Son of man that may repent rob God of his truth which is most essentiall and proper to him yea take away that which is most deare to him and judge him unworthy to be beleeved therefore in the 1 e. of Jo. 5.10 2. Hereby they thinke of God as a broaken bough a withered reed a weake arme a God insuffient to fulfil what he hath promised a God unable to provide for them that depend upon him 3. Hereby they build upon some other foundations seeke for somewhat in the creature which they imagine is not to be found in the Creator with Ahaziah leaving the God of Israel and go to Beelzebub with Israel forgetting the rock that made them they goe to Aegypt for assistance in the day of trouble 4. Hereby they disobey and rebell against God they shake off that yoak of subjection which God hath put upon them therefore the unbeleefe of Moses and Aaron is called a transgression Deut. 32.51 and rebellion Num. 27.14 2 Kings 17.14 15. 5. Hereby they dishonour God in the eyes of others give an evill example become a stumbling block to their brethren confirme many in evil Numb 20.11 12. 6. Hereby they dispise the good things which God hath provided for them which God hath promised unto them the fountaine of his loving kindnesse is reputed an empty pit the glorious sunshine of his favours is looked upon as a lampe without oyle as a tree without fruit as a hive without honey Psa 160.24 7. Hereby they grow discontented with their estate repine against God as against a hard master that dealt not well with them enjoyning a labour not to be performed by them
raine from the cloud as the hungry Child doth milk from the mothers breasts let their feet be beautifull in your eyes Rom. 10.15 dance as David before the Arke 2 Sam. 6.16 and then as Paul 1 Thes 1.2 6. VII By constancy in the wayes of God stedfast confidence in the Lord Jesus when he seeth them like Job trusting in God though God seeme to kill them with letting Satan loose upon them suffering wicked men to disturb and pierce them with their venomous arrowes when he beholdeth them rooted like strong trees and builded like houses upon the rock Col. 2.7 Mat. 7.25 when he seeth them like good travellers going from strength to strength Ps 84.7 when he seeth them like good souldiers keeping their ranks following their leader not shrinking for the presence threatrings power or malice of the enemy when he shall hear them answer him as Ionathans Armour-bearer did him 1 Sam. 14.6 7. this doth rejoyce him Col. 2.5 VIII By yeelding him a competent maintenance good wages increaseth the industry and cheerefulnes of the labourers strong and deep water carry the Ship with pleasantnes and drive the mill swiftly good pay and much spoile maketh the souldiers couragious in the fight though it be baseness for any Minister to make his wages his bodily advantage prime end of his labours yet when they see the hands of men are open to communicate things temporall to them to yeeld such maintenance as may inable them to love both with credit and comfort it proveth a great refreshment no small incouragement for this Paul did much commend the men of Macedonia 2 Cor. 8.3 4. 2 Cor. 11.9 IX By their constant attendance on the Word of God when they wait on the gates of Gods house as the lame man did for an almes at the gates of the Temple when they flew to the house of God as the streames to the Sea as the diseased to the Physician Luc. 4.40 when the whole parish can say to the Minister of God as Cornelius to Peter Acts 10.33 when they come men women and children Deut. 31.12 when as Acts 2.1 this maketh the Minister of the Lord cheerefull putteth life and courage into him this maketh him frequent in his exhortations comfortable in opening and applying the promises of salvation many buyers make the Merchant glad many guests make the cooke laborious much fish causeth the fisherman willingly to cast in the net thus 2 Cro. 30.25 26 27. But on the other side the absence of the people is occasion of much grief it troubleth the Master of the freast when the invited guests come not the nurse when the Child will not suck it troubled Saul when Davids place was empty it grieved the Prophet when the people came not to the solemne feast think on this beloved put these things in practise with diligence if you meane to comfort and encourage your teachers if you meane to have a blessing upon their labours if you meane to fulfill their joy as the people fulfilled the joy of the Baptist VERS 30. MEn of the best and most sanctified abilities are least conceited of their owne goodness the deepest rivers run with the greatest silence the fullest vessell giveth the least sound the more we partake of Gods fulnes the more sensible we are of our owne naturall emptines the more fully we are encompassed with the light of the Sun the more we see the deformities of our bodies and of our garments the more fully we are acquainted with what is amisse within us the more vile we are in our apprehensions the more we see our selves obliged unto God for his goodnes the more we see our selves bound to give him the glory of all our abilities and with the Baptist to become even ignominious that God and the Lord Jesus may appear the more glorious The Baptist in these words shewed his Disciples that as the day starre though bright glorious in it selfe yet when the Sun appeareth doth altogether vanish so he though greater than all the Prophets in going more imediately before Christ in pointing him out more plainely more fully than any other yet Christ the Sun of righteousness now appearing he must become as a light that is extinguished the eyes of men must be no more fastned on him he must now become as nothing and Christ must be all in all his honour applause respect attendance and high estimation which he had in the hearts of the people must decay and become as nothing and all men must now fasten their eyes on Christ attend his Doctrine beleeve in him for salvation imbrace him as the fountaine whence all felicity doth take its originall as the tree of life the Prince of their peace In the Words we have set before us I. The wonderfull humility of the Baptist in translating all the honour unto Christ in being contented to decrease II. His care to have all the honour ascribed unto Christ though with the losse of his owne honour among men he must increase though I decrease III. The exceeding glory of Christ or the graduall manifestation of the honour of Christ the glory of Christ was such that the Baptist though greater than all the Prophets yet was nothing in comparison of Christ and such was the honour of Christ that it did not all appear at once but by degrees it was an encreasing honour from the former we learne Doctr. That Gods faithfull people are of a meeke and humble disposition therefore likened to little Children who of all sorts of people are least tainted with pride ambition and high conceits of their owne worthines the sheep the most gentle among cattle the dove the most meek among birds this they are exhorted to put on as a garment to cloath them Col. 3.12 this they are charged to seek Zeph. 2.3 this is required more than all externall sacrifice Mic. 6.7 8. this is one branch on every tree growing within the pale of Gods Orchard the lesson of every Scholler in the Schoole of Christ the livery of every follower of the Lord Jesus a fruit of Gods Spirit in all Gods Servants and that Gods Children are an humble people doth appeare 1. By the sight and sence of their owne unworthines they are in their owne apprehension uncleane as any leper men of polluted lips full of abominations altogether vile Iob 40.4 full of corrupt and unsavoury wounds void of all soundness replenished with loathsome diseases Psal 38.5 7. the chief of all sinners 1 Tim. 1.15 their estate in their apprehension is as a house wherein is no one good thing no one clean person Rom. 7.18 is as a garden full of filthy weedes a vineyard overgrowne with thornes a tree that hath nothing but fading leaves a fountaine full of uncleane waters a body covered with rotten rags Isai 64.6 so that they abhorre themselves and repent in dust and ashes Iob 42.6 and being thus vile in their owne apprehension they must needs be humble 2.
Psalmist alluding to the sacrifices and feasts among the Jews sheweth as they fed delicately filled themselvs plenteously so the people of God fed with the preaching of the Gospel and administration of the Sacraments should be abundantly filled with all heavenly comforts with all saving gifts and graces so filled that they should bee therewith satisfied the like expression to this is used Psal 23.5 6. the Psalmist thereby setting forth the large measure of grace which God conferred on him the abundant holy joy and rejoycing wherewith the Lord did replenish him 6. Because these gifts are of all other gifts the most profitable these like the Ark to Obed Edom like Joseph to Potiphar do cause all wee have all wee do to prosper The Apostle doth excellently express it where hee saith godliness is profitable to all things having the promise of this life and of that which is to come 1 Tim. 4.8 godliness profitable helpfull to every duty to every estate and condition of life it is profitable to us when wee hear it causeth our hearts to bee to the word as good ground to the seed as a healthy stomach to the food it maketh the Word to us as the light to the eye very pleasant and delightfull as musick to the ear very comfortable as a joyfull tidings to the sorrowfull for Mica 2.7 2. It is profitable to us when wee pray it maketh us to com before the Lord with confidence 1 John 3.20 21. it inlargeth the desires of our souls strengtheneth our affections and maketh them more fervent carrying them towards God like a strong flood which cannot bee stopped maketh the cry of our souls vehement maketh them as incense the smoak of sweet wood in God's nostrils Jam. 5.16 this is like Aaron and Hur to Moses Exod. 17.12 14. 3. It is profitable to us when wee are assaulted it inableth us to draw nigh to God with fulness of assurance Heb. 10.22 it maketh us confident bold and couragious Prov. 28.1 It defendeth us like a breast plate Ephes 6.14 it is an Ark in the Deluge 4. It is profitable when wee are in any affliction It maketh all troubles to bee as fire to the gold fanne to the corn the fiery fornace to the three children an occasion of nearer communion with God holiness to God's people in the time of trouble is as Moses rod making a way thorough the red sea opening the stony rock as the tree making the bitter waters sweet as the meal making the pot which was full of death to become full of health as a wise Phisitian maketh a healthfull and healing medicine of that which in it self is very poison 5. It is profitable when wee are to perform any sacred duty it is to us as wings to the bird as horsmen an chariots to travellers as wind tide sails to the marriner as art skill and strength to him that undergoeth the labor of handicraft it strengtheneth enliveneth and inableth the soul with a singular readiness marvellous joy great content and unspeakable delight to run that race fulfill that task with God hath set him 1 John 5.3 Psa 40.8 Psal 108.3 and Jud. 5.2 6. It is profitable in the collection gathering receiving affective fruition and using of all outward blessings it teacheth us to gain them lawfully to affect them moderately to rejoice in them sparingly to use them holily to order our selvs in all our businesses religiously wisely graciously as becometh the Gospel of God making all outward blessings occurrents and occasions to bee as feet to help us forward and not as stumbling blocks to occasion our fall to bee as a garment not a burden as a cup whereof to drink to refreshment not a sea wherein to drown our selvs 7. It is profitable in sickness in death holiness inableth us to dy with comfort to imbrace it as the most welcom of all guests to look upon it as a friend of a most lovely countenance as a messenger bringing most joifull tidings as a Physitian curing all diseases as a key opening the gates giving liberty from all troubles entrance into all happiness as the marriage day of our souls this will make us with Faninus the Italian to kiss death as hee kissed the traitor which brought him tidings of his execution these are the fruits which grow on this and the like branches this is the gain which is gathered out of this treasury no gift so profitable therefore no gift so sure a pledg of God's love to his people 7. Because these gifts are of all other gifts the most lasting these are gifts without repentance that know no change Rom. 11.29 a living spring that never faileth Joh. 4.14 a seed that never dieth 1 Joh. 3.9 a jewel which never consumeth Prov. 4.18 a sun that never setteth all other gifts of whatsoëver kinde worth or excellency are but like a cloud soon dispelled a vessel of clay soon broken a sandy foundation soon sunk but they who are endued with the saving graces of the Spirit like trees of deep roots shall surely stand like trees planted by the water side they shall not wither but shall bee as the green olive Psal 52.8 as rich treasure in a strong hand Job 10.28 God's covenant shall have no end his grace shall never dy Jer. 32.39 40. so that in all these respects the holy and saving graces of God's Spirit are the chiefest testimony of God's love Vse This will therefore discover unto us plainly assure us undoubtedly make us see infallibly who they are that are best beloved of God who are the joy of his heart the dearly beloved of his soul not the men who have the largest earthly possessions but they whose souls are replenished with most holiness not they who are endowed with most lordship and autority over their brethren but they who have most sway and dominion over their corrupt affections the most holy the most religious the most sincere in heart the most sanctified in their conversation these are God's dear ones God regardeth not the rich man for his abundance the noble man for his birth the great man for his high place the wise man for his policy these are in the eies of God stars of no brightness flowers of no beauty pearls of no price load stones of no virtue to draw the love of God towards the souls of men hee is moved with none of these things Deut. 10.17 the best common abilities without saving grace are but like glorious apparrel about a dead carcase unable to move any affection or to beget desire of communion the greatest living man will rather enter fellowship and hold communion with the poorest living beggar then with the dead carkass of the greatest princes of the world though cloathed in most rich and roial raiment so will God have fellowship with and set his eies upon the poorest soul that hath the life of grace in him then with the most renowned commander on earth being a stranger to the life of God
