keep my Words It 's not the verbal Profession of Love to Christ that will serve the turn but a practical Conformity to the Commands of Christ which will obtain acceptance Pretences of Love are like the barren Fig-tree which had Leaves without Fruits or like the Apples of Sodom which seemed beautiful to the Eye but as soon as they were touched they dissolved into Cinders and Ashes We must not be Christians only in Name but in Deed and in Truth We must not only name the Name of Christ but we must depart from Iniquity And we must not only say that we love Christ but we must express our Love by our Obedience unto his Commandments And we must not Deus non vult cum exceptone coli Le◠Dei est una tota copulutiva Illeric make any exceptions but we must take in all It 's commonly observed that the Love which descends is greater than that which ascends as the Love of the Father to his Child is greater than the love of the Son to the Father I am sure God's Love to us is infinitely greater than our Love can be to him However we must endeavour after a sincere chearful and universal Love God's Love to us is his Bounty and Beneficence our Love to him must be a Love of Duty and Service And though we can never equalize and match the Love of Christ to us Yet we must endeavour by our Obedience to study to please him and walk in the ways of his Word and hereby we giue Testimony of our Love to Jesus Christ 2. Our Love to Christ must be a supream 2. Our Love to Christ must be a supream principal Love and principal Love Inferiour and secondary sorts of Love are due to Relations provided they be in subordination to the Love of Christ and neither stand in competition with him nor opposition to him We may and ought to love our Relations and love our Lives and Creature-Comforts always provided that the primacy of our Affections be given to Christ Though things of this World be dear and near unto us yet Christ must be esteemed dearer and nearer than all Christ must be preferred above all and before all The Parents of our Bodies the Children of our Flesh the Wives of our Bosom the Blood in our Veins the Heart in our Breast even all the dearest things in this World must be laid down and foregone if they stand in comparison and competition with Jesus Christ That Man that hath had experience of the Love of Christ in his own Soul and hath tasted how good and gracious Christ is he cannot but acknowledg that there is ten thousand times more Beauty and amiableness more Honours and Riches and more solid Satisfaction in Christ than all the choicest admirable things which the World can afford in its greatest Estate and Confluence Christ therefore must have the chiefest Love more than superlative even our Love to him must be beyond all degrees of comparison It 's to be observed that the high Priest might not marry a Widdow Why not a Widdow Because Lev. 21. 14. her first Love was given to a former Husband The high Priest was a Type of Christ He will not be contented with a second Love He must be loved supreamly and principally His Services must be the best A Lamb without blemish a Male in the Flock and the best of the Substance was to be offered unto God in the Levitical Law And under the Gospel the Worship must be pure pure Hands must be lifted up and purifyed Hearts are required by Christ Fervent Jam. 5. 16. 2 Cor. 1 12. Mal. 1. 8. Prayer Sincere Love Simplicity and Godly Sincerity are required God rejects the lame and the blind and curseth the Deceiver Mal. 1. 14. that hath in his Flock a Male and voweth and offers unto the Lord a corrupt thing God's Mat. 6. 23. Kingdom and his Righteousness must be sought in the first place That Figure called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 must be abhorred in God's Worship God must have the prime of our Strength the Marrow of our Bones the Vigour of our Soul the Activity of our whole Body dedicated to his Service Whatever is lovely and desireable under the Sun must strike Sail and yeild Homage unto Jesus Christ The supream and primary the highest and the dearest Love must be given unto Christ alone 3. This Love must be a whole entire 3. Our Love must be whole and undivided and undivided Love It must not be shared with any Corrivals Christ will not admit any Competitors or Corrivals with him He will either have all our Love or none Christ allows not Partnership nor will have his love to be let to halves Christ is all in all unto us and our Affection must be all in all unto him When the Sun ariseth in its Brightness the lesser Stars appear not upon the appearance of our Love to Christ all other sorts of love vanish and disappear I haue read that in a Battel between Alexander and Darius a Motion was made that there should be made an equal devision between them so that by giving each a part a farther tryal by the Sword might be laid aside But Alexander refused the Motion No saith he there can be but one Sun in the Firmament meaning that his aim was to be sole Lord and Master of all To Christ this may be much more applyed He is our sole Redeemer He hath conquered the World Satan and our own corrupt Selves He hath wrought a perfect Redemption for us He hath merited our whole Love and requires it wholly and undividedly It was the Language of that notorious Strumpet Let it be neither thine nor mine but let it be devided A divided Heart is faulty Hos 10. 2. Their Heart is divided now they shall be found faulty David professed with my whole Ps 119. 10. Heart have I sought thee And our Love must be with the whole Man many All 's are reckoned together Deut. 6. 45. Hear O Israel The Lord our God is one Lord. And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine Heart and with all thy Soul and with all thy Strength Christ expects from us a total not a partial Love He will not have his Love parted between him and Anti-christ between him and Mammon between him and a Lust Christ will not be so unequally yoaked The Ark and Dagon the Ephod and Teraphim cannot stand together A Mungril Religion partly for Popery and partly for Protestantism is abominable in the fight of God When Men as Water-men look one way and Row another pretend in visage and shew to be for the Interest of Christ but in reallity drive Designs for Anti-christ When Men as Sanballat and Tobiah offered to build for the Jews but intended to destroy them pretend in publick to propagate the true Religion but in private undermine and seek the extirpation thereof such as these God will discover and
their Sins will find them out and they shall appear not only odious to God but to Men also We read of Redwald King of the West Saxons that after he had professed himself converted to Christianity he â—rected in the same Church one Altar for the Worship of the God of the Christians and another for the Worship of his Heathen Gods And this way of worshipping God was no worshipping and worse than no worshipping at all We have an Instance in that mixture of the Samaritans Religion Several Nations and Cities amongst them according to their own devised Intentions chose several Gods And it is said 2 Kings 17. 33. They feared the Lord and served their own Gods But what a Judgment the Lord passeth on them Psal 34. Vnto this day they do after their former manner they fear not the Lord. If then we pretend to love Christ and love other things in competition with him we do not love him at all It was the great Sin of the Jews to make mixt Marriages and to be unequally yoaked with Heathens Insomuch as their Language betrayed them not to be a genuine sort of the Jews not of the right breed of the Jews For they speak in the Language of the Jews and in the Language of Ashdod So it 's their Sin and a far greater to join Christ with Harlots I mean to yoak Christ and Anti-christ as far as in them lies together And such there are who would reconcile England and Rome Protestantism and Popery But they may as soon reconcile the Artick and Antartick Poles considering that there are between us fundamental differences both in Principles and Practices Christ will say one day as Elias doth to the Worshippers of Baal How long halt ye between two 2 King 18. 21. Opinions If the Lord be God follow him but if Baal then follow him So it may be said why do People hanker between Christ and Antichrist Why do they not plainly declare themselves what they design that so we may know where to find them But be assured that if Men neglect Christ and seek after other Lovers If they leave the true Worship and betake themselves to false Worship they will pay dear for it Let Men pretend what they will if they have a Heart and a Heart a double and a divided Heart partly between Christ and any other Christ will not accept of their Love as genuine and right but account it false and spurious 4. Our Love to Christ must be sincere 4. Our Love to Christ must be sincere and incorrupt without Hypocrisy abstracted from all self-Interests and sinister Respects He that loves Christ must love him with a single sincere and incorrupted Spirit Incorrupted I name because I have the Apostle for my Warrant Grace be unto all them that love our Lord Jesus Eph. 6. 24. Christ in Sincerity The Word rendred for Sincerity signifies Incorruption Such 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Significatur is qui nulla vi nullis precibus nullis illecebris i. e. a recto abduci patitur Grot. who are sincere and incorrupt abhor all mercenary Love and all verbal Complements Between true Love and complemental Love there 's as wide and vast a difference as there is between Courtship and Friendship Christ ought to be loved for Himself for his Beauty Goodness and Excellency There 's enough in Christ to enamour a Soul and ravish it with Delights notwithstanding all the hardships and sufferings which come by Christ For one Beam of Christ's reconciled countenance and one glimpse of his Love will superabundantly recompence the greatest sufferings for his sake Wherefore let us lay aside altogether all oblique aims and collateral Interests and in the simplicity and singleness of our Hearts love Christ with the most ardent Affection The Shecemites embraced Circumcision upon a Politick Design to compass in all the Cattel and Substance of the Israelites The People Gen. 34. 23. followed Christ for the Loaves And therefore the Gadarens petitioned for Christ's departute because they were so affected with the loss of their Swine insomuch that they preferred their Swine before a Jesus A Man mentioned in the Gospel pretended such respect to Christ as he offered to follow him whether ever he went But Christ who knew his Heart discovered that he only aimed at his own accommodations for a dwelling place as may appear by Christ's Answer Mat. 8. 