a thing accepted of God when it is done to his name a worke of love it hath present fruit and future reward so that hee that hath mercie on the poore happy is he Prov. 14 21. Hee that hath a bountifull eye shall be blessed for hee giveth of his bread to the poore For temporall reward There is that scattereth and is more increased Prov. 11 24. The liberall foule shall bee made fatte and hee that watereth shal be watered also himselfe Springs and wells though they bee much drawen yet they abound with water The liberall person shall stand by his liberalitie Esay 32 8. Hee that giveth to the poore shall not lacke Prov. 28 27. The Lord will recompence him what he hath laid out Prov. 19 17. Hee that ministreth seed to the sower shall minister bread for their food and multiply their seed sowen and increase the fruits of their righteousnesse 2 Cor. 9 10. The God of those poore servants of his shall supplie all their need Philip. 4 19. 2. In spirituall graces God many times rewards this mercie and liberalitie Luke 16 11 12. If yee have not beene faithfull in the unrighteous Mammon who will commit to your trust the true riches If yee have not beene faithfull in that which is another mans who will give you that which is your owne On the contrary it appeares that they that dwell in heaven and free and at libertie count nothing of this world theirs but as stewards to the Lord faithfully dispence their goods according to his mind shall bee blessed and trusted with spirituall riches true treasure his owne because the fruition is everlasting Cornelius his almes with his prayers came up for a memoriall before the Lord his reward was to have Christ revealed unto him by Peter whom when he heard the holy Ghost fell upon him Act. 10. Men get assurance of a gracious estate for ministring to the Saints of love is opposed to that from which reprobates fall Heb. 6 9 10. 1 King 18 13 Obadiah alledged to Eliah as proofe of his true feare of God that hee preserved the persecuted Prophets and fed them with bread and water If we love the brethren in deede and truth wee know that we are of the truth 1 Iohn 3 19. It furthers our assurance of eternall life The mercifull are blessed for they shall finde mercie Math. 5 7. Mercie rejoyceth against condemnation Iam. 2 13. A godly man moved with compassion with respect to Gods Commaundement lifts up his head and overcomes the feare of being condemned in judgement because God hath put this grace of mercie in his heart whereby hee is carried both in softnesse to his brethren not hard and rough to them and to releeve those that stand in need of his helpe the ground is Gods promise to the mercifull The Apostle calls it laying up a good foundation against the time to come that we may inherit eternall life 1 Tim. 6 19. Three things are implied 1. That there is eternall life to be obtained 2. That the foundation of eternitie is to bee laide heere 3. That the state of the next life follows the state of this as the upper building followes the foundation Christ is the onely foundation but good workes are by Gods promise as testimonies of our being in Christ a strengthening to our hope God hath promised reward in heaven to them that shew mercie to his poore he that is mercifull rewardeth his owne soule Prov. 11 17. It is to make freinds for another world that may receive us at our death into everlasting habitations Luke 16 9. The good will give freindly testimonie to the conscience that such have not beleeved in vaine and God counting done to himselfe crownes the worke Christ promiseth a Prophets reward to him that receives a Prophet a righteous mans reward to him that receives him in the name of a righteous man and him his reward that receives and refresheth as hee may though but with a cuppe of cold water in that name that hee belongs to Christ a Disciple Math. 10 41. The Apostle puts a case of giving all a mans goods to the poore and it shall prosit him nothing The Apostle gives the reason because it is not in him an act of love hee hath no love A man living in reigning sinne destitute of grace can looke for no reward hee is in the flesh and cannot please God Other rules there bee to bee observed in giving as a just possession as in the example of Zacheus his ill gotten goods hee restored and gave halfe his owne Prov. 5 16. Let thy fountaines flow forth and the rives of waters in the streets Not onely take part of thy goods thy selfe but distribute them liberally to those that want The Apostle requires of him that stole to steale no more but to labour with his hands the things that are good that of his honest labour he may have to give him that wants Ephes. 4 28. Hee that hath this worlds goods saith the Apostle Iohn and sees his brother have need and shutts up his compassion from him how dwelleth the love of God in him So the goods must lawfully bee possessed and it must be an act of love to God and to our brethren 1 Iohn 3 17. The goods that are unlawfully withheld from the owner must bee restored as followes in the text There be three sorts of ill gotten goods 1. When the injustice is onely his that hath gotten them as in oppressing usurie theft rapine defrauding over-reaching c. when the right and dominion is not transferred from the owner of such men may not give almes but restore them as an act of justice in putting a man in possession of his owne When by diligent inquisition it appeares that neither the parties wronged nor any of their kindred is alive it must bee given to the maintenance of the Ministerie and Gods worship or to the use of the poore such as are in Gods steed Numb 5 8. 2. Sometimes the injustice is in both that he that hath acquired the goods cannot retaine them they are gotten against justice nor hee of whom they have beene gotten can require them hee gave them against justice as in bribes to pervert judgement or such cases as this almes is to bee given 3. Something is unlawfully gotten where the acquisition it selfe is not simply unlawfull but that is unlawfull by which it is acquired as when a woman hires out her selfe to bee a whore and takes the wages of a harlot she comes by Gods mercie to repentance and would shew mercie as she hath received mercie she gives of that which was her reward unto the poore it is not unlawfull The Law forbad to bring for offerings in any vow the price of an whore Deut. 23 18. Hee would have the sanctitie of his house and altar held in high reverence and not polluted wish any impure oblation Hee forbad also to bring the price of a dogge in any vow
Iohn 18. 6. Hee saith to Peter that if he would bee delivered hee could obtaine of his Father more than twelve Legions of Angels and we reade of one Angell that in a night sâ—ote an hundred fourescore and five thousands that became dead corpses He saith Ioh. 10. 18. that his life was so in his own power that none could take it from him if hee would resist Secondly hee is said to powre out his soule unto death which is more than simplie to dye it is from his heart and of his owne will to give himselfe to death Isay. 53. 12. which appeares in his expression of a great desire to dye for mans salvation Luke 12. So How am I straitned till it be accomplished Which hee expressed also in his desire to eat the last Passover with his Disciples before his death Luke 22. 15. when he was upon the Crosse at his time of his owne will when hee would conserve his bodily nature no longer in vigour he bowed his head and gave up the ghost dyed sooner than they that were crucified with him and so soone as Pilate not knowing the mysterie marveiled at it as extraordinary and the Centurion obserâ—ing his yeelding up the ghost instantly upon a lowde cry concluded that surely hee was the sonne of God There was some thing divine in him for when men breath their last commonly they utter either none or a very weake and low voyce Thirdly hee died in love and obedience to his Father laid downe his life as he had received commandement of his Father Iohn 10 18. So his Father is said to deliver him to death for us all Rom. 8 32. First ordaining his passion for mans salvation Hee is said to have beene delivered by the determinate counsell and foreknowledge of God Act. 2 23. and Herod Pilate the gentiles and people of Israel are said to do what his hand and counsell determined before to be done Act. 4 28. This way in which God declared his wisedome to bee just in the forgiving of sinnes Rom. 3 25 26. And to set forth his bountifulnesse love and mercie to man in appointing a satisfier for him was ordained before the world unto our glory 1 Cor. 2 7. Secondly though as God hee delivered himselfe to death with the same will action with his Father yet as man his Father inspired the willingnesse and love of which he yeelded himselfe to leath for it was repugnant to his naturall will whereby hee declared some desire to decline it Abba Father â—l things are possible to thee take away this cuppe from mee Yet submitted himselfe to his Fathers will neverthelesse Not what I will but what thou wilt God so made him for a little time inferiour to the Angels for suffering of death Heb. 2. 9. and that the world might see how hee loved his Father and as hee commanded him so hee did even went to meet the Prince of the world comming to him having nothing in him and in this respect hee is called Gods servant the Chosen of God to raise up the tribes of Iacob to restore the preserved of Israel to bee a light to the Gentiles his salvation to the end of the earth Isayaâ— 49. 6. In which service hee employed himselfe and tooke the forme of a servant assumed our nature to unitie of person for the worke of the mediatorship and became obedient to the death even the death of the crosse According to the will of his Father fulfilling the ceremoniall Law in his sacrifice and the morall in fulfilling all righteousnesse by the which will of God wee are sanctified through the offering of the body of Iesus Christ once for all Heb. 10 9 10. Fourthly hee died of his owne love to man Pro. 8 31. Whose delights were with the sonnes of men hee gave his life for his friends in the greatnesse of his love Iohn 15 13. So his love is set before the gift of himselfe for us Gal. 2. 20. To wash us from our sinnes in his blood to make us kings and Priests to our God Revel 1. 5. As his Father loved him and appointed him to be the mediator in whom whosoever were received into favour should bee received and no otherwise so hee loved us and gave himselfe a ransome for us that the Father might love us with the love wherewith he loved him and that love also bee in us Iohn 17 23 24 26. It was expedient that his death should bee voluntary First for mans justification that as by one mans disobedience many were made sinners so by the obedience of one many might bee righteous as wee were sinners in Adam by imputation of his disobedience before wee had inherent sinne so in Christ by faith wee might bee righteous by imputation of his obedience before wee have inherent righteousnesse as sinne reigned unto death even over theÌ„ that sinned not after the similitude of Adams transgression so grace may reigne through righteousnesse by Iesus Christ unto eternall life Rom. 5 14 19 21. Thus was Adam the figure of Christ. Thus was Christ Gods righteous servant in his obedience righteous in himselfe and the righte ousnesse of them that effectually know him Esay 53 11. Secondly it was expedi ent for his sacrifice that his death should bee in obedience not onely for innocencie not to need to offer for himselfe as the priests of the Law did Heb. 7 26 27. But because obedience with God is more than all burnt offering and sacrifice this being the obedience of such a person being the Sonne hee learned obedience in the things which hee suffered The Lord of the Law willingly submitting himselfe to the Law it did greatly please God His sacrifice was a sweete smelling savour Ephes. 5 2. His father loved him because he laid downe his life for his sheepe such as were given him of his Father Thirdly it was meete also for his victory that his death should bee in obedience and voluntary that as death and the Divell who had the power of it reigned by disobedience so hee by obedience might overcome and tryumph in his Crosse where hee shewed obedience hee spoiled principalities and powers disarmed them and made a shew of them openly and tryumphed over them so they have no more power to accuse them that are in Christ or to require them of Gods justice to punishment for their disobedience Sinne is put out of authoritie in the flesh of Christ and the whole right of the Law fullfilled in them that walke not after the flesh but after the spirit Rom. 8 3 4. Because Christs obedience or righteousnesse which is reall and inherent in him is so imputed to them as if they had done it themselves Which well knowne and digested may be a great encouragement to come to Christ for salvation seeing hee gave himselfe so willingly and with such great desire to death in obedience to his Fathers will to save the world by him and salvaton being
