a teacher of babes which has the form of knowledge and of the truth in the Law Thou therefore that teachest another teachest thou not thy self thou that preachest a man should not steal dost thou steal thou that sayest a man should not commit adultery dost thou commit adultery thou that abhorrest Idols dost thou commit Sacriledge thou that makest thy boast of the Law through breaking the Law dishonorest thou Gods for the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you as it is written Let us take heed we be not such lights or such vain boasters and talkers of light and truth and of the Gospel of Christ but yeild we up our selves to the grace of God and its teachings and walk we in the spirit in all goodness righteousness and truth and so let us endeavour where God hath given any furniture and fitness for it according to what God hath given us to seek and promote the good of others With both these forementioned particulars adding and joyning earnest and faithful and fervent prayers and supplications to God that He would be merciful to us and bless us and make his face â—…o shine upon us that so his way may be known upon earth and his saving health among all Nations c. Psal 67.1 2. as knowing that all our success in all our work and service for him and endeavours with men depends upon his grace and blessing without which they that labour to build the house of God convert souls to Righteousness will be â—…ut labor in vain Ps 127.1 Thus we find Christ â—…ur Lord rising early and going apart to pray â—…o God before he went to teach the people Mark 1.35 38. and so let us endeavour to â—…o make others wise and to turn many to â—…ighteousness considering also that it is â—…ere farther implyed and that this may serve Vse 4. 2. To inform us That this the â—…nd of Gods giving the knowledge of himself and grace in Christ to us with any gifts more or less for usefulness that we should live to him therein and seek his honor glory and interest in endeavouring the good of others not living to our selves or minding our own thing only no not only the good of our own souls much less inferior worldly advantages but that we should look upon others and seek their good also No saying to our brethren as Cain to Abelâ—… Am I my Brothers keeper but letting the samâ—… mind be in us that was in Christ Jesus whâ—… being in the form of God and thinking it no robbery to be equal with him yet so looked up on our needs and miseries as to abase and empty himself and take upon himself the form of a servant and the fashion of a man yea and therein also to humble himself and become oâ—… bedient to the death the death of the Crosâ—… that he might ransome and redeem us from the death and judgment that was upon us and become our Saviour that He might lifâ—… the poor out of the dust and take the needy from the dunghil and set them upon the Throne with Princes even the Princes of his people Phil. 2.5 6 7 8. Psal 113.6 7 8. especially those that are stronger and more gifted And moâ—â— especially yet if also called to Office and Ministry among others ought to bear the infirmities of the weak and look after that thaâ—… is lost not pleasing themselves but every one seek his Neighbours good and how to please him for his edification and salvation seeking first the Kingdom of God and his Righteousness both that they may be more and more subject to his Kingdom and Government and filled with the fruits and benefits of it and to that purpose with his righteousness without which there is no inheriting his his Kingdom As also to promote his Kingdom enlarge his Church bring in more souls and souls more and more into it And to that purpose shew forth and seek the manifestations and discoveries of his righteousness both in word and conversation as is before noted Not first to seek our selves no not necessaries for our life food and raiment much less great matters in this world honors and preferments riches pleasures and the like Rom. 15.1 2 3. Mat. 6.22.23 Luke 12.30 31 32. Yea they that have but one Talent we may see it 's Gods mind and Christs that they trade for him with it in seeking to bring an increase to him that 's evidently declared to be his mind in the judgment awarded upon him that neglected to improve his one Talent And that it is pleasing to God that we endeavour the good of others and their salvation with our own is in this also plainly made manifest in that they that instruct and make wise others and turn many to righteousness shall receive such honor at the hands of God as to shine as the brightness of the firmament and as the stars for ever and ever Yea this also may serve Vse 5.3 To inform us what is the right use and improvement that we should make of those advantages and means of grace that God affords us in sending wise men and prophets and holy men among us who instruct us and hold forth the light of the knowledge of God and of his ways among us in word or conversation or both As also when his grace therein is received effectually to purpose and not in vain by us Viz. That that is the end of God in such vouchsafements to us and the use and improvement which we are to make thereof that we be made wise and righteous thereby And so far is the grace of God received to purpose by us as it hath that effect in us and we become thereby wise and righteous are turned from our iniquities and brought into and made partakers of the divine nature and virtues of Christ Jesus Therefore we are not to rest content that we have Gods servants words and ordinances with and among us or that we get by them some light into our understandings so far as to fill us with notions of truth and to make us able to talk and make profession of it There is great difference between such a knowing as may but puff us up and make us proud and true wisdome and righteousness the more we have of opportunities and means of knowledg yea and the more knowledg we get thereby of what is good and true and what is Gods will concerning us and the more profession we make thereof the more or greater fools are we if we be not brought into subjection to Christ and his gracious government thereby and if we be not made just and righteous therethrough Yea the more unrighteous are we towards God and men and our own souls if having more of such means and knowledg we are not yet therethrough brought into subjection and obedience to Christ so as to love Him above all and denying our selves with all ungodliness and worldly lusts to â—…ive soberly righteously and godly and â—…o
