here spoken unto is A It is a doctrine of Grace and a doctrine of Free-grace I know what be the judgments of many knowing men concerning this thing If you ask them what the doctrine of Christ is they will tell you it is a doctrine of Faith and Obedience but this is the effects of the doctrine rather then the doctrine it self For the doctrine of Free-grace being preached to a soule and having gotten entrance to lodg in the inward man then it works faith and obedience as the effects or fruits of that Spirit of grace Hence it is that when Christ sent forth his Disciples to preach this doctrine of Grace he commands them saying Into whatsoever house you enter say Peace unto this house Lo peace is the first word which word is full of grace Christ doth not bid them fire the people out of their nests by preaching the Law and then heal them with the balm of the Gospel no they must first preach peace for God is in the still voice that so the love of Christ held forth in the doctrine of Free-grace Tit. 2. 11 12. might teach them to deny ungodlinesse and worldly lusts and constrain them out of a principle of love to live godly and soberly in this present world Now that the doctrine of Christ is a doctrine of grace it will appear by these and the like Scriptures which I shall but name Act. 13. v. 39 43 compared together Act. 20. 24. Rom. 3. 24. Rom. 11. 6. Ephes 2. 5. 8 compar'd together In a word as was said before Creation Election Redemption and Sanctification â—…it is all of Free-grace Now me thinks I see most men in a sense give their assent and consent to the truth of this that the doctrine of Christ is a doctrine of grace and they will tell you further that they do abide in this doctrine Now then let us examine our selves a little by the effects of this doctrine for as a tree is known by his fruit so is this doctrine by its effects First then it is a doctrine of grace enlightening the soul Secondly it is a doctrine of grace working faith in the soul Thirdly it is a doctrine of grace workin love in the soul Fourthly it is a doctrine of grace working upon the will and affections to will and affect the things of God 1. The doctrine of Christ is a doctrine of grace enlightening the soul Luk. 2. 3 2. A light to lighten the Gentiles This is spoken of Christ and his doctrine Luk. 1. 79. To give light to them that sit in darknesse and in the shadow of death to guide our feet in a way of peace Joh. 1. 9. That was thaâ—… true light that lighteneth every man c. Now if thou dost abide in the doctrine of Christ thy soul is enlightened by Christ hence it is that the children of God are called the children of light Eâ—â— 5. 8 hence it is that they be exhorted to walkâ—…s children of the day Are you enlightened You will say I am What mean these works of darknesse then 2. The doctrine of Christ is a doctrine of grace working faith in the soul Joh. 14. 1. Ye believe in God believe also in me Joh. 6. 29. This is the work of God that you believe Joh. 14. 11. If you will not believe me for my words yet believe in me for the very works sake that you have seen me do 1 Joh. 3. 23. And this is his commandment that we believe on the name of his Sonne Jesâ—…s Christ No obedience like unto the obedience of faith no disobedience like unto that of unbelief for it makes the God of truth a liar 1 Joh. 5. 10. â—…e that believeth on the Sonne of God hath the witnesse in himself He that believeth not God hath made him a liaâ—â— because be believed not the record that God gave of his Son But most men and women will say they do believe but there be but few that can shew their faith by their worâ—…s for faith without works is dead Jam. 17 18 c. 3. The doctrine of Christ is a doctrine of grace working love in the soul First to God Mat. 22. 37. Christ told the Lawyer that came to him to know at least â—â—s he pretended what was his doctrine and what was the most principal part of it why saith Christ Mat. 22. 37. Thou shalt love â—â—he Lord thy God wiâ—…h all thy heart with â—…ll thy â—â—trengâ—…h and with all thy soule Secondly it works love to the people of God Joh. 13. 34. A new commandment give I â—â—nto you that you love one another as I have loved â—â—oâ—… I loved you when you were in your â—…lood and filthinesse my love was free let yours be so I loved all mine do you love all the Saints I laid down my life for the â—…rethren you ought to lay down your lives for the brethren I loved you with a constant love having loved my own I loved them to the end so do you My love carried me forth to become servant to all even to wash your feet you if you will be followers of me and be known to be my disciples ought to do so too Thirdly as the doctrine of Christ is a doâ—…trine of grace working love in the soule first to God secondly to his people so thirdly to our enemies See and well consider that place Mat. 5. 44. But I say unto you love your enemies do good to those that haâ—… you pray for those that despitefully use you aâ—â— persecute you Never think that you continâ—â— in my doctrine unless you observe my commands My commands are that you shoulâ—… not only love God but also your brother and it must not be limited only there buâ—… you must love your enemies or else yoâ—… will not be like unto me and my Father Mat. 5. 45. That you may appear to all thâ—… world to be the children of your Father which is in heaven for he maketh his sun to arise 〈◊〉 the evil and on the good and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust For if you love onely thâ—â— that love you the vilest man in the world goeth so far this is no character or badge oâ—â— my servants the Publicans and Harlots did 〈◊〉 much as this Fourthly it is a doctrine of grace working upon the will and affections to will and affect the things of God First it works upon the will it resigns it up unto the will of God nay it makes him live in the will of God 1. By doing his will 2. By suffering his will to be done though it crosse thy will Again it works mightily upon thinâ—â— affections thy affections are taken off the creatures and fixed upon the Creator thou seest more and more beauty in God and â—…nd lesse and lesse beauty in the creature â—…he things of the world would satisfie thee â—â—eretofore Now thou cryest out None but â—…hrist none but Christ Nothing will satisfie â—…ut his presence nothing will
who do think of ouâ—…selves far beyond them in matters naturâ—â— and spiritual shall we I say be outstrippe by them and come short of them Shall 〈◊〉 thus requite the Lord for all his love shalâ—… shall we dishonour him that hath so highâ—â— honoured us as to call us his fervants hâ—â— brethren his members his Bride his Body his Temple Oh let not Heathens outstrâ—â— us in obedience let us outstrip them yâ—â— let us endeavour to outstrip the most for ward Saints in the world Labour to excâ—â— all the Saints in love in patience in meeâ—â—nesse sobriety and temperance improâ—â— all thy spiritual strength for him who gaâ—â— it to thee Thou hast enjoyments of hiâ—… improve it for him yea let all thy know ledge of him bring thee neerer to him anâ—… make thee more like him Let thy longing desires and endeavours be more to grow grace then gifts 1. Cor. 12. 31. But covet earnestly the best gifts and yet I shew â—…nâ—…o you a more excellent way This more excellent â—…way here spoken of is the grace of Love as you may see 1 Cor. 13. 