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
consolation with it where Christ comes there is joy So in the prophecie of his comming Zach. 9 9 and in the accomplishment Luke 19 37. The whole multitude began to reioyce and to prayse God with a lowd voyce When the people in Samaria gave heede to Philip preaching Christ unto them there was great joy in that Citie which was the fruit of their faith as of the Eunuchs who went on his way rejoycing Act. 8 8 39 And the Iaylers who rejoyced beleeving in Goâ— â—ct 16 34. Peter joy 〈…〉 〈…〉 th faith as the fruit of it joy unspeakeable either because the matter of it is such and so great as passeth facultie of humane speech to expresse it not possible for man to utter 2 Cor. 12 4. Or for the greatnesse of the contentment so as no words can declare it to another what hee feeles within as he said before Wherein ye greatly rejoyce The stranger medles not with his joy and full of glorie no affliction can destroy it nothing can frustrate it it ends not in shame as reprobates joy it is stable and solide and is a certaine participation of the Lords joy which shall bee in the state of glory 1 Pet. 1 6 8 All facultie failes for the commendation of it and it selfe is the fruit of the Spirit of glory which failes not but is everlasting joy gloriously given of Christ. It is one of the marks of a Christian to put his whole confidence for fulnesse of felicitie in Christ alone so as to rejoyce in him rejoycing in nothing but in his crosse Gal. 6 14. In which is the fullnesse of our redemption Philip 3 3. Wee which rejoyce in Christ Iesus and put no confidence in the flesh ascribe our whole salvation and whatsoever goodgift of vertue or pietie whatsoever a Christian as such rightly glorieth in unto his onely merit Both just and great cause of joy there is in their â—eceiving of Christ Abraham that saw his day but a farre off yet rejoyced to see it Iohn 8 56. And all the faithfull before his comming made him their consolation Luke 2 25. First the incomparable excellencie in himselfe is cause of great joy to them that receive him hee is from heaven and above all such a bridegroome is worthily the joy of the bride Iohn 3 29 31. As his excellencie above all other makes him desired being knowne it drawes hearts to him when the Church described him and concludes her description thus Hee is altogether lovely adorning her description with a redoubled exclamation to the daughters of Ierusalem This is my beloved and this is my freind They not onely justifie her passions of love for him but are themselves in love with him and inquire after him with her to joyne themselves to him so holds it them to him with delight who have him counting him their full felicitie Wee will rejoyce and bee glad in thee wee will remember thy love more than wine Nothing is there in the world that seemes not vile to them in comparison of him Canticles 1 4. 2. The benefits which they receive with Christ are all matters of great joy They have him as the first effect of their election the gift of the love of God wherewith hee loved them from the beginning of this they have abundantly to rejoyce that their names are written in heaven Luke 10 20. Secondly the reconciliation and peace which they have with God So as hee is now their God and all his attributes for their benefit that they have all parts and numbers of felicitie having him and which is the highest degree of all glorying they glorie in God Thirdly having Christ they have an everlasting righteousnesse the righteousnesse of God who being favourable unto man will render unto him his righteousnesse and grant him to bee arraied in fine â—innen cleane and white for the fine linnen is the righteousnesse of Saints Revel 19 8 Thus is the bride made readie to meet her beloved unto the solemnitie of their mariage and most joyfull imbracements Fourthly they receive dignitie to bee the sonnes of God a benefit evidencing the love of God beyond all that our thoughts are able to comprehend therefore the Apostle propounds it with admiration Behold what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us that wee should bee called the Sonnes of God 1 Iohn 3 1. Behold sometime im plieth experiment with pleasure with joyfullnesse and alacritieâ— of mind it calls upon us to apply our mind to waigh and looke duely into the greatnesse of the benefit that being perpensive wee might come to a right prizing and valuation of the blessings it containes to conceive some singular sweetnesse of Gods favour affected therewith unto rejoycing wee may study to walke worthy of God They have the nature of God borne nor of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man but of God Iohn 1 13. They have accesse to God a singular priviledge adduction into his presence by one Spirit Ephes. 