20. And Jesus saith unto him The Foxes have holes and the Birds of the Air have Nests but the Son of Man hath not whereon to lay his Head Herein consists the high commendation of Love when self is abandoned and the Beloved is entirely embraced and when we renounce all self Love and in Sincerity set our Affection on Jesus Christ then our Love is genuine and of the right stamp For to love Christ for Himself and Holiness for its self is a constitutive difference of a Child of God a divisive difference to distinguish a true from a counterfeit Lover and one that loveth in shew and semblance from him that loveth in reallity and in Truth 5. Love to Christ must be constant and 5. Love to Christ must be constant lasting we must not love him by fits and starts as humors take us and as may serve most for our particular Interests Both in Prosperity and Adversity in a Storm as well as in a Calm in days of Afflictions and Troubles when Wars and Oppositions are multiplyed as well as in Halcionian Days of Peace and Tranquillity our love must be one and the same fixed on Jesus Christ The Church was of such an excellent frame of Spirit as to give thanks in a time of God's displeasure Isa 12. 1. O Lord I will praise thee though thou wast angry with me Both in Prosperity and Adversity David had a fixed and an established Spirit For when his Soul was amongst Lyons and when their Teeth was as Spears and Arrows and their Tâ—nguâ—â—a Psal 57. 7. sharp Sword When his Enemies prepared Nets and digged Pits for him yet then he professeth My Heart is fixed O God my Heart is fixed I will sing and give praise And when he was in Prosperity he shews Ps 108. 1. the same excellent temper O God my Heart is fixed I will sing and give praise even with my Glory Love is that grand lasting Grace It lasts unto Eternity Faith and Hope carry us as I may say to Heaven Doors and there leave us for when we enter into Heaven our Faith is turn'd into Vision and our Hope is turn'd into Fruition there we shall enjoy the blessed Presence of the Holy Trinity But Love abideth for ever We shall always love God Our Love is here begun on Earth and shall never be consummated till we pertake of Eternal Glory Wherefore then whilst we live here in this World let us not abate a jot of our Love but dayly endeavour after Augmentations Notwithstanding Hardships and Oppositions from the World let our Love
lentus iram moderabitur exitum spectans Merc. and will never expect an End but a Man Patient and slow to Anger will moderate his Anger expecting an End By Faith we possess the Head by Love we possess one another by Patience every one possesseth himself wherefore Christs Charge is to be again and again inculcated Luke 21. 19. In your Patience possess ye your Souls The Saints are Recorded for Patterns Non potest accipi dolorum passionum corona nisi praecedat in dolore passione patientia Cyp. de Bono patientâ—ae of Patience Heb. 6. 12. We are here Commanded to be followers of them Who through Faith and Patience inherit the Promises The Patience of Saints is Commended Rev. 2. 19. Rev. 3. 10. There 's a necessity of Patience Heb. 10. 36. Cyprian that Holy Martyr tells us That we cannot receive the Crown of our Sufferings unless Patience go before And he saith likewise in the same Book which is De Bono patientiae That we are Hoc ipsum quod Christiani sumus fidei Spei res est ut autem spes fides ad fructum sui possint pervenire patienti â—opus est Cyp. de Bono patientiae Christians this is the Matter of our Faith and Hope but that our Faith and Hope may come to any Fruit we have need of Patience This Grace of Patience shines in the Dark and in the Night of Sufferings puts forth it self more Conspicuously For Sufferings are the Tryals of Patience Hence it comes to pass that even in times of a dark Vision when God clouds his Countenance a Spirit endowed with Patience Waits Believes Hopes Prayes and thus is prepared for the reception of Mercy when it comes and for the bearing of Sufferings whilst they continue Lay then aside all querulous murmuring revengeful Thoughts and let it be a Christians Strength to sit still and wait quietly and patiently for the Salvation of God 5. Self-Denial Fifthly Amidst Losses and Sufferings Self-Denial Eminently appears and shews it self When the World Frowns Enemies Rage all Cystern and Creature-Helps are dried up quite or Run very low when Interests fail then to keep a Composed quiet Frame of Spirit and to get the Heart above Envy Hatred and Malice is a rare Frame of Spirit But it 's much more an excellent Frame of Spirit to deny a Man's self in time of Prosperity when one enjoys the World as we say at Will and to be in the Float of Prosperity then to strike Sail and to deny Pleasures Luxury and Excess this is a property of an excellent Spirit Of this Spirit was Moses Heb. 11. 24. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 2 Sam. 11. 11. when he liv'd at Court When he came to Years more properly rendred when he became Great refused to be called the Son of Pharaohs Daughter Thus did Uriah in a time of War deny himself Godfry of Bulloyne would not wear a Crown of Gold where Christ was Crucified Abdicare a teipso ne abdiceris a Christo â—epudia te ut recipiaris â— Christo Salv. lib. 5. with a Crown of Thorns This Duty of Self-Denial is frequently Commanded in the Gospel as an Instrumental means to receive Christ. And it 's worth our Observation that as we are Commanded to beg our Dayly Bread Day by Day so we are Commanded to Deny our selves and to take up our Cross Day by Day The same Expression 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Vt dies diem sequitur sic crux crucem excipit Beza we have in Luke 9. 23. and Luke 11. 3. For an Ambitious Man to Deny his Honours a Rich Man to Deny his Riches a Voluptuous Man to Deny his Pleasures these are great Acts of Self-Denial Sixthly and Lastly there follows holy 6. Holy Courage Courage a well temper'd and regular Zeal which as Luther used to say When it 's well Temper'd it 's the best gift Ira in suo loco est optimum dei donum Luther of God Here 's a Critical Distinction of Zeal which is of the right Stamp from a private Grudg or distemper'd Passion viz. By being Zealous in the Cause of God and by being meek in a Man 's own private Cause Of this Heroick Spirit was Moses when a Calf was made and there was Dancing about it Moses Transported with singular Zeal threw the Tables out of his Hand and Broke them and Stampt the Calfe to Powder and caus'd Exemplary Justice to be Executed upon the Idolaters Thus Zealous Causa redditur cur Deus injuriam Mosis ul ciscendam crediderit quia ipse in suis injuriis ferendis erat lenissimus Grotius was he for the Cause of God But in his own Cause none more Meek for when Aaron and Miriam chode with him concerning the Aethiopian Woman the Text gives an ample Testimony of his Meekness leaving it upon Record Numb 12. 13. Now this Man Moses was very Meek above all the Men which were upon the Face of the Earth Luther used to say in the Cause of God Hic gero In aliis mansuetus ero in Blasphemiis in Christum non item Zuinglius titulum cedo nulli Though Zuinglius was of a comparative Moderation yet in case of Blasphemies he was a Man of Courage The Courage of Martyrs is renowned in Ecclesiastical Histories Amongst variety that might be named I 'le relate only this following viz. The Si Patibulum crucis inquit Martyr Expavescerem gloriam crucis non predicarem Bern. in vigilias Andreae Coutzen Aulae speculum p. 47. History of Surgius and Bacchus two great Courtiers who being accused for Christians and commanded to Offer unto Idols refused to go to the Temple and gave this answer to the Emperour Nos Imperator sola terrrena militiâ tibi obstricti sumus In animas nullum tibi jus est Illarum Dominus est solus Deus There are two Apostolical Characters of Zeal which if observed we may go on Couragiously and Prosper One is Zeal must be in a good Matter Gal. 4. 18. Saul's Zeal before his Conversion was Predicare Evangelium est derivare in se furoremtotiâ—us Inferni Satanae Luth. Loc. Com. stark naught And the other is it must be according to Knowledg Rom. 10. 2. Luther used to say That to Preach the Gospel was to bring all the Devils in Hell about his Ears yet he was resolved That if every Tile on the Houses was a Devil he would go to Worms and Preach the Gospel CHAP. IX Containing a Third Reason drawn from the Utility and Benefit accruing from this yielding Submissive Spirit A Third Reason shall be drawn from Reas 3 from the Benefit of a submissive Spirit the Utility and Benefit accruing from this yielding Submissive Spirit The Benefit is exceeding great because hereby the whole Man is set in a right Frame and Order When we can chearfully rely upon God and depend upon his All-Sufficiency then our Thoughts Words Affections and
take these following First There 's an Insufficiency and Mot. 1. There 's Insufficiency in all Creatures utter Impotency in all the Creatures in the Universe If you make an Extract of the choisest and most admired Creature-Comforts they cannot give any reaâ— and solid Satisfaction They are in their best Estate Vanity and Vexatiâ— Eccles 2. 11. Isa 55. 2. Eccles 1. 8. on of Spirit and no way able to satisfy an Immortal Soul The Eye is not satisfied with Seeing nor the Ear filled with Hearing The Heart of Man is Triangular and the World is a Circle and it 's imposible for a Circle to fill a Triangle Take all the Melodious Musick to tickle the Ear and all the gaudy Pageants to please the Eye and all the admirable Fancies Contrivances and Imaginations to affect the Heart yet upon a serious deliberate Review there 's Vanity Insufficiency and Dissatisfaction in them all The desire is Insatiate crying out with the Horse-leeches Daughter Give give When Men are upon their Sick-beds and Tormented with great Pains What help can Riches afford When Men are troubled in Conscience the Guilt of Sin flies in the Sinners Face | Multo difficilius est conscientean afflictum consolari quam Mortuos texcitare Luth. in Gen. What can the Pomp and Riches of the World do to quiet and settle the Spirit A Man may as soon hoard up the Graces of Faith Love Patience and such like in his Coffer as satisfy his Soul with Gold and Silver The Soul is Immaterial and Infinite the things of the World are Material and Finite and between Material and Immaterial Finite and Infinite there holds no Rule of Proportion Secondly Confider whatsoever is Mot. 2. All that 's Good is derivative from God Good Amiable and Desirable in any of the best Creatures it is derivative and borrowed from the Creator Creatures are when compared to God not so much as the Dust to the Ballance nor so much as a Ray to the Sun or a Drop to the Ocean God is not only Eminently Good and All-Sufficient but Exclusively for he admits no Competitors nor Corrivals with him God is a Fountain opened Zach. 13. 