1 2 3 4 5. Now it will be useful a little to enquire how many sorts of gifts there be seeing the Apostle saith Covet earnestly the best For answer hereunto in generall There be but two sorts of gifts First there are gifts of Nature or gifts Natural and they are many Secondly there are gifts Spiritual or gifts given by the Spirit and they be severall 1. There are gifts of Nature or gifts Natural And by these a man may doe many excellent things and yet not have one grain of grace If a man should preach as never man preached and though he should pray as never man prayed and though he confer and discourse of all things as never man did may if he should speak with the tongues of men and Angels and have gifts of Prophecie and understand all mysteries yea though he be so pittiful as to give all his goods to the poor his body to be burned nay though he hath all the gifts arts and parts that ever were in man only grace excepted all this avails him nothing It is true such a man is a little honoured of men they cry him up for a brave Church-man if he be given to covetousnesse of drunkennesse or any other vice Oh say the people he is a brave Scholar there is not a man more deeper learned in all the City And such is the grosse ignorance of this Commonweale to your shame be it spoken that most of you do think and say That he that is a Scholar cannot but be acquainted with Religion and when you hear him preach he is so scholastick and so eloquent and so pleasing that you are apt to say of him as once the people did of Herod when he made his oration It is the voice of God and not of a man Act. 12. 21 22. What excellent wisdome had gracelesse Achitophel 2 Sam. 16. 23. And the counsels of Achitophel which he gave in those dayes was as if a man had enquired at the oracles of God so was all the counsel of Achitophel both with David and Absolom Here were gifts in the highest nature but for want of grace he perished and it is apparent that he was cryed up in those dayes as our Achitophels be now adayes What wise and discreet answer did that Scribe give unto our Lord Christ Mar. 12. 33 34. And when Iesus heard his answer he told him he was not far from the kingdome of â—…od There were but three things required â—…nd this Scribe had gotten two of them â—…nly he wanted grace he had gifts in aundance the least dram or grain of grace â—…ad made him happy for ever Oh then in a word and so to close up â—…is would you live and abide in the doctrine â—…f Christ Oh then live out of your selves 〈◊〉 the Spirit upon Christ let him be highâ—â—t in thy thoughts dearest in thine affectiâ—…ns constant in thy purposes See him once 〈◊〉 be the chiefest of ten thousand and then â—â—ou wilt have no need of any man to bid â—…ee enquire after him Read and well â—…onâ—…der this Scripture Cant. 5. 9 10 c. This is all at present that I have to say of â—…e Armour of Christ and of the Doctrine of â—…hrist The next thing to be considered â—…hich neerly concerns all Christians is this â—…iz 3. To live in the will of God For There is no â—…wer but of God In this third particular here are two â—â—ings to be enquired into Q. 1. What is it to live in the will of â—…od A. 1. To be doing the will of God 2. By suffering the will of our Father Q. 2. How are we to understandth is thaâ—… there is no power but of God A. 1. We are to consider there is nâ—… power but of and in God essentially or originally habitually or virtually c. 2. And yet there is a power in everâ—… Creature distributively and by participation Now then to live in the will of God it is tâ—… be doing his will and suffering his will But oâ—… this I shall speak or write afterwards and sâ—… enter upon the second Quaere 1. There is no power but of God originally and essentially He hath his being in himself and he alone gives being to alâ—… creatures Of him from him and to him are alâ—… things There was no motion vigor or action life or growth untill he created and enlivened the creatures so that all things center in him as having their being from him who hath his being in himself and gives being to them He made all things for his own glory who alone is worthy of alâ—… glory honour and praise and he will be glorified by every living thing in the whole creation either by their salvation or destruction He will magnifie the attribute of his mercy on the one and the attribute of his justice on the other yea the wholâ—… Creation is a book wherein we may read God every thing doth utter its voice the â—…eâ—…vens the Stars the Sun and the Moon â—…o all in their kind declare the handy work â—…f God nay every thing above us beneath â—…s on our right hand and on our left do â—…ll speak saying Behold the wonderfull â—…orks of the Lord God Almighty from â—…hom I had my being in whom I center â—…y whose life I live by whose strength I â—…ove his power may be seen in creation â—…edemption vocation justification and â—…anctification Yea by him all things conâ—â—st 1 Col. 17. The Fish cannot swim in the â—…ater but by his power the Bird cannot â—…y in the aire but by his power the Sparâ—…ow cannot fall to the ground saith the â—…criptures without his providence Mat. â—…2 29. The attribute of his Wisdome is seen in â—…he variety of Creatures that he hath made â—…nd the sweet harmony that there is among â—…hem each of them doing after his kinde â—…nely Mâ—…n excepted which in his creation â—…as
will be the next thing that I shall 〈…〉 deavour to lay before thee Thy fall in 〈…〉 e first and the manner there of and thy 〈…〉 stauration by the second Adam and the 〈…〉 ory there of And do desire that some 〈…〉 e or other that hath a greater discovery 〈◊〉 the mind of God in these things conâ—â—rning The power of God and the power of the â—…eature concerning the power Natural and â—â—e power Spiritual I should intreat them to â—â—ld it forth to publique view for I am â—…re there is great necessity of it that man â—…ight know his own strength For I am consident that I my self and â—…any others have left undone many things â—…at we ought and might have done for â—…ot knowing our own strength where with â—…od even the God of power had strengthâ—â—ed us Wherefore I do in the presence of 〈…〉 y Maker declare unto the whole world â—…hat I was not straightened in him but in â—…ine own bowels That he hath not been â—…anting to me first not only to give me â—â—ength but secondly to supply me in reâ—â—wing that strength day by day Whereâ—â—re let God be true and I and all neglecters if 〈…〉 e charge God with not enabling us lyars Rom. 3. 4. Let God be true and every man a lyaâ—â— Oh then let not the righteous God 〈◊〉 charged with your unrighteousnesse anâ—… let not the most holy God be charged wiâ—â— your unholinesse But stirre up the talent thâ—… is in thee as in 2 Pet. 1. 13. Do as Jacob did wrestle with God lâ—â— him not go till he blesse thee give him nâ—â— rest till he make Jerusalem the praise of tâ—â— whole earth Isa 52. 1. Awake put on tâ—â— strength O Sion put on thy beautiful garmentâ—… O Jerusalem thou holy City open to hiâ—… for he now knocks flie to this City of râ—…fuge and thou shalt be safe For the name 〈◊〉 the Lord is a strong tower the righteous run to 〈◊〉 and are safe If thou didst but see him thoâ—… wouldest admire him and count all thingâ—… vanity in comparison of him if thou didâ—… but know him thou wouldst be so ravisheâ—… with the love of him that many waters co 〈…〉 not quench it If thou didst but taste hiâ—… thou wouldst hunger and thirst after hiâ—… more then doth the Hart after the waterâ—… brooks Oh taste and see that God is gracious It's life to know him it 's heaven to beholâ—… him it 's melody to hear him it 's endlessâ—… happinesse to enjoy him Let it be our caâ—… to obey him and improve all our strengtâ—… for him let us not spend our money for thâ—â— which is not bread and our pains for that which â—â—l not profit Let us run the wayes of his comâ—â—ndments for he hath enlarged our heart and â—â—d that he that doth these things shall never â—â—moved Improve thy power for him part â—â—th thine estate for him give and it shall be â—â—en thee again Luk. 6. 