deceitfulness of sin Reas 4 Because we shall hereby much advance the Gospell and promote the welfare of Christs Kingdom the hiddē mysterie of Godliness shall be the more plainly opened the wayes of life more clearily manifested our bretherens understanding the better informed their cold hearts the more inflamed their unclean affections the more thoroughly purged their feeble faiths the better strengtned the good things of Gods Word the more sweetly relished The often speaking of this language makes it the better understood the often sounding of this Trumpet doth awaken the conscience the more throughly the often shining of this light doth make the way appear the more plain we can in nothing more honour the Gospell or benefit our bretheren than in seeking to perfect their conversion Vse This condemneth our negligence and sloathfulnes our dulnes and backwardnes in doing good in seeking the salvation of our bretheren How many places come we unto where we doe no good how often are we among our bretheren never labouring the welfare of their Souls what more frequent with us than like the Priest and Levite passing between Jericho and Jerusalem never reaching out the hand to help them that lye wounded with sin Luk. 10. to see them erre and not instruct them to see them sorrowfull and not comfort them to see them barren in grace never labouring to make them fruitfull Where is the Disciple that imitateth his Saviour in doing of good continually as he goeth up and down Where is the man that with Mordecay Esther 10.3 that seeketh the wealth of his people and speaking peace to all his seed who with Nehemiah seeketh the welfare of Israel as it is in Neh. 2.10 Who is it that with Iob becoms eyes to the spiritually blind feet to the spiritually lame Iob 29.15 I was saith he eyes to the blind and feet to the lame c. Who is it that becometh a Father to the poor searching out the state of there Souls that breaketh the jawes of sin and plucketh the spoiled Soule out of the teeth of Sathan as Iob did in another case vers 16.17 of that 29. Iob I was saith he a Father to the poor and the cause which I knew not I searched out And I brake the jawes of the wicked and plucked the spoil out of his teeth Whose bowells are so full of compassion to his bretheren that fitteth and prepared himself to cloath there Souls as Dorcas prepared garments to cloath there bodies Acts. 9.39 Who is it that seeketh his straying bretheren as the Shepheard his wandring sheep Eze. 34.12 Where is the Father in Law that with Lot Gen. 19.14 speakes to his sonnes in Law saying Vp get you out of this place for the Lord will destroy this Citie Where is the Father that with David gives incouragment to his children to go on in the Lords Work 1. Cron. 28.9 to know God and serve him with a perfect heart and willing minde Where is the Master of the family that with Abraham commands his houshold to keep the way of the Lord to doe justice and judgment Gen. 18.19 Where is the Minister that holdes not his peace day nor night that makes mention of the Lord and keepeth not Silence That gives him not rest till he establish and make Ierusalem a Praise in the earth as it is in Isa 62.6.7 Where is the bountifull Christian that doth in Spirituall things as Solomon chargeth we should do in temporall Ecl. 7. Who is he that cometh as Abigal to David 1. Sa. 25.25 28. Who redeemeth the time Who seeketh opportunity who imbraceth the offered occasions to do good If we examine our selves we may all lay our hands up our mouths and confess our selves guilty we have all more or lesse withheld the waters which should have refreshed the thirsty the light which should have guided the ignorant the food which should have fed the hungry the staff which should have sustained the weary c. And as long as we are thus slothfull and backward in this behalf it doth discover 1. That we have no bowels of compassion towards our bretheren Who can see his brother taken prisoner by the Prince of darkness led away captive in his chain wounded to the death with sin pressed down under the heavy burden of iniquity stript naked of the rich and pretious garment of true holines altogether defiled with the dirt and slime of Sin if he have any compassion in him and not seek to deliver him how can he chose but pray as the Church Act. 12.3 4 5 6. endeavour as the angell vers the 7.8 Shall Abram raise an army to deliver Lot Gen. 14.14 Will God have men to shew such compassion to an enemies oxe or asse Exo. 23.4 5. How much more to the Souls of our bretheren captivated by Sathan led astray by or sunke under the burden of sin surely this is the truest compassion the sweetest mercy the best kindnes to help the Souls of our brother out of the snare of Sathan according to that of St. Iude vers 22.23 And of some have compassion making a difference and others save with feare pulling them out of the fire c. Men think all the mercy appeareth in giving food for the belly apparell for the back but what is lands and revenews to one confined to perpetuall imprisonment what is food to the diseased who needeth Physick what mercy is this to trim the house and leave the inhabitant in prison I may say as the Lord in Isa 58.5 6 7. Is it such a fast as I have chosen a day for a man to afflict his soule Is it to bow down his head like a bulrush to spread sack-cloth and ashes under him willt thou call this a fast and an acceptable day to the Lord Is not this the fast that I have chosen to loose the bandes of wickednes to undo the hevy burdens and to let the oppressed go free and that ye breake every yoke Is it not to deale thy bread to the hungry and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house when thou seest the naked that thou cover him and that thou hide not thy self from thy one flesh So is this the compassion the Lord looks on for a man now and then to feed cloth the hungry naked body is not this the compassion the Lord looks at to help thy brother off with his wicked bands to undo his heauy burdens to break his yokes c. 2. That we have no hearty and sanctified affection to our bretheren How can we say we love them if we seek not to remove sin from them read that place Lev. 19.17 Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thy heart Thou shalt in any wise rebuke thy Neighbour and not suffer sin upon him The love of Christ appeared not in making his servants rich or advancing them to worldly dignities for they are for the most part a poor despised people as it is in Zeph. 3.13 But his love appeared
waters under thy feet if thou feed not on the one if thou drinke not of the other dost not thou starve between both What is a faire and stately building to thee if thou take up thy abode in the open field doth not dewes fall upon thee doth not the Sun scorch thee doth not the cold pierce thee What is remission of sin what is resurrection to a new life represented in Baptisme what is it to thee if thy lusts be not mortified if thou rise not by vertue of it to a new life What is it to thee that the word is a Lamp if thou apply it not to thy feet that it is as milk in the breast if thou suck it not that it is a spirituall weapon if thou gird it not about thee that it is a seed if not sown if not hidden in the field of thy heart Say not then as he did Iud. 17.13 Now I know the Lord will be good unto me seeing I have a Levite to be my Priest But if thou wilt have Gods Ordinance prove a blessing if thou wilt know thy self blessed in the having of them cease not till thou find it as a shining Starre a burning Lamp enlightning thy understanding filling thee with knowledge of Gods love to thy Soul in Christ as the candle filleth the house with light the waters the Sea till they wash thy sin from thy Soul as waters wash dirt from the body as the fan driveth chaffe from the corne as Jordan washed away Naamans Leprosy Till they stablish thy saith as a strong foundation supporteth the building as firm rootes sustaine the tree a strong hand upholdeth him that is led by it Till they warme thy heart inflame thy affections as the fire warmeth the house as the Summer Sun doth warm the aire Till it make thy love to God and his wayes as a vehement flame as coales of much fire Till it make thy peace as deep as the rivers even a peace passing all understāding 4. This must teach men to seek to God for the efficacy of his Ordinances desire him to make them as a launcing knife in the hand of the Physician as a Sword in the hand of the Spirit Desire him that when Moses strikes with the Rod upon the Rock when the Minister doth press the Word upon our stony hearts that he will stand before shew his powerfull and gracious presence there in making them to melt in causing them to become contrite and broken for as Psal 33.16 17. There is no King saved by the multitude of an hoast a mighty man is not delivered by much strength c. So without Gods blessing unlesse he put his hand to it it is but vaine as Psal 127.1 2. Except the Lord build the house they labour but in vain c. For as Prov. 10.12 The blessing of the Lord it maketh rich and he addeth no sorrow with it so in this case Therefore as the Daughter of Caleb desired her father having given her south Land that he would also give her springs of water Iud. 15.19 So God having given us his Ordinances let us desire him with all to give us his Spirit As his ministers like seeds men sow the seed of his word so we must desire God to joyne therewith the dewes of heaven that it may not lye like seed in dry ground withering for want of moysture That the Messenger of the Lord may not stand knocking in vaine at the iron gates of our unregenerate hearts but that the Lord will open our eare and heart our eyes to see our hearts to attend believe obey as he opened the heart of Lydia that he will make his Ordinances as seed sowne in good ground as the bow of Jonathan which turned not back and the sword of Saul which returned not empty 2 Sam. 1.22 As the cake and cruse of water whereof the Prophet did eate and drinke and went in the strength thereof to Horeb the mount of God 2 King 19.8 That we may be so refreshed replenished herewith that we may thereby go from strength to strength till we appeare before God in Sion Psal 84.7 5. As the efficacy is the Lords so let the praise be Gods let the hand which doth the worke receive the honour the faithfull instrument which God useth is worthy of double honour of singular love for his works sake David may have the praise for giving Goliah the overthrow The wise men may rejoyce to see the Starre leading unto Christ Iesus The feet of the messenger must be beautifull in the eyes of the people as one of a thousand to them but yet still as he is Gods instrument as a Lamp that hath received his Oile from Gods Olive as a vessel filled with water flowing from the Ocean of all goodnes as a starre held in the hand and receiving all his light from the Sunne of righteousnes the Ministers must be so respected as that God must in and above all be honoured loved praised and rejoyced in If Iosua smite the countrey of the hils Ios 10.40 41. It is because the Lord God of Israel fought for Israel vers 42. So if any or all the Lords Iosuahs the spirituall leaders of Gods Armies smite the sinnes of men which were high as the mountains or deep as the vale which were for Dominion like Kings for continuance like a living spring for extent like the deluge overflowing the whole man if these be beaten if their life be taken away it is because the Lord God of Israel hath fought for Israel If any tree of Pauls planting do grow if any field do flourish by the watering of Apollos it is because the Lord hath given the increase If any man learne wisedom if any man be presented perfect in Christ Iesus by Pauls labour in the ministrey it is thorough the working of God who worketh mightly in him Coll. 1.28 29. If David have escaped the Lion and the beare conquered slaine them delivered the lamb from them it is because God was with him wrought for him 1 Sam. 17.34 35 36. If any Shepheard of Gods flock have delivered any of Gods Lambs out of the jawes of the roaring Lion it is the Lords doing and as the Psalmist touching Israel deliverance from Aegypt So may we all say touching the deliverance of Gods Israel from their spirituall bondage Psal 44.1 2 3 4 5. We have heard with our ears O God! our Fathers have told us what works thou didst in their dayes in the times of old how thou didst drive out the heathen with thy hand and plantedst them how thou didst afflict the people and cast them out c. Therefore let every Soul that hath tasted of Gods goodnes say in this kind that hath felt the mighty arme of God in the weilding of this weapon that hath had any comfortable experience of the moving of Gods Angle in this poole Let him blesse the Lord that hath given him counsell that hath caused his reines to instruct him in the