1. Jer. 2. 13. and a Fountain of Living Waters An inexhausted Fountain which never fails nor can be drawn dry Creatures are oftimes Pits without Water and what Water they have at any time it 's borrowed elsewhere But the Spring never fails The Fountain of Grace and Mercy is a Well of living Water Springing up unto Eternal Life Thirdly God is infinitely Excellent Mot. 3. God is infinitely Excellent absolutely perfect and what he doth is Compleat and every way Perfect Eccles 3. 14. I know that whatsoever God doth it shall be for Ever nothing can be put to it nor any thing taken from it and God doth it that Men should fear before him It 's ordinary amongst Creatures for one Artificer to mend the Work of another because one Man hath more Dexterity and Sagacity in managing his Trade than another Every one hath not Arrived to the Skill of Bezaliel and Aholiab who were filled with Wisdom from God Nothing more common than for one to find fault with anothers Work And many Eyes may See Plus vident oculi quam oculus more than one It 's not unusual for the self-same Man to mend his own Work for One day may learn of another But all Posterior dies est prioris discipuâ—uâ— God's Ways are absolutely Perfect And God alone is able to perswade the Heart to Acquiesce and rest satisfied in him alone Whereas no Creature-comfort can quiet the Heart and remove all discontents The want of a bended Knee more vexed and displeased Haman than all his Court-Favours and Promotions pleased him | Omnia haec non habent pretium valorem dignitatem apud me Lud. de Dieu Esth 5. 13. Yet all this availeth me nothing so long as I see Mordecai the Jew sitting at the King's Gate Fourthly God is an Universal Good Mot. 4. God is an Universal Good at all times in all Cases Places and in all Conditions Creatures at the best are but particular Goods and serve for use only in some particular Cases and in others are not useful nor helpful at all For Instance Fire and Cloaths warm the Body but cannot satisfy Hunger nor quench the Thirst Friends may be willing to help but are absent and cannot convey help or if they be present they may not be able They cannot help a Man to Health in Sickness nor to Riches in Poverty nor to Peace in a time of War But God is every where by the Ubiquity of his Presence and alwayes able to help All Creatures are at God's Command All Cattle on a Thousand Mountains are at God's Disposal In all Conditions Wants and Distresses Supplies Helps and Relief come from God It hath pleased the Father that in Christ should all Fulness dwell Col. 1. 19. There 's Fulness of Wisdom to Counsel of Power to Defend of Mercy to Pardon of Righteousness to Justify of Habet omnia qui habet possidentem omnia August Holiness to Sanctify of Grace here and of Glory hereafter Now He hath all who hath Interest in him who Possesseth all Fifthly God is an Eternal Good His Mot. 5. God is an Eternal Good Jer. 31. 3. Ps 130. â— 2 Sam. 23. 5. Inter peritura vivimus Sen. Love is Everlasting his Mercy Endureth for Ever his Covenant Everlasting No Creature in the Universe is of any long Continuance Time is short and Riches are but for a short time Health Peace Friendship Relations dearest and nearest are Transient and of short Continuance It 's to be Observed when Solomon Breve est quod delectat aeternum quod cruciat Bellar de Contemptu munâ—i reckons a time for several Purposes and Conditions Eccles 3. 1 2 3. c. He Mentions no time to Live Orimur morimur From our Cradle to our Gravâ— there 's one continued progressive Motion There 's something cutting at the Root and hastening us each Moment to our Grave Where then shall we Rest and confidently Secure our â—elves We must Ascend from Earth to Heaven from Transient and Fading Creatures to an Eternal and Unchangeable God No rest for Noah's Dove till She was took into the Ark no rest nor acquiescence for a Christian but In omnibus quae percurro non invenio tutum locum animae meae nisi in te quo colligantur sparsa mea nec a te quicquam recedat ex me Aug. confes l. 10. in God Whereever I go saith Augustin I find no Safety but in Thee Let 's then have continual Recourse unto God In his Presence there is fulness of Joy and at his Right Hand there are Pleasures for Evermore Withal Holy Greediness and unwearied Pains let us pursue the Wayes of Wisdom There 's a great Incouragement Prov. 8. 18. Riches and Honours are with me yea durable Riches
Riches and Honours could not prevail with Learned Basil that Worthy Father he bad offer such things to Children such things were beneath his Cognizance How frequently doth the Holy Scriptures note this Sin of Covetousness with a Brand of Infamy Covetousness is the Root of all Evil. It 's called there the 1 Tim â— 10. Love of Mony Two Words the Scripture useth to express Covetousness by one is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the other is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and both are in Name and Nature stark naught for Covetousness is Idolatry Col. 3. 5. it 's a Fruit of a naughty Heart and Mark 7. 22. joyn'd with bad Company as Theft Malice and what not It 's so abominable a Sin as not worthy of naming Nothing saith a Heathen argueth Niâ—â—â— est tam angusti tamque parvi animi quam â—mare divitias Cic. more a narrow and low Spirit than Covetousness When Men are fast Glued and Riverted to the World they believe not the Omnipotency and the All-Sufficiency of God because they have made choice of another God even Mammon And whither will not Covetousness drive a Man and to what will not Covetousness tempt a Man A Man that alloweth himself in this Sin will Spin a Thred thinner and thinner till it and his Conscience break both together he will find out new coyn'd Distinctions Apologies Subterfuges Evasions and what not to baffle the Truth and his own Conscience It 's Christ's Caution Luke 12. 15. Take heed and beware of Covetousness And Bishop Latimer that Eminent Martyr would frequently Inculcate this Caution Beware of Covetousness For when the Devil and a Man 's own Corruptions meet with a Heart greedy of Gain What Wickedness will be left Unattempted Hence it comes to pass that Multitudes will not believe God nor rely upon His All-Sufficiency because they Love the World too well and the Love of the World justles out the Love of God It was an excellent saying of an antient Experimental Divine Where Sin Mr. Greenham Cujus anima in oculis ejus est pretiosa in ejus oculis Mundus est parvus Buxtor Floril sits light the World sits heavy and where the World sits light Sin sits heavy Wherefore let the Apostles Charge leave deep Impressions upon our Consciences 1 Joh. 2. 15. Love not the World neither the things that are in the World If any Man Love the World the Love of the Father is not in him A Second Impediment is Hypocrisie 2. Impediment Hypocrisy and this is a Reason why so many distrust God because they deal Hypocritically and have divided Hearts partly for God and partly for Mammon The Heart is Naught and keeps Reserves for that Profit the other Interest and Carnal Advantage Many braid of the Strumpet who would have the Child divided So they will divide in Duties and Commands This Hypocritical Deceitful Spirit keeps multitudes from Trusting and Depending on God's All-sufficiency Ananias and Saphira would not Trust God they feared that some Poverty might befal them And therefore they made a Defalcation from the Price Act. 5. 3. and used Hypocritical Jugglings No Hypocrite can trust God for he acts all for Self-Interest and turns like a Weather-Cock with the Wind and strives to swim with the Stream It 's a Sincere Heart alone that can cast it self upon God and can venture all upon his Promises He it is who alone will trust God with all that he hath for he knoweth that God is infinitely nearer and dearer to him than all the World besides This Consideration comforted Hezekiah upon his Bed of Sickness 2 King 20. 3. I beseech thee Lord remember now how I have walked before thee in Truth and with a perfect Heart and have done that which is Good in thy Sight A Heart divided between God and the World between Christ and Anti-christ will never stick close to God in a Time of Adversity A Rotten Hypocritial Heart will not Suffer for Christ A Hypocrite will not willingly bear a Scorn or Word of Reproach for Christ much less will he Fry at a Stake The Lord thus expostulateth the Case Jer. 12. 5. If thou hast run with the Foot-Men and they have wearyed thee then How canst thou contend with Horses And if in the Land of Peace wherein thou trustedst they have wearyed thee then How wilt thou do in the Swelling of Jordan Bilney the Martyr made Assay first Acts Mon. in Q. Mar. Dayes Vol. 3. to try how he could bear the Burning of his Finger because he expected which came to pass afterwards that his whole Body should be Burned But an Hypocrite Timeo ne animam perdas qui capillum non perdes Aug. in Psal 96. will lose neither Finger nor Body neither Life nor Limbs for Christ So far he will pretend for Christ as his Interest is concerned for the Loaves as many follow Christ for Preferment and Promotion in Halcyon-Dayes of Peace and Tranquillity But when Religion is Contemned and the Professors are Persecuted a Hypocrite takes Offence he makes the worst Choice To | Video te post hujus plâ—goe tuae horrendâ—m miseriam ad interitum tuum hanc impietatis sequi velle perniciem Hieronym in Loc. choose Sin Job 36. 21. rather than Affliction and rather to sleep in a whole Skin than a whole Conscience None more Odious to God and Man than a Hypocrite for God and Good Men hate him because he is no better and is not so good as he seems to be And Wicked Men hate him because he pretends to any Goodness at all Notwithstanding many Failings Sincerity is that which will stand us in stead when we come to dye A Reverend Minister when he came to dye said I have a Mr. Giles Workman a Minister in Glocestershire 2 Chron. 15. 17. little Sincerity and that 's all that comforts me Asa had many Failings yet it 's said of him * i. e. Affirmo optimâ conscientiâ me nec corrumpere Doctrinam nec â—â—tâ—te flectere ad cujusque affectus neâ—â—e privatâ— ulli cupiditati servire Melancthon in loc Nevertheless the Heart of Asa was Perfect all his Dayes This is the Cause of the Saint's Rejoycing 2 Cor. 1. 12. For our Rejoycing is this the Testimony of our Consciences That in Simplicity and Godly Sincerity not with Fleshly Wisdom but by the Grace of God we have had our Conversation in the World A Heathen could commend Plainness and Simple-Dealing as most agreeing â—o the Nature of Man So saith Tully Quod verum simplex sincerumque sit id est naturae Hominis aptissimum Much more should a Christian embrace Sincerity as knowing it to be that which God requireth and so highly esteemeth of If then we desire to trust God in all Conditions let 's labour for a Sincere and Single Heart and abhor and hate Hypocrisy with a perfect Hatred For a Hypocrite will never hold out in any Duty he will not