38. Good measure pressed â—â—n and shaken together and running over Me thinks I hear the voice of thy Saviour 〈…〉 ing to thee O thou obedient sonne come â—â—e thou hast been faithful in a little I will â—…e thee more come enter into thy Masters joy 〈◊〉 thine obedience to me did arise from thine inâ—…est in me manifested to thee by me NOw I shall speak to our Fall in the first Adam and of the subtlety of Sathan â—…erein There be two things of absolute necessity â—â—r a Christian to be well acquainted with â—â—z 1. Our fall in the first Adam 2. Our restauration by the second Aâ—…am Upon these two points doe the two â—…estaments frequently treat insomuch â—…hat thou canst hardly read one Chapter â—…ut more or lesse thou shalt find the Proâ—…het or Apostle speaking to one or both states or something conducing thereuntâ—… and some Chapters speaking and treatiâ—â— wholly of that two fold state as Rom. 5. â—… Nay I have observed that when I haâ—â— heard a Gospel-Sermon wherein were mâ—…ny particulars or when J have heard goâ—â— ly men in a long debate about the prinâ—â—ples of religion I have J say observâ—â— that the summe and substance of their dâ—â— course or teaching hath for the most paâ—â— been to shew what men were in the first 〈◊〉 dam and the misery of all in that state 〈◊〉 else what they be in the second Adam aâ—â— the glory of that state And when my mâ—…mory hath been too weak to compreheâ—… the abundance of particulars that J haâ—… heard J referre all that J have heard 〈◊〉 these two particulars and found singulâ—â— benefit thereby viz. What do J know moâ—â— now by all that J have heard this day thâ—… J did before of the state J was in aâ—â— of the state J am now in First then of the first Adam the Scriptuâ—â— speak of him in a two fold state 1. The first is the state of innocencie bâ—…fore he fell 2. And secondly of his state of miseâ—â— after he was fallen Of the first of these states J shall say nâ—… thing it being well known to most men â—â—d of the second of these states I shall speak â—â—r write but a very few words Adam and Eve being in Paradise and â—â—oking upon themselves as indeed they â—…ere the most excellent peeces of all the â—…reation bearing the Image of their Creaâ—…or the Lord left them a Law and left them â—…o the freedome of their own will if they â—…id obey to live if they did disobey to dye â—…ut through the temptation of Sathan â—…hey both soon cast off their Makers preâ—…epts and through the temptation of Saâ—…han they transgressed the commandement â—…f God in eating the forbidden fruit and â—…hereby fell from the state of innocency â—…herein they were created and so brought â—…pon them and all their seed the losse of â—…ommunion with God and his displeasure â—…nd obtained a curse so as we are by nature â—…he children of wrath bondslaves to Saâ—…han and justly liable to all punishments â—…n this world and that which is to â—…ome O thou Adam what hast thou done for â—…hough it was thou that sinned thou art â—…ot fallen alone but we all that came of â—…hee O the infectiousnesse of Sinne ten â—…housand times more infections then the Plague and Pestilence for many have liveâ—… in the City when the noysome Pestilenâ—… hath been and yet have been free but bâ—… hold this original transgression hath spreaâ—… it self into all the corners of the earth 〈◊〉 that no man woman or childe that eveâ—… was now is or hereafter shall be is frâ—â— from that infection and that original sinâ—â— as the root bringeth forth actual transgreâ—…sion as the branches sins of omission oâ—… commission as the fruit Oh thou Adam what hast thou done 〈◊〉 though it was thou that hast sinned thoâ—… art not fallen alone but we all that came 〈◊〉 thee as being then in thee are infected bâ—… thee O miserable men that we are who shall 〈◊〉 liver us from this body of death
15. 5. Again as he is a husband to all hiâ—… people in that he performs all offices oâ—… love as a husband he comes not short iâ—… one thing but transcends and goes beyond a husband in every thing as to inâ—â—â—ce Death or poverty imprisonment â—â—ke a separation in part or in whole beâ—…een a man and his wiâ—…e but none of â—â—ese can make a separation between Christ â—â—d my soul Again in other marriages a â—â—n seeks to marry one that is rich but â—â—rist seeks for no riches but takes the â—â—or to make them rich In other marriages a man looks for â—â—auty but Christ marries those that are 〈◊〉 their blood that he may beautifie them â—â—ith his own beauty Again in other â—…arriages infirmities in a wife do many â—â—mes abate the love of the husband to the â—…ife it is not so with Christ to his Spouse â—…gain if the wife play the harlot the man â—…ill put her away it is not so with Christ 〈◊〉 you may see Jer. 3. 1. But thou hast played â—â—e harlot with many lovers yet return unto me â—â—ith the Lord. Well then saith the soul let friends forâ—…ake me let enemies deride me let all â—…orldly comforts leave me If I can but â—…njoy Christ for my husband it is enough â—…any more glorious things might be spoâ—…en of the blessed stâ—…te of a Christian restoâ—…ed by Christ but I leave it to those that â—…ave greater enjoymenâ—…s of it and shall winde up all with this word of consolâ—…tion Blessed yea thrice blessed is the man saiâ—â— David whose sinne is covered If Sathan seâ—â— for thy sinne and wicked men seek for thâ—… sinne to lay it to thy charge Who shall lay 〈◊〉 thing to thy charge saith Paul Thy finâ—… shall be sought for and shall not be fouâ—â— saith the Lord by the Prophet Jeremy Jâ—â— 50. 22. Sinne may break thy communion bâ—â— not thy union with God Those that have the enjoyment of their Restoration may be known by their Conversation THere be many men and women thâ—… will give their assent and consent 〈◊〉 the foregoing truth That the Lord Chrâ—â—â— hath done many and wonderful thing yea such things that eye hath not seen e 〈…〉 hath not heard neither say they hath it entâ—â— into the heart of men to conceive or understand 〈◊〉 comprehend them Nay they can tell youâ—… large story of the blessed state of the Sainâ—… after death how they shall be for ever in tâ—â— presence of the Lord their God In whâ—… presence there is fulnesse of joy and pleasuâ—â— at his right hand for evermore then sorrow aâ—â— sighing shall flye away and then the Lord â—…oâ—… â—â—pe away all tears from their eyes and there â—…ill be no more death neither sorrow or â—…rying â—…ither shall there be any pain But O man whosoever thou art that â—â—th thus speak of the joyes of heaven dost â—…ou see thy own interest in these mercies â—â—st thou see thy self to be a childe of this â—â—ther of mercies canst thou say My spirit â—â—th rejoyce in God my Saviour canst thou â—â—y with Thomas My Lord and my God or â—…ost thou suppose it to be so as the Church â—…ev 3. 17. O consider most do deceive themselves â—â—inking they be something when they are â—…othing nay let me tell thee most of the â—…ith hope and assurance that men have â—â—ken up is not the faith hope and assuâ—…ance of the Gospel of Christ It will not and thee in stead in the time of need There â—…e many will come to Christ at the last day â—â—ying Lord Lord open to us for we have eat â—…unk in thy presence Luke 13. 25 26 27. but â—…e shall say I tell you I know ye not whence you â—…re Why call you me Lord Lord and do not the â—â—ings that I say O if thou art a servant of Christ indeed â—…hen it is thy meat and drinke to do his â—…ill Doth the Lord love thee what evidence hast thou of his love in thy soule doth hâ—â— Spirit witnesse with thy spirit that thoâ—… art his or hast thou that white stone witâ—… in thee that hath a name that none can reâ—â— but thy selfe how shall I and others knoâ—… that the Lord loveth thee and that thoâ—… hast this evidence of his love in thee unleâ—â— I see thee walk as one of those Gal. 5. 25. 〈◊〉 thou doest live in the Spirit then walk 〈◊〉 the Spirit if thou say thatthou doest waâ—â— in the Spirit then thou doest not fulfill thâ—… lust of the flesh Gal. 5. 16. How shall I knoâ—… that thou art one of the disciples of Chrâ—â—â— but by thy love to Christ and his peopâ—â— Joh. 13. 35. Now O man wherein doth thy love 〈◊〉 Christ appear what dost thou do for himâ—… Again wherein doth thy love to his peopâ—â— appear 1 Joh. 5. 1. Every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of hiâ—… if thou sayest that thou dost love them ask thee whether that love of thine be suâ—â— a love as Christ requireth Joh. 13. 34. Doâ—… thou love them as Christ doth love theâ—… with a free and an universal and constaâ—â— love Again doest thou know God if thoâ—… doest not then he will come in flaming fiâ—â— taking vengeance against thee 2 Thess 1. 