2 18 Who makes requests for them according to the will of God Rom. 8 27. The sonnes of God are led by the Spirit of God who workes their workes in them and produceth their pleasant fruits exciting and confirming their will for good quickening and comforting them preserving and increasing the life of God in them causing strength to grow in their soules to victory over the world their standing in grace after all assaults and so is the Spirit of glory resting upon them 1 Pet. 4 The earnest of salvation with eternall glory They have interest in God for his speciall providence as David claimes I am thine save mee Psalme 119 94. The Church Esay 63 16. Doubtlesse thou art our Father thou O Lord art our Father 19. Wee are thine So his eye is over them Psal. 33 18. Hee withdraw es not his eyes from them Iob 36 7. Hee that toucheth them toucheth the apple of his eye he loveth them with the same love wherewith hee loveth his owne Sonne Iesus Christ Iohn 17 26. They have their right unto and dominion over all things restored all is theirs with Christ whom God hath appointed heire of all things and they coheires to inherit all things with him Rom. 8 17. 1 Cor. 3 22. Revel 21 7. This is no small part of the joy of their faith that whether they bee things present or things to come all are theirs Seeing Christ received by faith brings such matter of joy it is to their reproofe who have him and his blessing constantly offered yet receive him not 1 It is indignitie offered to Christ whom they refuse 2. It is the wronging of their owne soules Prov. 8 36. Hee that sinneth against me wrongeth his owne soule all they that hate mee love death Infidelitie is two wayes considered First of mere negation as in them who never heard of Christ called infidels of not having the faith which is a punishment rather than a sinne Such are damned
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
must seeke and waite till God grant it 401 Wee must take notice of the time when God doth visit us with salvation 404 It is warrantable to keepe some dayes of speciall thankfullnesse to the Lord. 407 Calling to grace what it is 414 We ought to make our calling sure 415 Such as know their calling must be thankfull 419 The faithfull and godly with their housholds are saved P. 421 Men must strive to be placed in good and godly families P. 425 To be the childe of Abraham what 427 The fatherhood and dignity of Abraham 433 One faith and way to salvation 434 We must proove our selves Children of Abraham 437 The end of Christs comming into the world 439 Reproofe of selfe-conceited men 443 Our calling justifies our actions 447 Comfort in trouble while we walke in our calling but daungerous to meddle out of ouâ— callings 453 Christ tooke all oportunities to instruct and save sinners 437. 438 We seeke not Christ till hee looke after us 462. A note of Gods Children to seeke the Lord. 467 Our risings after falles to be ascribed unto Gods mercy 470 It should stirre up our hope love and care to seeke men that are lost 472. 473 Faith breedeth love to God and his Children 476 The successe may provoke to the duty 477 Christ fulfilled the Law for us 481 With our sinnes hee tooke the full punishment due to them 491 Christ makes intercession for us 496 The workes prayers and prayses of the faithfull like sweet odours 499 Our union with Christ. 501 Papists differ from us 506 The Gospell what we are commaunded to beleeve it 509 We must be changed into the image of Christ from glory to glory 511 Adoption belongs to glorification which is by degrees 513. 514 The regenerate respect all the commaundements given them 519. Grace freeth the godly from the reigne of sinnes 520 They are safely preserved 526 By faith men recover themselves after fals and get victory over Satan and sinne 531 By faith and prayer we must prevaile in inward combats temptations 532. 533. 534 Wee ought to ascribe unto Christ the power and ability of our standing 537 All other Saviours besides him are excluded 541 Whether heathens may bee saved by keeping the Law of nature 543. Papisme saves none though some amongst Papists may bee saved 547 The matter of our salvation 551 The forme of our justification 555 We are bound to trust and rejoyce in Christ alone for our whole salvation 156. 157 To Christ alone belongs the honour of binding our consciences 560 The condition in which Christ findes us is To be lost 562 We must take notice of this our miserable condition 567 Our love to men specially the brethren and faithfull 571 Reasons to induce a sinner to come out of his misery unto Christ. 572 We must abhorre Satans suggestions unto desperation 554 A man may not despaire of the pardon of any sinne that can be repented 578 Howsoever some are children of perdition as we are all by nature yet others are appointed to salvatioÌ„ by Iesus Christ. 580 The uses to be made thereof 581 The Apostle Paule ascrihes all the good that was in him or done by him to Gods free grace 583 To what uses this should serve us 583. 584 FINIS ZACHEUS HIS CONVERSION Luke 19. 