32. Things For one to have the Good Things of this Life as Riches and Honours and to have Christ with them to have them Sanctifyed this is the Mercy indeed And Fourthly and Lastly Here is the 4 Ground of Comfort is Hope of Eternal Glory greatest Ground of Comfort even the Hope of Eternal Glory Whatever be the Sorrow in Seed-Time the Harvest will make amends for all Whatever be the Losses the Riches of Christ will make abundant Compensation The Kingdom of Heaven the Glory to be revealed the Eternal Sabbath the Beatifical Vision these are in the Eye Heart and Meditation of the Saints of God Wherefore with Moses they look unto the Recompence of Reward with Stephen Heb. 11. 26. they see Christ amidst their Sufferings and with Moses see him who is Heb. 11. 27. Invisible Compare the Outward Sufferings with Inward Comforts and especially Transient Sorrows with Eternal Joyes and there will be abundant Cause of Comfort notwithstanding the greatest Afflictions that are on us or may befal us in this present World Heaven will make amends for all and the Consolations of God are sufficient for us Amidst Fears and Perplexities for real or imaginary Losses let us Comfort our selves with the Text and take Counsel from the Man of God his Answer to Amaziah viz. The Lord is Able to Give us much More than This. And upon this Consideration our Spirits will be Revived and Supported in the Times of Jacob's Troubles FINIS THE CONTENTS OF THE First Treatise Chap. I. Containing the Coherence and Exposition of the Words the Division of them and a Doctrine inferr'd from them page 1 unto page 12. Chap. II. Contains the Method of Proceeding therein the First Argument took from God ' s Attributes pag. 12 unto pag. 32. Chap. III. Contains a Second Argument drawn from God ' s Promises p. 32 unto p. 37. Chap. IV. A Third Argument is took from God ' s Providences p. 37 unto p. 52. Chap. V. Contains a Fourth Argument took from the Saints Experiences p. 52 unto p. 59. Chap. VI. Contains the Demonstration of the Doctrine by Reasons and first from Necessity of Precept p. 59 unto p. 65. Chap. VII Proves the Doctrine from the Necessity of Means in Four Particulars p. 66 unto p. 77. Chap. VIII Contains a Second Reason which is took from the Excellency of a Quiet and Submissive Frame of Spirit p. 77 unto p. 89. Chap. IX Contains a Third Reason drawn from the Vtility and Benefit accruâ—ng from this yielding submissive Spirit p. 89 unto p. 99. Chap. X. Contains a Fourth Reason concerning the sad and mischievous Consequences of Striving Strugling and Repining against God p. 99 unto p. 102. Chap. XI Contains a Resolution of Particular Cases p. 102 unto p. 130. Chap. XII Contains an Vse of Reprehension to Vnbelievers Murmurers and rash Censurers p. 130 unto p. 143. Chap. XIII Contains an Vse of Exhortation with several Motives to depend on God's All-Sufficiency p. 143. p. 153. Chap. XIV Discovers Two Grand Impediments viz. Covetousness and Hypocrisie p. 153. unto p. 160. Chap. XV. Directs to Three special Duties viz. To live by Faith To set the Spirit of Prayer a working and To get a meek and quiet Spirit p. 160 unto p. 180. Chap. XVI Containing a Third Vse for Examination in Five Queries p. 181 unto p. 195. Chap. XVII Containing the Fourth and Last Vse for Consolation p. 196 unto the End p. 207. ERRATA In the First Treatise PAge 3. in the Margent r. aegre velli potest p. 27. Marg. r. Paterculus p. 35. Marg. r. restaurare and naufragio p. 39. Marg. r. Benefacit p. 43. liâ—e 5. r. Thirst p. 53. lin 5. r. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 p. 64. Marg. r. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 p. 79. Marg. r. Salv. and punimur p. 92. Marg. r. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 p. 117. Marg. r. Exemptus p. 127. lin 19. r. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 p. 144. Marg. r. conscientiam afflictam and excitare p. 167. lin 26. r. Jam. 4. p. 170. Marg. r. profectae p. 173. Marg. r. vos p. 193. Marg. r. amittere p. 197. lin 3. r. none THE Second TREATISE Concerning the PRECIOUSNESS OF CHRIST Preach'd long since for the substance thereof but since much inlarged at St. MARIES OXON By Henry Wilkinson D. D. Then Principal of Magdalen-Hall Matth. 13. 45 46. Again the Kingdom of Heaven is like unto a Merchant-Man seeking goodly Pearls who when he had found one Pearl of great Price went and sold all that he had and bought it LONDON Printed for John Kidgel at the Great-Atlas in Cornhill 1681. TO THE Candid READER WHAT here Reader I present to thy View and as I hope to thy Candid Interpretation I Preach'd many Years agoe at St. Maries in Oxford Since I have form'd it a Treatise with Inlargements The Subject Discoursed on is The Preciousness infinite Dignity and Value of our Blessed Lord and only Saviour Jesus Christ The Wise Merchant in the Parable Sold all and Bought this Pearl of great price It 's Chrysostomes Observation Matth. 13. 45 46. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Chrysoft in loc Christ is the Pearl of infinite Value if you sell not all you cannot purchase it It 's worth our best Inquiry to ask who are they that put the highest price and estimation upon our Holy Lord Jesus The Text gives a full Answer Unto you which believe he is precious Only true Believers value Christ above all others The Vnbelieving Gadarens preferred their Swine before a Saviour and Demas valued the World above Christ and his Apostles It 's Recorded in History that a Profane Duke of Bâ—â—â—on proâ—est That he would not leave his part in Paris for his part in Paradice It 's no new thing for Swine and such who though they are in Meâ—s shape who have Brutish Qualities to trample precious Pearls under their Feet they resemble the Dung-hill Cock in the Fable who would rather have a Grain of Barley than all the Jewels in the World But a True Believer who hath Experimental Knowledge of the Superlative worth of Christ values him at a higher Price than all the Kingdoms of the World and the Glory of them It 's evident how highly the Love-sick-Spouse valued Christ Câ—â—â—t 4. 10 11 12. A Holy Martyr when the Flames were about his Ears Cryed out None but Christ None but Christ And John Lambert Mr. Bradford that eminently precious Martyr often poured out abundance of Tears upon his Trencher as he sate at Table and being asked the reason why he Wept he Answered because he could not bring his dull Heart to love Christ more than he did Mr. Calamy late Pastor of Aldermanbury an Eminent and Faithful Minister of the Gospel who though Dead speaks in choice Works and Exemplary Conversation amongst many other excellent Writings of his in Print put forth a very â—seful Book well worth the reading over and over again call'd The Godly Mans Ark in the
Cant. 5. 10. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Vers 70. white and Ruddy the chiefest of ten Thousands Christ is white for his innocency and purity ruddy for his Sufferings as his bloody Sweat Agony and Passion upon the Cross Now because it infinitely exceeds the capacity of Men or Angels to represent Christs Dignity Honour and excellencies to the full in positive expressions therefore by way of negation we express the Price Dignity Valuation of Christ to be infinite unparrallell'd and inestimable and when we have said inestimable it 's beyond the sphere of our activity as an ancient * Nobis ad intellectum pectus angustum est ideâ— sic Deum digne estimamus dum inâ—stimabilem dicimus Min. Felix Father observes to reach any higher in our expressions 2. Here 's another word 2. What is meant by Believers to be explained viz. Believers It s sayd * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Sola est â—des quae pretium ac excellentiam Christi nobis patefacit Calv. in loc Vnto you therefore which believe For as judicious Calvin observes it's faith alone which lays open to us the price and excellency of Christ Such then as believe unto Salvation are such whose hearts are k Act. 15. purified by faith l Rom. 5. 1. and justified by Faith and have such a faith as m Gal. 5. 6. works by love Called n Tit. 1. 1. the faith of Gods Elect. * They are chosen saith the Apostle unto Salvatioâ— through Sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth 2 Thes 2. 3. Quia electi sunt elegerunt non quiâ— ellegerunt electi sunt elligentium meritum nullum esset nisi â—os eligentis gratiâ— Dei preveniret Aug. These have their Robes washt and made white in the Blood of the Lamb. Rev. 7. 14. They are begotten again to a lively hope 1 Pet. 1. 3. and made Partakers of the Divine Nature 2 Pet. 1. 4. These and these alone discern the Excellency and Dignity of Christ and they set the highest estimate and valuation upon him From the Premises thus divided and expounded there results this Doctrinal Conclusion That Christ is of inestimable Dignity and Honour Doctrine and infinitely Pretious in the accompt of all true Believers For the Methodical inlargment of this Method propounded Excellent Doctrine my work in the ensuing Treatise shall be first to give in the clear proof of the Doctrin and afterwards to infer an useful improvement thereof The Assertion to be proved is That Christ is of inestimable Dignity This shall constitute the Doctrinal part That which shall be intended by way of improvement is That as Christ is thus pretious and highly to be valued as in himself or so he ought to be by all true Believers This shall constitute the particular Use and Application of all 1. That Christ is of inesâ—imablâ— Dignity Honour and this is proved in 5 several Particulars In handling of the former Assertion I shall confine my self to these ensuing Heads of discourse 1. To reckon up several excellent Names of Honour and Dignity appropriated unto Christ in Scripture 2. To unfold the grand Mystery of the Divine and Humane Nature of Christ Hypostatically united in one Person 3. To represent the invaluable worth of those threefold Offices of Christ viz. Sacerdotal Prophetical and Regall 4. To set down several Metaphors and Resemblances in Scripture which applied to Christ declare his singular Dignity 5 To consider those great Purchases which Christ hath made for his People which are Justification Sanctification and Glorification These Heads of discourse I shall endeavour through Christ that strengthens me to inlarge in so many distinct Chapters Which as I hope and desire will abundantly satisfy confirm and establish us in this Fundamental Truth That Christ is pretious and estimable for Dignity and Honour Of these I shall treat in order in the following Chapters CHAP. II. Chap. 2. Containing an enumeration of several choice and honourable Names in Scripture ascribed unto Christ AMongst variety of Names in Scripture appropriated unto Christ I shall select these following not naming all that might be named and explain them as I go along The first I shall mention is Shiloh Gen. 1. Name Shiloh 49. 