8. If thou say that thou doest know him 〈◊〉 thee how doth it appear 1 Joh. 2. 4. He 〈…〉 t saith he doth know him and keepeth not his â—â—â—mandements is a liar If thou say But I look upon my selfe as a â—â—dly man and others do account me very â—â—lous and religious But I say again why â—â—en do so many unsavoury speeches proâ—â—d out of thy mouth Jam. 1. 26 If any man â—…ong you seem to be religious and bridleth not 〈◊〉 tongue mark that man his religion is â—â—ne If thou object again Oh but I am acâ—â—unted a very wise man and a knowing â—â—n But I say again as in Jam. 3. 13. Who 〈◊〉 wise man among you and indued with knowâ—â—â—ge let him shew out of a good conversation his â—â—rks with meeknesse of wisdom Doth thy â—â—â—versation evidence to me thy regeneraâ—â—on Thou art a tree how shall I know thee â—â—t by thy fruit Matth. 12. 33. If thou art grafted in the true Vine why â—…est thou bring forth wilde grapes Isa â—…4 It is true thou doest say that thou art â—â—e of Christs but then I say thou oughtest 〈◊〉 walk as he walked 1 Joh. 2. 6. If Christ 〈◊〉 thy King where is thy subjection to his â—â—ll If Christ be thy Prophet to teach â—…ee why art thou so ignorant If he be thy Priest to offer sacrifices for thee whâ—… is thy faith to evidence thy trust in hiâ—… if thou sayest that thou hast faith 〈◊〉 doth it not appeare by thy workes Jâ—â— 2. 20. But wilt thou know O vain man Tâ—â— faith without works is dead thou beleevest 〈◊〉 there is one God thou doest well but the deâ—… go thus far Jam. 2. 19. But I am the Lords servant for
inabled for thâ—… holding forth the word of life Now thâ—â— doth detract from the All-sufficiencie â—â— Christ as if he could not furnish his Sainâ—… with the tongue of the learned to speak word in season to those that are wearâ—… without those humane arts and parts I dâ—… not speak against learning for it is excellenâ—… in its place A good servant but an ill Mâ—…ster and indeed it is no new thing to heaâ—… the learned Clergie cry out so much againâ—… these poor illiterate mechanick fellows foâ—… â—…h were Christ and the Apostles esteemed their forefather sâ—◠〈◊〉 this the Carpenters â—…ne Matth. 13. 55. Mar. 4. 5. So in Act. 4. when Peter and John were â—…ought before the high Priests when they â—…v the boldnesse of them and perceived â—…t they were unlearned and ignorant â—…n they marvelled and they took knowâ—…ge of them that they had been with â—…us These Priests doe out-strip many of â—…r Priests for they will scarce take notice â—…any whom they call unlearned to have â—…en with Jesus O all ye Nations in the â—â—rld beware of the Wolf that comes in â—…eps cloathing Matth. 7. 15. and of that â—…st that hath a horne like a Lamb Rev. â—… 11. I had many more things to enquire of â—…u I will but name them now and exâ—…aine them hereafter viz. First I would ask you if the truth of God â—…eak forth in the face of Jesus Christ in â—…n destitute of learning whether there â—…th not appear the more of God and lesse man Secondly I would aske you whether all â—…e grand errours now in Rome France â—…d Little England were not brought in â—… first by great learned men in humanity Thirdly I would ask you whether â—â— greatest persecutors that ever Christ and Apostles met with all were not the great learned men the chief Priests and Rabbiâ—â— Fourthly I would ask you whetâ—â—â— when the Lord Christ was upon Earth 〈◊〉 prophesied of the Persecution of his Chuâ—â— in all ages especially towards the laâ—â— dayes whether Christ hath not fore 〈…〉 us that it shall be persecuted by the 〈◊〉 learned Clergie comming to us in Sh 〈…〉 cloathing Matth. 7. 15. and having ho 〈…〉 like a Lambe Revel 13. 11. Fifthly I would ask you whether 〈◊〉 not so at this day and whether amongst 〈◊〉 Ministry there be not many great Schâ—…lars in humanity meer ignorants in Dâ—â—nity Sixthly I would ask you whether 〈◊〉 mane learning in an erronious man do not prove the greatest enemy to truth Seventhly I would ask you whether 〈◊〉 do not think in your conscience that 〈◊〉 men and women in this Nation at this 〈◊〉 be not deceived and if so then let me 〈◊〉 you who deceived them See Matt. 24. Eightly Let me ask you whether the L 〈…〉 Christ is not now beginning to advance Kingly glory in reducing Magistracy 〈◊〉 â—â—nistery to its primitive institution and â—â—o then most of you must become new 〈…〉 n or else you will be laid aside I had 〈…〉 ny more things to propound but I call 〈…〉 minde your patience which is not great 〈◊〉 mine own promise which was that I 〈…〉 uld be brief and so I leave you as I â—â—nd you so far your friend as you are â—â—ists and his Churches c. A brief Epistle to the World MY friends I finde it written Joh. 3. 〈◊〉 That God so loved the world that he 〈◊〉 his onely begotten Son that whosoever believe him should not perish but have everlasting 〈◊〉 Again the Lord doth express his love wâ—â—lingnes to save them with an oath too greatest that ever he took Ezekiel 33. 10 As I live saith the Lord God I have no pleasurâ—… the death of the wicked but that he turn from way and live Turn yee turn yee why will die O house of Israel Again this loving Gâ—â— hath laid his command upon me Mattâ—… 44 c. But I say unto you love your enemâ—â— blesse them that curse you doe good to them 〈◊〉 hate you and pray for those that despitefully you and persecute you that you may be the 〈◊〉 dren of your Father which is in heaven foâ—… maketh the Sun to rise upon the just and un 〈…〉 and sendeth rain upon the good and upon the 〈◊〉 Now I cannot tell wherein I might exp 〈…〉 my love to you more then in these th 〈…〉 things viz. To shew you your misery the causes thereof and then the remedy these three things as the grounds I 〈◊〉 â—â—iefly and plainly speak not distinctly or â—â—rticularly being straightned in my time â—â—ore then in my love My friends It is commonly reported â—â—t the Lawyer and the Physitian doe live the two ill humours of man the one of 〈◊〉 Body the other of the Minde and may not as truly say that the Covetous â—â—wyer and the pretended Minister do cheat 〈◊〉 people the one in Temporals the other Spirituals Hence it is that the Lord deâ—â—unceth a Woe against the one as Luk. 11. 〈◊〉 52. compared together and a Wo wo 〈◊〉 against the other as you may see at 〈…〉 ge Matt. 23. 13 15. Oh poore soules â—â—ould even weep to consider what a sad â—â—ndition you are in First in your bodies â—â—d estates one while in comes the Lawyer 〈◊〉 his Bribes next the Collectors for Conâ—â—â—bution and anon or the next day the â—â—nister or his Clerk for his Dues or 〈…〉 thes and when these be gone the â—â—uldiers are on their March and must â—â—ve quarter for a while and so what the 〈…〉 rmer have left these take I know these 〈…〉 e your complaints and I cannot altogeâ—â—er blame yon for as long as your treasure 〈◊〉 upon the earth it is almost as easie to part â—…ith ones blood as with ones goods But my friends these are but the least your Cheats for there be ravening Wol 〈…〉 that doe bite closer and yet never bar 〈…〉 these before mentioned doe but deprive yâ—â— of temporals but these Wolves doe châ—â—â— you in spirituals the former do but 〈◊〉 the doore of your earthly comforts up 〈…〉 you but these that I now speak of doe 〈◊〉 the doore of Heaven against you See Ma 〈…〉 23. 13 15 16. O these Teachers of yoâ—â— that you have so long cried up for bra 〈…〉 Church-men and great Schollers these ha 〈…〉 brought in all their humane learning varnished and painted over that you poo 〈…〉 souls have taken it to be spiritual thingâ—… and so millions of poor souls are deceivâ—â— by them these Wolves came to you sheeps cloathing and after a little whiâ—â— made you believe that you were Christianâ—… and so gave you the Sacrament of the Lorâ—â— Supper and Baptized your Children anâ—… perhaps made you members of their Coâ—…gregations and called you brethren b 〈…〉 these men have cheated you they have maâ—â— you believe that they have fed you wiâ—â— Bread and that in your Fathers house b 〈…〉 they have fed you with Husks and that 〈◊〉 mong Swine Let me tell you that you Faith your