the word themselves and are doers of the truth they teach to others for it is not every one that saith Lord Lord that is the wise man for many shall say in that day to Christ Lord Lord have we not Prophesied in thy name and in thy name cast out Devils and in thy name done many wonderful works to whom He shall say Depart from me ye that work iniquity Therefore our Saviour likens him that hears his sayings and doth them to a wise man that built his house upon a rock and when the rain descended and the floods came and the winds blew and beat upon that house it fell not because it was founded upon 〈◊〉 Rock Whereas the hearer of them and thâ—… not doer the prating fool that receives not commandments to obey and do them is like a foolish man that built his house without a foundation or upon the sands and the rain descended and the floods came and the winds blew and beat upon that house and it fell and so the prating fool shall fall and great the fall of it Matt. 7 21-27 Prov. 10.8 But he that heareth himself speaketh constantly Prov. 21.28 And indeed this instruction may be signified in the diversity of construction of this word rendred wise and Teachers viz. That they that would be or are Teachers of others should be wise themselves i.e. Men of understanding fearers of God none others being wise in the Scripture language thence the righteous are opposed to fools Prover 14.9 Art thou a master in Israel saith our Saviour to Nicodemus knowest not these things John 3.10 implying that Masters or Teachers in Israel should not be strangers to the matters of regeneration whereof he had been there speaking Verily verily I say unto thee We namely Christ and his faithful servants speak what we know and testifie what we have seen ver 11. It is noted of our Saviour that He did and taught Act. 1.1 and so he would have others also do Whosoever saith He shall do and teach the same shall be called great in the Kingdom of Heaven Matth. 5.19 such are the subject of Gods promises here the truly wise for the foolish though prating fools shall not stand in Gods sight He hates as to fellowship wâ—…th him or as to admission of them to nighness to him all the workers of iniquity Psal 5.5 But the wise shall inherit glory Prov. 3.35 which is the summe and substance of what is here asserted when he saith They that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the Firmament and that is 2. The Second thing in or part of the Proposition that that makes it up a full Proposition or Observation and therein we come to enquire what is imported in its being said They shall shine as the brightness of the Firmament Wherein I shall here only speak of its general import leaving the Metaphorical resemblance till afterward and so it 's to be noted that he saith not they do shine but in the future they shall which future may either refer to all the time of Michael's standing up as it may signifie the whole day of Christs manifestation and of the Gospel preaching him according to the revelation of the mystery and so indeed as our Saviour himself was the light of the world while a Preacher in it Joh. 9.5 So he calls John Baptist a burning and a shining light John 5.35 and his Disciples the light of the world Matth. 5.14 and the Angels of the seven Churches are called seven Stars Rev. 1.20 and both He and the Apostle would have the believers of his Doctrine and the Preachers thereof to shine as lights unto others holding forth the word of life Matt. 5.16 Phil. 1.1 with 2.16 or else it rather refers to the time to come When Christ shall be revealed from Heaven and come with all his Saints and they that here believed on him and served him and suffered with him shall appear with him in glory 1 Thes 3.13 Coll. 3.4 the time of the resurrection mentioned in the vers before or of the end of the world and this appears more properly to be the time spoken of because of what we find from our Saviour to that purpose in the Parable of the Wheat and Tares where our Saviour saith that in the end of the world the Son of man shall send forth his Angels and they shall gather out of his Kingdome all seandals or things that offend and them that do iniquity and shall cast them into a furnace of fire where shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth and adds Then at that time shall the righteous the truly wise shine forth as the Sun in the Kingdome of their Father He that hath ears to hear let him hear Mat. 13.40 41 42 43. Indeed here and now in this world and time though they be and shine as lights yet they are beclouded and obscured very much with reproaches put to shame and ignominy among men and that by the greatest persons of and such are in most repute for wisdome and learning with them and have a great lustre and splendour therethrough in the earth even as our Lord himself the bright and morning Star and the Sun of righteousness was vilified and set at naught by the Master builders the chief Priests Scribes and Pharisees and Rulers of the people they that thought themselves righteous and very wise and were reputed the most eminent and religious persons among others men of the straitest Sect of Religion that had a great deal of zeal and devotion a great appearance of piety and religion and whom the eyes of men were therefore generally upon as appears by that saying John 7.48 Have any of the Rulers or of the Pharisees believed on him These covered him over with reproaches calling him a Wine-bibber and a gluttonous man a friend of Publicans and Sinners Matthew 11.19 A Samaritan and one that had a Devil Joh. 8.48 One that deceived the people John 7.12 that He cast out Devils by Beelzebub the Prince of Devils Mat. 12.24 yea that he was Beel zebub himself Matt. 10.25 as if he had been a Devil incarnate instead of God manifested in the flesh a Blasphemer Joh. 10.33 36. Matt. 26.65 a Teacher of sedition and an enemy to Cesar Luke 23.2 John 19.12 and as He foretold that it should be with his Followers that they should be reproached and have their names cast out as evil doers so it befell and befalls them also and that too from men appearingly pious and religious that make a great shew and flourish in the flesh and would be esteemed the only Masters in Religion the most zealous and Orthodox by such oftimes the truly wise are reputed among the foolish and the followers of Christ numbred as He was with the transgressors suspected and accused of error or heresie false doctrine or bad living because not consenting with their Rabbiships in all their Dogma's or not conforming to them in all their scrupulosities or
Lord call upon or proclaim his Name make known not yours but His deeds among the people Sing unto him Sing Psalms unto him Talk ye all of his wondrous works Glory ye in his holy name And again Sing unto the Lord all ye earth Shew forth from day to day his salvation Declare his gloâ—…y his Son the brightness of his glory among the Heathens his marvellous works among all Nations For great is the Lord and greatly â—…o be praised He also is to be feared above all Gods 1 Chron. 16.8 9 10 23 24 25. Psal 96.1 2 3. 105.1 2 3. And so it was fore-prophecyed One generation shall waise thy works to another and shall declare â—…hy mighty Acts. I will speak of the glorious hoâ—…our of thy Majesty and of thy wondrous works things or words they others â—…hall abundantly utter the memory of thy great goodness and shall sing of thy righteousness The Lord is gracious full of compassion slow â—…o anger and great of mercy The Lord is good 〈◊〉 all and his tender mercy over or upon all â—…is works Psal 145 4-10 And surely Christ â—…eing made to us of God wisdome righteousâ—…ess c. The way to make men wife and righteous is to turn them to him that they may be made in him which though it be the work of God yet it 's a work that he doth by his Law or Doctrine that goeth forth from Sion the preaching of the Gospel Acts 26.18 or confessing his name which He therefore hath made known unto men and put into their hearts that they might thereby be made instruments of converting others to him as he hath also chosen them to put his name upon them and to declare it that the residue of men might thereby be moved and have advantage to seek after God Acts 15.16 17. With Gods Law oâ—… Doctrine then which is perfect converting the soul such as know it and have fitness in any measure for it are to endeavour to convert others to God by Jesus Christ setting him forth to and before all and every man as they have opportunity and capacity as the only righteousness are salvation of God prepared for them aâ—… and every one Luke 2.30 31. Isa 49.6 Rom. 3.21 22. the righteousness of God 〈◊〉 or for all and upon all that believe Anâ—… so declare his mighty works to that purpose tâ—… them which he hath done for all and ever one as the holy Apostle did who tells uâ—… He dyed for all and gave himself a ransom foâ—… all and tasted death by the grace of God for ever very one so as through his one righteousness the free gift is to or for its all men to justification of life that he is the propitiation for our sins even for ours who have him our Advocate to make good our cause with God as He is and doth for all that believe on him but not ours only but also for the whole worlds 2 Cor. 4.44 15. 