1 2 to 10. THese verses containe the Story of the conversion of Zacheus In which he is described and his condition his description is First by his place of abode Iericho Secondly his office dignitie in it He was the cheife among the Publicans Thirdly his condition He was rich His conversion is noted of the occasion and the cause Occasion First Iesus passing through Iericho to goe to Ierusalem Secondly his desire to see Iesus who he was which is amplified by his endeavour to obtaine it in which is noted what hindered him the preasse and his low stature and the helpe which he used First he ranne before Secondly he climed up into a Sycomore Tree to see him being to passe that way The cause of his conversion Christ who called him outwardly and inwardly to receive him into his house and heart set forth by his looking up to him calling him by name to come in hast downe to him to entertaine him declaring his purpose to abide that day at his house Which calling is further declared by the efficacie of it in his heart and the events following The efficacie First in his comming downe and receiving him amplified 1. by his readinesse hee made haste 2. his joy and cherefulnesse he received him joyfully Secondly in his profession to Christ of two acts of two excellent vertues First of liberality giving to the poore inlarged by the quantitie the halfe of his goods Secondly of justice in possessing men againe by restitution of that which hee had taken from them by false accusation enlarged also by the measure fourefold Both graced with a signe of confidence and constancie his standing forth the events following First in the multitude they all murmured at Christ for going in to a sinner to be his guest Secondly in Christ who testified of Zacheus that hee also was the son of Abraham declared by the priviledge of Abrahams Children salvation both to him and his house with the circumstance of time that day Secondly Christ justified his fact of going to Zacheus though a sinner by his Office in two things 1. seeking 2. saving declared further by the object that which is lost applyed to Zacheus and his house who were such before Christ sought and saved them And Iesus entred and passed through Iericho Iericho was in the way as Iesus was to goe to Ierusalem to offer himselfe to the death appointed him there by his Father and foretold by the Prophets which hee in the Chapters before signified to his Disciples and in his way he meets with this opportunitie at Iericho and some other before mentioned Whence by the way wee may observe That the sufferings and death of Christ were voluntarie he was offered because he would it was not at the will and malice of his enemies who yet doing what they could and what was sufficient to kill made themselves guiltie of his death First he could have hindered his passion in respect of the course of things which may appeare in that they that sought to kill him even when he provoked theÌ„ were by his divine power so bound both hand and tongue that they neither laid hands on him nor said any thing to him because his houre was not come Ioh. 7. 26. 30. He escaped out of their hands Luke 4. 29. 30. Iohn 8. 59. His words wrought so in the hearts of the officers when they were sent to fetch him that they had no will to bring him that spake so as never man spake Iohn 7. 45 46. When the â—â—ure was come and the power of darkenesse at that word I am hee meaning whom they sought to take to death they went backeward and fell to the ground
could serve God and riches though hee said not no man can serve God and bee rich yet they that heard it and were covetous derided shewing the common judgement of covetous persons to bee against Christ therein Let ministers studie never so painefully preach never so diligently exhort never so earnestly unlesse God put forth his power mens hearts will go after their covetousnesse Ezech. 33 33. Some that seeme halfe willing to accept of the gracious invitation of God and with the rich ruler would do something to obtaine eternall life yet have their desires to heaven overruled by the desires of the world which are stronger in them Mat. 19 16 22. Luke 14 18. Mat. 22 5. Indeed making light of the divine calling in respect of the things present and some having in some sort submitted themselves to the Gospell unto a kind of disposition towards grace a beginning of the worke of the word in them towards conversion by deceitfullnesse of riches choke all and it never comes to any ripenesse Math. 13 22. Secondly some in getting 〈◊〉 seeke death Prou. 21 6. Treasures gathered by a deceitfull tongue are vanitie tossed too and fro of those that seeke death Though death bee not the intent of the agent it is the end of the action When men will bee rich they make haste to it and cannot bee innocent Prov. 28 20. They fall into temptation are overcome of it and into a snare wherein the Divell holds them fast that no inferior power but the power of Almighty God can get them out And into many not onely foolish but pernicious lusts not only keepeing no measure in desire nor respect of their person state and dignitie but so mad and furious is the lust that they ruâ—â—e themselves both into temporall and eternall dangers drowned in destruction and perdition 1 Tim. 6 9. it is a mother sin the root of all evill they have swarmes of sins in them as idolatry Eph. 5 5. making sufficiencie of things his trust his joy as the rich man that called his soule to ease and pleasures because hee had enough for many yeares Iob standing upon his integritie by the grace of God protests against confidence in the wedge of gold and rejoycing in the greatnesse of his substance Iob 31. 