now preached in his name how can wee say any thing to excuse our not receiving him and life with him hee being straitned and pained with strong desire to shed his blood for reconciliation betweene God and man and he is now set forth unto us for propitiation through faith in his blood let us abhorre flownesse of heart to beleeve in him and with all boldnesse imbrace the benefit of Christ Heb. 10 22. Let him see in us the travell of his soule to his satisfaction Esay 53. 11. The affluence of burdened sinners to him to finde rest for their soules is the fruite of his passion the satisfying of his desire in it the prospering of the good pleasure of God in his hand Say with the Church I am my beloveds seeing his desire is towards mee because hee hath so freely loved mee when I was wholly turned away from him and was his enemie as in desire to save me to give himselfe for me I resolve to yeeld up my selfe to him Cant. 7 10. This is the pleasure of Christ and his Church that their bed is greene Cant. 1 16. that there is still an increase of faithfull ones And this faith by which wee looke up to Christ for salvation is the eye which so much doth affect him as hee is no more his owne but theirs that so beleeve in him Cant. 4. 9. If we could weigh this well that Christ is so delighted with our faith by which as by our eye wee behold him as sent of God to save us how should it make us to burne in desire to have this faith more and more which is but one though it have diverse degrees Our faith in him is the end of the Gospell as the end of his passion and the end of it the salvation of our soules 1 Peter 1 9. Let this love of his wherby hee willingly met his death for our salvation move us to labour to know this love which passeth knowledge Ephes. 3. 19. which as his banner is lifted up to gather his to him allured by his love Cant. 2. 4. and admiring it to bee moved to burne in our love to him as the Church is said to be sicke of love the coales thereof to be coales of fire which hath a most vehement flame Cant. 8 6. So possessed of the love of Christ that wee bee wholly to him 2 Cor. 5 14. And so know this love not onely as our motive to love him but our patterne to love such as hee commends to our love so is his commandement that wee love one another as he hath loved us Iohn 13 His love to us is as his fathers to him purely gracious as his father received not of him but gave to him so hee received not first of us to love us for our love but when there was nothing to incline him towards us to bee considered in us he loved us gave us even himselfe Thus let our love bee to others not first because wee receive of them but freely of goodnes put into us by the Spirit of Christ inclined to p 〈…〉 cure their good Let it direct our obedience unto God unto Christ that it be of a ready minde though in difficult things and such as our nature rightly would decline yet denying our selves we submit to him that is the Lord of our life and death as he submitted to his Father As Peter stretching forth his hands to bee bound and led to death by others in respect of his naturall will is said to bee led whither hee would not Iohn 21. 18. yet of obedience and feare of God choosing death for the safetie of Christs cause to glorifie God by his confession of the truth thus is the obedience more glorious being performed by grace against reluctation of nature Yet where there is reluctation of corrupt nature the excellency of obedience is lesse though grace get the victory for to the performance of the Law it is required that a man shall not lust have no motion bee it never so small contrary to Gods Law The perfection of that which is good is when there is not so much as concupiscence of sinne in a man if there bee never so little a motion step ping aside from the love of God and from his obedience in love it is evidently a breach of the Law our Saviour had no manner of corruption in him to wrestle or strive against the will of God And passed through Ieri 〈…〉 behold there was a man c. Iericho was singularly subjected to the malediction of God so as whosoever should rebuild it God having destroyed it should be judged with the death of his eldest sonne in laying the foundation and of his youngest in his hanging up the gates of it which curse tooke hold of one Hiel a Bethelite in the dayes of Aâ—hab who presuming to build it againe was condemned of madnesse in provoking God by the death of his progenie his eldest sonne Abiram at his laying the foundation of it and his youngest sonne Segub in his hanging up of the gates of it It was the first Citty that the Israelites tooke after their passage ouer Ioden and that by speciall miracle in the falling downe of the walles by the blast of Rams-hornes and dejection of the hearts of the inhabitants therefore as a first fruits with the whole spoyle of it was coÌ„sâ—â—rated to the Lord. Secondly and the severitie used against it might strike a terror into other Citties that would not yeeld themselves Thirdly to bee a memoriall of Gods power in making such a Citty for walls so defenced by an easie and unlikelie way to bee a ruinous heape with incouragement to his people to undertake hard things at his appointment and to excite their thankefulnesse for victory and possession of all which they obtained That this cursed Cittie yeelds some to bee heires of blessing wee may gather that place is no let to Gods calling his election shall be executed in due time whersoever his people bee they bee neither all in one people Revel 7 9. nor in one place but dispersed and scattered abroad Iohn 11 52. but they are Gods Children by predestination to the adoption in Christ and the Lord that knowes who bee his will weale them out by his calling select them out of the world how vile soever the place of their aboade 〈◊〉 Bethsaida was a wick 〈…〉 〈◊〉 and for impenitencie and rebellion worse than Tyrus and Sdon which were infamous for impiety pride luxurie and other vices Mat. 11 21. Yet yeelded three to Christs kingdome and they also Apostles Phillip whom Christ going forth into Galilce called immediatly to follow him is said of bee at Bethsaida the Cittie of Andrew and Peter Iohn 1 43 44. Samaria was justly hatefull to the Iewes not as Gentiles and the dregges of diverse nations a mungrill people onely but for corruption of religion impious confusion the Children of the Captivitie having
though like a reede halfe broken and smoking weeke almost gone out for want of oyle yet will hee attemperate himselfe to their infirmitie till hee kindle in them light more full and supplie them with solide strength This appeares in Zacheus and in many the little sparkles of faith and hope in whom hee excites of his immeasurable goodnesse Certaine workings there bee in the hearts of men that are of the efficacy of the Spirit yet not well knowne to them to bee so The Apostle speaking of the Spirits helpe in our infirmities when wee know not what to pray as wee ought saith that hee himselfe maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot bee uttered not onely for that they are for a thing unutterable as heavenly glory or that they cannot bee sufficiently spoken according to their proceeding from the holy Ghost but because breaking into them by the Spirits impulsion they farre passe the capacity of our witts and wee scarce discerne what our owne hearts meane our affections being much oppressed with darknesse they bee certaine inarticulate groanes and breathings which the searcher of the hearts knowes with approbation to be the inspirations of his owne Spirit disburdening us into Gods lappe or bosome Mary the sister of Lazarus annointing Iesus his feete with precious ointment is defended by him against the murmour and censure of Iudas at the wast as hee called it that she had kept it against the day of his burying It was not lost but kept she did that now which she could not doe at his buriall God so governing her mind that at this time shee should poure it upon the Lord to signifie his death and buriall to bee at hand so was it done for funerall service it is not like that she had any further intent than to shew her love in the honouring of Christ and to refresh his spirits by the sweete savour of the oyntment as it is said oyntment and perfume reioyce the heart Prov. 27 9. but the Spirit of God impelling her heart burning in love to Christ with desire to doe thus foresaw further and directed the fact to this end which Christ speakes of So are men moved by the holy Ghost to something with further scope than they presently understand The Disciples of Christ much people that were come to the feast and children were caried to receive Christ comming to Ierusalem with the joyfull shout of a King unwonted acclamations and honour given him in spreading their garments in the way By some others cutting downe branches from the trees and strewing them in the way ascribing to him kingdome power of saving Hosanna to the Son of David First pray to him for salvation Hosanna in the highest In part out of the words of the Psalme 118 25. Save now Secondly blesse him Blessed be the King that cometh in the name of the Lord. Thirdly and his kingdome Blessed be the kingdome of our father David that commeth in the name of the Lord with this gratulatory addition Peace in heaven and glory in the highest places It angred the Pharises to heare it they disdained that hee should receive Testimonie of Children willed him to rebuke his Disciples hee defends both the Children from Psal. 8 2. Out of the mouthes of babes and sucklings hast thou perfected praise the Disciples with necessitie of their duty which if they failed in the stones would immediately cry out Luke 19 36 40. All this by secret instinct they were excited by internall â—fficacie of the Spirit but the meaning of this was unknowne to the Disciples themselves till Iesus was glorified Iohn 12 16. yet in due time the fruit appeared Thus God brings on his worke To observe secret motions unto good though you perceive not where they shall end yet attend Gods workeâ— out of small beginnings great workes are brought forth by him who passeth on and goeth by us when wee cannot finde him out Iob 9 11. When one that was before carelesse of Christ heares such a description of him in which is set forth his excellencie so as he is convinced they are the only holy happy people that are joyned to him that their earnest love to him is not without just cause so begin to inquire how hee may meete with him where hee may seeke him let him not despise it let him thinke with himselfe is not God come to mee with offer of himselfe This light and motion seemes more than naturall it is a good steppe towards good when men begin to inquire after the Lord Iesus are desirous to know him and how to have their desire satisfied Cant. 5 9 6 1. Desire implyeth some measure of knowledge of the worth of that which is desired Iohn 4 10. and love of it so knowne where more love is there is more desire which in a sert makes the desiring apt and ready to the receiving of the desired as it is at least probably said That they in whom love is more full to God shall see him more perfectly and so bee more blessed for the faculty of seeing God not agreeing to the created understanding according to the nature of it as it is now but by the light of glorie the more it partakes of that light the more perfectly it seeth God and the more love a man hath the more hee participates of that light because there is more desire which shall bee satisfied Love declared by obedience hath promise of further revelation of Christ and Communion with God Iohn 14 21 23. Zacheus of some love to Christ as the sequele declares desiring to see him comming downe at his bidding to receive him to his house enjoyed him in an excellent measure of his grace Faith not being yet framed in him as it may seeme how could there bee love in his heart to Christ and thence desire unto him did hee looke for more in Iesus than the outward sight of his person Sure he looked for more for it is not likely that hee would with neglect of his reputation being a principall man for state and prioritie in his calling and in the sight of a great multitude climbe up like a boy into a tree without regard of the scornes of men onely to see any Prince in the world 2. Did Christ so regard any that came meerely to see him 3. Would hee with such speed and joy come downe and receive him to his house and so professe workes testifying repentance to Christ if there had not beene more than a desire of an outward sight of him His affection to Christ in such fervencie may bee ascribed to the knowledge that hee had gotten of Christ and himselfe of himselfe to bee a great sinner whose sinnes God would not suffer alwayes to goe unpunished of Christ that he was not onely a great Prophet but the Saviour that should come into the world the Sonne of David exercising mercie not onely in miraculous cures of the body but in forgiving