of Jesus Christ in the doctrine of Free-grace more fully then in former dayes he hath given you liberty to worship him in his owne way and established your liberty by a Law both spiritual and temporal He hath manifested his care of you in answering all your prayers and granting all your requests that you heretofore have or now doe put up to him in faith so that it is but aske and have seek and finde and yet all this is but the beginnings of mercies to you these be but the dawnings of the day and the first fruits of what is ripening Your eies have not yet seen your ears have not heard your hearts have not yet understood what glorious things are comming you may now say to all the proud opposers yet remaining as once was said to Haman Hest 6. 12. If Mordecai be of the seed of the Iews before whom thou hast begun to fall thou shalt not prevaile against him but surely fall before him If those that hereto fore you called Puritans and now Separatists be of the seed of Abraham the father of the faithfull before whom ye have begun to fall you shall not prevaile against them but surely fall before them Assemble your selves together against these people you will be broken in pieces take councel together it will not stand continue your Plots one after another as fast as you can it will be discovered take councel of Achitophel and it will be turned into foolishnisse lift up your voices with Herod like a god the Worms will destroy you and that immediately Speak with the tongue of men and angels you want love and you are but as sounding brasse and tinkling Cimbals Rejoice O Sion thy day is dawning Howle O Babylon thy day is ending and thy plagues are comming The most glorious dayes that ever we read of in Scripture doe begin to dawn although very few doe see it and the most doleful times that ever appeared is almost come against the enemies of the kingdom of the Lord Jesus for all that they have hitherto undergone is but the beginnings of sorrows the first wo is past the second is â—…omming see Revel 18. 2. Babylon is fallen 〈◊〉 fallen v. 8. Her plagues are come in one day â—â—eath and mourning and famine and she shall be â—…tterly burnt with fire for strong is the Lord who â—â—dgeth her Silence thy thoughts and listen 〈◊〉 little and thou shalt heare that voice â—…poken of Rev. 9. 10. 15 16 19. Oh what weeping and wailing is there mongst the Great ones the Kings and â—…rinces and Merchants and mighty ones â—…f the earth Why what is the matter â—…hy Babylon is on fire I cannot come neer â—…er I am fain to stand afar off Alas alas â—â—at great City that is cloathed in fine linnen and â—…urple and scarlet and decked with gold and preâ—…ious stones and pearls in an houre is so great â—â—easures come to nought Well what follows â—…hereupon v. 20. Rejoice O ye servants of the â—…ord for I am now avenging you on your enemies Their day of mirth and carnal pleasure is â—â—ding and their plagues beginning but â—…our day of perfecution is almost over Ye â—…hall rejoice but they shall mourn ye shall 〈…〉 ng for ioy of heart but they shall weep for â—…orrow of heart and howl for vexation of â—…pirit Your enemies have already received â—…heir good things with the rich man and â—â—re now to receive the bad Luk. 16. 25. But â—…ou have been with Lazarus in misery and received your bad things and now you arâ—… to receive your good you shall be comâ—…forted but they shall be tormented Luk. 16 24 25. Give eare a little silence your owâ—â— thoughts listen Methinks I heare Chriâ—â— saying to his people as in Luk. 24. 17. whaâ—… manner of communication is this that yoâ—â— have one to another as you walk and aâ—â— sad what sad you had never so greaâ—… cause to rejoice v. 25. O fooles and slow oâ—… heart to believe all that the Prophets have spoken If ever these words were seasonable to them it is also seasonable to us and it is written for our learning O fools and slow of hearâ—… to believe all that the Prophets have said to believe all that Christ hath said and thaâ—… all his Apostles have said No marvel yoâ—… have communication together as you walâ—… and are sad You do not believe the Prophets you do not believe Christ you dâ—… not believe the Apostles for if you did you could not be sad forall these do testifie abundantly that there is none undeâ—… the heavens have so great cause to triumpâ—â— and rejoice as you for as all things worâ—… for the glory of God so they turn to youâ—… good All things work together for good to them that fear God Let not us then be fools slow of heart believe all that the Prophets have said Why what have the Prophets said â—…he Prophets speak of the state of the â—…hurch in their dayes and also they proâ—â—esied of the state of the Church in the yes of Christs incarnation and lastly they â—â—ophesied of the state of the Church of â—…hrist in the latter dayes before his coming 〈◊〉 judgment Now all is written for our â—…arning but that which doth most neerly â—â—ncern us is to know what state we are â—â—der and what God is now doing and â—…hat we are now to expect First then the Lord is even now beginâ—â—g for the time is at hand to bring in the â—â—ws and that will be of great advantage 〈◊〉 all the elect Gentiles as you may see â—…om 11. 12 13. and Isa 60. 3. 5. 66. â—…1 12. So that will be brought to passe â—â—a 2. 1 2 3. The mountain of the Lords house all be established on the top of the mountains â—…nd exalted above the hills and all Nations shall â—…ow unto it So the Law shall go forth of 〈…〉 ion and the Almighty will have a gloriâ—…us kingdom in the spirits of his people â—…nd this is the Name of Christ upon earth â—…nd the New heaven we read of In a word â—…e will in and by his Saints rule the world See Dan. 7. 27. The kingdom and the dominioâ—… and the greatnesse of the kingdome under tâ—â— whole heaven shall be given to the Saints the most High whose kingdome is an everlastinâ—… kingdome and all dominions shall serve and ob 〈…〉 them Oh what a blessed day will this b 〈…〉 when the Power both supreme and suâ—… ordinate shall be in the hands of the Sainâ—… of the most High The government haâ—â— for a long time been in the hands of tâ—â— basest of men as in Dan. 4. 17. and setteâ—â— up over it the basest of men Look back little and consider what kind of Magisteriâ—â— power we had begin at the Head was noâ—… vice advanced purity derided on whoâ—… Justice that hath no respect of persons hath been executed Next unto him wâ—â— any man fit for a Lord unlesse he was railing persecuting Bishop
are past away Rev. 21. 1. 2 Pet. 3. 13. 3. Then there be a third sort of sober Christians that do look for and expect these glorious times and yet they do deny that Christ shall reign personally he shall reign it is true say they but how Christ will come in the spirit and have a glorious Kingdome in the spirits of his people and they shall by the power of Christ in them reign over the world and this is the new heaven and the new earth And for my part I do affirm that this is the glorious state that is now comming Isa 66. 22. 2 Pet. 3. 13. Rev. 21. 1. And these are the times of restitution so frequently spoken unto in the Scripture Rom. 8. 19 20 21 22 23. Act. 3. 20 21 22 23. Oh what a glorious time will this be when Magistracie shall be restored to its primitive institution to countenance those that do well and punish evill doers Rom. 13. 3. Dan. 7. 27. Isa 2. 3. Isa 1. 26. O what a joyful time shall this be when Ministery shall be restored to its primitive Institution Jer. 3. 18. Jer. 24. 4. O what a blessed time will this be when our God shall undeceive the people that have been deceived by the Priests the Dragon shall be cast out of heaven and his Chaplains out of the Church God will take away the nature of wicked men that â—…lthough they remain wolves lions and â—…ruits still yet they shall not hurt nor deâ—â—roy in all this holy mountain For the â—â—arth shall be filled with the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea Hab. 2. 