24 25. and in serving riches as his Lord so as God hath no service of him his utmost scope is riches so it is the God he 〈◊〉 Iames calls them 〈…〉 ulterers and adulteresses Iam. 4 4. setting their love upon this world they breake covenant of wedlocke with God and set up another in their hearts so as they have not the love of God in them 1 Iohn 2 21. As a wife that doth her husband some service outwardly but her heart is after other lovers so is their service to God without heart which is exercised with covetous practises 2 Pet. 2 14. even Sabbath day and all Amos 8 5. even in Sermon times Ezech 33 33 they sticke not at fraud and overreaching nor oppression Iam. 5. 4. Hab. 2 12 To increase that which is not theirs and to lade themselves with thicke clay so greedy that for a small gaine they will transgresse Prou. 28 21. And hire out their tongues for vile uses even to slay soules that should not dye and give life to soules that should not live Ezech. 13 19. making merchandise of the soules of men through covetousnesse 2 Pet. 2. 3. some erre from the faith leave the right which they have seene to goe astray and pearce themselves through with many sorrowes which rise from diffidence and distrustfull thoughts of God conscience of sinnes a most unwelcome and unsavourie foretast of their punishments in hell into which they doe plunge themselves by deceit 〈◊〉 â—ages Iude verse 11. thus 〈◊〉 seeke death in getting them Thirdly there is hurt to the possessors of riches in an unlawfull and sordid keepeing of them Eccles. 5 13. The curse of sparing more than is meete that is when they spare that which they should give either to the poore for refreshing of their bowels or to the preachers of the Gospell to be helpers to the truth or to the magistrates in recompence of their ministring under God for their wealth c. is not onely poverty but that with imputation of the sinne so as they shall have judgement mercilesse Iam. 2 because they shewed no mercie The Law stands in force against unjust persons It is reckoned among the sinnes that made the house of Iacob to fall their Land was full of silver and gold and there was no end of their treasures Esay 2 7. Both because they like the heathen had a damnable confidence in their abundance and such wicked covetousnesse as their hearts were so set upon their riches that they had no care of the poore or other good workes whereunto they should have beene applied Iames holds rich men in a terrible expectation of vengeance for the hording up of their riches so as they corrupt their garments are moth-eaten their silver and gold is cankered the rust of them shall bee a witnesse against them and eate their flesh as it were fire their consciences shall torment them with the memorie of their inhumanity in keepeing by them unprofitablie the creatures appointed by God unto mans use and so they have heaped treasure for the last day provided unto the last day of their life how long soever neither sensible of Gods providence nor of the uncertaintie of their life they heape up wrath against the day of wrath Iames 5 3. Fourthly riches also further the damnation of some in spending upon inordinate lusts some in a carnall zeale spend much upon false worship and false worshippers Ezech. 16 17. Hos. 10 1. Some on fleshly lust and lifes pride which is not onely damnable but damning when men make it the scope and utmost end of their life 2 Peter 2 13. They shall receive the reward of unrighteousnesse as they that count it pleasure to riot in the day time Sporting themselues with their owne deceivings Counting their felicitie to bee in pleasures of the senses they regard not the time and judgment after this life As it is said of the rich man who being dead was in hell torments that hee in his life time had his good things purple and fine linnen and sumptuous fare every day Luke 16 25. 〈◊〉 remember that thou in thy life time receivedst thy good things The cause of his torment was not that he received good things in his life time for so Abraham that is brought in speaking to him had done but the force lyeth in the pronoune thy Things with him the onely good such as hee made his full receit and whole portion though hee were a Iew the sonne of Abraham had Moses and the Prophets inviting him to the studie of eternall life he regarded it not this condemnes him The Apostle joynes these two together whose end is damnation whose God is their belly