that come like Noahs dove with an Olive branch Rom. 10.15 These are the cisternes by which God conveyeth the waters of life to the Souls of his people the Word of in God their mouth is the power of God unto salvation these are Gods Angels Rev. 1.20 Ambassadours for Christ 2 Cor. 5.20 Doctr. therefore must be received as an Angel of God yea as Christ Jesus Gal. 4.14 they must be to us the choise and most welcome men in the World as one of a thousand Job 33.23 As the light to the traveller as the counseller to the client as the Pilot to the Ship our guides and instructours in the way of life and true holines for according to the second observation Gods faithfull Ministers are after a peculiar manner acquainted with Gods Counsells as a bosome friend is acquainted with the counsels and purposes of his friend so are the faithfull messengers of God after a peculiar manner acquainted with Gods will and counsell therefore called Embassadours 2 Cor. 5.20 an Embassadour knoweth the Kings mind and counsell called the light of the World Mat. 5.14 the starres in the right hand of Christ Rev 1 16. to shew as these are filled with light for ruling the day and night Gen. 1.16 So are Gods Messengers replenished with divine and heavenly knowledge Iob 33.23 Who for this end are also I. Called interpreters for the evident and plaine unfolding of the mind of God contained in his Word Gen. 29.10 As Jacob rolled away the stone opened the Wells which were shut up that so the sheep might drinke so doe these open the sacred Fountaines of living Water and by the bucket of their wisedome do draw waters out of the Wells which are deeper than the Well of Jacob. II. By their nearness unto God they are his mouth Je. 15.19 His fellow labourers 1 Cor. 3.9 his stewards 1 Cor. 4.1 III. By the place wherein he hath set them he hath made them as eyes to the body Cant. 7.4 As watchmen to the city Jsai 62.6 as guides to the blind Rom. 2.19 as Physicians to the sicke Ier. 6.14 IV. By the charge given to the people to attend to their Doctrine to seek the knowledge of the truth from them as water from a full Fountaine Mal. 2.5 6 7. And that they should be thus acquainted with Gods counsell is very behoofull 1. In regard of the high and heavenly nature of the Scriptures which they must unfold these are like Sampsons riddle of that difficulty that they cannot be opened unles we plow with Gods heifer a store-house whole locke and doore cannot be unlocke without Gods key a light which cannot be beheld with a humane eye a treasure which cannot be digged up with the hand of humane abilities this is a wisedome no where to be learned but in the Schoole of Christ an ability which cannot be attained but by the peculiar work of Gods Spirit Sapientissimum esse oportet perspicacem in omnibus sacerdotem mille ut dicitur ex omni parte oculos babentem saith Chrystome and this another calleth ars artium scientia scientiarum and Augustine tanta est Christianarum pofunditas literarum ut in eis quotidie proficerom si eas solas ab ineunte pueritia usque ad decrepitam senectutem maximo otio summo studio meliori ingenio conarer addiscere c. Therefore the Apostles must stay at Ierusalem till the Holy Ghost were given the deepest counsels of men are but a shallow brooke to this foord as Prov. 18.4 so much more are the Words of Gods mouth and as Prov. 20.5 so he must be a man of understanding who will draw out these waters for 1 Cor. 2.14 2. In regard of the wiles of Satan his devices are deep Rev. 2.24 not a shallow but a deep water 2 Cor. 2.11 the wayes of sin and Satan are as Agur said in another case Prov. 30.18 19. they have need of more than Eagles eyes who shall trace them out he is an old Serpent full of subtilty experience hath added much to his naturall policy the Shepheard hath need of much wisedome that shall keep his flock from this Lion the guide must have his eyes open look circumspectly about him that will keep the feet of them that are conducted free from this snare he must be a wise Generall who will perserve his Spuldiers from the arrowes of this warriour none but Gods counsell can give us this wisedome 3. In regard of the craft and subtlety of Satans instruments he doth not chose the foolish but the Serpent the wisest of the beasts he taketh not babes but the Wisemen the great disputers of the earth 1 Cor. 1.18 26 27. Absolon hath Achitophel whose counsell was as the Oracles of God The adversaries of Gods truth the men whome Gods Messengers must encounter with do take crafty counsell Psal 83.3 they hide their wolvish nature under a sheep skin of faire pretences Matth. 7.15 their dark and diabolicall intendments under a white an innocent and angelicall appearance 2 Cor. 11.14 therefore likened to foxes the subtilest among beasts Luc. 13.32 Cant. 2.15 Unto merchants none of the weakest reach among men 2 Pet. 2.3 to men for their wisedome to women for their faculty in alluring to horses prepared to the battel for their courage to Lions for their cruelty to Scorpions for their poysoning the Souls of men with false Doctrine Rev. 9.7 8 9 10. To a Leopard I. For their variety of heresies superstitions traditions resembled by the Leopards spots II. For their pleasures honours riches voluptuous living easy attaining of life eternall art of drawing many to them resembled by the sweet smell of the Leopard III. For their speed and swiftnes in executing their plots in spreading their Doctrines likened by the swift motion of the Leopard IV. For their malignant disposition against Gods people as the Leopard flieth upon man pulleth out his eyes so do these keep the people in blindnes rob their bodies of their temporalls their Souls of their Spiritualls they are also likened to the feet of a beare for their fast-holding of what they get Rev. 13.2 and 2 Thes 2.9 10. To encounter with such enemies so furnished as these there is need of much wisedome need of being well acquainted with Gods counsell 4. In regard of the difficulty of discerning mens foul-diseases sinfull men dig deep to hide their sin Isai 29.15 as Achan hid his golden wedge Ios 7.22 they keep their sin close as Rahel sate fast upon her Fathers Idols Gen. 31.34 and Ier. 17.9 this is a theef which we shall never find out by a Candle of our owne kindling a disease which will never be healed by a medicine of our owne making like the evill Spirit which would not go out by the Sonnes of Sheva's conjuring but Ier. 23.22 therefore Cant. 7.4 The teachers of the people are likened to a tower for their vigilancy to a tower of Ivory for their purity to
peace safety and comfort whereunto they shall be advanced they cannot with powefull and invincible arguments work upon and move their affections they cannot make their words pierce like goads Eccles 12.11 and cause the people to cry out Acts 2.37 They cannot give the knowledge of God 1 Cor. 4.6 They cannot with Paul espouse them unto Christ 2 Cor. 11.3 but Jer. 10.21 V. Some hinder the people by their profane walking Ier. 23.14 As the people stood still when they came to the place where Ahasel who went before them fell down 2 Sam. 2.23 So when the people see their leaders fall they stand still have no heart to go forward in the way of life this is a stumbling block a snare a gulfe the Word is usually made unprofitable when the conversation is profane and carnall good Doctrine and evill walking is like a yoake of oxen the one drawing forward the other backward Loquendi authoritas perditur quando vox opere non adjuvatur Vse 2 This teacheth us how requisite the Ministry of the Word is how great the benefits are which thereby do accrew unto us how needfull it is the Messengers of the Lord should be instant with the people 2 Tim. 4.2 wherein it is that they ought chiefly to be imployed even in reconciling men unto God and to the end the Ministers may be able to accomplish this great work make this heavenly marriage between the Church and the sonne of the great King they must do as Abrahams Servant did when he went to make a marriage for his Masters Sonne 1. Abrahams Servant received instruction what he should doe Gen. 24.3 4. So must the Ministers of God receive instruction be taught of God before they become teachers of others the Sun was filled with light before he became the ruler of the day the Sea with water before it undertook the watering of the earth the Apostles staid at Jerusalem the Holy Ghost was poured down upon them before they went forth to preach the Gospel the Lamp must be filled with Oile before it can give light to others Timothy know the Scriptures from a Child 2 Tim. 3.16 Paul had his eyes opened Acts 9. â—7 Isaiahs lips were touched Isai 6.6 he had the tongue of the learned Isa 50.4 Ier. 1.9 and Mal. 2.7 whereas 2 Pet. 2.17 2. Abrahams Servant made an oath to his Master to be faithfull Gen. 24.9 so the Minister of the Lord must be faithfull 1 Cor. 4.2 and 2 Tim. 2.2 unfainedly seeking the glory of God faithfully unfolding the whole counsell of God keeping back nothing either out of feare fraud or sloath Acts 20.26 27. 3. Abrahams Servant made supplication to God that is journey might be prosperous Gen. 24.12 so must the Ministers of the Lord make fervent prayer unto God for a blessing upon their endevours that the Word may be as seed sowen in good ground Mat. 13.24 As the sword of Saul and bow of Ionathan which returned not empty 2 Sam. 1.22 As Moses rod to the Rock turning the stoney into a repenting heart Exod. 17.6 As eye-salve to the blind opening the eye of the understanding Rev. 3.18 Deut. 32.2 As dew to the dry ground causing it to flourish abundantly in the grace of the Spirit thus Phil. 2.9 10 11. Col. 2.9 and Ephes 6.18 4. Abrahams Servant left all other inployments and attended this so must the Minister of the Lord wholy imploy himselfe in the duty of godlines and the work of his Ministry 2 Tim. 2.4 This is a task requiring our best abilities our most serious thoughts our whole time therefore 1 Tim. 4.15 We must be instant in season and out of season 2 Tim. 4.2 take all opportunities Isai 62.5 be as vigilant to save as Satan to destroy the Souls of the people 5. Abrahams Servant gave this imployment the preheminence he would not eate till he had done this errand Gen. 24.33 so must the Minister of God leaving all other busines attend his follow it with all speed with all care with all industry neither pleasure nor profit must be an obstacle to it but as all men Mat. 6.33 So especially the Ministers of the Lord must seek the Kingdome of Christ this must be their meate and drink as it was Christs Ioh. 4.34 6. Abrahams Servant related the great riches of his Master and how he had given all to his Sonne Isaac Gen. 24.35 36. so must the Ministers of God acquaint the people with the gloriousnes of Gods nature the honorable condition of Christ the blessed estate they shall enjoy the dignity whereunto they shall be advanced that so their hearts may be affected with Christ lead unto repentance by Gods goodnes and moved to joyne themselves in wedlock with the Lord Jesus greatnes riches dignities prevaile much in earthly marriages a powerfull loadstone to move and draw affections all the excellencies in the World are in this Bridegroome nothing can be desired but it may be found here in perfection therefore 1 Cor. 7.1 Rom. 12.1 2. 3. Is it the chiefest labour of the Minister to perswade the people to turne to God to joyne themselves in wedlock with Christ do they cry day and might for this do they leave all other inployments to accomplish this work Then this must stirr up the people to turne to God to yeeld up themselves into the hands of Christ Rom. 6.13 to give themselves unto God 2 Cor. 8.5 and Rom. 6.17 for I. This is the chiefest end of the Ministry the most comfortable use of the word even the reconciling of men to God 2 Cor. 5.20 therefore called the Ministry of reconciliation vers 18. as the speciall imployment of an Embassadour is to make peace so is the speciall labour of Gods Embassadours to make peace between God and his Servants therefore Acts 26.17 18. II. This advanceth us to the highest dignity this maketh us to be a chosen generation 1 Pet. 2.9 the spouse of Christ faire and beautifull as the great light of the World Cant. 6.10 as the comeliest person deckt with the choisest ornaments Cant. 1.1 11. This incorporated us into Christ 1 Cor. 12.12 this maketh us citizens of the new Jerusalem Ephes 2.19 this maketh us Kings and Priests unto God Rev. 1.6 No such way to honour as to leave the broad way of sin and to set our feet in the way of Gods cammandements Rom. 2.10 to sow in righteousnes is the way to reape in mercy Hos 10.12 Gal. 6.8 III. This bringeth us to the surest safety the strongest defence this maketh God to be a wall of fire Zach. 2.5 this causeth Christ Isai 32.3 Iob 22.23 25. No wals are so sure for defence no weapon so succesfull for conquest as a godly conversation a Holy Union with Christ he will beare us as an Eagle beareth her yong Deut. 32.11 and Zach. 12.6 7 8. We shall be as fire and they as stubble we shall be as the wind and they as the chaffe we