1 Tim. 2.6 Heb. 2.9 1 John 2.1 2. and this without such Ifs or corrupt additions as are the product of mens ignorance or unbelief of Gods Testimonie and dependance upon one anothers Wisdome seeking honor one of onother or loving the praise of men more than the praise that comes from God only viz. those glosses and additions of all the Elect every one of the believers and the world of the Elect c. Whereas the Scriptures every where distinguish the Elect from the world and do not call them by the name of the world Alas how should men be turned unto righteousness unless they see that there is a perfect righteousness that is worthy to be turned to made ready for them and to be turned to by them a righteousness wherein and wherewith they may be righteous or which comes to the same how shall men be made righteous if not made in Christ or brought in to believe on and submit to him there being no other way to righteousness for them that that is of or after the Law as attained to or attainable by sinful fallen man being rejected of God! And how shall men be made in Christ if they see no excellency and preciousness in him and preparation of him for them if they be borne in hand that God sent him but for here and there one they know not who and they must infallibly be brought in yea they cannot hinder themselves of it and if not so they must perish notwithstanding all endeavours after salvation who that hath and useth the exercise of his reason will look after him upon such motives as that Doctrine contains and not rather take his course till he cannnt choose but come into him as thinking otherwise or till then all his labor will be needless in vain And what abouts are men fain to go courses take they to bring men to righteousness through their not knowing or believing Christ to be the Saviour of the world the Saviour of all men and especially of them that believe while they put them upon the Law and legal humblings and works and opperations preceding the knowledge of Christ and the good foundation laid in him to be as evidences or grounds of conceiving and believing that they are of the Elect for whom only they imagine and say that Christ died and oh what wretched mistakes are those men guilty of and how destitute are they of the truth that durst call the very manifest expressions of the Holy Apostles Errours and Blasphemies But Gods way of holding forth light to men to open their eyes and to turn them from darkness to light and from the power of Sathan to God â—…s to preach Gospel to them to let them know that they being all Sinners against God and lyable to his wrath ungodly and enemies He in the greatness of his mercy to keep them from perdition sent his own and only begotten Son into the world to be their Saviour and that he might be so He delivered him up to Death for their offences that were upon them and raised him again for their justification and hath exalted and glorified him and filled him with all His fulness that they inlistening to and obeying him might be saved and made happy by him To such purpose is that Word of reconciliation put into the Apostles or committed to them 2 Cor. 5.18 19-21 That God was in Christ reconciing the world to himself not imputing their trespasses to them but made him that knew no sin to be sin for us that we might be made the righteousness of God in him wherewith agrees the Doctrine preached by our Saviour to Nicodemus to regenerate him viz. That as Moses lifted up the Serpent in the Wilderness so must the Son of man be lifted up that whosoever believeth on Him might not perish but have eternal life For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son that whosoever believeth on him might not perish but have everlasting life For God sent not his Son into
fuperstitions Such sometimes are accounted Fanaticks Schismaticks Arminians Pelagians and branded with names as hateful as that of Samaritan was to the Jews and Pharisees So as it is not easie to discern who are the lights in truth to be followed or walked with by us in respect whereof partly they are also called Gods hidden ones Psal 83.3 But then at that great day they shall appear for God will bring forth their righoeousness as the light and their judgment as the noon day Psal 37.6 Then Zions righteousness shall go forth as brightness and their salvation as a lamp that burneth And the Gentiles shall see their righteousness and all Kings their glory Isa 62.1 2. Especially such as being indued with wisdome themselves do also improve it for others good so as they make others also wise and righteous as follows For I shall wave the farther enlargement to this and the use to be made of it till I have taken in the second Proposition or Assertion also they both agreeing in the substance of their praedicates or matters asserted and only differing in the manner and way of illustration And so it follows 2. Propos They that turn many to righteousness justifie or make righteous many shall shine as the Stars for ever and ever Wherein are divers things implyed As 1. That men are naturally in and of themselves void of or without righteousness as it is said there is none righteous No not one Either as to the primitive original righteousness in which God made us at first or as to the righteousness of or after the Law for all have sinned and are come short of the glory of God Rom. 3.10 23. yea that men are averse from righteousness out of the way of or towards it their backs upon it as it â—…re as those that are going from it or farther and farther off it So much is implyed in the phrase of turning them to righteousness Which word turning though not formally in the Original Text here yet is found in Luke 1.17 Acts 26.18 and in other places and so the Scripture expresly affirms of all men in their natural unconverted state yea of those also that are under the Law and are seeking and endeavouring after righteousness according to the Law that they are all gone out of the way they are together become unprofitable there is none that doth good no not one Destruction and misery are in all their ways and the way of peace they have not known Rom. 3 12-17.19 2. That there is a righteousness for men to be turned to or a way for those that are not to be made righteous both as righteousness signifies freedom and discharge from the guilt of sin and condemnation by the