disquieting the heart Esay 51 12 Who art thou that thou shouldest feare c. Marke 4 40. 3 It where great injurie to God a hatefull unthankefullnesse to be carelesse of receiving such mercie or stirring up our selves to get it when wee know God giveth it Esay 56 2. 1 Iohn 5 9 10. Iohn 14 11 Beleeve mee at least beleeve mee for the worke sake I am bound to beleeve God testifying to my heart that I am in grace and to rest in his testimony not to neglect it I am more bound when by his workes hee proves his authoritie to commaund me My sinne is greater if I doe not Iohn 15 Else they should not have had sinne Workes within are great witnesses 3. It is expedient it is of great profit to a man to know that hee is in grace 1. To justifie the ministerie under which hee hath gotten life 2 Cor. 3 2. 2 Cor. 5 11 and 13 5. 2 To worke love to God for love knowne 1 Iohn 4 10 16. 3. To doe God free service without servile feare as our dutie is Psal. 2. With feare that hath rejoycing in assurance of his favour and so without feare Luke 1 74. For inforcements by love to give our selves to God Rom. 6. Rom. 12 1. To dye to our selves 2 Cor. 5. Gal. 6. whereby I am crucified to the world and the world to me By Christ. 4. For sufferings for Christ knowing what his sufferings for us hath made us to bee possessed or in hope of after wee suffered a little Rom. 5. Heb. 10 34. 5. For putting on graces meet for such as are so much above others bound to God and therefore to doe as becomes them Exhortations have their ground from hence that they are and know themselves to bee in such a state Coloss. 3 12. 1 Thess. 5 8. 4. It is granted to most of them that are in grace to all before their spirit bee called for to returne to him that gave it to know that they shall bee saved The sending of the Angels to bring them to heaven implies some certificate of it from God to their soules as at Christs comming the just know their sentence and are filled with joy at the immediate signes of the judges comming before they heare it Iohn writes generally signes to know that wee have eternall life 1 Iohn 5. It may provoke such as know not yet their gracious estate to seeke and wait till God come to them and manifest himselfe as Christs promise is to them that love him Iohn 14 21. God denying this knowledge supplyeth it by giving other grace for good to his though hee shew himselfe an enemie to trust in him against sense to give him glory of truth in that hee hath said and done He brings forth the grace of esteeming and desiring the knowledge of his love by deferring the sense of it This day Who knowes what a day may bring forth Conversion though an admirable worke a supernaturall change yet is it quickly done when God will put forth his power unto it This day As Christ our Saviour bare witnesse of the grace of Zacheus and the day in which hee received it so wee are in a speciall sort as wee can take notice to Gods prayse both of our grace and the time when it pleased God to come to us with salvation or any speciall good God appointed dayes of remembrance of his benefits three times in a yeare which hee called his feasts Levit. 23. He is pleased to make some dayes memorable by soâ—e speciall worke in them That they are singularly dayes that the Lord hath made as in the creation God would have his workes distinctly set downe upon such a day such things made that wee might more distinctly meditate them to his glory Gen. 1. So he would set certaine dayes to the delivering or conferring some speciall good upon his Church and keepe his day without fayling and such a day was to bee remembred for ever Exod. 12 41 42. and 13 3 9. Psal. 118 24. The day in which God set David in his kingdome and delivered his Church hee calls a day that the Lord hath made wherein they will rejoyce and bee glad The scripture makes mention of evill dayes and good dayes evill when the Divell in a speciall sort is permitted ordered to tempt Gods servants either with inward or outward darting at them to wound them if hee can to kill them flesh and soule Daungerous and fearefull to the weake servant of God but hee armed with the whole armour of God and resisting in the Lords might standing with victory it is a day to bee remembred as that Father confesseth there was opportunitie there wanted temptation there was temptation there wanted opportunitie there was both opportunitie and temptation and the Lord delivered mee Such dayes are to bee remembred to Gods prayse There be dayes set by the enemies of Gods Church sometime to destroy and root it out that their names be no more in remembrance the Lord discovers their lot and their plot and turnes all upon their owne head that the net hath catcht themselves they fall into the pit they digged the wicked is snared in the worke of his owne hands the followeth Higgaion Selah A double noting Psal 9. as greately to bee meditated As in that particular betweene Haman the Iewes adversarie and Mâ—rdechai and the people the day determined for their destroying utterly was turned unto a day of their deliverance and destruction of their adversaries by that God who turnes kings hearts which way he will as men turne the course of rivers and streames Ester 8. 17. It may warrant and incourage unto the keeping of some dayes in a speciall thankefullnesse to the Lord for some speciall benefits received thereon As Herod kept his birth day without blame but by the abuse They kept the feast of the dedication of the Temple at which our Saviour was as it seemes Iohn 10 22 23. with approbation The Sabboth wee keepe seemeth therefore to bee chaunged from that seventh which was for remembrance of finishing Gods worke increation to our seventh in remembrance of restoring of all things by Iesus Christ and is therefore called the Lords day Revel 1. Not onely as author of our keeping that day but referred to the remembrance of his worke Mordecai by decree established the keeping of the memorie of the Iewes deliverance every yeare two set dayes together the 14 and 15. of the Moneth Adar 〈…〉 ster 9 21 22. If dayes of deliverance and birth and benefits specially concerning our temporall life bee so warrantably observed and remembred then dayes of our spirituall eternal deliveraÌ„ce new birth unto a life that lasts for ever much more Alwayes ought wee to be thankefull but specially remembring the day in which salvation came to us if men and women keepe their wedding day yearely why not the day of their espousing to Christ The Apostle reproves such observation of dayes as
ZACHEVS CONVERTED OR The Rich Publicans Repentance Restitution In which the Mysteries of the Doctrine of Conversion are sweetly laid open and applyed for the establishing of the vveakest Also Of Riches in their getting keeping expending with divers things about almes and restitution and many other materiall points and cases insisted upon By IOHN WILSON late Preacher of Gods Word in Guilford Printed at London by T. Cotes for Fulke Clifion and are to be sold at his shop upon new Fishstreete hill 1631. To the Reader CHristian Reader the serious consideratioÌ„ of Gods eternall love to his in his Son Christ Iesus together with all the blessed consequents which flow from it and are chained unto it is able to swallow up the largest heart and deepest thoughts as the greatest rivers are swallowed up and lost in the Seas For thinke but a while of the vast and wonderfull distance difference which is betwixt hell and heaven of the different condition of a soule lost and sayed from what depth of misery thou art drawne unto what height of happinesse exalted and tell mee if thou standest not as a man astonished thy spirit failing and thy tongue 〈…〉 eaving to the roofe of thy mouth when thon findest thy selfe tied unto the Lord in more bonds than there bee haires on thy head or dust on which thy feete have trod Which should mightily fire the hearts of all such as have given their names unto Christ to fill their hands with all advantages and to goe forth to meete all opportunities for the advancement of the kingdome of our Lord Iesus Christ which shold be more deere unto us than all our worldly contentments a thousand times yea more deere than the best blood that warmes our hearts And we are the rather to hasten and adde wings unto these our resolutions and endeavours not onely because our dayes are short and uncertaine and decline apace to the evening shadow as also that the most are miserably be-nighted and go hence fearefully guilty of neglect of the good they might have done or received this way But especially in regard of the condition of the places and times where wherein wee live wee finde the kingdome of hell and darknesse suffering violence many running with more than ordinary speede to destruction and carrying with them as many as they can We may observe also the scorners chaire highly exalted the foote of pride and insolency treading upon the face of piety and godlinesse and hard and cruell speeches every where uttered against the sincerest professors of the truth And lastly how are many of Gods owne people growne secure remisse and spiritlesse Many having â—â—eir desires and endeaâ—ours confined within a narrow compasse reaching no farther than themselves or some few about them many looking little further than the bounds and precinâ—â— of their owne parishes the most little considering the straits and necessities of the times the breaches and losses which the Church of God sustaines either amongst our selves or in forraine parts Vnto these wee may adde the desires breathings and longings of many poore hungry soules who like the young Ravens which are left of them which should nourish them doe cry unto God for meate So that the present season doth seeme to cry aloud unto every one that beares good will to Sion * to stirre up all our strength and to put forth our selves to our uttermost that all fit wayes bee taken for the furtherance of the good of Gods Church and people Amongst other means this is not of the least nor lowest consequence the printing and publishing of good and wholesome bookes of sound and profitable Treatises Not onely because if there were not a continuall supply of these many would reade little but also because that by these there might 〈◊〉 some helpe reached for 〈…〉 unto such as are either slenderly provided for or altogether destitute of preaching of the Word where they live In regard also that Sathan in this last age of the world knowing his time is but short doth mightily * bestirre himselfe to finde out such wayes of frauâ— and circumvention as may be most prevalent and seasonable What neede is there then of the labours of Gods faithfull Watchmen who standing in their Towers discover his wiles and affoord such reliefe as is most agreeable to the present times and distresses of men Moreover many grow sluggish drowsie and luke-warme Now the words of the wise and their writings are like goads and nailes fastned in the spirits of men which might quicken them up unto their duties their lines being spiritfull and sparkling might set their hearts a burning within them with a holy zeale for God and his Glory Lastly we being fallen into those times wherein Popery increaseth new errors are sprowting up and old heresies are called up out of their graves and represented under the deceiving showes of received truths Such as are on the Lords side may by such meanes as these discover their hypocrisie secure those that love the truth from their delusions These and such like reasons as these have induced me Christian Reader to take hold of this present opportunity and to offer unto thy view this usefull Treatise of a Reverend Divine now with God A faithfull and a painefull labourer in the Lords Vineyard above the space of 30. yeares A man he was one of a thousand an eminent light mighty in the Scriptures and a happy interpreter of them of a sound judgement solide and dexterous in unfolding difficult questions besides his modestie mildnesse and meekenesse of spirit affablenesse in conversation wherein hee excelled the most A man retired and drawne much up into himselfe neither thinking great thoughts of himselfe nor seeking great things for himselfe but seeking him and conversing much with him that is invisible hee attained a great measure of divine wisedome and heavenly mindednesse So that wee that knew him looked on him and judged much of him to bee in heaven already Of whom it may be affirmed as once of a worthy Divine of Scotland that hee did even eate and drinke and sleepe eternall life Whom if thou didst not know in his life time yet now learne to be acquainted with him in his labours who will converse sweetly with thee in thy bosome speake to thy very heart and counsell thee as from God Concerning the Treatise it selfe I shall spare to speake much of it because it is so well able to speake for it selfe as thou findest so judge Many choyce truths there are handled in it many places of Scripture profitably opened many secret pâ—ssages about the Conversion of a sinner lively discovered Thou mayest take notice also of the severall wayes of dealing in bringing home lost creatures Some hee draggeth as by the haire of the head painfully others he leades as by the hand gently of which the subject of this book is a notable example I had thought to have offered it unto thee by the hands