habituall â—race bee in their hearts as the grace of magnificence and magnanimitie yet the want of abilitie unto their acts hinders the exercise of the habite till God give it and then they doe great workes Abrahams meeke and gentle mind had not appeared so much in giving Lot his choise to goe to which hand hee would for peace sake if he had not beene so rich neither had Ioâ—s patience in great losses beene so exemplary if hee had not had great substance Wisedome is good with an inheritance Eccles. 7. 11. It is more to have riches with grace than to have it with poverty for though respect of persons is a sinne and to esteeme men after the flesh yet among men the wisedome of a poore man is despised and his words are not heard Eccles. 9. 16. Wisedome indeed makes a mans face to shine but poverty as a cloud comming betweene obscures and darkens it When a rich man speakes gracious words which hee may more freely speake as he thinkes he is more easily beleeved and the things hee commands are sooner put in execution which appears in Iobs double condition When his glory was fresh in him the eare that heard him blessed him and after his words men spake not againe they that heard were as it were altered at his words and hung upon his talke as upon an irrevocable judgement but being once dejected hee was despised and when God let loose his cord base persons let loose the bridle before him Iob 30. 1. 11. Which may bee to stay rash censure of rich men even because of their riches Eccles. 10. 20. Curse not the rich in thy bedchamber If he bee wicked yet God may suddenly change him and then his richs are an honour to him and hee an ornament to them as Ioseph of Arimathea who was an honourable counseller and rich and a Disciple of Christ Math. 27 57. It is said of Tyrâ—â— that her riches should bee 〈◊〉 holinesse to the Lord Secondly for such as dwell before the Lord resting upon him with sincere confidence and serving him with pure conscience Thirdly for food to eate sufficiently and for durable clothing Esay 23. 18. It is indeed a greivous sinne dishonoring the most glorious Christian faith to preferre wealth so as to set up profane men for it to despite ignominiously to use poore men for their poverty though rich in faith Yet when a private rich man and a poore bee both godly the rich may bee honoured above the poore without any injury and ought to be and the poore is to give place to the rich as being able by Gods providence to doe some good both to him and to many as some image of God in his sufficiencie and liberalitie who is set before us in the Parable of a rich man Luke 16 1. Verse 3. And hee sought to see Iesus who hee was This is the occasion of Zacheus his conversion his earnest and unconquerable desire of seeing Iesus it is questioned whence his desire was whether of himselfe or of the holy Ghost of vanitie to satisfie curiositie or serious with respect to Christ both as a great Prophet and the Saviour of the world which may bee answered thus First as there may bee like words and deedes that proceed not from one and the same principle so may there bee like desires Maries words and Zacharies differed not much How shall this bee saith she seeing I know not a man Whereby shall I know this saith he for I am an old man and my wife well stricken in yeares her inquiry was out of admiration to learne his out of unbeleefe looking to nature hee measured the promise by common course Abraham laught at such a promise Sara laught also hee out of the joy of his faith Iohn 8 56. She of unbeleefe which yet shee overcame Heb. 11 11. David did that which was right in the sight of the Lord Amaziah did so likewise yet not with like hearâ— 2 Chron. 25. 2. So for desires Paul desires Salvation Balaam desires Salvation Balaam of a pang of despaire Paul of love to bee with the Lord. A scorner seekes wisedome Prou. 14 6. a godly man seekes wisedome Hee of perverse affection this of sincere intention to understand his owne way Verse 8. That hee may possesse his owne heart holding it firmely in the truth Herod desires to see Christ but of curiositie of hearing and seeing something strange to please a corrupt mind but hee was not vouchsased either doctrine or miracle not to see a sparke of his heavenly glory and the flesh of his mind declared it selfe in his sending him to Pilate mocked and despised So certaine Greeks desired to see Iesus and sought to Phillip that he would helpe them hee taking Andrew with him told Iesus But there is no mention of the Greekes made by him in his answere but he applied himselfe to cal off his Disciples from vaine expectation of earthly glory discoursing of his death and the fruite of it of hating our lives in the case of confession Iohn 12 21 c. Secondly now the desire of Zacheus was greatly respected and succeeded unto his Salvation though nature may