Law for it and as it signifies a conformity to the mind of God and title and right thence to Gods Blessing and Promises For 1. There is a righteousness wrought and prepared of God for us in both respects in Christ Jesus called therefore the righteousness of God and not our own Phil. 3.8 9. a righteousness without the Law not commanded us in nor to be attained of us by the Law in observing and acting after that for the Law neither required Christ to suffer and die for us nor us to get him to do so but yet is witnessed to by the Law and Prophets even the righteousness of God by faith of Jesus Christ unto or for all 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and upon all that believe A righteousness freely prepared of God in Christ and wrought by Christ for and declared and manifested in the Gospel which is the faith of Christ unto all as that that is free for all and God would have all submit to and come and partake of but comes upon all that believe so as they have benefit of it This is Christ himself in a sort as delivered up for our offences and raised again from the dead for our justification That hath given himself the ransom for all men from that first death and judgment they were fallen under and being raised again is the Propitiation the abiding covering Sacrifice 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 for the sins of the whole world so as there is in him a plentious Redemption a power and sufficiency for the forgiveness of the sins of the whole world a covering plaister and hiding of sins for all the world and this intended on Gods part as a Medicine or Propitiation for the whole world so as that forgiveness of sins is with him therein for them all as in a publick Fountaine or Treasury where they may have it in a due repairing thither for it Yea and during the day of his grace and patience their sins are so far covered as that they are preserved thereby from actually perishing his patience is afforded that they might repent to the end that in coming to him they might receive forgiveness of sins yea and title to Gods Promises and the blessings thereof and be made righteous and conformable to him in themselves such is the virtue in him and so fitted and made meet for their enjoyment And this comes upon all that believe that giving hearty credit to the Gospel are brought in to depend on God in and by Christ yeilding up themselves to him to listen to and be guided and ordered by him so as that they become actually justified therereby both acquitted of all their sins and interested in all Gods Promises by virtue of him who also makes and will make them more and more comformable to Gods mind in all righteous frames and conversation As it is said Be it known unto you that through this man is preached to you the forgiveness of sins That as a thing prepared and made ready in him for all and to be received by men in their being turned from darkness to light and from the power of Satan unto God Acts 26.18 And in him 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 all that believe are justified from all things from which they could not be justified by the Law of Moses Acts 13.38.39 Through his name whosoever believes shall receive remission of sins Acts 10.43 And so being justified by his grace are made heirs according to the hope of eternal life Tit. 3.7 And He will sanctifie and cleanse them by the washing of water in the Word so as to present them to himself a glorious Church not having spot or wrinckle or any such thing but that they may be holy and without blemish Ephes 5.26 27. Thus is Christ the end of the Law for righteousness to every one that believes so as to make them just and righteous in Gods sight Rom. 10.34 1 Cor. 1.30 and thence his name is The Lord our Righteousness Jer. 23.6 This is that righteousness of his which he hath openly declared revealed or shewed in the Gospel In the sight of the Heathen The Salvation prepared before the face of all people Psal 98.2 Luke 2.30 As also 2. There is a righteous frame and disposition of Soul and
the Church History of a woman that was very instrumental in converting a Nation Every man as he hath received the gift of God may minister the same one to another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God 1 Pet. 4.10 though every one may not be an Elder or Officer in or over a Church but such as are chosen orderl thereto doing all things orderly decently and so as in charity and for edification 1 Cor. 14.26 40. and 16.14 He that had but one Talent should have traded with it and put it to use for his Lords advantage and ought not to have wrapt it up in a Napkin or hid it in the earth and for his not doing so he met with that terrible Sentence Thou wicked and slothful servant thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not and gather where I strowed not Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the Exchangers Take therefore the Talent from him and cast ye the unprofitable Servant into utter darkness there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth Matt. 25.26 27 28 30. 5. That where men are faithful in holding forth the word and truth of God and walk thereafter and so to their abilities and capacities are seeking the glory of God and the good of Souls there God is and will be with them and bless them Matâ—… 28.18 19 20. the Difciples going forth and doing and observing what Christ commanded them he promiseth Lo I am with you alwaies to the end of the world So the Lord by the Prophet Jeremy saith If they had stood in my counsel and caused my people to hear my words then they should have turned them from their evil ways and from the evil of their doings Jer. 23.22 The diligent hand here too makes rich Prov. 10.4 while Paul plants and Apollo waters God gives increase 1 Cor. 3.6 7. If men refuse to come to Christ to be converted and gathered to him and to God in and by him whom his servants would gather to him their labour in that case shall not be in vain they shall be accepted of God and reckoned as gatherers of many or turners of them to God because they did faithfully endeavour it even as Abraham in the Scripture is reputed to have offered up his Son Isaac though he was not actually sacrificed or slain God by his Angel interposing because he was really willing and ready to have offered him up and intended it Genes 22. with Heb. 11.17 18. And our Lord Jesus when he complained that He had laboured in vain and spent his strength in vain and for naught because when he would have gathered Israel Israel would not be or were not gathered comforts himself in this that his judgment was with the Lord and his work or reward with his God Isa 49.4 That is God would judge him and reward him according to his faithfulness and heartie endeavour after others good as fully as if they had received the good he desired Thence he adds that though Israel be not gathered yet should he be glorious in the eyes of the Lord and his God would be his strength Yea and make him successful to others not only to raise up the Tribes of Jacob and to restore the preserved or desolations of Israel but also to be a light to the Gentiles and to be his Salvation to the ends of the earth verse 5 6. And truly that we may also note that often times when the labor of his servants prove unsuccessful with some he directs them to others with whom they find success as in the Parables of the marriage Dinner and of the great Supper when the labor of the servants in calling the forebidden Guests proved unsuccessful they setting light by the Feast and making excuses why they would not or could not come they were ordered to others to call and bring them in with whom their endeavours took such place that the Feast house was filled with Guests Mat. 22.1 2-9 10. Luke 14.16 17-23 And when the Apostle Paul labouring with the Jews to convince and turn them in to God found them unbelieving and obstinate God sent him to the Gentiles that would hear and many of them were converted by him Acts 13.46 47 48 and 28 25-28 Yea many in many places were brought in by his and his fellow lobourors Ministry as appears in many chapters of the book of the Acts. God often going forth with his Servants so as to prevaile upon peoples hearts So he went forth with Peter and the Apostles at Jerusalem so as many thousands were converted by them Acts 2.41 47. 