wherewith to feed them as a family under a steward having neither new nor old to give them a testimony of much displeasure in God Isai 29.11 14. an usuall argument of much profaneness in the people Mic. 2.11 a great advantage unto Satan what may not the Lion doe when there is no Shepheard to watch over the flocke can it be that the weeds shoud not encrease when there is no gardener the army miscarries whem there is no expert commander were not the Sheep scattered Ezek. 34.4 6. What comfort can you take in Gods Ordinances when you have not a guide to interpret and apply them are they not as a pleasant light hidden under a bushell which your eyes see not as a sealed fountaine full of delicate waters which your palates tast not as a letter full of love and glorious promises as musicall instrument making a sweet harmony which eares heare not Acts 8.31 What hope have you that your Souls shall be cured if the Physitian have no knowledge of the disease do you not know that Pro. 29.18 How can you think the wals of Jericho shall fall if the Priest cannot sound the Trumpet of the Gospel how shall the adder be brought to cast out his poison if the charmer have no skill in charming how can it be but that the Souls of the people must be like the sluggards-field if the keeper of the Lords vineyard be either ignorant and cannot or sloathfull and will not dresse it nothing more prejudiciall to mans salvation than the want of a competency of gifts in them that must instruct them Vse 2 Must their Doctrine be grounded on Gods Word then behold here the vanity of such as with Israel are weary of the pure and plaine Manna of the Word of God and fall a lusting after the onyons and Garlick of Aegypt humane traditions poeticall fictions Philosophicall speculations which have no more vertue to cast out Satan than the Sonnes of Sheva had no more power to overthrow this Goliah than David had in Sauls armour these are like a broken bow starting back in the day of the spirituall battle Like a broken vessel holding no water of spirituall refreshment to comfort the Souls of Gods people Like chaffe which will never take roote never bring forth any good fruit like the Apples of Sodom or a Pharises sepulchre though faire without yet it is but as dust and dead mens bones within such as giveth no good nourishment Like the fig tree that had many leaves made a flourishing shew but bore no fruit and to such as teach after this manner may that of Eliphas to Iob be well spoken Iob 15.2 3. and to them that delight in and rest upon such Doctrine that of Rabseca 2 King 18 20 21. may be filty spoken and surely what Iob said of his friends Iob 13.4 may be truely said of these Physitians and all their Medicines they are all of no value yea they are not onely vaine but dangerous not onely chaffe that nourisheth not but a snare that entangleth a hook that destroyeth Iac. 2.14 therefore Col. 2.8 22. and Isai 8.20 Vse 3 Are the faithfull messengers of God fitted of God have they their commission from God is their Doctrine warranted by the Scripture is it not their owne but Gods Message then I. Receive it with all reverence not as the word of man but of God 1 Thes 2.13 though the men be a vessel of wood the word is a rich treasure and the power is of God 2 Cor. 4.7 and the power of God indeed it is to save the soule of every one that doth beleve Rom. 1.16 and to such as tremble at this Word will God look Isai 66.2 and it is the commendation which Paul gave of the Galatians that they received him as an Angel of God Gal. 4.14 He that attendeth not with reverence shall never clearely conceive what is contained in it never feel his heart thoroughly affected with it nor be able with a lively confidence to rest upon it the very Word of God unreverently received is entertained but as a humane testimony looked upon but as a withered reed trusted but as the language of an uncertaine friend therefore come with such affection and disposition of heart as Cornelius did to Peter Acts 10.33 and then thou shalt be convinced the secrets of thy heart made manifest and falling down thou shalt worship God say that God is in his Messengers of a truth 1 Cor. 14.24 25. II. Beleeve it firly rest upon it assuredly even as if thou didst hear the Lord himselfe speaking from heaven the Minister is but the Embassadour the Message is Gods what they speak on earth God doth ratify in heaven Mat. 16.19 therefore let me exhort you as Iehosaphat did the people 2 Cro. 20.20 build upon it as on a rock that doth not sinke upon a staffe which will not break upon a fountaine which never drieth up Mat. 5.18 this worketh humiliation repentance Iona. 3.5 maketh men desirous of sound instruction to be rightly informed Psal 119.66 causeth them to feare Exod. 14.31 maketh them patient and constant in the middest of all adversities Psa 27.13 causeth to wait in the deepest trouble Isai 28.16 III. Reforme speedily thoroughly unfainedly whatsoever their Doctrine findes to be amisse within you as thou who art a drunkard userer swearer woulest reforme if God did send an Angel from heaven or did himselfe appeare unto thee to rebuke thee even so must thou reform now when the messenger of God doth speake unto thee say not as the rich Glutton did Luc. 16.30 If God or an Angel from heaven or a damned Spirit from Hell were sent to teach us we would repent but remember Abrahams answer vers 31. It is a great mercy of God to speake unto us by men that we may be able to endure their voyce to understand their language and therefore we should with Israel Deut. 5.27 with Israel we should put away Baal and Ashterosh 1 Sam. 7.3 4. with them Acts 19.19 with Peter Mat. 26.75 with David 2 Sam. 12.12 with Ephraim Jer. 31.18 19. It is our reformation will prove we are good hearers our obedience will testify the goodness of our affections the casting away of our sin doth best argue a right entertainement of the Word Ja. 1.21 22. IV. Comfort your selves soundly in the Doctrine of life salvatiō God will make good to the faithfull whatsoever good things his Messengers out of his Word do declare unto them God will fulfull them all in their season Luk. 1.20 as Jos 23.14 not one thing of all the good things whereof the Ministers of God do now informe you shall faile treasure up the comforts which they propound out of the Word of the Lord and be as sure of them as if you did already enjoy them Isa 25.9 10. The 5th thing is the comfort the Ministers of God and all the people that love Christ do conceive in hearing meditating upon and publishing
to Heaven Rom. 6.23 1. His work is evill his wages will be death eternall his seed is naught his harnest cannot be good Gal. 6.3 2. There is nothing in him but earth and therefore Heaven cannot be his habitation his soul is a vessell full of uncleane waters his heart is a fountaine of all abominations the best of his fruit is but sower grapes Sodomitish Apples guilded brasse fair without soul base rotten within 3. When he thinketh himself most rich he is poor and blind and naked when he thinketh himself most wise best sighted he knoweth not light from darkness sweet from sower good from evill when he thinketh himself most free then he is as fast fettered as ever Peter was when he lay bound between the two Souldiers for so do they between the World Devill in the Chaines of their corruption when he thinketh himself most secure then he is nighest to distruction 1 Thes 5.3 like him Luc. 12.19 that naturall man is a stranger to God Christ the Covenant Eph. 2.12 an enemy by his evill works Col. 1.21 a habitation for the uncleane Spirit Luc. 11.20 21. a Servant of iniquity Rom. 6.17 a Souldier in Satans army a branch in the wild Olive a goate and no Sheep a thorne and no Apple-tree a Lion a Bear a Swine a Vulture no Lamb no Deer and therefore in that estate must look to drink of no cup but of the cup of Gods wrath to have no companions but the Devill and his Angels no lodging but eternall darknes that is his portion the Lord will surely give it him there is no way no hope of escaping for Luc. 13.3 Unlesse you turn from the way of sin to the way of life you must perish Ioh. 3.3 Heb. 12.14 no man shall see him here in his word revealing himself to be a gracious father to him in his holiness sanctifying him in his love affecting him with his savours in his presence presenting himself in a loving manner to him nor shall ever be filled with his glorious presence hereafter therefore be not deceived dream not of mercy before there be a desertion of all iniquity of Gods goodnes before you be lead to true repentance Psal 104.4 3. This will meet with and discover their folly who boast of their naturall abilities inclination and freedome to God to renounce sin to imbrace salvation to follow the call of God when they please as if they had as ready a disposition to execute the Lords command as ever the Centurions Servants had to do his of whom he said Math. 8.8 9. As if they were as strong in grace as Sampson in bodily strength able to break the cords of iniquity as if they were but reeds and rushes as if they were but fallen a little asleep in sin like Jonah in the bottome of the ship the voyce of the Minister was presently able to awaken them as if sin were not like the skin to the flesh hardly pulled of like the marrow to the bone uneasily gotten out but an old outer garment upon the back easily cast off But here we see that the Baptist doth not say we are fire whose sparks naturally fly upward nor watery vapours which are easily exalted by the influence and attractive power of the Sun but earth and earthly whose nature is ponderous heavy and altogether tending downward no more able no more inclinable to any thing savingly good than the earth is able of itself to ascend upward or to speak in the language of the Prophet then a black-Moor can make himself white or a Leopard change his spots Ier. 13.23 and surely these mens errour might easily be discerned if they did but well weigh and throughly consider 1. Their indisposedness to all good yea their aversness from it their enmity against it their indisposedness to it expressed by a bullock unaccustomed to the yoke Ier. 31.18 by a wild asse running over hedge ditch refusing to be taken Ier. 2.24 by a dead man that hath no disposition to rise out of the grave Ephes 2.1 by a Lion and a Leopard which are altogether fierce Isai 11.6 by evil ground which naturally beareth nothing but Thornes and Bryars Heb. 6.8 by stones and Rocks which have no disposition to turne into water or soft ground Exek 36.26 their enmity against all good is expressed by a Serpent refusing to hear the voyce of the charmer Ps 58.50 by a theef striving against the light Iob 24.13 an unruly subject breaking all the bounds which are set him by his Soveraigne Psal 2.2 an implacable enemy that will not that cannot be reconciled Rom. 8.7 and surely if we well weigh if we have any true experience of the violence and mighty force of our corruption we may say of that as St. James doth of the tongue Iac. 3.7 8. so in this case we may say of our corruption all other fierce beasts have been tamed but who can rule this this is a horse of that force that man cannot bridle it a fire of that strength man cannot quench it a Lion of that fierceness man cannot tame it a Sea of that force that man cannot stop it none but he that put a bridle into the nostrils of Senacharib can bridle this unruly monster 2. The power of sin resembled to a conquerour leading captives Rom. 7.23 to a Master whom we serve at whose beck we move Tit. 3.3 to a King raigning over the whole man as a King over the people Rom. 6.12 to a death which hath the whole command of the body there is nothing remaineth to resist it Col. 2.12 such a forcible disease it is that as no Physician could heal the bloody issue Marc. 5.25 29. so none can cure this but onely he that cured that 3. The dearness of sin it is tenderly beloved the palace wherein the naturall man delighteth to dwell the pleasant wine which he drinketh the onely manchet whereof he desireth to feed Prov. 9.17 the onely Companion wherein he taketh comfort this is to him as the Idoll to Micah as the messe of pottage to Esau as the forbidden fruit to our first parents as the pieces of money to Judas as the golden wedge and Babylonish garment to Achan this is the Dalilah whereon they doat the Child which they feed the infant whereunto they draw out both their breasts the game which they pursue the Musick whereat they dance the treasure for which they search they love sin as Jonathan David they will strip themselves of their best garments to apparell it 2 Sam. 18.1 2. as Jacob loved Rahel they will serve in the heat and in the cold in all estates endure all miseries for it this is pleasant to their eyes Gen. 3.6 delightfull to their Palates Job 20.12 a precious pearle in their hands as the signets on their finger the mistris of their affections they will spend all in the service of it Prov. 23.21 they will suffer all miseries rather than forsake it Prov. 23.34 35.