libertie to build the house of God would not admit them to build with them when they offered it because they counted them Gentiles and some Apostaticall corrupters of the true religion that had nothing to doe in the worke and they declared themselves after to bee enemies hindering the worke all they could The woman whom Christ converted at the Well said not without some insulting and contempt The Iewes have no dealing with the Samaritans and some malicious Iewes when they would bavespit fire in the face of Christ and knew not what to say bad inough call him in reproach as a detestable man Samaritan Iohn 8 48. Yet the Citty Sychar in 〈◊〉 Country yeelded many beleevers to Christ who shewed their love to him intreating him to tarry with them to whom hee condescended for two dayes And that one who of ten Lepers that were healed alone returned to give thankes was a Samaritan Luke 17 16. Paul upon his calling to Christianity and Apostleship began his worke in Arabia among a savage and wilde people living by robbing of passengers of whom in common reason there was little hope Ier. 3 2. First Gods counsell that hee hath taken of them cannot bee disappointed his decrees will bring forth Christ will bring his and they shall heare his vovce Iohn 10 16. he must reigne in the midst of his enemies and takes away the malediction for sinne to make men that beleeve in him Children of blessing It is to the glory both of the power of God in pulling them as it were out of hell and his goodnesse in such an excellent and memorable benefit to exalt them to such dignitie from such depth of dishonour It may encourage the servants of God to be doing his workes in any place where hee sends them though he doe not tell them as he did Paul what a multitude hee hath of his people concerning election that hee will have called by their labours there Yet the 〈◊〉 of peace will finde out the sonnes of peace in what house so ever they bee and the doctrine of peace shall bee effectuall in them by his blessing that sends them and where it is not received yet their peace shall returne to them the peace of a good conscience in the faithfull performance of their dutie Luke 10 5 6. It may stay prejudice whereby men forestal themselves against the report of good persons and sticke to acknowledge the truth by hard conceit of the place This prejudice of the vilenesse and ignoblenesse of place hindred the credit of Philips report of Christ in the heart of Nathaniel in that hee said hee was of Nazareth whence was that voice of doubt and diffidence Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth Nichodemus alledging the Law in Christs defence as requiring an orderly proceeding is flouâ—ed with Galilec in contempt of the place it was not knowen that ever Galilee a Prophet and can it yeeld the Messiah It s poore reasoning for such learned men It is not knowne to have sent forth a Prophet therefore it cannot for ever thus hurtfull is prejudice of place It may bee most effectuall consolation to such as God hath called in such places that neither the sinnes of the place where they lived nor their owne 〈◊〉 in which they lived could hinder the love of God to shew them mercie in calling them if God so loved them being enemies what shall separate them from his love beeing reconciled Rom. 5 10. 8. 39. They may bee assured that place shall not hinder their acceptance in their fearing God and working righteousnesse Act. 10 35. Yea it addes some thing to the honour of religiousnesse that is maintained in most wicked places where Gods providence assignes to men their habitations Revel 2 13. I know where thou dwellest even where Satan hath his throne where the governement was for the Devill the governers car 〈…〉 by his impulsion to idolatrie and all evill there to keepe faith and good Conscience is praise the goodnesse amplified by the infamy of the place As on the contrary it aggâ—avates wickednesse that it is done in a land of uprightnesse Esay 26 10. In every place and in all things all men should doe rightly but among the Saints and in a holy place where the Lords presence majestie and high hand is manifested in a speciall sort to doe wickedly adds much to the sinfullnesse And behold c. This Particle of demonstrating usually implies two things 1. The certaintie of the matter as if our eyes saw it 〈◊〉 and worthy our attention referred to the storie it leads us to this observation that the worke of God in the conversion of such a sinner is to be observed Verily all the workes of the Lord are great are to be sought out of all that have pleasure therein are knowne of them which are delighted in the consideration of them Every thing that hee hath done is beautifull and glorious in all his workes there shineth forth a marveilous brightnesse compelling the minds of men that doe behold them to give him glory and honour that gracious and mercifull Lord hath appointed for us a solemne memory of his benefits They array him with beautie and glory they decke him with excellencie and sublimitie Iob. 40 5. In creation hee is wonderfull unto astonishment Psal. 8 1. Psal. 139. 14. In providence past our finding out yet every thing beautifull in his time but when wee doe looke upon his worke we do behold it only as it were a farre off as distance diminisheth the appearance of things because our eyesight reacheth not so farre which wee have experience of in the Sunne which to us seemes as if it were not aboue two foote broad yet they which are acquainted with secrets of nature shew that it is much greater thaÌ„ the whole earth But wee should intend our ability to looke so farre into 〈◊〉 as to magnifie them 〈◊〉 wee are called upon to remember this Iob 36 24 25. In the worke of God bestowed upon sinners we are to magnifie the exceeding greatnesse of Gods power as in raising the dead Ephe. 1 19 his abundant grace and love as the Churches glorified God for Paul that preached the faith which he had destroyed It may be a helpe to faith a cure of diffidence armour against temptatioÌ„ to behold and wisely to consider Gods great love and mercie in receiving great sinners causeing them to come to him there may bee seene that which was impossible with men to bee possible with God and conceive hope we must by such patternes 〈◊〉 Gods long suffering 1 Tim. 1. 16. In such great Cures God doth like Physicians who to invite the diseased to come to them with hope shew some example of their art and skill in the perfect curation of some desperately weake and sicke So God setts such sinners in healeing of them and saving them before others to the end of the world
opportunities and seasons of doing good and not let them slip Eccles. 11 6 but sow our seed in the morning and not let our hand rest in the evening and worke the workes of him that sent us while it is day Iohn 9 4. Waiting for occasions as Abraham in his tent doore being given to hospitalitie who spying three men as he thought comming in the way ranne to meete them and to invite them a proofe of sound love to shew kindnesse to unknowne men of whom he neither had nor hoped for exchange of good turnes Integritie being more then hospitality might be used with lesse daunger than now in so great persidiousnesse of men Grace makes a man pompt and readie to gracious acts The liberall man deviseth liberall things contrary to the churle and by liberall things shall be established Esay 32 8. To day I must abide at thy house He had taken up his heart and now proceeds to take up his house for his lodging Thus of his owne goodnesse God is pleased to follow his owne favours as the Princes of this world sometimes do to their favorites till they make them great but there is a wide difference Yet in both freely and because they have set their hearts upon them for good they wil honour them God will perfect his good worke which he once begins in his toward their salvation and fulfill all the good pleasure of his goodnesse in them as the Prophet saith The Lord will perfect that which concerneth mee He will proceede to declare that hee hath care of my salvation and what hee hath begun he will through even unto the last act Men by inconstancie caried another way what they unadvisedly entred upon with levitie they relinquish or are constreined by infirmitie to omitte what above their strength they attempted But no such thing can be fall God whose gifts and calling are without repentance hee neither fainteth nor is weary hee cannot change his nature nor put of his goodnesse wherewith he is indued hee will not frustrate our hope in the middle of our course but they that wait upon him shall renew their strength As hee redeemeth our life from death so he Crownes us with loving knindnesse and tender mercies and satisfieth his people with his goodnesse Ierem. 31 14. Hee causeth their light to spring out in the darkenesse and their darknesse by increased light to bee as the noone day he droppes in his love by degrees till he make their peace full He circumciseth our hearts to love and desire him and rewards that love which is his owne worke with new proofe of his love I love them that love me and they that seeke me early shall finde me Proverbs 8. 17. His reloving is that hee gives himselfe to be enjoyed of them which with love do seeke him to whom wisedome is consubstantiall or in communicating testimonies of good will as imputing or rendering unto them righteousnesse being favourable to them shewing them his face unto their joy powring forth his Spirit more plentifully upon them leading them more perfectly in the wayes of his commandements Increase of grace is given to them that rightly use the first grace by way of reward Psal. 84 11. To them that walke uprightly God giveth grace His beneficence flowes out dayly unto them having imbraced them with his favour hee ceaseth not to inrich them with his gifts To you that heare shall more be given Marke 4 24. He gives them grace more plentifully that receive with profit the word which hee sends unto them having his words and keepeth them beleeving them and submitting the minde and the heart to them meditating and transferring them to use liberally communicating them to the benefit of others not having the treasure of heavenly wisedome negligently as the unprofitable servant had his Talent but with diligence to good use they shall have more committed to their trust for hee that is faithfull in that which is least is faithfull also in much Luke 16 10. He that loveth Christ and keepeth his Cōmandements though that love bee of God shall bee loved of his Father and hee will love him and will manifest himselfe to him and they will come to him and make their abode with him The love which he promiseth is not that wherewith hee begins to love us but of which hee begins to reward us with new accesse of his grace and within graving the Testimony of his Fatherly love in our hearts The love of the Trinitie towards us is eternal and explicated by every difference of time Iohn 3 16. God so loved the world that hee gave his onely begotten Sonne Iohn 16 27. The Father himselfe loveth you because you have loved mee Iohn 14 21 Hee that loveth me shall beloved of my Father Shall perceive the grace of God to reside in him which shall be increased in new gifts I will blesse him with increase of his knowledge of me to find in me more and more the comfort of his happinesse and matter of his love to mee that by his owne delight and desire hee shall bee tyed to me hee shall come neerer and neerer to me and rejoyce in the sweetnesse of my familiaritie and wee will come to him unto an increase of union and make him shine and send forth beames of heavenly righteousnesse which the world will they nill they shall take notice of and we will make our abode with him not tarry with him a little time and then depart from him but for ever he shall have our presence here and in heaven thus good is the Lord. Hee knowes us hee makes us to know him hee loveth us hee makes us to love him hee covenants with us hee makes us to covenant with him takes pleasure in us and makes us take pleasure in him hee liveth in us and maketh us live in him hee walkes and talkes with us and wee walke and talke with him all of his owne good will to sill us with his fullnesse This proceeding from his beginning to the consummation of our salvation is grounded and assured upon his faithfullnesse 1 Cor. 1 9. 1 Thess. 5. 24. Two blessings are specially promised to them whom God hath called to the fellowship of his Sonne one confirmation unto the end or as 2 Thess. 3 3 preservation from evill unmoveably to persist in goodnesse notwithstanding temptation that the evill one touch them not v. 23 with any deadly wound For hee is in them who hath overcome the divell the world sinne and death greater than he that is in the world 1 Iohn 4 4. Hee shall not touch them with a qualitative touch to alter their qualitie from good to evill that they should lose their gracious disposition and prove perverse The other blessing is the fulfilling of their sanctification to the blamelesnesse of their whole spirit soule and body Because hee is faithfull in his promises and constant in his gifts 1 Thess. 5 23 24.