10. Which name the whole current of Orthodox Interpreters unanimously apply unto Christ The name signifies safe happy and blessed as * Est nomen verbale Salvus beatus faelix unde Shiloh derivatur Servator felicitetor hoc est faelices reddere Pet. Mart. in Gen. 49. 10. Peter Martyr observes some render Shiloh as learned Jerome and others He that is to be sent * Quasi tranquillatorem dicas qui tranquillitatis nostrae spiritualis Authâ—r sit futurus Scultet Exercit. Evangel Scultetus after he had mentioned variety of Interpretations acquiesceth in this That Shiloh signifies to cease and be quiet Ludovicus de Dieu understands Shiloh to be the promised Seed which was to spring from Judah The version of the 70 is emphatical and plainly declares Christ to be * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Vers 70. Interpretum a Saviour That Jacob's Prophesy was fulfill'd and that the Scepter did not depart from Judah till the coming of Christ may thus be convinced For the Politick state amongst the Jews was not changed but still the * Non auferetur Sceptrum Regium dicet regnum permansurum esse in Judausque ad Christum quantumvis affligeretur propecollapsum videretur Vaâ—abl in loc â— Name a Star 1 The Star of Jacob. Regal Dignity and Politick Government continued in Judah Maugre all Persecutions and Oppositions whatsoever Judah was the Law-giveing Tribe And those Laws continued till the coming of Christ But at Christs comeing the Scepter departed from Judah and was translated to an Heathen King 2. Another Name attributed to Christ is a Star He is called the Star of Jacob and a bright Morning Star 1. He is called by Balaam the Star of Jacob Numb 24. 17. although Balaam was a Mercenary Prophet who as he is branded by the Apostle a 2 Pet. 2. 15. loved the Wages of unrighteousness Yet he gives this true attestation There shall saith he come a Star out of Jacob and a Scepter shall rise out of Israel This is a clear Prophecy concerning * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Vers 70. Surget Princeps ex Israel Vers Syr. Ungetur Christus de domâ— Israel Paraphr Chald. Christ Christ is that Star that lightneth and Shineth and what light we have is borrowed and derived from him who is that great light b Joh. 1. 9. which lighteth every Man that cometh into the World Malachy calls him c Mal 4. 2. the Sun of righteousness Zachary calls him d Luk. 1. 78. The Day spring from on high St. Peter calls him e 2 Pet. 1. 19. The Day Star For Christ shines gloriously in the Gospel He inlightens guides and directs He scatters Clouds and
Wisdom of God And this Wisdom is from eternity Solomon brings in Wisdom speaking thus e Prov. 8. 22 23. Possemus verbum illud ad divinam hypostasin referre per quam natura divina in filio subsistat hoc modo fundavit me i. e Pater propri â— subsistentiâ me donavit Quod si Vulgatam lectionem ad eum sensum vocare velis sic dirigenda est Ab aeterno ordinata sum i. e. ab aeternitate in Statione meâ— locata sum ut in ordine trium hypostaseâ—â— ego secunda persona sim ita utâ—inde avelli aut loco moveri non possim Salzar The Lord possessed me in the beginning of his way before his works of old I was set up from everlasting from the beginning or ever the earth was To me it 's out of question that this is spoken of Christ the Essential Wisdom of the Father Christ was possessed and begotten of the Father in an inconceiveable and incomprehensible manner and it 's said before his works of old i. e. when there was nothing created nothing in being but God and in nothing but Eternity And not only Power but Omnipotency is ascribed to Christ f Joh. 5. 19. â— for whatsoever the Father doth these also doth the Son likewise Nothing too hard for Omnipotency nothing too difficult for Christ to conquer g Philip. 3. 21 He is able saith the Apostle even to subdue all things unto himself Likewise Notare operae pretium est jus potestatem suscitandi mortuos imo quidvis suo arbitrio agendi conferri in Christi personam Quo encomio divina ejus Ma-Jestas splendede ornatur Calv. in loc Eternity and Omnipotency both meet in Christ I am Alpha and Omega the beginning and the endâ—ng saith the Lord which is and which was and which is to come the Almighty Rev. 1. 8. Further Om-Niscience Christ challengeth to himself h Joh. 2. 25. For he knew what was in Man He knew who should Betray him and when he should be delivered up to the Cross He foretold his Sufferings and all were accomplished accordingly i Rev. 2. 23. He searcheth the Heart and the Reins Peter confest Lord thou knowest all things * Praeclarum Divinitatis Christi argumentum Absolute citra limitationem divinum hoc Attributum Christâ— hic tribuitur ijsdem verbis quibus alibi adscribitur Jehovae non solum quod justi judicij administrationem sed quo ad cordum sâ—rut ationem Parens Hence it appears Christ is Omniscient and therefore God for Omniscience is an incommunicable Attribute to any created Beeing Add hereunto Christ's k Heb. 13. 8. immutability Jesus Christ the same yesterday and to day and for ever And his Immensity For he it is that l Joh 3. 13. Haec sententia Pharisaeo nova erat qui ignorabat filium Dei fuisse ab initio Quomodo descendit est in caelo Respondetur descendit Filius Dei quia induit naturam humanam humiliatur infra omnâ—â— captum humanum dum fit victima pro peccatis generis humani tamen est in caelo i. e. cernit Patrem retinet potentiam divinam Melanc in loc came down from Heaven even the Son of Man which is in Heaven Immensity and Ubiquity of presence is an Attribute belonging to God alone Though Christ was then corporally on earth yet his Deity could not be confin'd to any place for according to his Divine Nature he fill'd Heaven and Earth No place can exclude his Omnipresence A 2d Reason shall be drawn from the Reas 2 Drawn from the Divine Honour due unto Christ Divine Honour due unto Christ The Father commands †the same honour to be given unto Christ as unto himself Joh. 5. 23. Adoration of Christ is injoyn'd to all the †Hoc est non tantum smili sed aequali prorsâ—s honore quemadmodum omne judiciiâ—m non aliquo tam tantum â—jus partem dedit Pater Filio suo Rolloc in loc Angels m Heb. 1. 6 Let all the Angels of God worship him This Arch-Angel even Christ is the Angel of the Covenant and without blame may be worshipped The Apostle worshipt him and fell at his Feet though he was forbidden to worship another Angel n Rev. 1. 17. The four Beasts and four and twenty Elders fell down before the Lamb. And further Honour is exhibited unto Christ in saying p Rev. 5. 13. Reas 3. Drawn from the works of Christ Blessing and Honour and Glory and Power be unto him that sitteth upon the Throne and unto the Lamb for ever and ever These high Praises and Celebrations represent Honour due unto o Rev. 5. 8. him a clear Proof of his Divinity A 3d. Reason shall be drawn from the Works of Christ Not to multiply many instances only consider 1. Christ created the World He was Heir of all things by whom God the Father q Heb. 12. made the World Without him nothing was made 2. Christ governs and preserves the World r Joh. 1. 3. Quamvis indefinite loquatur debet intelligi universaliter quod per illum fâ—cit omnia saecula i. e. omnia creata juxta illud Prov. 8. 30. cum eo eram cuncta componens Ubi est sermo da Sapientia gâ—nita Christi Tena ad Hebr. He upholds all things by the Word of his Power Both Works of Creation and Providence are ascribed unto Christ 3. Christ wrought Miracles he cured the Lame and the Blind the Deaf and the Dumb he healed all Diseases calmed the rageing Sea and walkt on the Sea raised the Dead to Life again and by his own Power raised himself fed 5000 with 5 Loves and two little Fishes and which is above all these things he forgave Sins which only God can do Christ in the dispensation of his Miracles frequently dispatcht two works in one journey by healing the Diseases of Body and Soul both as he did to the Paralytick Man Mark 2. 4 5. When John the Baptist sent his Disciples to Christ with this Question s Luke 7. 20 22. Art thou he that should come or do wee look for another Jesus answered and said unto them go and shew John those things which ye do hear and see The Blind receive their Sight and the Lame Walk the Lepers are Cleansed and the Deaf Hear and the Dead are Raised up and the Poor have the Gospel Preacht unto them Although the Apostles wrought Miracles afterwards yet they acknowledged all to be t Act. 4. 10. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 i. e. virtute potentia ope Vatabl. by the name of Jesus Christ By vertue received from Christ they cured all Diseases And likewise where ever the Gospel took effect and prevail'd it was by the assistance of Christ Ministers may faithfully and sedulously labour in the work of the Gospel and yet may not so succeed in their endeavours as to convert Men to God But the