14. Wherefore most noble overcoming Saints â—…ook for great alterations and mighty â—…hanges see what dissolutions God is making in the earth and look for the Lord â—…o be revâ—…aled from heaven who will be mighty in his dispensation and glorious â—…n revelation and strong and powerful in operation and he will bring to passe his determination which will be to the confounding of all things that are in opposition against him Oh then taste and see that the Lord is gracious it 's life to know him it is heaven to behold him it is melody to hear him it is endlesse happinesse to enjoy him And as you like the end that the Almighty aims at so approve of the way which he acts in and wait with patience for the accomplishment thereof There be glorious Deliverances for the Saints as hath been said but the Saints are too sudden in expecting these deliverances WHen our first Parents were fallen there was a promise made to them of a recovery by the second Adam in these words The seed of the woman shall bruise the serpents head And as soon as Eve had conceived and brought forth a son Gen. 4. 1. saith she I have got a man from the Lord for so some of our Translations render it And seeing this was not he when she brought forth her second sonne she calls him Abel which signifies vanity Seeing she was deceived in the first she calls the second vanity Now our mother was just as we are too sudden in our expectation of deliverances So if we look into that of Moses Exo. 5. ult Neither hast thou delivered thy people at all saith precious Moses Why Moses thou art a little too quick Have not these people prayed and hath not the Lord heard the cry and sent thee to bring them out of Egypt and am not I now upon delivering them and yet are they not delivered at all â—…oses thou art a little too sudden in exâ—…ecting deliverances So it was with the Apostles Act. 1. 6. â—…ord said they wilt thou at this time restore â—…e kingdome to Israel The Apostles were too â—…dden this was not to be done till many â—…undred years afterwards Methinks I see â—…he people of England yea many of the Lords â—…wn Lambs some of them in Egypt under â—…haraohs hard task-masters murmuring and â—…omplaining at other Saints as they did at Moses and Aaron And I see some others â—…rought to the Red-sea but in great fears before and behind as they were and some â—…re got over the sea and seen all their eneâ—…ies drowned as they were pursuing them â—…nd so begin to sing and many be marched â—…nto the midst of the wildernesse where they see great miracles waters flow out of â—…he Rocks and raining Manna from heaven and yet notwithstanding the people begin to murmure and desire to go back again to Egypt Oh here is the state of the English Nation they say it is better to go back again to Egypt to King Pharaoh or if he be dead to his young Sonne that he may reign over us where we may enjoy our old Discipline and eat our wonted food the onions and the garlicks and the leeks But some are of a more choise spiriâ—… and have sent unto Canaan to spie out thâ—… land Well there were twelve men seâ—â— ten of them bring up a false report of thâ—… land onely two of them were of anotheâ—… spirit and speak the truth the greateâ—â— part say it is a barren land the lesser paâ—â— say it is a fruitful land The people werâ—… divided and some fall to murmuring anâ—… so are destroyed in the wildernesse Well a few are gotten to Canaan the enemy flieâ—… before them they possesse their habitations and having all things at the full they soon forget their God Is not this all along our state at this day Some are travelling from Egypt to Canaan and some are journeying from Canaan to Babylon and some are walking from Babylon to Sion Q. Methinks I hear many saying If there be such glorious times at hand and that God doth intend good to us why is it thus and thus with us A. It is true there be many external and internal burdens lying upon us that we would be glad to have removed But consider a little first the fountain from whence these come Gods love secondly the end of them for thy good this will cause the â—â—ule to rejoyce in tribulation for to you is given not onely to believe but to suffer â—â—r his sake must Job the justest man that 〈◊〉 alive be fought against with the terrours â—…f the Lord Job 6. 4. Must David a man after â—â—ds own heart have no rest in his bones â—…ecause of his sins and be so wasted with â—â—e grief of his heart that his moisture is â—â—rned to the drought of Summer Psal 32. â—â—rs 3 4. Must Hezeâ—…iah who walked before the â—…ord in truth and with a perfect heart â—…ave the anger of the Almighty break his â—…ones like a Lion Isai 38. 13. Nay must the Sonne of God himself lie â—…leeding upon the crosse and cry out in â—…he bitternesse of his soule My God my God â—…hy hast thou for saken me and shall we think â—…o be altogether free from chastisement was â—…ot Abel murthered by his brother Noah â—…ocked by his son Job scoffed by his wife â—…lie slain by his sons See
13. First Watch what comes in Secondly Watch what goes out 1. Watch what comes in You shall find thoughts arising one after another in your hearts call them all to â—…n account saying Who art thou for if thou art for Christ give me the word thou shalt freely passe if thou art not for Christ and hast not his word Stand â—…f thou comest up one step further I 'le fire at thee 2. Watch what goes out Take heed to thy words let them be such as may administer grace to the hearers remember what S. James saith Jam. 3. 5. 6. The tongue â—â—s a little member and boasteth great things beâ—…old how great a matter a little fire kindleth and â—…he Tongue is a fire a world of iniquity it defileth â—…he whole body setteth on fire the whole course â—…f nature c. Wherefore watch what goes â—…ut remember the Lord thy God hath â—…et a double pale to rule that little memâ—…er Again as he tempts Parliament and Army â—…o he tempts Magistrates and Ministry high â—…nd low rich and poor old and young â—…e hath his temptations suitable to all conâ—…itions He will tempt you when you arâ—… praying hearing reading meditating eating drinking waking and sleeping he improves all opportunities he takes all advantages for he lies in wait to deceive and winnow you as Christ told Peter He is a great traveller he roves up and down the earth as he told the Lord in the book of Job He is a great Philosopher he is acquainted with all natures he hath his Logick and his Rhetorick as perfect as the Heathen Philosophers or the National Ministers nay he outstrips them for he often deceives them You know he was too subtle for the first Adam he engaged him and overcame him and gave Adam and all us in him the fall Again he imployes all his policie improves all his subtilty to foile the second Adam as he did the first Mat. 3. 4 5 6 7 c. Note these two things 1. The Devil suits his temptation to our Lord Christs present condition Christ had been fasting forty dayes why saith the Devil Command that these stones be made bread The Lord answers him from Scripture and tels him Deut. 8. 3. it is written Man shall 〈◊〉 live by bread alone but by every word that pâ—â—ceedeth out of the mouth of God The Devil seeing there is no dealing with Christ unleâ—â— he could bring Scripture he hastens and prepares his next temptation as you may see Mat. 4. 5 6. he intreats Christ to cast himself down from the pinacle of the Temple and endeavours to ground his temptation upon Scripture and cites Psal 91. 11. For he shall give his Angels charge over thee to keep thee in all thy ways The Devil cites this Psalm and this verse to Christ but mark his policie he leaves out somewhat most considerable in that 11. verse and addes somewhat that was not in that verse as you may see if you compare Mat. 4. 6. with Psal 91. 