propounds himselfe to them as a God of anger at whose presence the earth is burnt up the hills melt the mountaines quake that there is no standing before his indignation Nahum 1 2. c. Can thine heart indure or thy hand be strong in the day that I have to deale with thee Hee takes upon him in their punishment to be as some wilde beast Lyon or Beare robbed of her whelpes tearing in peices without any possibilitie of deliverance Psal. 50. 22. Hos. 13 8. 2. Speedie repentance hath more certaintie First because hee that deferres knows not whether his soule shall not bee required before the next day Luke 12 20. Iames 4 14. Boast not thy selfe of to morrow thou knowest not what a day may bring forth Prov. 27 1. There is no altering of a mans state when hee is dead hee receives the proper things of his body according to that which hee hath done in the body 2 Cor. 5 10. The night commeth when none can worke Iohn 9 4. The sentence of the judge is unalterable the doore once shut there is no opening of it And if a man live long it is not certaine that God will not reject him for receiving the gracious offer of reconciliation in vaine The branch that brings not fruit in the vine is cut off Iohn 15 2. He is in danger of the curse as the ground that drinks in the raine that often falls upon it and brings forth thornes and briers Heb. 6 8. It falles out in the just judgement of God that they who would not repent and beleeve afterwards cannot not onely by naturall inabilitie but by spirituall plague of blinding and hardening Iohn 12 and tradition to Satan Their Sunne goeth downe at noone the houre of vengeance is come 2. If it be long differred till a mans death bed it will bee some doubt whether it bee not extorted and of meere selfe love and onely to serve a mans owne turne it will want time to try the truth by the perseverance of it But when a man timely and speedily upon the discovering of his sinne or understanding his dutie yeelds up himselfe to God when temptation and opportunitie and abilitie to sinne and all concurres it is likely that his repentance and obedience is of conscience towards God for the lothsomenesse of sinne and the love of the purenesse of Gods Law which is in his owne heart made certaine by the time remaining in his life which hee spends in the doing of Gods will whereas some repent their repentance and returne with the dogge to his vomit a foole to his folly the divell re-enters and strengthens himselfe in his possession It may be an exhortation to young men to take the yoke of God upon them in their youth whensoever God will bee pleased to call upon them not to delay but in haste to Gods service follow him Who can tell whether God will call againe and should it not seeme enough in our eyes that God whose enemies wee are by nature whom wee provoke by sinfull deedes so greatly should once call us from hell to heaven from a state of wrath to a state of friendship and tender love to the adoption of sonnes heires of God and coheires with Christ Is it meete to deliberate and take time to answer such a gracious calling Bartimeâ—s being told that Christ called him threw away his cloke arose and came to him Marke 10. 50. Cornelius commanded to send sor Peter to the end hee might heare of him words whereby hee and his house should bee saved at the depernure of the Angell that brought the message sent to Ioppa for him Act. 10 7 8. We count it unreasonable in a man whom wee have moved in matter of his owne great good that hee neglects it and are ready to resolve that he shall never be moved in it more for us It is good saith Ieremie that a man beare the yoke in his youth Lam. 3 27. That corrupt nature be corrected betimes before sinne grow strong by habite and it is a great benefite to bee accustomed to good from his youth it will both continue and bee more easie in his age having beene continually exercised in it Prov. 22 6. It will make his old age comfortable and full of blessing He that gathers in summer is a child of wisedome Prov. 10 5. He hath made his provision in the fit season shall be wise in his latter end It is a great ease in age to bee free from the heart bitings that are in remembrance of the unprofitablenesse or rebellions of the youth Iob complaines that God makes him to possesse the sinnes of his youth Iob 13 26. Sinnes pardoned and not remembered any more with God may returne with fearefull vision and make a man forget a while what he hath received from God in apprehensions of his maiestie and holinesse or in times of great afflictions or after falls into some fowle sinne that brings others to remembrance Psal. 25 7. Remember not the sinnes of my youth nor my transgressions saith David with some conscience of guiltinesse though heee had received forgivenesse hee doth not therefore mention the sinnes which hee committed when hee was a young man as not being couscious to himselfe of any new fault but with this consideration that hee began not now of late to sinne but long agoe even from his youth hee had heaped sinne upon sinne and so is bound in a greater guiltinesse Youth is an age of lusts the affections are then most boyling to Timothee a godly young man doth Paul give warning of the lusts of youth to avoid them 2 Tim. 2 22. Solomon notes youth of rebellion in sinne as if whatsoever bee said to the contrarie the young man will sowe his wilde oates Walke in the wayes of his owne heart and sight of his eyes against which hee opposeth the remembrance of the judgement to come when all must be accounted for unto God even every moment of time how it hath beene spent every idle word and the condition of the judge considered to bee bowed no way from right judgement not by feare of any for hee is Almighty nor by mercie for hee is most just not by error for hee is most wise and the many witnesses thought fellowes in sinne the conscience of the sinner opened as a booke wherein all hath beene written which hath beene dono The divells which have prevailed in temptation and then accuse requiring them of the justice of God unto punishment the judge himselfe opening his booke of eternall memorie reciting all thoughts and indevors and by a divine force reducing unto every mans memorie his workes so with marveilous celeritie all and singular bee judged at once and together and then the stabilitie of the sentence not to bee revoked for the evidence of the fact and the efficacie of the judge with the diffidence of all helpe There is no power of resisting no place of repenting no time of defending no facultie
militant and gives not quiet setling to unbeleefe in the heart but dislikes and mournes for it when the arguments and appearances against their faith are such as they can scarce cleare and answere But joy is sowen for the upright in heart the mourners in Syon shall bee comforted Onely let such as seeke the Lord bee exhorted to rejoyce Psal. 105 3. Be joyfull all yee that are upright in heart Psal. 32 11. Taste the sweetnesse of the Gospell the savour of it is quickening 2 Cor. 2 14 16. To rejoyce in Christ is a dutie Philip. 4. It is also a promise Iohn 16 24. It is the end of the Gospell that in the blessed fellowship with the Father and his Sonne Iesus Christ and all the faithfull our joy might bee full 1 Iohn 1 3 4. The Apostles care was even in the greatest persecutions to finish his course with joy Act. 20 24. Intimating that no heavinesse should hinder the chearefull living and dying to the Lord of them who have consecrated themselves to him The beleevers are said to walke in the consolation of the holy Ghost Act. 9 31. It is their priviledge above the world that they have in Christs stead the Spirit to bee their comforter Iohn 14 16 17. They have the Father the God of all consolation who hath given us that beleeve everlasting consolation 2 Cor. 1. 3 with good hope by grace 2 Thess. 2. 16. And the Sonne they have whose consolations are answerable to their tribulations for him 2 Cor. 1. 5. Heavinesse may bee irregular even in godly men subiect to passions our Saviour reproves his Disciples for suffering sorrow to fill their hearts for that which if they had well considered it should have beene their joy Iohn 16 6 7. He blamed something the sorrow of his mother when she found him not in the company because ignorantly and ere she was aware she set her selfe against God Knew yee not that I must goe about my Fathers businesse It may bee disagreeing with the season which in the occasions it offerres calls to joy Neh. 8 9 11 12. It may bee blameable that it is not governed by judgement the thought of foolishnesse is sinne and that foolishnesse that comes out of our heart desiles us Marke 7. 22. Greefe and thought taking is reproved from the unprofitablenesse of it It belongs to prudence to order the affections so as they stirre not without good reason It may bee blameable for the hurt of it to the body a merry heart doth good like a medicine but a broken spirit drieth up the bones An heavie heart drawes backe the spirits and consumes the moisture and to the soule heavinesse in the heart of a man makes it stoope depresseth it as it were out of his place Prov. 12 25. By the sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken Prov. â—5 13 A man enjoyes not himselfe the spirits are so dulled as a man hath not perfect use of his senses Christs Disciples failed of their duty about inquiring of the state of Christ foretelling his departing from them None of you asketh me whither I goe but sorrow hath filled your hearts Iohn 16. when Moses brought a comfortable message to the people of Israel concerning their deliverance they hearkened not to him for anguish of spirit Exod. 6 9. It is required in Gods service that as it is with reverence in respect of Gods majestie so with rejoycing in his favour it is with more strength of spirit The joy of the Lord is your strength Neh. 8 10. Recollect the heart therefore to it selfe from the evils that provoke it to passion reproch it for offering indignitie to Christ in such dejection Why art thou cast downe O my soule why art thou disquieted within me O trust in God I shall yet give him thankes for the helpe of his countenance â—â—ould not our whole life be the keeping of a feast to the Lord in sinceritie and truth in remembrance 〈…〉 of that great deliverance by Christ our passover sacrificed for us 1 Cor. 5 7 8. To exhort them that have received Christ with joy to maintaine their joy The cause remaines still and it is a note of the house of Christ to hold fast the confidence and rejoycing of the hope firme unto the end Hebrwes 3 6. God hath given everlasting consolation through grace and the Commaundement is Rejoyce in the Lord alwayes 1. Digest well the promises they quicken 2. Forget not the consolation whether against miserable or sinfull infirmities 3. Remember the words of Christ spoken to this very purpose that his joy might remaine in us Iohn 15 11. 4. Draw waters with joy out of the wells of salvation constantly exercising faith in Christ and draw benefits out of him as a never failing fountaine with such refreshings as the thirstie receive water 5. Take heed to the conscience that it bee not offended with sinne fighting against the light and peace of it wounded it interrupts the joy but kept cleane it is a continuall seast For warning to such as receive the word of Christ with joy To take heed of deceit least the cause of their Ioy bee not Christ received but some phantasticall apprehension As some receive Christ and perceive not with joy that they have recceived him As a sicke man receives nourishment by his meat but feeles it noâ— by reason of his malady so some that taste the word to be good receive not Christ the Gospell hath a sweete savour but it is with the perishing of some that regard not to receive the good of the Gospell The joy of Christ received and the ioy of the temporizer differ in kind That is the ioy of the Lord it comes from heaven wrought by the holy Ghost Nehem. 8 10 Rom. 14 17. 1 Thess. 1 6. As God is love so is hee ioy ioying in himselfe the Father ioying in his Sonne Prov. 8 30. The godly nature being communicated to them that receive Christ they have this godly ioy the holy Ghost sanctifying and governing their ioy the ioy of the temporizer is carnall of his owne moving not by the Spirit hee hath â—ot the new creation it is therefore but a fruit of the flesh which may appeare in their destitution of grace in other things which shewes them to bee naturall not having the Spirit They differ in the matter or object of the ioy The true receiver of Christ ioyes in him and the benefits by him as hee knowes he hath them present or in hope Philip. 3 3. We reioyce in Christ Iesus Philip 2 1. If there bee any consolation in Christ consolation of being in Christ. My beloved is mine and I am his that is the ioy They reioyce that by Christ Gods love is turned toward them and that God is theirs they glory in God Psalme 44 8. Rom. 5 11. They delight themselves in him as their full felicitie it is the true sauce that gives a good taste to the benefits which God bestowes upon them