Strength stability and solidity Two Scriptures I shall fix on and by the Exposition of them clear the Analogy The first Scripture is Gen. 49. v. 24. Jacob giving the Blessing to his beloved Son Joseph saith But his Bow abode in Sub 〈◊〉 typo depicta est nobis imagâ— Christi qui antequam emergerat Victor mâ—rtis Author vitae positus 〈◊〉 Calvin Strength and the Arms of his Hands were made strong by the Hands of the mighty God of Jacob from thence is the Shepherd the Stone of Israel By this Shepherd and Stone Jacob endowed with a Prophetick Spirit look'd with the Eye of Faith upon Christ for Joseph was a Type of Christ who is the Shepherd of Israel the Foundation Stone and the Corner Stone of his Church Joseph as a Shepherd fed his Father and Brethren and was a helpful Instrument to save much People alive in the time of Famine So Christ is the Shepherd and Preserver of his People to provide for them and supply them Joseph was as a Rock or Stone for defence as an hiding place in providing for his Father and Brethren in Egypt So Christ is a Rock and Refuge and Shelter unto his People Without question that Prophecy of a King that shall reign in Righteousness is to be applied to Christ Isa 32. 1. Jerome one of the Learnedst of all the Fathers applyeth this Prophecy to Christ and the safety of God's People by Christ mentioned ver 2. And a Man shall be a hiding place from the Wind and a covert from the Tempest as Rivers of Water in a dry place as the Shadow of a great Rock in a weary Land * Quicuâ—que sub ejus umbraculo fuerit sic tutus â—rit in tribulationibus angustiis in mundi istius tempestate 〈◊〉 qui ventâ—m turbinem fugiens se tuto abscondit loco Hieron in loc Another Scripture which is more clear I shall mention out of Isa 28. 16. Therefore thus saith the Lord God Behold I lay in Zion for a Foundation a Stone a tried Stone a precious Corner Stone a sure Foundation These are rare excellencies of a Stone and this Stone is laid in Zion i. e. the Church of God Let 's review all these excellencies of a Stone and it will evidently appear that they all meet in Christ in an eminent manner 1. This Stone is laid for a Foundation 1. A Foundation Stone A Foundation Stone must be strong and firm whereon the Superstructure may depend for if the Foundation fail the Building either sinks or falls down Now Christ is the Foundation of our Faith He hath founded and setled his Church and if we rely and hold fast on Christ we cannot miscarry The Doctrine of the Gospel is built on Christ Other Foundation can no Man lay than that that is laid which is Jesus Christ 1 Cor. 3. 11. The Foundation which will hold is neither Gold nor Silver Hay nor Stubble no Merits no devised Will-Worship these are rotten Foundations and will fail But the Foundation which will hold is that of the Apostles and Prophets Jesus Christ himself being the chief Corner Stone Eph. 2. 20. 2. This Stone is a tryed Stone Some 2. A Tried Stone Stones are tryed and they moulder and are unfit for a Building but Christ is every way tried by Buffeting Scourgings Crucifixion and by the highest Malice that Men or Devils could put forth against him Many try their Armour before they venture into Battel whether it be Shot-proof Now Christ is Bullet proof as we say and Armour of Proof the whole Quiver of God's Arrows were shot against him and yet he endured it and came off Conqueror 3. This Stone is a precious Stone So 3. A precious Stone Christ is precious in himself He is the Pearl of Price and Plant of Renown the chiefest of ten thousands Christ is precious in the estimation of the Father he is the beloved Son the brightness of the Father's Glory the express Image of his Heb. 1. 3. Person And he is precious in the account of all true Believers they know how to value him they admire his Beauty and are ravished with his Love They have interest in the Blood of Christ and this is more precious than Millions of Worlds If the Soul be precious as we all acknowledg how much more must he be precious who redeems the Soul and Christ alone is the Redeemer of the Soul 4. This Stone is a Corner Stone Other 4. A Corner Stone Stones are knit and cemented to the Corner Stone so all true Believers are cemented in one Body and knit to Christ their Head He is the Corner Stone and the Head of the Corner 'T is true that the Builders rejected this Stone The Jews reviled persecuted and crucified Christ yet he is the Person of whom the Prophecy Psal 118. 22. was fulfilled And so the Apostle expounds that Prophecy in his Sermon Acts 4. 11. This is the Stone which was set at nought of you Builders which is become the Head of the Corner 5. This is a sure Foundation Stone 5. A sure Foundation Stones may and are oftentimes laid for a Foundation but they are not firm and stable and no ways able to support the Building but Christ is a sure firm and strong Foundation To build on this Foundation there 's Strength and Security I might further add 6. That which 6. A living Stone is beyond humane Sence Christ is a living Stone And yet it is evident from the Word of God 1 Pet. 2. 4 5. To whom coming as unto a living Stone disallowed indeed of Men but chosen of God and precious Ye also as lively Stones are built up a Spiritual House Now Christ is a living Stone and he communicates Life unto his Members and by vertue of his Life they live The Dead were raised by the Voice of Christ and those that are dead in Trespasses and Sins are quickned by Christ Eph. 2. 1. Dry Bones take Flesh and Sinews and become an Army when the Spirit breaths Life into them so the Ezek. 37. dead sleepy drowsy never so unlikely in the Eye of Man may be quickned by the Life of Christ But this comparison I need inlarge no farther SECT II. Shewing that Christ is resembled to a Fountain A Second Resemblance of Christ is to a Fountain There are choise Words spoken by the Church as is conceived resigning all the praise of Beauty and Dignity unto Christ who gave it to her The Words are Cant. 4. 15. * Significat populum hunc habuisse foecunditatem copiam donorum spiritualium Clarius A Fountain of Gardens a Well of Living Waters and Streams from Lebanon Gardens that are of the greatest Note have Fountains to water them Standing Pools are not valued here 's mention made of Streams and Living Waters and these Streams come from Lebanon The Head of the Streams of Jordan riseth from Lebanon and makes the Land
Lord Jesus Christ the Father of Glory may give unto you the Spirit of Wisdom and revelation in the knowledg of him the Eyes of your understanding being inlightned that ye may know what is the hope of his calling and what the Riches of the Glory of his Inheritance in the Saints 2. A true Believer hath a spiritual tasâ— 2. A true Believer hath a spiritual tast â— ph 1. 14. and relish of Christ's Goodness He hath tasted that the Lord is gracious he hath received the earnest of his Inheritance viz The first Fruits of Glory even some glimpses of a beautiful and Transcendently excellent Saviour Now having experimental knowledge of Christs Mercy in pardoning and purging of him and making particular Application of Christ as St. Paul did Gal. 2. 20. who loved me and gave himself for me Upon these considerations I say how can it be otherwise but Christ must be Precious to such an one Christ hath preheminence in a Believers estimation for in his doubts he hath experimented Christ to be his Counsellor and in his distress his Comforter a Refuge in storm Riches in Poverty Health in Sickness Life in Death Christ is all in all to those who have experienced of his goodness All true Believers put the highest appretiation upon Jesus Christ both for what they already have and whatever they shall have 1. They already have part of payment 1. Believers receive in this Life part of payment earnest given in this Life of his love They have Influences from the Spirit of Christ They are endowed with the Graces of his Spirit They injoy a Sacred Communion with him They tast sweetness in his Ordinances by his Gracious Presence and by the Gracious Operations of his Spirit For it 's Christ's presence and the effectual working of his Spirit that makes an Ordinance effectual to the Soul Of this all the Adopted Sons and Daughters of God are Partakers more or less in this Life Now for what they now enjoy they have cause and accordingly endeavour to extol the Dignity and Honour of Jesus Christ 2. For what Believers shall have hereafter they account Christ pretious Though 2. Believers shall have Glory Heb. 11. 26. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 It importeth a removing of the lâ—ye from one Object to another Moses turned his Eyes from the Pleasures of Egypt and fix'd them on Heaven Dr. Gouge Col. 1. 27. â—ui Christus dulcescit mundus amarescit they are not mercenary yet with Moses they have an Eye unto the reward The Israelites in their tedious Pilgrimage had Canaan in their eye and the Thoughts of Canaan sweetned their present hardship and Sufferings Observe the order mentioned Rom. 12. 12. Rejoycing in hope patient in Tribulation The hope of Glory is cause of rejoycing and will make us more chearful to undergo Afflictions in this present World Christ the hope of Glory when he hath the preheminence in all things and we account him all in all then all things are but loss and dung when compared with Christ All things are accounted bitter where Christ is sweet Now the Crown of Glory the purchased Possession and the price of the high calling and Eternal Life all these are the gift of God through Jesus Christ having then these things in our deliberate and serious Meditation O! how infinitely shall we esteem of Jesus Christ more then our Hearts can conceive or our Tongues can express 3. A true Believer hath Spiritual Affections 3. A true Believer hath spiritual Affections and sets them all on work to magnifie the excellency of Christ For Instance 1. His Love is swallowed up with the 1. The Love of a Believer is on Christ Love of Christ He is with the Spouse sick of Love for Christ The Love of Christ constrains him 2 Cor. 5. 