11. Again this subtile Serpent will bring pride into our hearts under the name of decencie and neatnesse and covetousnesse under the name of good husbandry nay he wil clothe drunkennesse with the garment of good-fellowship and gluttony with the robe of hospitality nay he will hide frowardnesse under the name of zeale he will promise you peace and bring you into trouble he â—â—ll promise you honour and bring you into dishonour both with God and man he will promise us liberty and bring us into bondage In a word to adde no more he will promise us life as he did our first parents and bring us to death The wageâ—… of sinne is death 2. O Christians consider that we have a deceitful heart within us a map of misery which is more destructive to us then all the wiles of Sathan it is desperately wicked saith Jeremy in his 17. chap. v. 9. The heart is deceitfull above all things and desperately wickâ—â— who can know it There is a magazine of filthinesse within us in thine and mine heart we have seen much of it and there is a thousand times more then we have seen Who can know it There is nothing called sin in the Word of God but thou and I may find in more or lesse taking up its lodging in our hearts it doth mischief us more then Satan for he can but tempt but our deceitful hearts do yield it will make us believe that it is plodding for our good when it is contriving our ruine it will cheat us in our obediences to God it will tell us we have done well when we have done ill in a word the Heart is the sole troubler of the times see Eccles 9. 3. The hearts of the sonnâ—… of men are full of madnesse for evil and madneâ—â— are in their hearts Now there are three thing by which a mad man may be known 1. Mischievousnesse to himselfe and others 2. Unsensiblenesse they feele not thâ—… smart 3. Wilfulnesse there is no perswading of them First now O Christian deal impartially dost not thou find that thou hast mischiefed thy self and others many a time and yet thou wouldst be ready to spet in the face of him that should say thou art mad Again in the next place hast not thou been insensible at the present what misery thou hast brought upon thy self And then Thirdly for wilfulnesse There are characters of wilfulness to be seen in those that do look on themselves as the chiefest Saints and yet they would take it as a rash expression if one tell them that there is madnesse in their hearts 3. Consider O Christians there is not only a Devil without thee and a deceitful heart within thee but also there be all thy carnal Acquaintance before thee which do claim an interest in thee wherefore they will not forsake thee but lie perswading of thee to run with them to the same excess of riot and if thou begin to refuse to comply with them they will say You begin too soon to be precise What a young Saint lose the best of your time the flower of your age what wither your body with griefe for a few petty sins what spoil your selfe with studying and poring upon books what run into corners to weep and pray when thou mightest be singing and dancing eating drinking with the rest of thy friends what must you be so precise shall no body be saved but you and a few such as you bâ—â— what is become of our forefathers think you which made no such ado I hope you will not say but they be saved c. Wilt thou see now O man what is the cause that the sonnes and daughters of men are multiplying their iniquities committing sinneâ—… with greedinesse why herein lies the cause there is a devil without thee and a deceitful heart within thee and there be all thy carnal acquaintance before thee all pretending love unto thee and they all bending together and improving all opportunities to cheat delude
and deceive thee Hence it commeth to passe that the whole world lieth in wickednesse hence it is that when thou comest into the City thou shalt see it swimâ—… with pride before thee and abound with covetousnesse behind thee on thy right hand as thou goâ—…st along the streets thou shalt hear them swearing and on thy left hand in their shops lying goe out of the streets into any by-place thou shalt heard some cursing and others backbiting and all almost unlesse here and there one in the City bond their forces together against the Lord Christs Kingly power Me thinks I see now and then a sincere-hearted Country-Christian come walking along the streets of the City and when he sees these abominations before him behind him on his right hand and on his left he begiâ—â— to say Lord what is the cause of this great wicâ—â—dnesse in the City And if he receive no answer from the Lord he enquires for the Lords people and through Gods goodnesse he finds here and there a Christian following of Christ and a pretty considerable party enquiring after Christ well he comes to one and asketh him why doth sin so abound in this City it is true sin reigns much in the Country but it exceeds in the City Why saith the Citizen to him we have more Temptations living in the City then you in the Country Well but the Country-man is not fully satisfied he goes to another and demands a reason Why doth sin reign in this City have you not godly Magistrates and godly Ministers and other godly Officers in your City Me thinks I hear the Citizen answering him and saying Why through the Lords goodnesse it is much better with us in that respect then it hath been here to fore Q. What then is the cause of the abounding of sin A. Sir I think one or both of these following reasons may be given for it either first we have sleighted the means of graâ—â— more then others or else as I have said before we are under greater temptations in the City then you in the Country But shall we see a little farther and enquire into the cause why both City and Country not only in this Nation but all the World-over is so overspread with all maner of abominations both in Principles and Practice which is the reason so many thousands that would be looked upon as Saints and servants of Christ are fallen off one to this error and another to that faction Some deny Ordinances others deny the Scriptures and some deny both Some will acknowledge God but deny the Son others acknowledge both the Father and the Son but despise the Spirit others will acknowledge Father Son and Spirit in word and in tongue but deny all in their practice And here I am sure is the state of the greatest part of the English Nation but the Lord blessed be his name is beginning to destroy this darknesse by his own light But is not this the cause why the whole world lieth in wickednesse as John saith There is a Devil tempting and a deceitful heart yielding and carnal friends perswading the one comes and takes thee by one arm the other by the other arm the third ties as it were a string about thy middle and all three saying Come along with us Thus much of the cause of our divisions backslidings deadnesse dulnesse formality and infidelity Now I shall in the next place lay before you the Cure and therein speak of two things The first is concerning the being The second is concerning the well-being of a Christian First then if thou wouldest be preserved in these perilous times Put on the armour of Christ and abide in the doctrine of Christ Secondly for thy well-being learn this lesson There is no power but of God who will turn all these things to his glory and thy good Or Abide in the will of God First of the first Put on the whole armour of Christ and abide in the doctrine of Christ The one is laid down by way of command in Ephes 6. 11. the other by way of trial and prevention in the 2. Epist of John v. 9. To each of these Scriptures as far as I have light witnessed with experience I shall hold forth briefly and plainly Ephes 6. 11. Put on the whole armour of God that you may be able to stand against the wiles 〈◊〉 the Devil The armour here spoken unto 〈◊〉 not a temporal but a spiritual armour and what this spiritual armour is you haâ—… it laid down distinctly in this Epistle oâ—â— Paul to the Ephesians viz. 1. To gird them with the girdle of truth Eph. 6. 14. 2. To put on the breast-plate of righteousnesse ver 14. 3. To be shod with the shooes of the Gospel oâ—… peace v. 15. 4 To take the shield of faith which is a most victorious weapon v. 16. 5. To put on the helmet of salvation v. 17. 6. To take into thy hand of faith the sword of the Spirit v. 17. Beloved I dare boldly say that man oâ—… woman that puts on this armour maâ—… march forth into the field and challenge alâ—… the Devils in hell and all the wicked men inâ—… the world and rout them all What madâ—… David go out against Goliah Why he saw himself armed not with Sauls armour but with this Spiritual armour What was that that made him so confident Ps 27. 