because he knew not as he thought what manner of woman it was To suffer as evill doers even for workes of grace is incident to gracious men 2 Tim. 1 12. Davids enemies were moved against him because hee followed goodnesse onely hurt him for that cause that hee would live godly Psal. 38 20. His benefits towards them could not overcome their malice but they requited him with injurie The Apostle puts the case Who is hee that will harme you if yee bee followers of that which is good 1 Pet. 3 13. Hee that studies beneficence and bestowes himselfe in demeriting others one would thinke should soâ—â—en iron minds and Experience teacheth that they that governe their tongue love peace hurt none but apply themselves to doe good to all as they can are lesse obnoxious to the injuries of wicked men but when the quarrell is religion then humanitie is laid aside they that will live according to the doctrin of Christ godly shal suffer for righteousnes Not onely evill men that are murmurers of destinate malice but even good men of some weaknesse either in judgement as they of the circumcision that contended with Peter about his carying the Gospell to the Gentiles and eating with them or of some envy may mislike some good actions as Iosuah misliked and would have had it forbidden that Eldâ—d and Medad prophecied in the Host Numb 11 28 29. It may bee that some man of an evill mind may grudge at a good worke under a faire pretence and deceive some well meaning men and leade them into some murmuring As is thought of Iudas out of covetousnesse grudging at the cost in the oyntment powred upon Christ as wast which might have helped many poore people if it had beene fold and given to them that others of the Disciples were so drawen to mislike it and murmure Marke 14 4 5. Math. 26 with Iohn 12 5 8. Some murmurers are said to speake evill of things they know not a madde boldnesse not fearing to condemne things that exceed their capacitie It is of prostitute ignorance arising of an evill disposition to shew some pride and petulancie to speake evill of things they understand not assenting to the conclusion without knowledge of the true cause In doing our dutie wee must be content with Gods approbation it is enough that we are allowed of God though wee desire also to manifest our selves in the consciences of men our resolution must bee to shew our selves the servants of Christ in good and in evill report when men speake well of us and when they dispraise us wee have one Lord to whom wee stand or fall if we doe of faith what wee doe particular and vniversall we please God and have a good conscience and the fruit of our righteousnesse is peace the effect thereof quietnesse and assurance for ever Esay 32 17. Neither shunne nor cease to doe good though men of ignorance or ill affection be offended We must labour to bee without offence not onely to give none but to take none to make us weake fall or goe backe Two things helpe to this light and love He that loveth his brother abideth in the light and there is none occasion of stumbling in him 1 Iohn 2 10. To love ones brother is to bee of a mind well affected towards him shewing it in benevolence and beneficence according to his power and that for Christs sake which ariseth of the light of faith In whose mind the true light Christ apprehended by faith doth shine the Law concerning brotherly love is written in his heart by the Spirit which is a testimonie not onely of his being but abiding in the light persevering in it And this light and knowledge of Gods Commandements so guides him that hee goeth on his journey to heaven which he hath undertaken with expedition without offence or hinderance and love in his heart carries him with respect to the whole law that the Apostle saith hee that loveth another hath fulfilled the Law whatsoever CommandemeÌ„t there is it is comprehended in this saying namely Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thy selfe Love worketh no ill to his neighbour Rom. 13 8 9 10. Charitie behaves not it selfe unseemely seeketh not her owne thinketh not evill c. 1 Cor. 13 5. And it is to bee observed that hee doth not say there is no scandall to him but there is no scandall in him Though many scandalls are offered of the world to him that loves his brother none peirceth into his mind or is so in his mind whereby hee is hindred from leading his life freindly and peaceably with his neighbour Hee so farre offends not and is not offended as hee hath light abiding in him and walkes in it but because hee is but in part taken out of the darkenesse and his love is not perfect therefore in respect of the remainder of ignorance and selfelove unsanctified hee offends and takes offence stumbles in many things but as his knowledge increaseth and his holy love so hee is more pure and without offence for which the Apostle praied for the Philippians that their love might abound still more and more in knowledge and in all judgement that they might bee sincere and without offence till the day of Christ that they might hold on a constant course in their purifie without stumbling this is one great part of their felicitie that love Gods Law nothing shall offend them Psal. 119 165. Most great tranquilitie and true securitie That he was gone to be a guest with one that is a sinner This is that which offends them his fellowship with a sinner It is to bee inquired 1. who is a sinner or in their account such 2. whether it bee a sinne to have fellowship with them A sinner in their account was one of prostituted wickednesse living and taken in notorious and manifest sinnes for which they were excommunicate out of the Synagogue and the Scripture saith some thing to this purpose in degrees of sinnes it seemes more to bee a sinner than to bee ungodly 1 Tim. 1 9. 1 Pet. 4 18. Where shall the ungodly and the sinner appeare Psal. 1 1. Blessed is the man that hath not walked in the counsell of the ungodly nor stood in the way of sinners of the Sodomits it is said they were sinners before the Lord exceedingly Gen. 13 13. They feared not in the sight of the Lord and before his face to designe any wickednesse though never so vile therefore they that sinne with impudencie are said to declare their sinnes like Sodome Esay 3 9. So they began to bee called sinners which fell not of ignorance or weakenesse but did evill of destinate malice without all reverence of God 2. Who offended not in some lesser error or fault but lived in hainous wickednesses 3. Who fell not once into such sinne but by frequent acts acquired an habite exercised in evill it was as their certaine kind of life 4. When they committed their sinnes not in secret
but so manifestly and notoriously as men of ordinarie honestie abhorred them Hence by little and little followed that Pharisaicall persuasion that they which were not desiled with such notorious sinnes were just even in the sight of God of which men Christ saith he came not to call the righteous Math. 9 13. Such as in a loftie and proud mind with trust of carnall workes thought themselves righteous and despised others Luke 18 9. And so was there a distinction of hypocrite and sinner the hypocrite having some seeming righteousnesse precious with men but so desiled with a filthy heart that GOD who knowes it abhorres it Luke 16 15. But a sinner taken generally is every one that is not in Christ. So as hee is still guiltie in his conscience his sinnes are imputed and are upon his owne score as his debts not discharged There is sinne remaining and sinne removed or transient It is remaining when men do not come to Christ. The Spirit convinceth the world of sinne because they beleeve not in him that they are yet in their sinnes because that which unites men to Chrst faith in him they have not and so remaining devided and separate from him sinne reignes in them Iohn 16. 9. Sinne transient not onely in respect of act but concerning guilt and punishment is when men know their sinne and betake themselves to Christ that they may be justified in him they have forgivenesse of all trespasses so as they are not the faults and sinnes of that man God hath received in Christ a full satisfaction and counts himselfe to have no wrong by him puts away his anger and loves him freely He is the Lambe of God that takes away the sinnes of the world Iohn 1 29. Whatsoever alienated God from man hee takes away by the Sacrifice of his death A sinner is he who is not sanctified a Saint and a sinner stand in opposition a good man and a sinner Eccles. 9 2. a sinner is but flesh Gen. 6 3. Iohn 3 6. And in the flesh there dwelleth no good thing they that are in the flesh cannot please God nature is wholy corrupted so as men are by nature children of wrath not by nature created in the first man but as hee corrupted it and is now conceived in the carnall generation in our first birth wee bring with us such a nature as is altogether sinne Psal. 51 5. Iâ— sinne did my mother warme me But hee is no sinner which is borne anew though hee have sinne in him hee is just and good compared with them that are in the flesh and by inchoation hee is a new creature old things are passed away hee hath the godly nature the seed of God abides in him hee is in the number of Saints to whom the kingdome of God is given whose king is the Lord Revel 15 3 Thou king of Saints A sinner is he that coÌ„mits sinnes ungodly such are called ungodly sinners Iude 15. To commit sinnes ungodly is not to commit sinne of infirmitie which befalles the Saints on earth in whose hearts is Gods Law but either deceived by ignorance or when the temptation is so strong that the will is over-caried and the affection in the corruption of it violent against their regenerate will and affection they doe that which they would not but hate But it is to sin out of the full maliciousnes of the wil the heart destitute of al godly feare to sin the hart works iniquitie Esay 32 6. As it was in Iudas his sin so committed as could not agree to any that had his heart indued with heavenly grace there fore hee is excepted in the testimonie that Christ gives of cleanesse to his Disciples You are cleane but not all for hee knew who should betray him Peter Christ knew would deny him three times yet hee is pronounced cleane Hee wrought no such thing in his heart his purpose and love to Christ was against it and so in the rest of the Disciples that were to fly from him and leave him alone they were over-taken with temptation the corrupt feare of man prevailing against the feare of God which was true but weake in them To him our Saviour saying That which thou doest doe quickly discovered the studie and meditation of a persidious minde most intensively rowling and labouring of a wicked treason against his good Lord Iohn 13 27. Hee sinnes ungodly that neither doth good nor loves it hath no heart to internall pietie and justice loves sinne when hee forbeares to doe it is alienated from righteousnesse is the servant of sinne Rom. 6 20 And of corruption 2 Pet. 2 19. Addicting himselfe to sin making it his Lord subjecting himselfe with all his heart to fulfill the lusts of it yeilding his members as servants to uncleanesse and to iniquitie unto iniquitie to doe the workes of unrighteousnesse Hee is not a sinner that purgeth himselfe in a studie of puritie 1 Iohn 3 3. It is opposed to the committing of sinne v. 4. That effectually resists sinne with a double warre defensive to preserue himselfe from the hurt of it 1 Iohn 5 18 And invasive to overthrow the kingdome of it altogether and bring it to nothing that the body of sinne may bee destroyed that walke not after the flesh but after the Spirit Every mans life is a certaine way unto which is fixed a 〈…〉 certaine scope and end when all things are of the flesh are referred to the flesh the flesh the rule scope of life with those things that belong to it One may bee said to walke after the flesh though he do some things by occasion w ch seeme to pertaine to the Spirit But in whose mind and intention the Spirit hath vigor that this purpose and course or institution of life depends thereupon he may bee said to walke after the Spirit though sometimes some things are incident which seeme to resemble the disposition of the flesh rather than of the Spirit yea sometime the flesh appeare more than the Spirit when the mind in a kind of generall motion of the true faith â—ends unto God in particular causes there is somewhat which hinders the light of it and hee too much more than is meete is indulgent to his affections and addicted to his owne witte 1 â—or 3 3. It is one thing to walke in sinne it is another to fall into sinne when his walke is in the light of knowledge and faith as it is one thing to fall into the mire another to through ones selfe into it and with pleasure to wallow in it in that there is a hard necessitie of sinning through frailtie in this there is a certaine and destinate will The dominion of sinne stands in assent and workes but then the assent is not onely antecedent but consequent the worke not broken off but continued where consent is given by infirmity which repentance forthwith breakes off sinne reignes not when that which is done is by and by condemned and that it
33. To the second That when they would have â—â—red Babel and she would â—ot be cured they must forsake her An Hereticke after once or twice admonition sufficiently convicted avoid a brother abiding obstinate and and impenitent after all meanes of cure count as the Iewes counted the heathens and Publicans but that as a medicine to one in whom it may bee supposed there is life that they may have their flesh that so did oppresse the spirituall life destroyed that the spirit may bee saved that they may learne not to doe such things It is a reall rebuke with such a one no not to eat 1 Cor. 5 11. This is the judging of them that are within not despising them but providing for our owne health and salvation a little leaven leaveneth the whole lumpe To the third the Apostle requires charitie in the use of our libertie and that all bee to edification Weake brethren may bee persuaded that it is lawfull for theÌ„ to do the same thing to use familiaritie with the wicked whereby they come either to bee abated in their zeale or corrupted in their minde or life consideration must bee had of them To the fourth our rule is Let all bee done to the glory of God 1 Cor. 10 31. If by our conversing with the wicked the glory of God be not advanced but indaâ—ngered the Gospell evill spoken of wee must abstaine But where these daungers are not it is good And the worke of a mans wisedome the fruit of the righteous and a chiefe fruit to winne soules as the fruit of the tree of life was the chiefe of all the fruit of the garden It is true a vile person is to bee contemned Psal. 15 4. The wicked is abomination to the just Prov. 29 27. But a difference must be put betweene the sinne and the person the warre must bee with their sinne their persons capable of salvation must be loved as that which is of God in them onely that hated which is of the Divell which God hates their sinne David professing his not sitting with vaine persons not going in with dissemblers notes his freedome from participation of their counsell and societie of their workes such fellowship hee abhorred against which hee opposeth his walking in the truth setting Gods goodnesse before him living in the faith of God and committing all events to his providence There is a severitie against sinners that is of false righteousnesse not zeale but carnall bitternesse wherby hypocrites looke at others sinnes not to amend them not declaring Gods wayes unto them that they might be converted to him but to condemne them as so many maisters yet are they not washed from their filthinesse They receive not those whom God hath received that have repented their sinnes and are returned to righteousnesse as this multitude condemned Zaccheus as a sinner who had obtained mercie to beleeve in Christ and gave notable testimonie of true conversion Simon condemned Mary whose defence Christ tooke upon him The elder brother of the prodigall envied the favour shewed to his brother returned and notwithstanding his repentance still reprocheth him with forgiven sinnes but Christians must bee gentle shewing all meekenesse to all men that which they are wee were The love and mercie which made us that which wee were not may make them that which yet they are not A man of estimation for true wisedome must shew out of a good conversation his workes in meekenesse of wisedome Iam. 3 13. Verse 8. Zaccheus stood and said unto the Lord Behold Lord the halfe of my goods I give to the poore and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusâ—tion I restore him foureâ—old This profession made to the Lord which honour Zaccheus gives to Christ behold Lord and before them which were present not hindered by the murmuring multitude is a testimony of the stable faâ—th and unfained repentance of Zaccheus as our Saviour inferreth from it in the next verse He professeth workes contrarie to his former course of life faith working by love carieth him in thankfullnesse for the love and mercie which hee hath received to give one halfe of hâ—s goods to the poore And not onely forsakes his fraud and oppression but promiseth satisfaction for the wrong hee hath done and that abundantly foure fold From whence we may gather that the inward Change in the soule will shew forth it selfe in word and deed faith and repentance though inward graces yet declare themselves in such fruits as beare witnesse of them A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things Mat. 12 35. Aâ— the man is so doth hee devise speake and worke having received a new forme as I may say he worketh according to that forme the Spirit that hee hath received impells him and is in him so as it flowes forth as rivers of water Iohn 7 38 39 From the habits of grace and interior acts proceede exterior workes the righteousnesse inherent declares it selfe in working righteousnesse 1 Iohn 3 7. For good speech Salomom saith that the words of the pure are pleasant words both acceptable to the Lord as a cleane sacrifice and profitable to the hearers ministring grace to them The tongue of the just is as choice silver pure and precious and inâ—iching many Prov. 10 20. They have springs of wholesome words within them the law of God is in their heart and thence their mouth speakes wisedome and their tongue talkes of judgement their heart teacheth their mouth and addeth learning to their lipps Prov. 16. 