incline men to novelties and to desire the sight of such of whose excellent fame wee have heard yet the end of his desire shewes that it was of spirituall beginning being blessed with such a change of the whole man there began to bud some seede of Salvation in him hee was caried with a singular affection to Christ which was by some impulsion of the holy Ghost more than common as the issue declares the Spirit of the Father drawing him to the Sonne And wee may observe in it that God begins his good worke in small things sometimes hee begun the second Temple so as they that had seene the former despised it as nothing in their eyes altogether unlikely to come to any glorious accomplishment yet of these conteÌ„ptible beginings he brought it forth to such glory as with joyfull shout they declared their gladnesse and with heartie wellwishings desired that as his grace not mans strength had finished it so his favour would maintaine and defend it Zach. 4 6. 7 10. The prophesie Esay 42 3 applied to Christ sheweth how with wonderfull meekenesse and tendernesse hee should bring forward his kingdome out of small beginnings notwithstanding the hostile opposition of Satan and all his wicked instruments Math. 12 20. A bruised reede shall he not quench till he send forth judgement unto victorie A bruised reede what more fraile smoking flaxe what more easily extinguished Esay 43 17. They are quenched as towe saith the Prophet speaking of the hoast of the enemies of God he will as easily extinguish them for ever as wee quench a little towe yet if men be not wicked but have some beginnings of pietie in them how weake soever he will not despise them but cherish strengthen and increase them with marveilous inâ—ulgence and mercie
Which is for abundant consolation to them whom he hath drawne of his everlasting love Ier. 31. 1. Having loved his owne that were in the world he loved them unto the end Iohn 13 1. Having found grace in his sight that hee selects them from the world they shall have given them grace upon grace till they be filled with all the fullnesse of God The Church is commended of her spirituall ornaments under termes of rowes of Iewels upon her cheekes and Chaines of gold about her necke and withall is promised that the whole Trinitie shal give her further increase of holinesse and all rich graces that nothing shall bee wanting to her comelinesse meete for so great a spouse but her spirituall glory in all parts and numbers shall bee perfected in similitude borders of gold with studdes of silver God is in covenant with the people whom hee once receives to rejoyce over them and never to turne from after them to do them good to be an everlasting Father following them with perpetuall favour and liberall blessings Ier. 32 40 41. It is one chiefe use of benefits received by experience to confirme our hope to finde God as we have found him in present and in future necessites Christ remembers his Disciples of the miraculous feeding the five thousand with five loaves the foure thousand with seaven loaves and a great deale left to cure their difference or weaknesse of faith about provision for bread Math. 16 8 9 10. David from former experience of Gods care of him concludes in hope thus Surely goodnesse shall follow me and mercie all the dayes of my life And I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever The Apostle teacheth this Rom. 5. 10. If when we were enemies we were reconciled by the death of his Sonne much more being reconciled wee shall bee saved by his life I was delivered out of the mouth of the Lyon and the Lord shall deliver mee from every evill worke and will preserve me to his heavenly kingdome But take heed of wronging him in his love not rendring according to the benefit as Hezekiah is someting blotted with it in his Chronicle and David reproved for it yet with declaring the readinesse of God to proceed in blessing his with more and greater blessings 2 Sam. 12 8. If that had beene too little I would moreover have given unto thee such and such things 2. Pray the Lord to rejoyce in his works Psal. 104 31. In which our state is founded as that speach of Iob implies Thou wilt have a desire to the worke of thine owne hands Iob. 14 15. For this David prayeth Psal. 138 8 Forsake not the worke of thine owne hands Cry with the Church for new inspirations of Gods Spirit to increase of pleasant fruits to invite Christ to his garden replenished with chiefe spices and hee will accept of such invitation and declare his good acceptance of such entertainment and call you in due time to come to him out of the miseries of this troublesome world when hee shall satisfye all your desires according to that loving call Come with me from Lebanon my spouse with me from Lebanon And hee made haste and came downe and received him joyfully In this â—acheus shewes the effect of his calling Obedience in hastie comming downe and in joyfull receiving of Christ. Wherein we may observe that