they will go weeping after it as Phaltiel after Michall so great is their love to it that no persuasions no threatnings shall breed a rejection of it 4. The tendernes of it therefore likened to the eye it is grievousnes to put out the eye a man will endure any member to be wounded any injury to be offered to any part of the body rather than to his eye Mat. 18.1 for this also it is likened to the mortifying of the members making the members of the body dead by giving them many blowes by piercing them with many wounds Col. 3.5 the naturall man will not have his sin his beloved one to be touched Amos 7.10 the Baptist must not meddle with Herodias Ahab will not be crossed in his journey to Ramoth Gilead they will not have the Hemme of this Garment touched 2 Sam. 18.5 5. The inherency and thorough mixture of sin with the soul and deep dy of it upon the heart as water and wine are so mingled that the skilfullest hand cannot make a separation the Ivy and the stones so combined that unles the Wall be thrown down it can not be removed so is sin and the soul so mixed that no skill of man or Angell can divide them it is as the marrow in the bones as the juyce in the root as the roots infolded wrapped up in the earth the bones must be broken Psal 51.8 the fallow ground must be plowed up Ier. 4.3 before sin can be plucked up it is a deep staine water cannot wash it nitre cannot purge it the best humane abilities have no power to remove it Ier. 2.22 it is a Leprosy of that calour depth and strength that the Water of Damascus cannot purge it no River but Jordan can heal it Isai 26.10 Prov. 27.22 Amos 4.6 7 8. Pharaoh Exod. 5.6 7 8. Ahas 2 Cro. 28.22 Isai 1.5 6. I might add many more but by these things it is sufficiently manifest what strangers we are to all abilities of turning our selves to God and working out our salvation before the Lord do put the life of grace into us and by his Word and Spirit as by his Horsmen and Chariots do draw us forward in the way of life and happiness 4. This will teach us not to ascribe too much to any man of themselves they are earth and earthly disposed even the very best among all men the excellency wherewith they are endowed is not of themselves but of God it is the dew from his cloud that doth make them fat the treasure of his store-house that doth make them rich the work of his finger that doth make them differ we are all empty vessels the fulness which we enjoy cometh from above barren fields till the Lord doth water and dresse us therefore as we admire not the vessel which holdeth good liquour but rather the Tree which bare the Grape that made the liquor so let us not so much admire the Creature the woodden vessel that hath the excellent Treasury as the Creator that gave the Treasure to him 2 Cor. 4.6.7 we are but the Casket the Jewel is the Lords we are but the Lamp it is the Lord doth give the Oile without him we can do nothing we are altogether dependant upon him all our abilities are the Lords talent we are but stewards thorough Christ inabling we can do all things but if Christ do not inable man can do nothing God is the Alpha and the Omega of all the good we enjoy or do therefore as Mar. 2.11 12. Acts 3.11 12. I Gideon overthrow the Midianitish army it is not so much Gideon as the Lord hath done it therefore first they cry the Sword of the Lord and then Gideon the Rod was used in dividing the waters of the red Sea yet Moses and Israel give the praise unto God Exod. 15.6 therefore Col. 1.29 Paul laboured not of himself but more or lesse according to the measure of Gods working in him so 1 Cor. 3.5 intimating that they were but instruments God was the chief Agent that if they brought any to the knowledge of the truth it was the Lord that did open the understanding if they turned any man to the faith it was the Lord did open the heart if they brought comfort to any mans Soul it was the Lord that spake peace unto the conscience teaching them whosoever were the instrument yet to give the whole praise to God the chief Agent to have God and not the persons of men in admiration 5. Let therefore our own worthiwess our own indisposednesse unto any good cause us to give the praise of our whole salvation unto God acknowledging him to be the soul and onely fountain whence all water which giveth refreshment to our Souls have their Original the more we see our own emptinesse the more feelingly let us acknowledge the Lords fulnesse the more we look upon our own poverty the more let us magnifie the full and open hand of God towards us the more let us laud him rejoyce in him for his abundant goodnesse the more let us study to please him to honour him to walk in all sincerity before him striving in all things to make him glorious utterly denying our selves saying as the Psalmist Psal 44.3 for as we are earth and earthly so we speak of the earth which is the third thing here noted their practise they speak of the earth their imployments are earthly their actions are carnal 9. The whole labour and practise of un-regenerate people is earthly and carnall as the whole fruit of a corrupt Tree is so Matth. 7.18 men are all like Travellers out of the way every foot they step is awry Psal 58.3 our whole work is but a Spiders Web and increases no better than a Cockatrice Egge Isa 59 56. Reas Because the Root and Original is evil and as men speak of the Countrey and parentage whereof they are so men being of the World of the flesh speak and do the works thereof 1 Ioh. 4.5 2. Because the whole man is full of sin as the Sea full of waters a dead body of rotteness an undrest Garden of weeds the eyes are full of vanity the tongue full of evil communication the hands full of idlenesse full of bloud of unrighteous dealings the heart full of uncleannesse and hence stream all kinde of abominations Matth. 15.19 Use We have no cause to glorie of our works as long as we are carnal they are nothing but the fruit of the flesh Gal. 5.19 Brasse Tin Iron base Metal Ier. 6.28.30 as the Psalmist saith of men Ps 62.9 so may the natural man say of all his works whither of piety or common equity of his way towards God or towards man they are altogether vanity surely if God should lay our deeds in the ballance as Baltazar was that would be found of us which was written of him mene mene tekel upharsin you are laid in the ballance your works are weighed which are found too light
as if God had brought them into a condition wherein he could not preserve them into a danger out of which he could not deliver them made a promise which he was not able to accomplish Psa 106.25 Hereby they deny Gods Soverainty and dominion they harkened not saith the. Psalmist Psa 106.25 that is they detracted from Gods authority and dominion they would not be guided by his voice ruled by his counsell but would fight against the Amalekites go into the land of promise when God forbad them Deut. 1.42 43.44 thus you see now greatly God is dishonoured by infidelity 2. Therefore as we doe desire to make the name of God glorious to doe any thing pleasing in Gods presence let us labour to beleeve his word to consent subcribe and yeeld to the truth of his testimony to search after the through-knowledge of it to imbrace it with most hearty and unfained affection to build upon it as upon a sure foundation to rest upon Christ alone for life and salvation to get a gracious perswasion in our hearts of the goodnesse of God in Christ towards our own soules to stay upon Christ as upon a sure pillar to build upon him as upon the onely foundation a foundation which will not faile to fasten our faith upon him as the marriner his Anker on a sure rock and as 2 Chron. 32.8 so let us rest our selves upon the promises of God no other hath promised life and salvation no other can conferre the remission of sinne and life eternall no other can deliver from Hell sinne and Satan therefore let us take off our hearts from all other and relye onely upon him Isa 45.22 for there is no other name Acts 4.12 and all the promises which God hath made in him are most certaine 2 Cor. 1.20 most constant whatsoever change there be this faileth not Isa 40.8 this like the Sea continueth full though other water brookes doe faile these are most pleasant and delightfull full of refreshment delight and comfort to Gods people Psa 23.4 and in beleeving Gods promises in geting interest in them in building upon them wee shall be drawne to attend Gods ordinances with delight as the child sucketh the brests as Job desired it more then his appointed food to come as to our fathers house as into our friends presence to be glad with David Psa 122.1.2 Wee shall stirre up others to seeke God in the use of his ordinances we shall call others Jsa 2.2 wee shall strive to bring them to the Physitian of their soules to make them partakers of his Grace Lu. 22.32 3. Wee shall be full of love to God and to his wayes Gal. 5.6 7. Wee shall be rich in all good works like a tree full of fruit a garden full of sweet flowers and thus shall we abundantly glorifie God by believing to this we should be induced by considering the fulnesse and Alsuffici of Christ Jesus for Verse 34. He whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God for God giveth not the spirit to him by measure The Baptist here rendereth the reason why they doe put to their seale that God is true when they doe receive the testimony of Christ even because the testimony of Christ is the testimony of God for Christ is come from his Heavenly Father and God alone doth speake by him for so Jo. 7.16 Jo. 14.24 Heb. 5.5 6. wherein we may consider 1. Christs authority he whom God hath sent speaketh the Words of God 2. His sufficiency for he hath not received the spirit by measure first his authority hee was sent of God equall with God in regard of his Divine Essence but inferiour to the Father according of his humane nature office of a Mediatour the Sun is said to be sent in that he was appointed put forth and furnished with gifts and authority to fulfill the office of a Mediatour Gal. 4.4 and to speake the words of God in that as a Messenger declareth not his owne mind but his who sent him So Christ doth deliver the mind and Councell of God the Father from whence we may learne that the doctrine which is delivered by Christ Jesus is most holy and infallable the very word of God who is truth it selfe a doctrine of power to convince Mat. 7.28 full of light to give knowledge Mat. 4 16. a key opening Gods Councell which is hidden from the wise men of the World Lu. 10.21.22 a Doctrine not to be reproved but worthy to be beleeved Jo. 8.46 therefore to this wee should come upon this wee should wait as upon the light which alone is able to shew us the way of life as upon the Schoole wherein we may learne true wisedome 2. Tim. 3.17 as on the Jordan which will cleanse us from our iniquities Jo. 15.3 This wee should imbrace as the seed which will beget us againe unto a new life Jo. 1.18 As the voice which will raise us Jo. 11.44 Jo. 5.25 On this wee should feed as on the Milke which will make us grow in the grace of Gods Spirit 1 Pet. 2.2 this wee must follow as the fiery pillar which will lead us to the Heavenly Canaan this wee must use as the Spiritual weapon which will beate down the holds of sinne Satan which will cast him downe as the thunder doth the lightning thus wee must affect as the meanes of peace and reconcilement between us and our God Much more might be said of this but wee have lately heard of this more largely One thing more may be learned out of these words from the preparation of Christ to his office as he comming to preach the Gospel had his commission from God spake no other but the words of God so it setteth before us the duty of Gods Messengers and teacheth us Gods Ministers must be sure that God doe give them their commission and that they preach nothing but what is Gods will and councell First they must have a commission as an Embassadour must have a commission from his Soveraigne So Heb. 5.4.5 This is so needfull that without it they cannot discharge their calling Ro. 10.15 Therefore wisedomes Maidens Christs Ministers went not of their owne accord but were sent Pro. 9.3 And the Prophets of old went not upon their owne head but the Lord sent them Jer. 44.4 The disciples of our Saviour had also authority given before they undertooke this function Mat. 10.16 as they must have their commission so they must deliver none but Gods mind and message to the people an Embassadour may not deliver his owne but his Soveraignes message to the people it was the Lords charge Ezeck 2.7 It was Pauls care 1 Cor. 11.23 and 1 Pet. 4.11 And it was Peters comfort 2 Pet. 1.16 2. Cor 1.11.12 2 Cor. 4.1.2 Their commission they must have from God 1. Because otherwise they cannot faithfully open the mind and councell of God how can they preach accept they be sent unlesse they be furnished and prepared by the