23. That their lippes droppe honey combes honey and milke is under their tongue Cant. 4 11. Sweete words wholesome and nourishing their lipps feede many Prov. 10 21. Their wholesome tongue is a tree of life which both giveth and increaseth Spirituall life the faith in their heart in love to God and men to bring glory to God and to edifie men opens their mouthes in confession Rom. 10 10. 2 Cor. 4 13. Though in some for a time humane feare prevailes so and the love of their credit with the side they tooke part with before that they declare not themselves presently till grace get the victorie As in Nicodemus Ioseph of Arimathea and as some conceive of those rulers that beleeved in Christ but for feare of the censure of casting out of the Synagogue did not confesse him Iohn 12 42. And as their speech so their deeds declare their inward grace they are lively branches of the true vine and there is a blessing in them they bring forth fruit meete for the branches of such a vine by the sappe of grace and life which Christ putts into them Iohn 15 5. As they are resembled by trees planted by the rivers of water they bring forth fruit as trees of righteousnesse the planting of the Lord that hee may bee glorified Psal. 1 3. Ier. 17 8. And as they are considered in their mariage to Christ by his vertue they bring forth
fruit unto God Rom. 7 4. They are created unto good workes sanctified and prepared they are apted made meet for the Lords use and doe workes of honour in the great house of the Lord whereby they declare themselves to be vessells of honour Christ compares his Church in the severall members of it which hee calls the Churches plants to an Orchard of Pomegranates and pleasant fruits with all the chiefe spices Cant. 4 13 14. The Church tells Christ that at their gates are all manner of pleasant fruites new and old which she hath laid up for him Cant. 7 13. The wisedome from above is full of good fruits Iam. 317. It is an effectuall wisedome not suffering them to be unfruitfull in the knowledge of Christ They shew their grace in the negative commaundement and in the positive in the negative sinne no more as by Gods mercie and truth their iniquitie is purged so by the feare of the Lord they depart from evill Pov. 16 6. Their love in the Lord stirres up an hatred of evill in them as it is foule and vile against the holinesse of the Law of God which is their delight their hope of their similitude to Christ makes them purge themselves and studie puritie and to keepe their evidence faire whereby they have some assurance of Salvation they buffet their bodie and bring it in subjection 1 Cor. 9 27. For the positive Commandement they are noted of this they follow after righteousnesse and out of disposition and inclination to good they are said to devise good Prov. 14 22. As the liberall man deviseth liberal things The Law is not onely in their mindes but in their wills and their will not altogether ineffectuall God that gives to will gives also to doe of his good pleasure that as the Apostle speakes of Demetrius they have a good report of the truth it selfe 3 Iohn 12. The evidence of the thing it selfe testifies the workeing of righteousnesse so as is worthy praise amongst men It serves to reprove that shame and fearefullnesse whereby we shunne to be knowne to be that towards God which we are indeede Zaccheus professed before the Lord that hee was now another man though Nicodemus and Ioseph of Arimathea secreted their grace for feare of the Iewes the great enemies of Christ yet they grew bold and shewed their love to Christ in an honorable buriall of his dead body It is prophecied of the converted in Egypt that they should speake the language of Canaan professe their change from serving Idoles to serve the living and true God and set up an altar to the Lord in the midst of the land of Egypt imbrace his doctrine and worship him after his will and more generally in the kingdome of Christ it is said of them on whom God powres out his Spirit that they shal say I am the Lords call themselves by the name of Iacob and subscribe with their hearts unto the Lord Esay 44 5. Wee must pray for the Spirit of power of love and a sound minde which God gives 2 Tim. 1 7. 2. It convinceth them of vanitie in their profession of faith and repentance that shew no proofe thereof in workes Iames writes against such a barren profession as words make not a liberall man neither can they make a faithfull man faith if it have no workes is dead being alone Iames 2 17. Workes are the breath of faith which testifie of the life of it The faith which joynes us to God 1 Thess. 1 3. by Christ is an effectuall faith it is working by love Gal. 5 6. And they are joyned together faith in the Lord Iesus and love to the Saints which shewes it selfe in workes and labours Paul prayed for Philemon that the communication of his faith may become effectuall though faith have her seate in the heart yet by fruits through love it is communicated to others The communicating of his faith is meant of the offices which faith commands as of benignitie to the needie and afflicted Saints that by such communicating of it selfe it might increase or be made more evident and every good grace in him and his may bee knowne and acknowledged that by experience men may see how rich they are in Christ the vertue of the Spirit so bewraying it selfe in his dwelling in them Behold Lord the halfe of my goods I give to the poore His love is bountifull giving halfe hee hath to the needy This is one way to expresse and exercise love towards God and men liberalitie benevolence almes deeds to the poore having received mercie moving to shew mercie This specially is the repentance of covetousnesse to turne liberall and mercifull Therefore our Saviour saith to the Scribes and Pharises But rather give almes of such things as you have and all things shall bee cleane unto you Luk. 11 41. It is opposed to their ravening and extortion and briberie evill wayes to fill their platters with this giving of their owne is a witnesse of the inward repentance being an act of Charitie it argueth faith in Christ and remission of sinnes Generally that which is required of a man is his goodnesse Prov. 19. 22. His beneficence specially becomes him to bind many to him with benefits It should bee his studie as to live religiously towards God so in doing good unto men and then may he seeme to have attained the end of his condition when hee is as a God to man when hee profits him It is one propertie of a good man that hee is mercifull and his light shines in darkenesse Psal. 112 4. His prosperitie which in the Scripture is often noted by light doth so abound that hee doth graciously and mercifully and righteously powre out of his blessings unto these that are in darkenesse that are pressed with calamities It is much to Gods honour Prov. 14 31. As hee that oppresseth the poore â—eproveth him that made him so hee that sheweth mercie to him honoureth him doing good to the servants that are in miserie â—ee declares how hee esteemes and loves their heavenly Lord. Hee chooseth to bee honoured and served by mercie and kindnesse shewed to his and reckons it done to him He that gives to the poore lends to the Lord that bestoweth it freely respecting his wants that is needy with a mercifull pitifull and bountifull heart for the Lords sake hee honours him and God counts it as if hee were gratified and had a good turne done to him It not onely releiveth the poores necessitie but also abundantly causeth many to give thankes to God a grace administred to the glorie of the Lord 2 Cor. 8 10. The Christians that receive it glorifie God for their professed subjection to the Gospell of Christ that in Christs name doe so liberally distribute unto them 2 Cor. 9 12 13. It were sufficient to move to it that it is an odour of a sweete smell a sacrifice acceptable and well pleasing to God Philip. 4 18. Heb. 13 16. But as
things chaunging may supply our wants as Solomon saith thou knowest not what evill shall be upon the earth it may bee thy case to want and his whom thou hast relieved to bee of abililitie to releive thee Eccles. 11 2. A Third rule There must bee sincere intention in giving that wee doe nothing of ambition but purely respect God to please him and count it enough that wee have him the witnes of our heart this is set out by a metaphoricall speech Let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doth do it so uprightly as if the left hand which is joyned in the worke many times with the right had eyes and could see wee should hide from it what we doe It is not blamed that our almes bee seene but that wee would have them knowne no nor to will to have them knowne if it bee not for getting mans praise if it be willing for Gods glory it is that which Christ willeth Math. 5 16. That men may see your good workes and gloxifie your Father which is in heaven That they may esteeme y e heavenly doctrin be converted to the faith prayse the Lord Otherwise a man must take no notice what hee hath given how much to whom how often lest hee be lifted up in pride and preferre himselfe to other men The Apostle gives the rule Rom. 12 8. Hee that giveth let him do it with simplicitie with ingenuitie like a faithfull man as Paul saith of Philemon It must bee done to Christ in his to the name of God Heb. 6. 10. A Fourth rule A right principle it requires it must bee out of compassion and that not naturall but sanctified by the holy Ghost an act of supernaturall love moved by the love of God to us the love of Christ possessing us 1 Iohn 3 17. Who so hath this worlds goods and seeth his brother have need and shuts up his compassion from him how dwelleth the love of God in him There is no beneficence pleaseth God but that which proceeds from compassion or bowels of mercie and that also from the love of Christ who laid downe his life for us that in case we should lay downe our life for our brethren to declare our love how much more impart of our substance to his need Though in giving wee alwayes consider not this yet it must bee an act of that grace of liberalitie whereby wee are so disposed and inclined to this as wee devise of liberall things So wee are commaunded to powre out our soules to the hungrie Esay 58. A Fift rule It must bee done in faith both that the worke of this kind is such as pleaseth God Heb. 13 16. It is given as a motive for with such sacrifices God is well pleased 2. And that God accepts our persons and will receive an offering at our hands 1 Pet. 2 5 Revel 8 4. And of the promise that wee shall not lose our reward Heb. 11 6. He that comes to God must beleeve that God is a rewarder of all that seeke him diligently A Sixt rule That it bee done in humilitie to the glory of the Lord honouring him with our substance acknowledging him to bee the owner of all that we have 1 Chron. 29 9. Thankefull to him that hee hath made us givers which is a more blessed thing than to receive and for that hee gives us an heart to be willing praying to keepe it in our hearts that of our selves are soone weary of welldoing Que. What specially commends almes If the question bee what specially commends almes it may bee answered it is commended in diverse considerations other things being agreeable Bountie when a man giveth more large almes halfe my goods this is commended in Dorcas fullnesse of good workes and almes deed Acts 9 36 39. The widowes shewed forth the coates and garments that she had made while she was with them Act. 10. 2. Cornelius is praysed for his much almes to the people A second thing that commends almes is the grace of the person it is joyned with the almes of Cornelius in his commendation that hee was a devout man one that feared God with all his household that prayed God continually and fasted in summe that hee excelled in vertues The Macedonians are commended as for their liberalitie and that rich out of extreame povertie so for the abounding of their joy in much afflictions and for giving themselves to God and the Apostles by the will of God 2 Cor. 8. Notes of pietie exceeding the Apostles expectation Hee lookt for such an affection as is common to Christians they went beyond it Without this grace of the person quantitie commends little before God hee may bee nothing profited if hee give all away A third thing commending almes is promptnesse and feruour of actuall will as the widdow is praysed in offering her two mites all her living before them that offered more for proportion Arithemeticall than she but in proportion Geometricall offered more than they because all she had willing if she had beene as able to have offered more than they offered And this in comparison with the other two seemes to commend the almes for greatnesse Thus the willingnesse of the Macedonians is made exemplary in the forwardnesse of their will I speake because of the forwardnesse of others If there bee first a willing mind God loveth a cherefull giver Liberalitas non cumulâ— patrimonij sed largitatis affectu definitur Amb de viduis Which reproves the covetous and illiberall that give not of their goods to the poore 1. They obtaine a name of niggard even from Gods people they want both their good opinion and their good report Esay 32 34. Gods people being taught of God shall with simplicitie and plainenesse speake that they truly understand they no more speake honourably of the wicked man in his wicked way they shall call things as they bee a niggard shall no more bee called liberall 2. They have a sinne sticking to them which is reckoned among the sinnes of unrighteousnesse wherewith they were filled whom God gave up to a reprobate sense Rom. 1 30. Mercilesse one of Sodoms sinnes Ezek. 16. 3. They are under a fearefull sentence for diverse judgements 1. Comming to povertie Prover 11. 24. He that spares more than is meet surely commeth to povertie 2. In his distresse to have hearts shut against him that hee shall find little or no helpe let none have pittie on him on his fatherlesse Children because hee remembred not to shew mercie Pâ—al 109 12 16. With what measure yee mete shall men mete to you againe Luke 6 38. Solomon exhorts to liberalitie because wee know not what evill may fall out upon the earth Eccles. 11 2. If wee come into distresse others may bee hard to us as wee have beene God payeth men home many times in the like as they have done to others as in other things Iob. 31 9 10. Eccles. 7 23 24. Prov. 24 10 11 12. 4. His