3. Though an host should encamp against me my heart shall not feare though warre should rise against meâ—… â—…n this will I be confident What made him â—…reak forth in such words Psal 3. 6. I will â—…ot said he be afraid of ten thousand of people â—…hat have set themselves against me round about â—…ov 28. 1. The wicked flees when no man purâ—…eth but the righteous is as bold as a lyon Q. Why be the righteous so bold as a Lion A. They be armed with the armour of God Q. What is meant or understood by the girdle of truth A. To be rightly principled throughâ—…y doctrinated in the doctrine of Christ Again Q. What is meant by the breast-plate of righteousnesse A. A good conscience or innocencie of life c. and so for the shield of faith what is it but the righteousnesse to Christ able like a brazen shield to protect and cover us from the darts of the world the flesh and the devil Nay I suppose it to be not only a desensive but an offensive weapon I Joh. 5. 4. This is the victory that overcommeth the world even our faith Heb. 11. 33 34. Who through faith subdued Kingdoms wrought righteousnesse obtained promises stopped the mouths of Lions waxed valiant in fight turned to flight the armies of the Aliens c. If we should see an Army of men marching into the field where their Enemies had placed themselves in Battalia 〈◊〉 I say if we should see them march toward their enemy unarmed why we would presently conclude that these men will be put to the worst they will receive
things yet they â—…nowledge me in their deeds just as those â—â—rds of Paul Rom. 9. 32. Wherefore because 〈◊〉 sought it not by faith but as it were by the â—â—â—ks of the Law for they stumbled at that 〈…〉 bling stone Now this word as it were â—â—t were unfolded as now it lyes sealed 〈◊〉 should finde most men seeking righteâ—â—snesse if not absolutely by the Law 〈◊〉 as it were by the works of the Law 〈◊〉 Believ In this that thou hast said O â—â—w I have nothing to except against for â—â—e we both agree though there was a â—â—s-understanding between us at first yet it true the fault is not in thee O Law that â—â—n put thee in the room of Christ no â—…ore then the brasen Serpent was in fault â—â—om the people did Idolize the fault â—â—s in the people and not in the Serpent at this day mens seeking righteousnesse 〈◊〉 thee becomes their own evill not thine â—â—d as thou hast said though men will not knowledge that they seek righteousnesse 〈◊〉 the Law yet they doe seeke it as it were by the workes of the Law Now here lyeth one of the greatest 〈◊〉 ferences between the Law and the Gospâ—â— both speak of working and both speak resting onely herein lyes the difference â—â—der the Law before Christ was come 〈◊〉 people were to work first and rest aftâ—â—wards that is they were to work six dayâ—… and rest the seventh when they had dâ—â— their work then enter into rest nâ—â— under the Gospel we are to rest first 〈◊〉 work afterwards for as the Sabbath of 〈◊〉 was the last day of the week so our Loâ—â— day of rest is the first day of the week 〈◊〉 are first to receive a Kingdome that cannot moved Heb. 12. 28. and then next to seâ—â— God acceptably with reverence and godly fâ—â— We are first to believe and then in thenâ—… place to shew our faith by iâ—â— works 〈◊〉 are first to see our interest in the promisâ—… and then to cleanse our selves from all filthiâ—â— of flesh and spirit Into what soever house 〈◊〉 enter we are to say peace be to this house first fore we are to shake the dust off our feet as a wâ—… nesse against them So much concerning frâ—â—dome from the Law by Christ that fulfill the Law c. What Christ hath delivered us from and restored us unto Shall onely speak of two things more 〈◊〉 briefly viz. First what we are delivered from by â—…hrist Secondly what we are restored unto First what are delivered from and here 〈◊〉 I might instance in many things I shall â—â—ely make mention of two First we are delivered from sinne Secondly from death the wages of sin First we are delivered from sinne Isa 〈◊〉 6. it was all laid upon him and so we came free Rom. 6. 18. 22. verses comâ—â—red together 1 Pet. 2. 24. 2 Cor. 5. 21. â—…atth 8. 17. Rom. 6. 11. Col. 1. 22. 1 Thess 〈◊〉 13. Secondly those and onely those that â—â—e in Christ are delivered from death the â—â—ges of sinne O death saith Christ I will â—â—thy death Isa 25. 8. He hath swallowed up â—â—th in victory 1 Cor. 15. 55 56 57. O death â—â—ere is thy sting O grave where is thy victory â—â—e sting of death is sinne and the strength of â—â—e is the Law But thanks be unto God who â—â—eth us the victory through our Lord Jesus â—…rist c. So then by Christ a believer is â—â—ed from the Law First from the curse Secondly from the condemning poweâ—… Thirdly from sinne and Fourthly froâ—… death Secondly let us a little consider as whâ—â— we be delivered from so what we are râ—…stored unto I shall not undertake to 〈◊〉 forth this in the heigth and breadth depâ—â— and length but onely give a hint to it 〈◊〉 I have ability and time knowing that I aâ—â— straitned in both Ye were servants you be now friends 〈◊〉 Christs Joh. 15. 15. And if that be too little ye are Sonnâ—… and Daughters If that be too little are calls you his Bâ—â—thren and Sisters Heb. 2. 11. If that be too little he calls you hâ—â— Chosen Spouse and Wife Rev. 21. 9. If that be too little he tells you that yoâ—… be members of his own body 1 Cor. 12. 12 If that be too little he tells you that yoâ—… be heirs with him Rom. 8. 17. If that be too little to expresse the abuâ—…dantnesse of his love to you he tells yoâ—… That the glory which the Father gave to him 〈◊〉 hath given to you that you may be one as 〈◊〉 Father and he is one If that be too little he tells you Thaâ—… you be joyned to the Lord you are one spirit 1 Coâ—… 6. 17. If this be too little he tells you indeed â—…hat all these things above-mentioned are â—â—t a taste of what you shall shortly be Joh. 3. 12. Oh thou most noble overcomming Saint â—â—rvant of the most High God heir of proâ—…ises and Son of Sion Consider what â—â—ou art come from and now by Christ â—â—me to Heb. 12. 22 23 24. But ye are come â—â—to Mount Sion and to the City of the living â—…od the heavenly Jerusalem and unto an innuâ—…erable company of Angels to the general assemâ—â—y and Church of the first born which are writâ—â—n in heaven and to God the Judge of all and to â—â—e spirits of just men made perfect and to Jesus â—â—e Mediator of the new covenant and to the â—…ood of sprinkling that speaketh better things then â—â—at of Abel Now manifestly and truly mayest thou â—…ay I am my beloveds and my beloved is mine â—â—e that toucheth me toucheth the apple of his â—â—ye My Father is so tender of me that he â—…akes all the wrongs done to me as done â—…o himâ—…elfe he that persecutes me perseâ—…utes him Act. 9. 4. And he that hath pity â—…nd compassion on me the Lord takes it as â—…one to himself Matth. 25. 40. David said Who am I that I should be son in â—…aw to King Saul but I may say Who am I that I should be Son and heire yea coheiâ—â— to the King of Kings I was a dry aâ—â— barren tree fit for nothing but burning bâ—â— I shall flourish like a tree planted by tâ—â— rivers of water O how often did he call how earnestâ—â— did he knock how powerfully did 〈◊〉 strive how long did he wait upon me bâ—…fore my stubborn heart would yeeld If 〈◊〉 had never loved me I had never loved hiâ—… If he had never drawn me I had never râ—â— after him If he had never sought me 〈◊〉 had been straying in the wildernesse of inâ—…quity and feeding in the fields of vanity 〈◊〉 most are but now he hath avouched himself to be mine and I have avouched mâ—… self to be his Hos 2. 19. I will betroth thee 〈◊〉 me So I became the Bride the Lambâ—… wife First Christ comes and woes me 2 Coâ—… 5. 20. Secondly he gets my good will and became his 1 Joh. 12. Thirdly he makes my soul fruitfull Joh.