a lion yet at length hee shall seed upon the hony-comb of consolation though hee pass like Israël thorough the red sea the wilderness Iordan yet hee shall have a land that floweth with milk and hony though hee now wear a crown of thorns yet hee shall hereafter wear a crown of glorie though his drink bee now mingled with gall and bitterness yet hee shall drink out of the river of God's pleasures though David was long oppressed yet at length hee attained the Kingdom though the three children were cast into the fierie furnace yet they attained honor in the province of Babylon So Isa 65.13.14.15 Isa 35.4.5.10 Ecl. 8.11.12 From the gift descend wee to take notice of the measure of the gift not scantly slenderly sparingly but above measure abundantly plentifully fully Whence learn Doctr. That Christ Jesus was superabundantly filled withall heavenly gifts and graces As the Sun in the firmament is full of light and brightness so is the Son of righteousness full of true holiness and even according to his humane nature exceedingly filled with all goodness even full of the holy ghost as the fountain is full of waters This fulness of his was many waies evident 1. by the fulness of his wisdom his lamp was full of oil it gave a very great light a light enlightning all the world a wisdom breeding admiration in them that saw it Mat. 13.54 a wisdom whereby as the Psalmist saith of himself Psal 119.98.99 so and much more may it bee verified of Christ for in him Col. 23. and Ioh. 1.18 hath a most full and intimate knowledg of God 2. By the fulness of his power it was not a withered arm but an arm endued with fulness of strength able like David to conquer the Bear the Lion the great Goliah able to dash his enemies in pieces like a potter's vessel Psa 29. a stone hewn out of the mountains breaking in pieces the image representing the glorie riches and strength of all kingdoms Dan. 2.44 Able to heal the sick raise the dead ransom the captived nothing was too hard for him 3. By the fulness of his holiness his face had neither spot not wrinckle there was no defilement stuck in his garment his soul was a field no tares mingled with his wheat a garden all flowers no weed a tree all bearing no barren withered no unfruitful branch upon it as it is said of Absalom 2. Sam. 14.25 so it is 1. Pet. 2.22 Ioh. 14.30 1. Pet. 1.19.4 by the fulness of his love a love like a full Sea a flameing fire a strong Chariot that drew him from heaven to earth from the highest honor to the deepest ignominy from a paradise of pleasures to a wilderness of sorrows his love to us of a Lord caused him to become a servant Philip. 2.7 of a Sovereign a subject Gal. 4.4 of rich poor 2 Cor. 8.9 of a joyfull man a man of sorrows Mat. 26.38 It brought him from the throne to the cross from the highest heavens to the lowest parts of the earth Joh. 15.13 Joh. 15.9 As the Father so loved him that hee communicated all good things to him sustained him under affliction and delivered him from the power of hell and the grave so doth the Son so love us that hee imparteth all good things to us beareth us up in all our distresses and delivereth us from all miseries 5. By the fulness of his patience hee was the mirror of meekness the perfect pattern of true humility Isa 53.7 1 Pet. 2.23 Hee was one in whom patience had her perfect work Jam. 1.5 patient in poverty patient in ignominy patient in sorrowfulness patient in doing patient in suffering patient in life patient in death the patience of Job and the Prophets was marvelous yet as 2 Cor. 3.10 so their patience compared with his was no patience therefore well might hee propose himself for an example Mat. 11.29 and thus full of all grace it was requisite our Saviour should bee 1. In regard of the holy precise exact and perfect rule of the Law which hee was to fulfill every letter of his life must without any the least variation answer the copy every faculty of the soul the disposition of the whole man must bee suitable to this frame every thought of his heart every motion of his affection every word of his mouth every deed of his life must be as arrows falling neither under nor above but fully pitching upon this mark therefore Gal. 4.5 Matth. 5.17 2. In regard of the love God beareth unto him and wonderfull delight which hee had in him as Elkanah 1 Sam. 1.4 5. as Joseph Gen. 43.24 so our God giveth portions of grace to all his children but to Christ hee gave a worthy portion more then five times as ample as to any of his brethren because hee had a more abundant love to him Isa 42.1 Mat. 3.17 3. In regard of the Office hee had undertaken to be a Mediator between God and man a peace-maker by appeasing of Gods wrath in suffering for man by making him just Phil 3.9 by being found cloathed not in their own but in the righteousness of Christ the party dying and satisfying the law for another must bee innocent and not dy for his own offence the righteousness which maketh another just must bee free from all blemish therefore 1 Pet. 3.18 2 Cor. 5.21 4. In regard of our emptiness wee were all poor and therefore it behooved him to have a full hand to make us rich wee were all blinde and therefore it was requisite hee should bee full of knowledg to make us wise wee were all sick and therefore it was needfull hee should bee a skilful Physitian to make us whole all unclean and therefore behooffull hee should bee full of holiness to make us pure all captivated and dead in sin and therefore needfull hee should bee full of power to ransom us Hence that prophesie Isa 61.1 that invitation Rev. 3.17 18. Isa 55.1 for Joh. 1.16 Eph. 1.21 22. 5. In regard of the enemies hee was to conquer Sin Satan Hell Death trees not able to bee rooted up by any mortal hand walls not able to bee beaten down by any cannon shot fetters not to bee broken by any creäted strength enemies not conquerable by the most valiant among men as all Israel trembled till David came 1 Sam 17. so Heb. 2.14 this is the Moses dividing the waters Exod. 14.21 this is the Sampson bearing away the gates of Gaza this is the David delivering his sheep this is the Cyrus opening the two leaved gates Isa 45.1 this is the Angel bringing Peter out of prison Act. 12.7 6. In regard of the depth of Gods counsels which are to bee opened a well whereof none can drink before Christ rowl away the stone as Jacob did from the wells mouth a riddle which cannot bee unfolded unless wee plow with Gods spirit a sealed book which none but the lion of the tribe of Juda can open a vision which
hee hath all power and authority given him and therefore Mat. 17.5 him wee must hear him wee must obey as the members are subject to the head as the wife is subject to the husband as the subjects are obedient to their Prince for all this is Christ to us his will must bee our rule according to which all our doings must bee squared the balance wherein wee must bee weighed the light whereby wee must bee guided his precept must bee to us as the fiery pillar to Israël at whose motion wee must move at whose stopping wee must stay his direction is most perfect free from all error most wholsom it will prove the best counsel most sweet it will certainly yield the truest comfort therefore as the disciples Mat. 19 22. left all and followed him so all impediments beeing removed let us follow his comcommandement this is his will this is our wisedom in this Christ would have us give preheminence above all other occasions and not say to this as Felix to Paul in another case yea though it transcend the limits of our capacity though wee cannot render a reason of it though it seem repugnant to our apprehension yet it is enough that God hath enjoined it and wee shall finde that true obedience to his precepts is ever attended with the best success 2. This must teach us to depend upon Christ with all stedfastness in his hands are all things hee is a compleat Saviour a perfect redeemer hee is a sure rock to all that build upon him a never-failing fountain though our sins bee hainous yet hee hath ability in him to remove them as he cleansed the leper though God bee at a great distance from us his face hidden under the darkest clouds of his displeasure yet Christ is able to reconcile him though wee bee in more than an iron bondage yet hee can free us therefore let us fasten our faith and confidence upon him let our hearts rest in him let us trust our souls with him and his gospel shall surely prove the power of God to our salvation hee will be a propitiation for us in him our sin shall bee covered and wee blessed in him wee shall have peace in him wee shall have access to the throne of grace 3. Are all things in Christ's hand then God's people must rest themselvs contented with Christ alone hee is a rich husband the Father hath given all things into his hands therefore bless God all you that are partakers of Christ say you have a goodly heritage you have the tree which beareth all sorts of fruit you have the pearl which is of more value then all other riches you have the sun and therefore cannot want light you have the fountain and therefore cannot want water you have the Lord of glory and therefore cannot want honor you have the Prince of peace and therefore cannot want joy you have him that hath all things and therefore cannot want any good things you have enough you have that which if you bee not defective to your selvs will bee like Elkanah to Hanna 1 Sam. 1.8 in stead of all other things God hath done more for you in giving Jesus Christ to you in joining you in wedlock with Christ then if hee had bestowed the whole earth upon you hee hath advanced you to greater honor endued you with better riches replenished your soul with sweeter and more heavenly pleasures than can bee gathered out of worldly store-houses or drink out of earthly fountains therefore thirst not after the world covet not great things bee not disquieted with the slenderness of your external estate think not of using any forbidden means suffer not your affections to be stoln away from the Lord but delight your self in Christ and rest your self abundantly contented with him 4. Are all things put into Christ's hands is hee so abundantly filled with all things then this may comfort God's servants in all estates whatsoëver yee want it is all in the hands of Christ if you want power to resist either bodily or spiritual enemies in Christ there is power to overcom and subdue them all if you want grace if your knowledg faith patience bee small Christ hath a rich store-house hee can fill you if your outward estate bee slender your provision smal and poor Christ can make a little go farr the course taste sweet as hee turned the water into wine Joh. 2.9 10. Vers 36. FUlness of water in the fountain is unusefull unless wee drink thereof fulness of light in the sun yieldeth no comfort unless the eie bee opened to receive it the best apparel giveth no warmth unless the body bee covered with it so the fulness goodness and all sufficiency that is in Christ Jesus is no way beneficial unless wee get assured interest therein therefore the Baptist doth not only acquaint his disciples with Christs fulness authority sovereignty and all sufficiency hee doth not only let them see how hee is a compleat Saviour in himself but doth also move perswade exhort and stir them up by faith to get interest in him and this hee doth by a double argument the one drawn from the single felicity and benefit attending a lively faith in Christ hee that beleeveth in the Son hath everlasting life the other drawn from the danger of not believing but hee that believeth not in the Son shall not see life but the wrath of God remaineth on him wherein wee have 1. The felicity and blessed estate of all true beleevers hee that beleeveth c. 2. The infelicity and miserable condition of all unbeleevers hee that beleeveth not c. First of the felicity of true believers hee that whosoëver hee bee of what nation of what estate or condition soever rich or poor bond or free that beleeveth in Christ that imbraceth buildeth resteth and relieth sincerely firmly and fully upon the Lord Jesus that man hath life everlasting hath already the life of peace inchoated and begun in him that life of God wrought that immortal seed of grace sown in his heart which never shall die so that herein wee may have 1. The necessity of faith hee that beleeveth in the Son of God it is true that in the Son of God there is all fulness all things are in his hands but wee must beleeve in him or his fulness will no waies help us 2. The gain of faith hath everlasting life 1. Of the necessity of faith wherein wee have the nature of faith the object of faith and the extent 1. The nature of faith beleeveth in Christ that is doth not only beleeve that Christ is or that what hee hath said or done is true but beleeveth in Christ pitcheth and resteth fully upon Christ 2. The object of faith Christ 3. The extent hee that whosoëver 1. Of the nature of faith beleeveth in to beleeve sometime signifieth and speculatively to know the Scriptures to bee true and thus the devils do and all wicked men may beleeve 2. Sometime it
signifieth to assent willingly and use some kinde of joy to the word of God for the glad tidings which it bringeth thus hypocrits beleeve 3. It signifieth to put confidence in that which wee know and assent unto and to make application thereof unto our selvs to depend and build thereupon and thus the regenerate beleeve Whence learn Doctr. That the hearts of all true beleevers do relie and rest upon the Lord Jesus for everlasting life and happiness for faith is a leaning or resting of the heart in and upon God as the author of everlasting life and salvation this is evident by the phrases used by the Holy Ghost to explain the nature of faith Pro. 3.5 Isa 50.10 Psal 37.3 Psal 71.5 Isa 31.1 Psal 62.7 Rom. 10.11 for to beleeve in God or in Christ is to cleav unto God to lean upon God to rest in God as on him who is all-sufficient to keep us here and to bring us to glory hereafter 2. It is evident by the titles given in scripture to saving faith 2 Cor. 3.4 2 Cor. 5.6 7 8. Ephes 3.12 1 Pet. 1.13 1 Joh. 5.13 14. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Rom. 4 21. Col. 2.2 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Heb. 11.1 3. By the similitudes used to express it it is likened to an house builded on a rock as the house resteth on the foundation so doth the true beleever rest on God to a tree rooted in the ground whereby it is stayed against the force of strong and violent winds to a branch ingraffed into a vine to a ship fastned by a strong anchor to a sure rock to the betrothing or joining of a woman in wedlock all these express a strong and affectionate reliance of the heart upon the Lord. 4. By the charge given by our Saviour Joh. 14 1. rest rely and quiet your souls in God and in mee by the exhortation of the Psalmist Psal 62.8 and of the Apostle 1 Pet. 5.7 Reas 1 Because faith is not so much an act of the understanding discerning and assenting to the promise of life of Christ as it is an act of the will whereby the will is moved to extend it self to embrace that good which it doth approve and therefore faith is called a receiving of Christ which is much more then to know Christ it is one thing for a woman to know a man it is another thing to receive him as her husband faith is not only an action of approbation but also of election John 1.17 an action of the whole man making the good whereunto it is carried to become ours John 6.35 The wise merchant saw the pearl approved of it and beyond that chose it for his own sold all to buy it Math. 13.45 though faith doth alwayes presuppose the knowledg of the Gospel yet there is no man that attaineth saving knowledg unless this act and choice go before it Rom. 10.10 and the other bee dependant upon it therefore the Apostle saith With the heart man believeth John 7.17 John 8.31 32. 1 John 23. 