the Word of Christ in calling men to him is lively and of an attractive force making the will to answere and assent to his calling There is an infallibilitie of the effect whose cause is not the studie of the Disciple but the excellencie of the maister Psal. 18 44. At the hearing of the eare they shall obey me Esay 52 15. The King shall shut their mouthes at him for that which they had not heard shall they consider Vnderstanding that the counsell of God is to save the world by Iesus Christ they shall without gainsaying submit themselves unto him for their salvation As it was in calling his Disciples not onely poore fishermen Simon and Andrew Iames and Iohn forsooke their nets and followed him but Matthew a rich man foosooke a gainefull trade and betooke him selfe to him which was neither levitie or stoliditie so soone to be moved away from their former condition and course of life But divine force making his word effectuall to that for which hee spake it That thereby they might consider that their preaching of the Gospell should not be a dead sound but with spirit and power for obedience of faith Hee so perswadeth or allureth Iapheth that he joynes himselfe to Shems tents sweetly reduceth the Gentiles to the Churches societie as the very station of felicitie Genesis 9 27. Whom hee calls to be of his household he causeth to come and joyne themselves to him and his people to the satisfying of them with the good things of his house Psal. 65 4. Hee breakes them off from the wilde stalke and ingraffts them into the true vine They are the called of Iesus Christ Rom. 1 6 That is partakers of him by their calling The Father teacheth them inwardly with their outward hearing so as hee that hath heard and learned of the Father commeth unto Christ the Father drawes him Iohn 6. 44 45. Which conteines illumination of the mind a good dâ—scerning of the things of God and forming of the will to the obedience of Christ. The dead heare the voyce of the Sonne of God and they which heare it live Iohn 5 25. In which is implied a double grace in the secret vertue and power of the word First That the dead should heare which is beside nature Secondly bee called againe to life from which they were fallen To heare is to beleeve and assent with the heart Iohn 10 16. Other sheepe I have which are not of this fold them also I must bring and they shall heare my voyce They shall beleeve with the heart unto an ingeneration of a new principle of spirituall life and excitation to elicite acts of this life It is not alwayes or in all persons that this word of Christ is thus effectuall some open the eare but heare not some when they heare resist and blaspheme hate him and increase their sinne Iohn 15 22. So as he is to their ruine Luke 2 34. He is a stone to stumble at a rocke of offence to them that are disobedient 1 Pet. 2 8. Whereunto also they were appointed But in them whom hee calls of his purpose it is thus effectuall so as it is refused of no hard heart because he softens it hee takes away the stony heart and gives them an heart of flesh to whom all things worke together for good whom hee calls so as hee justifieth and glorifieth them Rom. 8 28 30. According to his election of them the election obtaine it Rom. 11 7. Gods purpose is his will predestinating men to life So then when men are moved but ineffectually by the word
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
which they take as so many records of their salvation testimonies that the Lord is their God which is their exceeding ioy Psal. 43 4. In whom they incourage themselves in all distresses 1 Sam. 30 6. The ioy of the temporizer is partly of his new knowledge of the great things of the Gospell or conceit of libertie from the fearefull effect of sinne of selfelove desiring not to perish but to dye the death of the righteous The savour of the Gospell is sweet to him and delights him but he is never perfumed as the faithfull that come out of the world unto Christ as with mirrhe and incense and all the powders of the Merchant which ascends like pillars of smoke Cant. 3 6. They differ in effects the faithfull reioycing in Christ whom they receive of God as the gift of his love unto them unto salvation love him againe for his love 1 Iohn 4 19. And receiving him as the pledge of all promises in whom they have their certaine fulfilling they trust in GOD their faith and their hope is in him 1. Pet. 1. 21. and reioycing in him as their redeemer that gave himselfe for them they are so wholy possessed of his love that they live no more to themselves but to him 2 Cor 5. 14. As the Apostle saith To me to live is Christ Philip. 1. 