7 25. The life and kingdome and glory of Christ are destinated to this end as their scope the salvation of the beleevers not onely by his kingly power but by execution of his preistly office in glory making requests for us thus the Apostle comforts the Elect of God beleeving in Christ Rom. 8 33. 34. Against feare of condemnation yea of accusation to secure them of salvation And to lay the comfort downe in the best force of it whereas the direct opposition is of accusation and Christs patronage or intercession of condemnation and Gods justification but hee makes a traiection willing to fence Gods Children from the toppe to the bottome and to arme them with such confidence as may chase away to the furthest anxieties feares Hee gathers more emphatically that they are not obnoxious to any accusation of guiltinesse that may hurt them before God by Gods justifying of them then by Christs intercession for the way to judgement is shut up aforehand when the judge hath pronounced them just and guiltlesse clearing them from all faults that any would lay to their charge And so in the second opposition It is not to bee feared that they should bee condemned for whom Christ by his death hath satisfyed divine justice and expiated their sinnes to prevent that judgement of God and by his intercession not onely abolished death but brings their sinnes to bee forgotten so as never to come into account How doth Christ make intercession now for us being in heavenly glory in his humiliation hee prayed for us Iohn 17 20. For all which shall beleeve in him through the word of the Apostles doth he so now Being our high Priest it is his office still to pray for us as it were by name whereof the high Priest under the Law was a type who going in to the most holy place had by appointment the names of the Children of Israel in the names of the tribes under the heads were all contained So answering to the type Christ is entred into the true holy place into the very heavens within the veile Heb. 6 20 and 9 24. Not in his owne name onely but in the name of every particular beleever Exod. 28 12 Hee shall beare the names of the Children of Israel before the Lord upon his shoulders for a remembrance that hee might remember them to Godward and for this there were two Onix stones set and imbossed in gold and in either stone sixe names graven according to the names of the Children of Israel He had also in his Brest plate foure rowes of stones three in every row with the names of the twelue tribes to beare them upon his heart when hee goeth into the holy place I doe not say I will pray for you Christs intercession considered whether as vocall The praying of Christ in heaven may bee understood this presenting his humane nature assumed unto unitie of person with the Sonne of God unto his father for that end to save his A body hast thou ordained me By the which will we are saved by the offering of the body of Christ. 2. Setting his merit of obedience to the Law and crosse in the sight of God for remembring him of them whom hee hath reconciled Though God suffers not oblivion of those whom he hath justifyed yet thus Christ mediates for them still by presenting to God his sacrifice his obedience for them with the everlasting vigor and merit of it 1 Iohn 2 2. 3. As God declaring his will as man desiring of God that as his sacrifice is of a sweete savour so they that beleeve in him may be such by the merit of it in his acceptance he delightes in them his love and pleasure is in them 4. And as the incense and sweete perfume ascended and gave a sweete smell so the workes and specially the prayers and prayses of the faithfull through the odour of his sacrifice and the intercession of Christ are sweete to God Thy voice is sweete Cant. 4. How much better is the savour of thine oyntments than all spices Thy lipps droppe honie combes and thy plants are as an Orchard of Pomegranets and sweete fruites and with all the cheife spices in themselves they are not so sweet but in Christ who obtaines by his intecession pardon of the corrupt mixture as the high Priest having on his forehead a plate of pure gold with this graven in it Holinesse to the Lord that hee might beare the iniquitie of the offerings which the Children of Israel should offer in all their holy offerings to make them acceptable before the Lord Exod. 28 36. 38. 2. As Christ saveth by his merit so hee saveth by his Spirit and efficacie application of his merit It is required that unto the enjoying of benefits purchased by Christ we bee first partakers of and possessed of himselfe Here is the comfort of a soule that the testimonie of God is within it so as it can truly say my beloved is mine We must bee in Christ before hee bee to us that which hee is made of God 1 Cor. 1 30. Hee is the Saviour of his body Ephes. 5 As the woman is first possessed of the person of her husband and thereby becometh partaker of his dignitie and riches The promise of blessednesse is made to Abrahams seed not seedes That is Christ Gal. 3 16. We must be parts of Christ as the seed before wee bee blessed v. 29. Vnto this 〈…〉 ion with Christ there bee certaine joynts and bands Coloss. 2 19. As the members of the body are tyed to the head These bands by which the Elect are tyed to Christ are the Spirit and faith Children that cannot actually beleeve are united to him as to their head by an unspeakeable way by his Spirit so as they are of his body of his flesh and bones one spirit with him Ephes. 5 30. 1 Cor. 12 13. They that are of yeares and capable of faith are knit unto him by the Spirit and faith To both Christ is given of God Who is the gif◠of God in two respects 1. As hee was sent into the world to worke our redemption so God loved the world that hee gave his Sonne Iohn 3. and Rom. 8. Hee gave him for us all to death Secondly particularly unto union with us that is in our calling by the first our redemption was wrought by the second wee enjoy him and all things with him Rom. 8 32. And this gift of Christ is the cause why God first before wee seeke it giveth us faith By his merit and on his behalfe it is given us to beleeve in him as also to suffer for his name Philip. 1. And because we cannot beleeve unlesse wee be chosen to it faith is of Gods Elect the Election being in Christ. For execution of the decree saith is given to them that are given him as the hand to take hold of him as the mouth to take him in to dwell in us for life and nourishment
uprightly and hee preserveth the wayes of his Saints Hee watcheth over them to keepe them from sinne as well as from any other danger he doth not so keepe alwayes as not to bee tempted no nor that they should not fall into temptation but either he preserves them from temptation when they have opportunity or if there bee temptation that they shall want opportunitie or if there bee both opportunitie and temptation hee so shines into their minds by divine and bowes their hearts to his commaundement that they stand or if they fall hee rescues them from the power and guiltinesse of their sinne and from the rage of the Divell that the evill shal not fasten upon them to destroy their grace or deprive them of salvation 1 Cor. 10 13. That they may bee able to beare it 2 Cor. 12 7. His grace shall bee sufficient for them 1 Iohn 5 18. They are said to bee reserved to Iesus Christ Iud. 2. Being called and sanctified they are kept as a speciall portion treasure possession unto Iesus Christ the true heire of the world conserved in Christ because our safetie is not in our hands either our deliverance from evill or perseve ring in good but our King the author and finisher of our faith Christ Iesus given us of God the Father to whom is given all power in heaven and in earth and all iudgement Math. 28. Iohn 5. keeps in the purchased salvation most powerfully and loseth not one of them whom his Father gave him Iohn 6. It lyeth on Gods faithfullnesse to keepe them from evill 2 Thess. 3 3. To confirme and perfect them God hath promised it Ier. 32. 40. Ezech. 36. 27. Christ hath prayed for it Luke 22 32. Iohn 17. 11. Holy Father keepe them in thy name I pray not that thou take them out of the world but that thou keepe them from evill hereof the Spirit works perswasion as in â—â—ul Rom. 8. 2 Tim. 4 18. Hee will deliver mee from every evill worke and preserve mee to his heavenly kingdome the weake in faith shall bee established because God is able to make them stand Rom. 14. This abilitie is used unto faith to keepe it that it faile not that the worke of faith may be fulfilled with power as the Apostle prayeth 2. Thess. 1. And by faith wee stand 2 Cor. 1 24. This is the effect and nature of faith to make us stand It keepes us as a towne is kept from enemies by garison lying in it 1 Pet. 1 5 Which are kept by the power of God through faith It is victorious it overcomes the world 1 Iohn 5 4. This is the victory which hath overcome the world even our faith to note the certaintie of the victorie it is delivered not in the present nor future tense you doe or shall overcome but in the preterperfect tense you have overcome 1 Iohn 4 4. Little Children yee are of God and have overcome them It is said to quench the fierie darts of the Divell Ephes. 6 16. Though his darts be not onely sharpe and peircing but also fierie faith shall both blunt them and extinguish them Hee seemeth to allude to the ancient custome among souldiers poysoning their darts and cast them at the enemie who wounded with them were so inflamed as to bee hardly cured so the temptations of the Divell as fire inflame the heart but faith beates them backe and quencheth them wee are commanded to resist the Divell and he will flie from us That is our incouragement to resist him stedfast in the faith 1 Pet. 5 9. implying that in a stedfast faith there is strength to overcoÌ„e him Râ—vel 12 11. Because faith possesseth us of Christ 〈◊〉 keeps us in the possession thereof it rests upon God by 〈…〉 â—â—ans of Iesus Christ so 〈…〉 â—bâ—aiâ—e and do things impossible to nature If thou casst beleeve all thing are possible Gods people have prevailed by faith with Christ to put forth his power to their cure of diseases incureable to man and unto their obtaining of great blessings above the course of nature as appeares Heb. 11 11 33 34 35 c. And doing things above all naturall strength When the faithfull have beene overthrowne by Satan in sinne by faith they have obtained strength to recover themselves and gotten victorie over Satan and sinne have overcome their owne guiltinesse and feare of Gods deserved wrath so that their sinnes have beene so farre from separating their hearts from Christ that they have drawne neerer to him Cant. 7. 10 11 12. As in David Psal 73 Peter they perceive that their sinnes have not removed Gods favour from them Gods Children when they are compelled to wrestle with God himselfe as with their enemie yet stand fast by faith and say as Iob. 13 15. Though hee stay me yet I will trust in him the power of God is exceeding great in beleevers in so much that they are stronger than the Divell himselfe than all powers and principalities of darkenesse Math. 16. Ephes. 6. They are insuperable invincible more than conquerours It is called the good fight of faith not onely because it is for a good cause and from a good author but it hath a good issue It is victorious What Angells by nature could not do in heaven nor Adam in Paradise a poore weake servant of Christ is made able to do by him that loved him the weakenesse of God is stronger than men and Angels Faith is mightie by the word of God which is mightie in operation Heb. 4. 12. The power of God to salvation Rom. 1. graffed in us is able to save our Soules Iam. 1. By this young men redresse their wayes and overcome the wicked one 1 Iohn 2. 14. It is prevailes by love which is strong as death which overcommeth all And by prayer is this continuance in goodnesse unto the end obtained as we are taught by our Saviour in the petition Leade us not into temptation but deliver us from evill Math. 6. watch and pray least ye enter into temptation Math. 26. Christ giveth his Spirit to make requests for the Saints according to the will of God and what hee in heaven intercedes for they by his Spirit request of God in his name and it is given them abundantly Christ tells his Disciples that they had asked nothing in his Name but requires them to bee more in their requests assuring them they shall receive vnto the fulnesse of their joy Hee knew the necessity and the utilitie of prayer and how slow and dull the Disciples were to it then when hee was with them they had such satisfaction in his presence he excites them therfore to this duty They the godly did pray in the name of the Mâ—ssiah for the Spirit indited or dictated no other prayer than in the name of the mediator but they asked obscurely as the knowledge of Christ was then but obscure and ordinarily they did aske nothing so as after Christs manifestation and more plentifull giving