2. Because true and saving faith doth alwaies choos apprehend and imbrace Christ and build upon him as a sufficient and fit means to deliver us from evil to purchase and procure for us all manner of good they see and apprehend in him all manner of fulness and compleat abilities such as are no where to bee found Cant. 5.10 they look on him and see more beauty in him than in all other creatures they behold in him fulness of wisdom to make them wise fulness of power to make them free fulness of life to make them live fulness of all grace to fill the empty vessels of their souls John 22.5 John 6 28. and therefore to him do their hearts cleave from him they will not depart as the Shunamitish woman apprehending the ability of the Prophet to help her caught the Prophet by the feet and would not let him go though Gehazi thrust her 2 Kings 4.17 so true faith causeth the believers heart to cleav to Christ and so to imbrace him that it will not let him go 3. Because true and saving faith doth inable us to look on God as on our father on Christ as on our husband on the word as on food well agreeing with our palate on the sun as on a light much affecting the eye on the promises of God as on a reconciled Soveraign on Christ as on our advocate on the Word as on an embassage of peace this assureth the heart of the pardon of sin this causeth God's words to bee to our souls as the words of Christ were to the Palsie man Math. 9.2 son bee of good cheer therefore the Apostle saith after wee believ wee are sealed as in mutuall contracts men set to seals and when we have a man's word in writing and a seal to it wee rest upon it wee are confident it shall bee verified so when wee believ wee put to our seal that God is true Ephes 1.13 that hee will fulfill what hee hath promised and God doth seal to the believer the salvation believed a seal distinguisheth things so God's people see themselves many wayes distinguished from others as a seal maketh things authentical so true believers are fully assured of God's goodness and their future happiness and thereby their hearts do rest on God 3. Because true faith bringeth us unto a holy communion and gracious fellowship and comfortable and blessed acquaintance with Christ hereby Christ cometh into their hearts resideth revealeth himself Eph. 3.17 and ruleth there as a dweller in his hous Gal. 6.10 hereby they have fellowship with him as the members with the head Rom. 12.5 as the wife with the husband by this they behold Christ revealing himself graciously speaking unto them comfortably and hereby they are wrought upon to rest on Christ strongly 5. Because true faith inableth the true believer to finde much peace and sweet consolation in Christ Rom. 5.1 it strengtheneth him to conquer Satan to subdue the enemies of their salvation Rom. 15.14 to rejoyce in the midst of trouble to overcom all worldly opposition Rom. 8.35 1 John 5.4 hee feeleth faith in Christ to bee to him as a shield in the day of battel as the Ark in the Deluge a shining star in the darkest night of trouble as the hony comb to Sampson in the belly of the lion and finding this in Christ his soul fasteneth on him as on a sure rock and leaneth upon him as upon a never-failing staff 6. Because true believers clearly see and infallibly know the variety and insufficiency of the world they know there is a foundation whereon to build no other bow wherein to trust no other shield for their defence no other fountain whence to draw the water of salvation they know that Psal 33.16 17. that Psal 62.9 10. that Prov. 11.4 that Psal 44.6 they know that all outward abilities like Job's friends are physicians of no value miserable comforters and therefore their hearts do rest upon Christ Jesus
shall wee give good evidence of our faith according to that of the Apostle 2 Pet. 1.5 6 7. Thus of the nature of faith the second thing here noted was the object of faith in Christ it receiveth imbraceth resteth and relieth upon Christ whence observe Doctr. That the Lord Jesus is the proper and peculiar object of the faith of all true believers God is the object of our faith not as hee is considered simply and absolutely in himself but as wee do live to him thorough the grace favor and goodness wee receive from him 1 Tim. 4.10 the word and promises of God by a Metonymy of the adjunct are said to the object of faith so far forth as they continue in them and exhibite unto us that which is the object of faith Christ as a mediator is the mediate but not the ultimate object of faith because wee believ thorough Christ in God Rom. 6.11 2 Cor. 3 4. 1 Pet. 1.22 and in this respect wee are said to bee in Christ 2 Cor. 5.17 to have put on Christ Gal. 3.27 to bee betrothed to Christ Eph. 5.23 this was the doctrine of the Baptist as St Paul relateth it Acts 19.9 the charge given by St Paul himself Acts 16.31 this is the gift of God to his chosen children Phil. 1.29 and this is the foundation whereon the people of God have builded John 12 11. and Christ must bee the object of our faith 1. Because hee alone is ordained of God to bee a Saviour Mediator between us and God him God the Father heareth in him hee is well-pleased Math. 18.5 him hath God the Father sealed and set apart for this work John 3.35 hee is the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world Rev. 13.8 hee is the promised feed Gen. 3.15 there is no other name Acts 12.1 1 Tim. 3.5 2. Because in him alone is eternal life to bee found God himself without Christ is a consuming sire Heb. 12.29 by reason of our sin all the creatures are as a dead thing they can do us no good all the ordinances of God are a killing letter God hath put all fulness into Christ Col. 2.9 our life is hidden in him Col. 3.3 and this was the ground of Peter's answer to our Saviour John 6.68 whither shall wee go no creature can save us they are all as Physicians of no value as empty vessels blinde guids thou alone hast the words of eternal life thou alone canst make the doctrine of salvation to quicken us when wee are dead 1 John 5.12 to comfort us when wee are dejected to encourage us when wee are opposed to make us wise wherein we are Ignorant Hee that harh him hath all hee that hath not the Son hath nothing 1 John 3.24 3. Because hee alone is a sure foundation whereon to build hee is a rock which will never sink Mat. 7.23 a friend which will never fail a bow which will never break he will save at the uttermost all such as come unto him Heb 7.25 no storm shall make shipwrack of the soul which is fastned to him by the anchor of a lively faith Heb. 6.19 no violent and boisterous windes shall overturn the trees rooted in him Col. 2.7 nor cast down the hous builded upon him 4. Because in his blood alone is efficacy to wash away our sins no water but Jordan could wash away the leprosie of Naaman 2 Kings 5. no Physician but Christ could heal the diseased woman Mark 5.29 none but hee could clâ—ans the Leper None but hee can redeem us from iniquity and procure remissionn of sin for us Eph. 1.7 1 John 1.7 5. Because in his intercession is efficacy to procure all good things for us at the hands of God Jonathan may strive to intercede with Saul for David and not prevail Solomon's mother may make suit for Adonijah and not bee heard men may make suit with men for others and not obtain their request good men make earnest supplication to God in the behalf of others and their petition not accomplished Ezek. 14.14 but Christ doth ever prevail with God for them that beleeve Rom. 8.34 Heb. 7.25 6. Because in him alone is righteouss to make us just hee hath robes to cover all our imperfections hee can make us righteous in God's sight Gal. 2.16 Rom. 8.1 Vse Then this will acquaint us with the vanity of their faith who rely on any thing besides Christ who trust to their work to the naked observation of some religious duties to their civil righteousness who lean on this and make it the object of their faith are like the foolish builder that builded upon the sand like the Babylonish builders that thought to escape the deluge to ascend the highest heavens by a building of their own making these are men that go to a broken cistern for water to a drie breast for milk to a barren tree for fruit to a dumb idol for counsel or comfort and it will bee with them as with the worshippers of Baal 1 King 18 26 27. their abilities will prove like a deceitfull man Prov. 25.19 like a spiders web Job 8.14 like the Aegyptians garments Isa 20.4 for so Isa 59.5 6. Isa 64.6 when they shall come to the trial what is said of men will bee verified of their works Psal 62.9 and when they think to finde comfort they will go away sorrowfull as the young man did Mat. 19.22 2. Therefore this must stir up every man to make Christ the object of his faith to build and rest on him with lively and sure confidence to bee ingraffed into him to become a member of that body whereof Christ is the head to rest our hearts in him as the author of our salvation and everlasting life this is the commandement of God 1 Job 3.23 this is the pearl for the gaining whereof wee should sell all wee have this is the price for which wee should all strive Jude v. 3. this is the riches for which wee should labor this is the blessing which wee should uncessantly beg wee are cumbred with Martha about many things but this is the thing which is most needfull some sell their birthrights with Esau for a mess of pottage for worldly and vanishing pleasures som with Judas sell all the comforts they might finde in Christ for a little worldly lucre the most part spend their strength for that which is no bread which yieldeth no sound and solid comfort but if you will bee rich indeed if you will have that which shall bring true riches and everlasting consolations to your souls then labor for a lively faith in the Son of God And that you may bee able to make Christ the object of your faith 1. You must labor clearly to see to be truely sensible of the vanity of all humane abilities you must bee able to say of all humane abilities of all earthly endowments as Solomon did Eccl. 2.17 Eccl. 11.8 as Agur did Prov. 30.8 look on these things as on a tottering fence
and then you shall bee able to rest on Christ The woman came not to Christ till shee saw a vanity in all other Physitians Mar. 5.29 no more do wee rest on God rely on Christ till wee see there is no remedy elswhere to bee found thus Hos 2.6 7. this was that which caused the disciples to rest on Christ they found not whither els to go Joh. 6.68 2 Chron. 20.11 12. the contrary to this was the ground of Israëls unbelief Isa 31.1 2. You must strive to be throughly humble labor for a contrite and broken heart you must becom vile in your own eies bee far from all ambition and vain glory and so you shall feel your heart to bee drawn to rest and rely upon Christ then the doctrine of salvation shall bee sweet then God will reveal himself unto your souls very graciously multiply his grace upon you abundantly according to his gracious promise Isa 57.15 Psal 25.9.14 Jam. 4.6 and then shal you bee able to fasten your hearts upon Christ strongly then shall you bee able to rest in Christ firmly for Isa 61.1 Isa 29.19 Psal 22.26 the want of this continued the unbelief of the Pharisees Joh. 5.44 Gal. 6.3 3. You must bring your hearts to this pitch to seek the prais and commendation which God giveth to his people to bee approved in the sight of God to make it your crown your glory and comfort to bee accepted before the Lord to rejoice more in the inward witness of God's Spirit and our own consciences then in the applaus of all the men of the world you must with Paul 2 Cor. 1.12 and then you shall feel God will shed abroad his love abundantly into your hearts seal up to your souls the pardon of your sin strongly and inable you to rest upon him firmly Joh. 5.44 4. You must meditate and acquaint your selvs with the all sufficiency of Christ bee perswaded of his love goodness readiness to help you see in him more beauty more peace more joy more honor more comfort more power than in all the world look upon him as on a glorious sun and let all the world bee a glow-worm in comparison as an empty cloud to a full fountain as a withered arm to a strong man and this will work frame and draw your hearts to beleeve in him John 12.11 Joh. 10.28 John 7.31 Proceed wee now to the gain of Faith namely everlasting life whence learn Doctr. That everlasting life is the fruit of a true and saving faith Everlasting life is God's gift in regard of the free donation of it Rom. 6.23 It is Christ's purchase in regard of the price paid for it in regard of the meritorious cause thereof in regard of the head whence it is derived It is the work of the Spirit in regard of the principal cause efficient It is the fruit of the Word in regard of the external seed whence it springeth and instrument which worketh it It is the fruit of Righteousness in regard of the way which tendeth to Christ in whom this life is hidden Therefore our Saviour in earnest asseveration to perswade his disciples hereof John 5.24 And the Evangelist sheweth this to bee the principal purpose of God in inditeing the Scriptures Joh. 20.31 hence Paul Gal. 2.20 and plainly S. Peter speak's to this purpose 1 Pet. 2.8 9. And that everlasting life is in this manner a fruit of faith is apparent Reason 1. By the union which faith worketh between us and Christ it joineth us in wedlock with him it interesteth us in all the riches of Christ as Mediator it maketh us living members of that body whereof Christ is the head it build's us upon Christ as the residue of the building upon the head-corner stone it ingraffeth us into Christ as as the branches into the vine it maketh Christ to bee ours it fills us with fulness it causeth him to rule within us and to replenish us with all good things Ephes 3.17 John 2.16 Reason 2. By the interest which it giveth us God's promises this is the foundation whereupon our faith is builded and faith is the condition which God requireth to make us capable of what hee hath promised Gal. 3.13 14. this is the hand by which wee receiv all good things of God this is the key by which wee open the store-house of God's bounty without which all the good things of God are to us as the Sun under an eclips as water in a sealed fountain riches in a treasury locked up as the tree of Life to Adam when the Angel kept the way with a flaming sword it is faith doth give us claim and entrance into all the great and glorious promises of Christ 2 Pet. 1.1 3 4. 3. By the application it make's of the righteousness of Christ it covereth us with this as with a roial robe it healeth all our sins herewith and maketh us just in the sight of God for what els is our justification but the gracious sentence of God whereby for Christ apprehended by faith hee doth absolve the beleever from sin and death and accounteth him just unto life Rom. 3.22 24. Rom. 9.30 Rom 8.1 4. By the victory which it getteth over whatsoëver is adverse or repugnant to this everlasting life it conquereth sin it purifieth the heart Acts 15.9 it giveth an overthrow to Satan as David by his sling to Goliah 1 Sam. 17. therefore 1 Pet. 5.8 9. overcometh the world all the allurements and all the oppositions of it it trampleth them all under foot 1. John 5.4 Like David's Worthies it breaketh through an hoast of dangers to drink of the waters which are in the wells of Life 2 Sam. 23.16 it will follow the Lord wheresoëver hee goeth it will leave him in no estate it will endure any hardness sustain any loss bear any reproach encounter with any danger it will leave all rather then leave the Lord the power of faith is invincible nothing is too hard for it 5. By the gracious acceptation and spiritual adoption which it procureth for us with God whereby wee are become the sons of God 1 John 12. 1 John 3.1 made heirs and co-heirs with Jesus Christ Rom. 8.17 for as Christ in justification is applied as a garment to cover our sins so in adoption hee is applyed as our brother and Prince of our salvation Heb. 2.10 11 12 13. and by virtue of this adoption and communion with Christ all true beleevers are called the first begotten of God Hebr. 12.23 and this sonship of theirs remaineth unalterable the dignity and happiness of their condition is unchangeable John 8.35 6. By the use which it maketh of all the Ordinances of God the Word Sacrament praier c. which otherwise would bee as unsavoury meat without taste as a shell without a kernel as a deaf ear of corn as a cloud without rain without comfort without any benefit at all yea many times a trouble a terror a great disquietment the very savour