4.4 5.14 21.20 Yea and with those that were not Apostles and for ought we find mentioned of them no ordained persons by any humane ordination Those that were scattered abroad by reason of the persecution that arose about Stephen went and Preached the word every where and the hand of the Lord was with them so as a great number believed and turned to the Lord. Acts 8.1 4. 11.19 20 21. So doth God own and accompany the faithful diligent endeavours of his Servants He that received five Talents and traded diligently with them and he that received but two did likewise both of them were so blessed of God in their trading as to double their stock that so no man might be discouraged from diligence by the less measure of his received furniture or gifts Yea and doubtless had he that had but one Talent traded with it and been faithful and diligent to improve it he should have been so blessed therein as to have brought in an acceptable increase perhaps two or three more Mat. 25.16 17. 6. That where men in their faithful and diligent improvement of their Talents are made instruments of converting men Ministers by whom they believe as God gives to any or every one 1 Cor. 3.5 there he attributes the event and the effect to them though but instruments as if they were the Authors and Producers thereof So here they that instruct many and are succeeded with their conversion are said to turn many to righteousness or to make many righteous though the power was of God and not of them and the praise to be given to him without whose power and blessing they had done nothing much less effected any good by their doing So the effect is sometimes attributed to the Instrumental cause sometimes to the Principal As the Axe is said to hew or cut down a Tree though of it self it can perform no action but the man that useth it may more properly be said to hew or cut down with or by it Thus our Saviour oftimes ascribed his cures to the faith of the persons cured because therethrough they received the benefit which they that believed not could not receive not coming to him for it or being judged unworthy of it Mat. 9.22 Mark 5.34 10.52 Luke 7.50 8.48 17.19 18.42 with Mat. 13.58 Mark 6.5 6. And so the Apostle saith to Timothy
merchandise whereof is better than the merchaudise of Silver and the gain whereof is better than fine Gold that is more precious than Rubies and so excellent that all the things that a man can desire are not to be compared to her In her right hand is length of days and in her left hand riches and honour her ways are ways of pleasantness and all her paths peace She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her happy is every one that retaineth her Prov. 3.13 14 15 16 17 18. For they that be wise with this wisdome shall shine as the brightness of the Firmament for ever and eveâ—… Other wisdome worldly and humane literature may make a man shine for a time nay sometime through many ages likâ—… some candles and torches that have the thieves as they call them in them the strong sents and stinking smoakes belonging to them as in the heathen Poets and Philosophers and divers Heathen-Christian may be seen But it s this heavenly wisdoâ—… only that will advance a man on high aâ—… make him shine most purely brightly aâ—… above the reach of envy and for ever 〈◊〉 the world to come And therefore the wise having such happiness entail'd upon them as may render it evident and easie to be believed that Wisdome is the principal thing Proverbs 4.7 It may in the next place Vse 2. Exhort us all to get wisdome get understanding yea above all things with all gettings to get this understanding that we may be made of the number and company of these wise men who shall obtain such excellent glory such a happy portion And surely it s not a thing impossible to get this wisdome for then the Holy Ghost would not exhort us to go about it let there be but an earnest and hearty endeavour after it according to Gods directions given us thereabout and God that is ready to give it yea that gives liberally to all and upbraids not will give it to us James 1.5 Labour we then for that meat that endureth to everlasting life which the Son of man will give unto us so labouring for it for him hath God even the Father sealed John 6.27 Fools and Scorners and all are called to it to look after it and promise is made of God that â—…n obeying his Calls and Counsels thereabout they shall have it given them To â—…hat end that we might have it did God â—…end his only begotten Son his Word and Wisdome both to take out of the way that which hindered its communication to us and having done that to be the author and giver of it and to that end hath he put his Spirit upon him that he might bring forth judgment to us though barbarous and brutish Gentiles naturally and thereby make us wise to Salvation and He that spared not his own Son but delivered Him up for us all how shall he not with Him freely give us all things and so this wisdome also Rom. 8.32 Yea and Christ came forth from God to that purpose to set on foot the preaching of that word wherethrough that heavenly wisdome may be obtained and being ascended up on high and having received of the Father the promise of the Spirit even the spirit of Wisdome and Vnderstanding the spirit of Counselâ—… and Might the spirit of Knowledg and of the fear of the Lord. He hath given forth this Spirit also and thereby made known the heavenly word wherethrough this excellent wisdome is conveighed and may be received and all that we may be made wise so that it is not to be despaired of no not by the most simple and foolish but hopefully and believingly to be sought for and endeavoured after by us In and for worldly matters and earthy advantages men may possibly weary themselves in the very fires for nought and labour in vain and to no purpose but looking after this we shall neither labour in vain for God hath not said to the House of Jacob seek ye me in vain He the Lord speaks righteousness and declares things that are right and He hath said Ask and ye shall receive Seek and ye shall find Knock and it shall be opened unto you with reference to this Heavenly commodity For every one that asketh receiveth and he that seeks finds and to him that knocketh it shall be opened Isai 45.14 Mat. 7.7 8. Nor being obtained shall we ever repent the labour and diligence we use for getting it it is of that infinite price