14. to do and suffer what Christ would have him 2. His Joy is fixed on Christ Christ is 2. His Joy is fix'd on Christ the Believers Joy he cannot rejoice in Corn and Wine and affluence of earthly things for there is Vanity and vexation in them all But he rejoyceth in Christ He delights hearing Christ speak to him in his Word and in his speaking to Christ in Prayer and Supplication We read of the Joy of Espousals and of the Joy of Harvest and Vintage but no Joy like to the Joy in God and to Joy in the Holy Ghost which is Joy unspeakable and full of Glory Senica would have Joy Volâ— laetitiam tibi esse Domi. Sen. Vis nunquam esse tristis bene vive Bona vita semper Gaudium habet conscientia rei semper in poena est Beza de inter Dom. to be at home Inward Joy Joy of the Heart is better than an outward flashly Joy and that is Joy wherein the Mind is quieted Now Christ alone can quiet the Mind and rejoyce the Spirit For other Joys Men may be seemingly Merry and force an outward Mirth when there 's a damp upon their Spirits and they are inwardly sad but the Joy of Christ causeth a serious solid Mirth so that a Believer may be full of inward Joy though he may seem outwardly sad i. e. or rather serious having a sedate and composed Spirit Now to rejoice in Christ shews how much we prize him 3. Our desire is on him That which 3. His desire is on Christ we desire above all and are most eager in pursuit of it plainly evidenceth that it 's in our highest estimation It 's Christ whom the Believer desires above all and as Rachel cryed out Give me Children or else I dye So a Believer cries Give me Christ or else I dye So did the Martyr in J. Lambert Fox Act. and Mon. Vol. 3. the Flames None but Christ none but Christ Christ is the Love Joy Delight and Desire of every true Believer The Hunted Hart doth not more earnestly thirst after Water then a Believer thirsts after Christ Nothing but Christ can satisfie his desire Cicero's works could not please Austin because Christ was not mentioned Aug. Con. l. 3. c. 4. Valde protestatus sum me nolle sic satiari ab â—o Ad in vita Lutheri in them Luther would not be put off with outward things he lookt for Christ and his Riches He preferred them before all Preferments They would not satisfie Bazil nor Caracciolus nor other Heroick Spirited Christians Their Desires and Longings were after Christ and Christ alone could satisfie their Desires No satisfying or quietting a Believers Heart without Christ SECT IV. Containing an Vse of Reproof to alâ—Vnbelievers Of Reproof THE second Use is for Reproof unto 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 non credentibus Vulg. Ed. all Unbelievers These are call'd disobedient in the next words following my Text Christ is the Stone which the â—uilders disallowed yet it 's made the head of the Corner Now as Christ is to Believers Pretious and esteemed the chief Corner Stone so unto Unbelieves he is a
Spirit of Christ asswage and bring down all proud swelling thoughts High Inclinations are cast down by the Spirit of God The hard Heart is molified and of insensible it becomes sensible and of seared it becomes tender and apprehensive of Sin 2. Ointment hath a penetrating Power to pass through the Pores and diffuse it self through every Pore of the ill affected part So where there is the Unction of the Spirit it openeth the Eyes subdues the Will raiseth the Affections enlargeth the Heart Hence saith the Apostle 1 Joh. 2. 20. But ye have an Vnction from the Holy One and ye know all things i. e. All things needful for Salvation And this Unction is an abiding Unction ver 27. But the annointing which ye have received of him abideth in you and ye need not that any Man teach you that is they need not that any should teach them any new Opinion Let them retain those Principles wherein they have been taught and stick close unto them 3. Ointment hath a refreshing and comforting Vertue Ointments as they make way for the emission of all noxious Humors so likewise for the free passage of all Vital Spirits which do enliven refresh and comfort the Heart Hence we Ps 104. 15. â—sal 4â— 7. Isa â—1 3. Joh. 14. 25 Joh. 14. 16 read that Oil makes the Face to shine And it 's called the Oil of Gladness and the Oil of Joy So the Spirit of God is a Spirit of Consolation call'd the Comforter A Comforter that may abide with us for ever In all our Troubles if we can get God's Spirit for our Comforter we shall chearfully rejoice in Tribulation The Question was Job 15. 1. â— propounded to Job Are the Consolations of God small with thee So it may be ask'd Are the Consolation of God's Spirit small with thee No questionless for they abound in Comfort The Illapses Influences and Communications of the Spirit of God in comforting the Afflicted binding up the Broken-hearted refreshing the Languishing raising up those that are Fallen strengthning the Weak all these set forth abundantly the singular benefit of Divine Consolations flowing from the Spirit of God A fourth Demonstration that Believers Demon. 4. Believers have a Pâ—eâ—ions Inheritance are Precious in the sight of Christ is because that Christ assures them of a Precious Inheritance in the Kingdom of Heaven Heaven is Christs Purchase and by vertue of Christs Purchase it becomes the Saints Inheritance The Tenure where by the Saints hold is in capite in their Head Christ Now for their full assurance there 's a threefold Title whereby true Believers lay claim to Heaven viz. By Promise Donation and Possession 1. By Promise Christ hath promised 1 Title by Promise Heaven unto his Children Amongst many I shall select a few excellent Promises one is Joh. 14. 23. In my Fathers House aâ—e many Mansions if it were not so I would have told you I go to prepare a place for you and if I go and prepare a place for you I will come again and receive you unto my self that where I am there ye may be also Another nother Promise is Matth. 19. 28. Verily I say unto you that ye which have follow'd me in the Regeneration when the Son of Man shall sit in the Throne of his Glory ye also shall sit upon twelve Thronis Judging the twelve Tribes of Israel A third Promise is Matth. 19. 29. And every one that hath forsaken Houses or Brethren or Sisters or Father or Mother shall receive an hundred fold and shall Inherit Everlasting Life The meaning is not that all these things should be made up in kind that he should receive so many Fathers Mothers and Sisters in the room of them but the meaning is that he shall receive Christ and Everlasting Life which is his Purchase and is infinitely more worth than all the World A second Title which Believers have to 2. Title by Donation Heaven is a Title of Donation Eternal Life is the gift of Christ as may appear Joh. 10. 28. And I give unto them Eternal Life and they shall never perish neither shall any pluck them out of my Hand Further Christs Donation is evident John 17. 22. And the Glory which thou hast given me I have given them Heaven is Christs Gift and there is no merit nor any thing in the Creature to procure God to bestow his great Gift for saith our Saviour Luk. 12. 32. Fear not little Flock for it is your Fathers good Pleasure to give you the Kingdome But though we cannot merit Heaven yet we must be constant and conscientious in the performance of our Duties we must repent believe and be zealous to do good works and to such as are faithful unto Death the promise will be made good unto them Rev. 2 10. I will give thee a Crown of Life It 's true that Salvation is a free Gift and Heaven is the purchase of Christs Blood yet our Duty is to work out our own Salvation with Fear and Trembling Phil. 2. 12. A third Title to Heaven is that of Possession 3. Title by Possession Joh. 3. 36. He that Believes in the Son hath Everlasting Life A Believer hath such an assurance as present Possession can give him For the Word of God is his assurance He hath a Witness 1 John 5. 10. He that believes on the Son of God hath the Witness in himself And he hath both Sealing and Earnest Eph. 1. 13 14. Ye were Sealed with that Holy Spirit of Promise which is the Earnest of our Inheritance The Sealing of the Spirit is Assurance the Earnest is part of Payment or some first fruits of the Harvest so than to have a Title of Promise Donation and Possession must needs be a strong Title Quest But the Question hence will be moved whether any can be assured of their Salvation in this Life Answ To this I Answer That some have been assured and others may be assured 1. Some have been assured as Job c. 19. v. 25. I know that my Redeemer liveth and Paul Gal. 2. 20. Who loved me and gave himself for me And 2. Why others may be assured of their Salvation in this Life For in those Beautitudes mentioned Math. 5. If upon serious search and Examination a Believer can conclude that he is poor in Spirit pure in Heart c. Thence he may infer that he is in a state of Blessedness Likewise the Scriptures give several distinguishing Characters whence we may evidence the assurance of Salvation One is love to the Brethren 1 Joh. 4. 14. We know that we have passed from Death to Life because we love the Brethren Another Character is the loving of Christs appearing The Apostle speaks not only in his own name but also in the name of all Saints Henceforth there is 2 Tim. â—8 laid up for me a Crown of Righteousness which the Lord the Righteous Judge shall give me at that Day and not to me only
but unto all them that love his appearing A third Character is effectual calling If we make our calling sure thence we may be assured of our election 2 Pet. 1. 10. Wherefore the rather Brethren give diligence to make your calling and Election sure These may suffice for the Trial of the Grounds of assurance But we must know 1. That many Precious Servants of God may for a time want the sence of Gods favour and be at a loss for assurance Ps 10. 1. Psal 88. 5. David complains of Gods hiding his face from him And so did Heman complain that he was free among the Dead like the Slain in the Grave whom thou remembrest no more And he likewise expostulates the case with God why hidest thou thy face from me Gods Children are always in a safe condition yet they are not always apprehensive of their safety Sometimes they are under Desertions and Withdrawings of Gods Countenance A Child of Light may walk in Darkness Comfort Isa 50. 10. may be near him and yet he may not discern it as Mary could not see Christ for Tears in her Eyes 2. Assurance admits Degrees sometimes it 's more sometimes less The best are not always at a stand Upon strict Inquisition in their Hearts they find cause of Humiliation and walking heavily The remembrance of an old Sin may cause a great damp and sadness upon the Heart 3. Assurance may be a long time before it be obtained There will be long searching the Heart fighting against Sin Fervent and Assiduous Prayer a great deal of combating against the Flesh A Holy Martyr could not get assurance till he came to the Stake at last he told his Friend O Glover Act. Mon. Q. M. dayâ— Austin he is come he is come he is come 4. Notwithstanding there may be assurance yet sometimes Doubts and Troubles may arise in the Spirit upon Apprehensions of Gods clouding his Countenance and upon Apprehension of the difficulty to get rid of some secret Sin Quest But what 's our Duty Answ 1. Allow thy self in no Sin be Direct 1. it ancient customary beloved or secret away with it The hankering after any beloved Sin the delay of executing Justice upon it may break thy peace and hinder thy assurance Wherefore give no quarter to Benhadad nor to Agag Make a League with no Gibeonite Foster no Dalilah no Herodias Throw Jonah over Ship-board that 's the way to make the Sea calm Stone Achan that 's the way to make the Valley of Achor a door of Hope Brain Goliah a Champion Sin and than other Hos 2 14. Sins will sooner be vanquished as the Philistines were when Goliah was destroyed 2. Make it thy serious business to clear Direct 2. Make it thy business to clear up thy evidences up thy Evidences for Heaven Examine whether thou hast Christ formed in thee whether the new Creatute is manifested in thy understanding to know God in thy will to obey God in thy affections to love him in thy Heart and Life whether they are inlarged to run the ways of Gods Commandments search and examine whether Sin be mortified and the Body of Sin Crucified Whether thou art Justified by the Bloud of Christ and Sanctified by the Spirit of Christ whether thou art Redeemed from thy vain Conversation upon such a serious Inquisition into thy Heart assurance may be obtain'd 3. If thy Evidences be dim and thou canst not read them yet let not thy Direct 3. Let not thy hold go hold go What thou wantest in Evidence make up in Adherence to and recumbance and reliance on God Thus did David under Disertions Ps 42. 