of death 2 Cor. 2. ver 16. Now a lively faith make's the Word of God as comfortable tidings to the sorrowfull Rom. 20.15 as a word of Reconciliation to them with whom God is at variance 2 Cor. 5.19 as a healing medicine to the diseased Isa 61.2 as food to the hungry as a light to the traveller as dew to the weary ground as good seed to good land Job 23.12 It maketh the Sacrament to bee as a seal to the King's pardon Rom 4.11 to confirm them in the assurance of the forgiveness of all their offences it maketh prayer strong as wings to carry the soul aloft to God Jam. 5.16 it maketh meditation of God and his promises very sweet Psal 104.34 so that to him that beleeveth God's ordinances prove an effectual means to to draw him from sin to turn him from every evil way to bring him home to God to enable him to grow up in all holiness and to walk before the Lord in all well-pleasing this the Apostle intimateth Heb. 4.2 and out of all this it appeareth That everlasting life must need 's bee a fruit of faith Vse This must stir up every man to labor for a lively faith in Christ to rest and rely wholly upon him to get assured interest in him it is not favor with men places of eminency in the world abundance of riches nor any of these external endowments can make a man's daies everlasting this is a fruit growing upon none of the trees in this garden this is a stream flowing from none of these muddy fountains a treasure to bee found in none of these store-houses it is not the valor of the strong the wisedom of the politick the act of the learned the honor of the mighty the pleasures of the wanton the wealth and great abundance of the rich can make their estate everlasting Psal 33.16 17. Psal 49.6 7 8 9. The high cedars are cast down as well as the little shrubs the flowers are plucked as well as the common grass it is onely a lively faith will bring us to everlasting life Therefore use all means to bee made partakers of it with the wise Merchant sell all to buy this pearl Mat. 13. cast away all your sins that you enjoy this gift with the disciples leave the world that you may win Christ Mat. 4.22 with Paul esteem all but dung and dross that you may bee found in Christ cloathed with that righteousness which is by faith Phil. 3.8 9. wait with all diligence at the post of God's house let the Word bee as your dayly food as your guid and counseller let it sink into your souls let it work upon your hearts let it dwell and rule within you that so you at length have the fruition of this faith pray for it desire it long after it as earnestly as ever Rachel or Anna did for children Gen. 30. 1 Sam. 1. go to God in his house in thy family in thy closet morning evening at noon-day at mid-night and beg for a lively faith say unto the Lord Thou art undone thou art but a dead man if God give not this faith unto thee say that all riches pleasures worldly endowments are but hay and stubble as long as this is absent Oh! think of this go about this as about a matter of most need of greatest importance of chiefest use of sweetest consolation and as Naomi said to Ruth of Boaz Ruth 3.18 so take thou no rest till thou hast finished this thing till thou hast by a lively faith joyned thy self in wedlock with the Lord Jesus make a covenant with thy soul in this as David did in another case Psal 132.4 and when you feel your hearts beginning affectionately to lean upon and cleave unto the Lord Jesus pray with the men in the Gospel Mar. 9.24 you shall never have just cause to repent of your labor in this behalf nothing can bring you so nigh to God as a lively faith nothing can give you such access to God nothing can inable you so to prevail with God and to gain so many good things from the hands of God nothing can stand you in such stead and afford you so much comfort the owner of this will not give it for the rich man's gold the noble man's honor the King's renown and the time will come wherein such as now want would give ten thousand worlds if they had them to bee partakers of it therefore while God giveth time and means seek it 2. This serveth for the singular comfort of all true believers if they have nothing but their faith their condition is infinitely more happy than the worlds choicest darling as Prov. 7.1 so the poorest condition of life with patience faith is better than a stalled oxe with unbelief this will supply all wants as the presence of the sun supplieth the want of all lights as David said of Goliah's sword 1 Sam. 21.9 so I may say of a lively faith there is none like that neither riches honors nor pleasures for this maketh both our persons and actions acceptable to God which no worldly furniture can do this in corporateth us into Christ this giveth us the fruition of all the good things which are in Christ this distinguisheth us from all God's enemies bringeth us within God's Covenant breedeth many sweet and glorious relations betwixt God and us and at last bringeth us to peace and everlasting happiness The gain of faith thus unfolded the comforts thereof thus opened and proposed the danger and dammage arising from unbelief presenteth it self in the next place to bee considered which wee shall find to bee a root bearing as many uncomfortable branches loaden with as many sower grapes as the other with sweet a spring as full of bitter as the other of pleasant water for hee that believeth not shall not see life hee that believeth not whose soul cleaveth not unto whose heart resteth not upon the Lord Jesus who buildeth not upon him as on a sure foundation who cometh not to him as to the fountain of living water who getteth not assured interest in him who joyneth not himself in wedlock to him who becometh not to him as the wife to the husband in subjection in affection in use in dependance and in intire union hee that believeth not shall not see life shall not enjoy no nor have the least apprehension or comfortable feeling of the felicity peace glory and fulness of all goodness which true believers shall enjoy in the heavens but the wrath of God diseases uncomeliness shame sorrow torment all manner of misery all kinde of calamity all the testimonies of God's displeasure abideth on him abideth not cometh for wee are born the children of wrath Ephes 2.3 and so continue thorough unbelief therefore this wrath abideth it will not wear with time like a garment it will not overflow the body and soul for an hundred and fifty dayes as the Deluge of old did overflow the earth and then abode Genes 7.24
gooness shall bee to them as a sealed letter which they shall never read as a light under a bushel which they shall never see Deut. 1.35 yea this shall bee the least part of their misery to bee exiles from God's face shut as strangers out of God's kingdom this is a loss infinitely surpassing the loss of the whole world yet this is little to the damage of unbelief for besides this the wrath of God abideth on them From whence learn Doctr. That unchangeable miseries and torments are the portion of all unbelievers hee that had not a wedding garment was not onely excluded the feast but also cast into utter darkness Matth. 22.12 the servant which made no use of his talent had not only his talent took from him but hee was besides cast out where was weeping and gnashing of teeth Matth. 25.29 God doth not only punish unbelievers with a deprivation of all good but also with an imposition of all evil hee doth not only leave them as chaff and tares without the door but hee also burneth them with unquenchable fire Mat. 3.12 Mat. 13.40 John 15.6 Therefore the Apostle saith that all that believe not the truth shall be damned 1 Thes 2.12 the sentence of condemnation and destruction shall be executed upon them they shall not onely be excluded from drinking of the cup of Gods mercy but they shall also be constrained to drink up the dregs of the cup of Gods indignation and fury and the sentence at the last day will not bee onely from Gods gracious presence but to everlasting burnings 2 Thes 1.8 9. this was the judgment befalling the portion given to unbelievers of old Jude 5. and for this there is great reason Reas 1. Because it robbeth God of his glory taketh from him the praise of his truth goodness power mercy and constancy which in effect is to make him no God at all but an idol Psal 78.41 2. Because it is a great reproach to God it maketh God a liar which is an intolerable injury 1 John 5.10 there is nothing more essential nor more dear to God than his truth he that believeth not what God hath spoken esteemeth of God but as of a vaine and light man 3. Because it breedeth a base contempt of all the good things which God hath promised to us it judgeth them to be but an empty vessel a painted fire a withered tree Psal 106.24 25 26. 4. Because hereby men do continue live and die in their sins unbelief like a girdle bindeth on sin as a suit of apparel how much soever it be shaken and weakened yet infidelity will be to it as bands of brasse and iron to the roots of that tree Dan. 4.15 there is neither removal nor remission while we live in unbeliefe John 8.24 Job 20.11 and this is that whereof the Spirit of God by the mouth of his Ministers doth now convince the world the obstinate the refractory John 16.8 9. 1. That they sin in not believing imbracing and entertaining Christ 2. Of righteousnesse that whereas they condemned him of guilty they are now convinced of his innocency 3. Whereas they run on in sin as if there were no day of judgement yet they are convinced in their consciences that Christ whom they despised shall be the Judge 5. Because unbelief is the mother of all evil hence it is that we run into all manner of sin even because we believe not his word 6. Because unbelief doth violate the whole doctrine of the Gospel whereas other sins are committed onely against some part or parcel of the Word of God but this maketh the whole Gospel of God to be of none effect Vse This therefore setteth before us what a dangerous and fearful thing it is to live in unbelief such are every moment under the wrath of God exposed to everlasting destruction every hour no assurance of freedome from everlasting burnings no not for a moneth without refuge without stay without comfort if God once begin to set himself against them they are like a ship in the stormy sea without anchor like a tree in the midst of a violent winde without roots there is no safety no deliverance no salvation Rom. 2.8 Rev. 21.8 2 Therefore let us all beware of an unbelieving heart if this be removed no other sin shall destroy us if this sway in our souls there is no entrance into Gods Kingdome therefore take heed let not this weed grow in the garden of your hearts let not this disease raigne in your souls let not this viper finde any resting place in your bosomes this will disable the Ministry of the Gospel to work upon us it will make it as physick to a dead man as musick to a deaf man it will work no change no repentance no reconciliation no life of godlinesse it will do little or nothing with us Mark 6.5 it will disable us to overcome any sin to withstand any corruption it will give every base lust liberty to rule over us Mark 9.18 19. it will spoil us of the comforts which the word affordeth make us fear when we should rejoyce make us goe empty from the word of God when we might depart replenished with sweet refreshment Luke 24.25 it will make us like Pharaoh's lean kine notwithstanding the fat which they eat Gen. 41. notwithstanding all the means which God useth yet we shall be poor in knowledge in love in peace in joy for it is faith maketh rich in'grace this fetcheth plenteously out of the store-house James 2.5 it will make us weary of the wayes of God it will open our ears to hearken to any seducing allurement Heb. 3.12 it will give God occasion to withdraw the meanes of salvation from us Acts 19.9 to leave us to our selves to give us over to vile affections and therefore strive against it as against a most mortal enemy labour to be healed of it as of a most dangerous disease keep from it as from a swallowing gulf a killing arrow an intangling snare and strive by a lively faith to draw nearer to God to build more strongly upon God to taste more sweetness in the promises of God to finde more delight in your communion with God and rest and peace everlasting in the heaven that not the wrath but the love of God may abide upon you for ever FINIS Jesus Christ compared to the Sun Christ baptized by Iohn on the 10th year of his age Christ calling of Disciples The first maracle Christ wrought In the Conexion of the words Christ care and practise to win Souls 1. Christ journey 2. Attendants 3. Commoration 4. Worke. Christ baptized none Christ constant endeavour Doct. Heb. 4.12 2 Cor. 10.4.5 1 Sam. 5.4.5 Mat. 11.29 1 Cor. 11.2 2 Cor. 5.18 August haeres 46 cont Maniches Partly from Iudaisme Partly from blind zeale Partly the abuse of the Churchs practise Vse See Perkines 1 volume Page 74. In former times men of age were baptized There countrey was hot Few of ripe years