worth and benefit as the Honey is good and the Honey-comb is sweet to the taste so shall the knowledg of Wisdome be unto thy Soul when thou hast found it then there shall be a reward and thine expectation shall not be cut off Prov. 24.13 14. Yea Man knoweth not the price thereof it cannot be valued with the Gold of Ophir the precious Onyx or the Saphire the Gold and Christal cannot equal it and the exchange of it shall not be for Jewels or vessels of fine Gold no mention shall be made of Coral or of Pearl for the price of Wisdome is above Rubies The Topaz of Ethiopia cannot equal it neither shall it be valued with the â—…ure Gold Job 28.13 15 16 17 18 19. Quest But as there follows where shall this Wisdome be found and where is the place of Vnderstanding How shall we come by it or what shall we do to obtain it Answ I might say while it is yet a day of Grace as the wise Virgins said unto the foolish Go ye to them that sell and buy for yourselves Matt. 25.9 1. Go to them that sell that is to Jesus Chriâ—… and to God in Christ and to his Holy Spirit in and among his people oâ—… Church his house or Temple for Wisdome hath built her house and hewed out her seven Pillars and there she hath killed her Sacrifice mingled her Wine and furnished her Table and she sends out her maids or servants with whom she and her spirit also go forth to caâ—… persons in thither and she saith to the simpâ—… turn in hither and to them that have no understanding Come eat of my bread and drink 〈◊〉 the wine that I have mingled Prov. 9 1-5 6. Ho every one that thirsteth come ye to the waters and he that hath no money c. Isa 55. 〈◊〉 and Blessed is he that heareth her words watâ—…ing at her gates and waiting at the posts of â—…doors for whoso finds her finds life and 〈◊〉 obtain favour of the Lord Prov. 8.33 34 3â—… But take heed of other posts Go not to â—…thel nor enter into Gilgal c. Amos 5. 〈◊〉 Seek by the faith and in the Doctrine aâ—… Ordinances of the Lord Jesus Christ aâ—… not as it were by the works of the Law or by other mens precepts or devises Rom. 9.31 32. Isai 29.13 Matt. 15.8 9. Quest But how shall we know which is Gods house his Church and beloved People For many lay claim to that name and titly The Church of
made savoury to others Letting no corrupt communication come out of our mouths but such as is good to the use of edifying that it may minister grace to the hearers Ephes 4.29 which in another Epistle is Let your speech be alway with grace seasoned with salt with the fear of God and so what is of a cleansing nature reproving the false hopes confidences and carriages of the world or of such as do amiss among our brethren that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man Coll. 4.6 for evil communications corrupt good manners 1 Cor. 15.33 but a wholesome tongue is a tree ofâ—…life that brings forth what 's food for those that are whole and sound and leaves that will heaâ—… the Nations or Gentiles that are disceased Prov. 15.4 Ezech. 47.12 Rev. 22.2 Buâ—… for this let the Reader view if he have it the Treatise of our deceased Brother upoâ—… this subject 2. Let our Light so shine before men thâ—… they may see our good works and glorify our Fâ—…ther which is in Heaven For the Disciple of Christ are also the Light of the world anâ—… this light of God and Christ whereby the are made lights is put into them that bâ—…ing made lights by is they might not bâ—… put or put their light under a bushel but 〈◊〉 a candlestick so exercising and holding 〈◊〉 forth that it may give light to all that come iâ—… the house Matt. 5.15 16. And this light they may and ought to their abilities to let shine two ways or in a twofold letting it out viz. 1. In word in holding forth the word of Life so the Apostle exhorts and directs the Philippians with their Bishops and Deacons and not only though principally the Bishops and Deacons are concerned therein Philip. 1.1 and 2.15 16. Shine ye saith he as lights in the world Holding forth the word of life that 's the way as if he should say in which ye are to and may shine as lights not that every Believer is fitted to be a publick Preacher in some Congregation but what they believe in and with their hearts unto righteousness they may and ought also to confess with their mouth unto Salvation as they have opportunity and ability thereunto And such as are gifted with profitable gifts of wisdom knowledge and understanding may and ought soberly and orderly to exercise them too for the good of others For all that have the gift May propheâ—…yone by one that all may learn and all may be comforted Rom. 10.10 1 Cor. 14.31 1 Pet. 4.10 and all that hear as we noted before may nay are commissionated to say come Rev. 22.17 and may shew forth the virtues and praises of him that hath called them out of darkness into his marvellous light being a chosen Generation a royal Priesthood an holy Nation a peculiar People or purchased to that purpose 1 Pet. 2.9 But here is to be minded that if we would do good to others make them wise and turn them to righteousness we must hold forth the Word of life and shew forth the virtues and praises of the Lord. Confess with our mouth the word of faith believed in the heart to righteousness not do as foolish people the workers of iniquity who all boast themselves or as the word signifies speak of or forth themselves Psal 94.4 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 all the workers of iniquity speak themselves talk of their own righteousness paoclaim every man his own goodness Prov. 20.6 which they that do are there opposed to the faithful friend to God Christ or the souls of men which He saith Who shall find as implying that they are not found amongst the self-proclaimers that preach themselves and not Jesus the Lord as the Apostles did 2 Cor. 4.5 and cry up themselves The Church the Church the persons to be adored believed depended on as it is said of the corrupt Israel that made mention of the God of Israel not in truth nor in righteousness they call themselves of the Holy City Isa 48.1 2 call themselves the or of the Holy Catholick Church and tell stories to men of their Perfection religiousness attainments like the Whore that saith I sit a Queen and I shall be a Lady for ever Isa 47.7 Rev. 18.7 No the way to turn many to righteousness and make them truly wise is to shew forth Gods praises to make mention of his loving kindness to do as he who said My mouth shall shew forth thy rightheousnes and thy salvation all the day for I know not its numbers I will go in the strength â—…f the Lord God and I will make mention of â—…hy righteousness of thine only not of mine and thine together Psal 71.15 16. That is Preach confess and make mention of the Gospel of Christ which is the power of God to â—…alvation to every one that believeth for thereâ—…n is the righteousness of God revealed from â—…aith to faith as it is written the just shall â—…ve by faith Rom. 1.16 17. and this accorâ—…ing both to the appointment of the Lord of â—…ld who established a testimony in Jacob and â—…pointed a law in Israel in which he commandâ—…d the Fathers to shâ—…w to their Children the â—…eneration to come the praises of the Lord his â—…rength and the wonderful works that he hath â—…ne to the end that they might set their hope 〈◊〉 God and not forget his works and not be as â—…eir Fathers a stubborn and rebellious geneâ—…tion