11. Why art thou cast down O my Soul and why art thou disquieted within me Hope thou in God for I shall yet Praise him who is the health of my Countenance and my God And thus did Job behave himself amidst all his Afflictions Job 13. 15. Though he slay me yet I will trust in him And such as are in a dark condition who apprehend not the light of Gods Countenance they are exhorted to trust and stay upon God Isa 50. 10. Who is among you that feareth the Lord that obeys the voice of his Servant that walketh in Darkness and have no light Let him trust in the Name of the Lord and stay upon his God 4. Be fervent and frequent in Prayer Direct 4. Be frequent and fervent in Prayer Gen. Rebekkah when there were struglings in her Womb went to enquire of God If it be so why am I thus So amidst the Troubles Fears and Tumults of thy Spirit exercise Prayer If Gods Countenance be clouded pray with David Restore unto me Ps 51. 22. the Joy of thy Salvation Thou wantest assurance and art troubled upon the suspensions and hidings of Gods Countenance thy duty is to be an earnest Solicitor unto the Throne of Grace and pray that the Lord would lift up the light of his Countenance on thee Ps 4. 6. Great things are promised Ezek. 36. viz. Sprinkling of clean Water v. 26. A new Heart the Spirit 27. Security 28. Plenty and Fruitfulness yet God expects and requires the Prayers of his Children Ch. 36. 37. Thus saith the Lord God I will yet for this be enquired of by the House of Israel to do it for them If than we would obtain assurance of Gods Love we must pray much and joyn Fasting and Watching with Prayer Gods loving kindness is better than Life Ps 63. 3. therefore we must pray for it and labour to get assurance of Gods love unto our Souls How welcome was Samuel to Hannah being the Child of her Prayers And oh how highly valued will assurance be to him who hath obtain'd it in answer to his Prayers Wait than and pray continue instant in Prayer And to Prayer joyn Hearing Reading Meditating and receiving of the Lords Supper And when once thou hast got it be sure thou be thankful and watchful Take heed of the least Sin The least crum of Leaven must be cast out A Servant being incouraged by more wages hath more strong Obligations on him to serve his Master with more diligence and Fidelity Assurance and Manifestations of Gods love to a Christian are Ingagements to excite him to a more humble holy and close walking with God The more mercy he recieves the more he is ingaged to a faithful performance of his Duty Whatever Manifestation of love is given unto thee know that thou ought to be more thankful and fruitful in every good work The Apostle Writing of the Blessed Vision 1 Joh. 1. 2. For we shall see him as he is infers our great Duty to be reduced unto Practice v. 3. And every Man that hath this hope in him purifies himself even as he Matt. 5. 8. Heb. 12. 14. is pure The pure in Heart are Partakers of the Blessed Vision And without Holiness no Man shall see the Lord. Let 's than follow after Holiness If ever we hope to
be happy hereafter we must here be Holy No Holiness no Happiness SECT II. Containing the Fruits of Justification which are a Ground of the Believers Comfort HAving proved the first Ground of the Comfort of Believers because they are Precious in the 〈◊〉 of Christ I come now and with this Section I shall conclude To lay down a second Ground of Believers Comforts drawn from the Fruits of Justification And they are set down Rom. 5. 1 2 3 4. Therefore being Justified by Faith we have Peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ by whom also we have access by Faith unto this Grace wherein we stand and rejoice in hope of the Glory of God And not only so but we Glory in Tribulation also knowing that Tribulation worketh Patience and Patience Experience and Experience Hope There are sixspecial Fruits of Justification by Faith mentioned as so many Daughters of that Mother or as so many Precious Fruits growing on that Tree And they are Peace Access Joy Hope Patience and Experience These I shall inlarge particularly and so finish the Treatise 1. By being Justified by Faith we have 1 Peace with God Peace with God We have sweet tranquility and security upon our Spirits What though Men Condemn and the World Persecute us What though troubles come as violently as Waves in a Storm dashing upon us with more renewed fury Yet Peace with God and security of Conscience will quiet our Spirits and comfort us amidst discontents and fortifie us against Euroclydons and most Tempestuous Storms When God Justifieth who can Condemn When God speaks Peace who can speak Trouble It 's a grand incouragement notwithstanding Troubles come thick and three-fold that in Christ we have Peace He is our Peace and Peace-maker and Reconciler However the World Storm yet Christ becalms the most Blasting Winds These things saith he I have spoken unto you that in me ye might have Peace But in the John 15. 33. World ye shall have Tribulation be of good chear I have overcome the World We should indeavour after the things that make for Peace and as the Apostle Commandeth If it be possible as much as in you Rom. 12. 18. lies live peacable with all Men. But some are of such implacable Spirits as will never be at Peace and of the same malitious temper with David's Enemies who when he was for Peace they make themselves Psal 120. 7. ready for Battel Yet here 's a ground of of singular Comfort that we have Peace with God and this will make amends for all For saith the Apostle What shall we then say to these things if God be for Rom. 8. 32. us who can be against us Wherefore let 's labour to get and keep Peace with God and a good Conscience Peace within will support and quiet us against all Troubles without as Aarons Rod swallowed up the Rods of the Aegyptians 2. Another Fruit of Justification by 2 Accesâ— unto God Faith is Access unto God Sin sets Bars against us and hinders our Access unto the Throne of Grace But Christ breaks the Rom. 5. 2. Barrs and gives us Admission We are led by the hand of Christ unto the Father The Original Word imports as much Rom. 5. 2. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 This Manuduction or leading of us by Christ unto the Father is a great Priviledg Hereby we are admitted into the presence of the great King None might presume to come into the Court of Ahasuerus unless the King held out to him the golden Scepter Behold Christ hath purchased this Priviledg of the King of Kings to hold forth his golden Scepter and admit Believers into his presence Hence a Beleiver enjoys a sacred Communion with the Father Son and Holy Ghost and hath freedom to make his request known in Prayer and Supplication What then remains but that we should make use of our Priviledg and reduce the Apostle's Precepts in continual Practice Heb. 4. 16. Let us therefore come boldly unto the Throne of Grace that we may obtain Mercy and find Grace to help in time of need A third Fruit of Justification by Faith is 3. Joy Joy and this is Joy in the Lord or a spiritual Joy in believing The sence of God's Love The apprehension of his reconciled Countenance The Believers Interest cleared up that he hath a new Name a white Stone and the hidden Mannah rejoyceth his Heart more than the Fruition of all the Honours Pleasures and Profits which the Universe can afford When God speaks to the Soul and saith Thy sins are pardoned this is the most joyful and welcome day that ever a Believer saw The good Hearers received the word with Joy and brought forth Fruit with Patience Amidst great straits and exigencies the Church discovers an heroical Resolution Yet will I rejoice in the Lord I Hab. 3. 1â— will Joy in the God of my Salvation Amidst multiplicity of rolling troublesome Thoughts the Psalmist takes ground of encouragement Psal 94. 19. In the multitude of my Thoughts within me thy Comforts delight my Soul A Believer's Joy acts extraordinarily that which extinguisheth the Joy of a Carnal Man is Feweâ— to enkindle the Joy of a Godly Man â—or saith the Apostle And not only so but we Rom. 5. 3. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Jam. 5. 2. glory in Tribulation also A Believer accounts it all Joy when he falls into divers Temptations He kisseth the Rod that beats him and with a Martyr bids welcome to the Cross of Christ and with the Apostles rejoice that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for the Name of Christ Acts 5. 41. O! what Joy doth Faith bring to Believers in all their Sufferings so that scoffs and reproaches they account their Honour whips and tort ures scars of Marâ—yrdoms Though a Believer be tost up and down with boistrous Waves and Tempests he can see Christ by the Eye of Faith Though his Body be tormented upon the Rack yet he can see Christ his Comforter Though his Name be trampled on upon Earth yet he rejoiceth that his Name is written in Heaven A fourth Fruit of Justification by Faith 4. Hope is Hope and this is the Anchor of the Soul Were it not for Hope the Heart would break in the days of Jacob's Troubles But days of Jacob's Troubles are days of Jacob's Hope When Ezra and the People were full of grief and perplexities because the Holy Seed had mingled themselves with Heathens and were unequally yoaked with strange Wives but notwithstanding Hope was left quasi tabula post naufragium Ezra 10. 2. Yet now there 's Hope in Israel concerning this thing Rom 8. 24. By Hope saith the Apostle we are saved When Spoilers come a Believer is a Man of Hope Whatever they take from him yet they cannot take away his Hope Amidst Clouds of Darkness his Hope is That the Sun of Righteousness will arise with healings under his Wings He hopes against his Reason