Psal 78.4 5 7 8. and to his own practise too who having done marvellouâ—… things his own right hand and his holy arm having gotten himself the victory in his greatâ—… combate with and against Sathan and all the principalities and powers of darkness He hath made known his salvation his resurrection from the dead and the salvation therethrough obtained for us and his Gospel which is the salvation of God that the Gentile heard Acts 28 28. his righteousness not ours but as he is ours the Lorâ—… our Righteousness Jer 23.6 hath he openâ—… shewed or revealed Rom. 3.22 in thâ—… sight of the Heathen not preaching something first to make them Jews Proselites Converts to God then when they ceaseâ—… to be heathen shew them his righteousness as the false Apostles way was And this hâ—… commanded to his Disciples and Apostlâ—… after him to do not to go preach the law 〈◊〉 works but go preach the Gospel to every creâ—…ture or in the whole Creation Mark 16 1â—… preaching repentance and forgiveness of sâ—… not in Moses but in his Name in opeâ—…ning his name and so upon account of whâ—… He hath done and is become for men aâ—… in his Authority and Power requiring it aâ—… that among all Nations beginning at Jerusâ—…lem the People and City that had mâ—… deeply sinned dying their hands in blood the Prophets and just men yea and of the Lord himself Luke 29.46 47. And so the spirit of Prophecy instructed and required of men in the days past saying Give thanks unto the
shall work to their advantage also And while men make it doubtful in their Preaching whether Christ be a Saviour for them or hath died for them or not what do they but hinder them from seeing all those strong engagements to believe on him and submit to him which that persuasion as the Scripture holds it forth engages them with It is true such Preachers and Professors often say If Christ died for â—…ll men then men may live as they list for they that Christ died for must be saved and cannot perish but this saying of theirs is â—…oubly vicious For 1. If Christs dying for men and mens being persuaded of it be a ground of licentiousness then men should do ill to be persuaded that Christ died for them or that they are of the Elect for by their own reasoning Such as are elected or judg themselves so may live licentiously and as they list yea are in great danger so to do though they may do it without danger seeing without doubt Christ died for them But 2. That 's a falshood that all must be saved from the second Death for whom Christ died and that 's the death we are now to seek to be saved from and the being saved from which men mean of wheâ—… they talk of being saved The Apostle signifie the contrary Rom. 14.15 2 Pet. 2. 〈◊〉 1 Cor. 8.11 Heb. 10 26-29 Yea and diâ—… they know and mind what the Apostle Judâ—… implies in that saying that he put the Believers in remembrance though they once knew 〈◊〉 how that the Lord having saved the people 〈◊〉 of Egypt afterward destroyed them that 〈◊〉 lieved not Jude 5. they would judg otherwise for though all that Christ died 〈◊〉 that is all men are and shall be saved 〈◊〉 of that first Death and Judgment in whiâ—â— Christ found all involved yet such as 〈◊〉 fuse to hearken to and follow him callâ—… them and offering to conduct them to 〈◊〉 promised inheritance and to cleanse 〈◊〉 prepare them for that He might bring theâ—… to his Heavenly Kingdom they shall be destroyed by Him in the Second Death even as those that were saved out of Egypt and afterward believed not on him that having saved them called them and went before them to lead and bring them to Canaan perished in the Wilderness And both what Christ hath done for them in love to them in dying for them and purchasing them into his own dispose and Lordship from under the jurisdiction of Sathan from his having right and power to dispose of them and in his therethrough becoming â—…eir Saviour to save them from the second â—…eath and bring them to happiness as â—…so the possibility and danger of perishing â—â—y the certainty of it yet except they â—â—ne to believe on and follow after Christ they be known and believed will strongly â—…gage and oblige men to submit to and â—…lieve on him which obligations by the rementioned doctrines are taken away 〈◊〉 men Yea seeing He died for all that 〈◊〉 that live might thenceforth live to him 〈◊〉 Cor. 5.15 What do men by denying his â—…ath to have been for all men but lay a â—…ndation for men to deny to live to Him that they have cause so to do till they can persuaded that he died for them But â—…all not insist further upon the harmfulness of that Antisciptural and Antiapostolicaâ—… doctrine which I hope all sober men begiâ—… to be ashamed of only some hot violenâ—… persons who too much like the Scribes anâ—… Pharisees challenge all right judgement 〈◊〉 themselves and compass Sea and Land 〈◊〉 make Proselites but so as not to bring theâ—… indeed to Christ for righteousness but rathâ—… to a righteousness before Christ that the might with or by that come to Christ in 〈◊〉 way of their conceiving are too much guilâ—… of retaining such principles and speak 〈◊〉 proachfully of what is expressed in the Gâ—…spel sayings as if they contained blasphâ—… my or gross errour in them For who cause I am thus large and insist thus muâ—… upon it and for them that are in danger be harmed by them But there be men 〈◊〉 divers other bad principles also that hind or pervert men from righteousness Suâ—… as either deny the Person of Christ or 〈◊〉 Satisfactoriness of his Death and Suffering or the Resurrection of his personal Bodâ—… and its Ascension into Heaven or the woâ—… of his Mediation there or his return agâ—… inglory Personally from thence to juâ—… the quick and dead or the Resurrection Men in their bodily beings or the eterâ—… Judgment but turn these into Allegorâ—… and things already done in themselvâ—… which are dangerous and destructive principles Heresies of damnation or damnable Heresies denying the Lord that bought even them that hold them and bring upon them swift destruction 2 Pet. 2.1 errours of the same stamp with what the Apostle notes of Himeneus and Philetus who concerning the truth erred and said the resurrection was past already destroying or overthrowing the faith of some 2 Tim. 2.17 18. As also the Mockers that say Where is the promise of his coming for since the Fathers fell asleep all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation 2 Pet. 3.3 4. These also cause some to fall from their own stedfastness or endanger it ver 17. Yea and the Great whore that corrupts the earth with her abominations and fornications is a grand enemy to mens being righteous while they hold the truth in unrighteousness or rather some of those that are her members oppugn 〈◊〉 and they that do not so yet corrupt it by preaching other Doctrines as of necessary â—…oncernment to be believed with it that â—…re underminers of it as when they press â—…he necessity of the belief of their devised â—…rticles and Imaginations and teach men â—…o give the glory of Christ and of God in â—…im to creatures dead and living and make 〈◊〉 necessary to mens Salvation to hold their Faith and Worship of a sinful and fallible man yea of the Man of Sin pretending his infallability contrary to evident instances to the contrary yea and who in a word Comes after the manner of Sathan with all deceiveableness of unrighteousness in them that perish while 〈…〉 himself in the Temple of God or the 〈◊〉 and shews himself that he is God may order alter oâ—… do in the Worship of God what himself pleaseth and withal persecutes to death those within his reach 〈◊〉 subscribe not tâ—… his usurpations but as so doing he anâ—… his abettors fall under the former Head 〈◊〉 reproof 3. They also who by their lives anâ—… practises counsels and examples debauâ—… or stumble men from the ways of wisdom and righteousness they that entice to Siâ—… and counsel to Atheistical Idolatrous looâ—… or vitious principles and practises such 〈◊〉 those ungodly ones mentioned Psal 1. Prov. 1.10 11. such as Ahabs house was Ahaziah 2 Chron. 22.3 4. and by thâ—… evil examples especially being Masteâ—… Magistrates or men of place draw
in otheâ—… with or after them to do foolishly and 〈◊〉 righteously running together into the saâ—… excess of riot of which sort there are bundance every where in the world 〈◊〉 especially such as being Teachers Prophesis to men of wine and strong drink Mic. 2.11 and preach for licentious liberty and practise it so as it may be said of them what the Lord by Jeremiah said of the Prophets and Priests of Samaria and Jerusalem that they are profane and cause his people to erre committing adultery and walking in lies strengthning the hands of evil doers so as that none doth return from his wickedness yea so as from them profaness or hypocrisie is gone forth into all the land Jer. 23.11 13 14 15. Yea and all such as professing to know God do in their works deny him being abominable disobedient and to every good work reprobate bunglers or void of judgment Tit. 1.16 these above all are perilous and make the times perilous when having a form of Godliness and the greater their Form the more perilous if they deny the power of it either in denying that Grace of God in Christ held forth in the Gospel rendering it the power of God to Salvation which belongs to the first sort spoken to under the Second Head of this Use of Reproof or which is here intended denying the efficacy and operation of the Grace of God as to the obeying and walking in it being under the profession and form of godliness lovers of themselves covetous proud boasters blasphemers disobedient to parents unthankeful unholy without natural affection truce breakers false accusers or make-bates incontinent fierce despisers of those that are good Traitors heady high-minded lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God 2 Tim. 3.1 2 3 4. the holding the truth with such unrighteousness doth greatly hinder mens being turned to righteousness by it for it occasions men rather to blaspheme the name of God or speak evil of his doctrine while they see those that Preach or Profess it to live so badly as was noted from Romans 2.17.24 Denying in practise and conversation the Lord that bought them they cause the way of truth to be evil spoken of while they walk in pernicious or as some read it lascivious ways 2 Pet. 2.1 2. or else leads those that own the truth with them to rest in the notion of it with them as they do and walk with them in like unrighteousness which still adds to the scandals and stumbling blocks laid in the way of others causing them to decline the way of truth and either to turn Atheists and Prophane or turn to some false ways of Religion where there appears more strictness of carriage and blamelesness of conversation which mighâ—… be found also with and among Pharasees Phil. 3.6 where men make a fair shew iâ—… the flesh but are corrupt from a solid and single rejoycing in the Cross of Christ Galat 6 12-14 For both all the specious works and doings of those that are of corrupt principles perverting men from the truth and all the best and truest speakings of those that joyn therewith a corrupt and vicious life fall under this reproof as being ways wherein men may hinder mens turning to Righteousness and lay rubs in the way of them that sincerely endeavour to do that service And all these whosoever they be great or small zealous or prophane that are guilty of any of these ways in the several branches of this Use mentioned fall under sharp reproof especially this last sort who deny the only Lord God and our Lord Jesus Christ and turn the Grace of God and his Gospel into an occasion of sinning even into wantonness for to such especially being Teachers of others the Apostles instead of glorious shining as the Stars for ever and ever threatens as to wandering Stars the blackness of darkness as that that is reserved to them for ever Jude 12. 2 Pet. 2.17 and therefore this especially is to be taken heed of as being that to which that of the Lord in Ezech. 20.39 belongs As for you go ye and serve every one his Idols even hereafter if ye will not hearken unto me saith the Lord but pollute ye my holy Name no more with your gifts and with your Idols and that of our Saviour too in Matt. 18.7 8 9. It must needs be that offences come but wo to that man by whom the offence cometh for whoso offends one of these little ones that believe in me it were better for him that a mil-stone were hanged about his neck and that he were drowned in the depth of the Sea Wherefore if thy hand or thy foot offend thee cut them off and cast them from thee It is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed than having two hands or two feet to be cast into everlasting fire And if thine eye offend thee pluck it out and cast it from thee it is better for thee having but one eye to enter into life rather than having two eyes to be cast into Hell fire And surely if things as dear and needful to us as our hands or feet or eyes are rather to be parted with by us than that by offending with them we should loose our souls much more should we part with any fancy or fashion garb or garment way or practice of vanity rather than by offending and hindering the souls of others thereby to incurr such punishment though all of these ways reproved deprive of happiness and glory and expose to heavy misery and judgement the neglect of wisdome and righteousness the being backward or neglecting to do good to others and to make them what in us lies wise and righteous and most of all the hindring men from turning to or calling them out of the right way and so turning them from righteousness in any wise or manner Yet this last mentioned way of iniquity exposeth to the heavyest But truly as David when he had been asserting the goodness of the Lord and that All his ways are mercy and truth to them that keep his Covenant and his Testimonies presently adds as finding defect therein in himself For thy Namesake O Lord pardon mine iniquity for it thy name as well as my iniquity is great Psal 25.10 11. And when he had been propounding the blessedness of him that Considers the poor how God would pitty and help him in his afflictions presently adds I said Lord be merciful unto me Heal my soul for I have sinned against thee Psal 41.1 2 3 4. So may I considering the happiness of the wise and of those that turn many to righteousness and the faultiness of those here reproved reflecting upon my self and finding shortness and guilt in most of these ways reproved cry out too Lord be merciful to me heal my soul for I also in many of these ways have sinned against thee and against the souls of others also But Vse 7. 2. This also in both its branches may afford great good motive