21. The joy of the temporizer either turnes to pride loosenesse or some perverse effect And received him ioyfully As he received Christ into his heart so into his house with chearfullnesse which may bee for our instruction to receive Christ in his members and in his servants willingly and gladly loving Christ in straungers specially being such for religion wee must use hospitalitie towards them without grudging 1 Pet. 4 9. The Apostle requires that Christians bee given to hospitalitie that they follow it Rom. 12 13. Which requires studie and diligence in exercising it Heb. 13 2 in saying Be not forgetfull to lodge strangers it implies a mindfullnesse of the dutie so as not to become more remisse in the accustoming a mans selfe to it 1. Though this be sometimes a part of magnificence and is the worke of rich men yet it is most a fruit of love and mercie which is to bee done with cheerefullnesse Rom. 12 8. 2. Christ is received in the least of his brethren and counts it done to him Math. 25 35. I was a stranger and yee tooke mee in verse 40. In as much as yee did to one of the least of these my brethren ye have done it to me 3. Cheerefullnesse in their intertainement rejoyceth their hearts quiets their affections Philem. 7. The bowels of the Saints are refreshed by the brother when they are in feare either to want or to bee cast upon unbeleevers or sadly suspect they shall bee counted a burden and find such fellowshipe of the Spirit such compassion and mercie the comfort of the love they perceive and voluntary subjection to the Gospell of God doth refresh them greatly which love they make knowen before the Churches 3 Iohn 6. As he that eates the meat of him that hath an evill eye though hee bid him eate and drinke yet because his heart is not with him hath no pleasure in his sweet morsels but is more greived at his churlishnesse than comforted with his provision God rewards this cheerefull harbouring of his servants in this world and that which is to come as Abraham Lot the widow of Sarephath 1 King 17 16 23. The Shunamite 2 King 4 Thus hee promiseth if thou bring the poore that are cast out into thine house the glory of the Lord shall bee thy reward to bring them in is more than to take them in upon intreatie Esay 58 7. The smallest gift given of love a cuppe of water of cold water to the least of those that belong to Christ to a Disciple in that name shall bee rewarded Marke 9 41. Which is not simply affirmed but with an asseveration for more assurance and this excellent vertue of hospitalitie hath greater promises according to the qualitie of persons which in Christian love received are intreated respectively for their calling and cause for which they are strangers There being danger in receiving them that are cast out for religion as if they were rebels Act. 17 6 7 it is likely the greater daunger may bee in receiving the teachers therfore our Saviour gives the greater incouragement saying hee that receiveth a Prophet in the name of a Prophet shall have a Prophets reward to receive him in the name of a Prophet is to receive him as a Prophet and because hee is one so honouring Christ in his servants and specially in them that are specially neere him in place and imployed about his kingdome not only shall hee receive a Prophets reward actively that which the Prophet gives as the knowledge of the truth the opening of secrets of Gods kingdome but passively the reward which God gives with respect to the dignitie of the person on whom the benefit is conferred or as a furtherer of the Prophets worke a helpe to the truth which hee preacheth giving such reward as hee gives the Prophet as if hee had the office of the Prophet and executed it as 1 Sam. 30. 24 As his part is that goeth downe to the battell so shall his part bee that tarieth by the stuffe It serves to reprove the hartlesnesse of Christians to to this duty of receiving CHRIST to their houses in such as perteine to him some as above other men they exclude them from their love so from their dwelling no lovers at all of them that are good some of feare to bee persecuted with them because iniquitie shall abound the love of many shall waxe cold so held with corrupt selfe love that they dare not helpe Christians in their trouble least they should be counted like them this is in a degree to forsake the cause of Christ and to bee ashamed of him They had neede bee prayed for as the Apostle forsaken in his first answering at Rome prayeth for them that failed him God preserveth some in safetie when others are in trouble that the one may succour the other Pov 24 12. If thou say behold we knew not of it shall not hee who pondereth the hearts understand it and hee who preserveth thy soule doth not he know it c. To move to this dutie it may helpe that wee have examples commended of the practise of it Gaius the hoste of Paul and of the whole Church Rom. 16 23. This is a singular commendation that he received Christians comming from every place to his house and table Phebe he gives a great prayse of for her hospitalitie to him and many other and in thankefullnesse requires the Saints at Rome to assist her in whatsoever businesse she hath neede of them as a thing becomming them Rom. 16 2. It is the praise of Lidia that she constrained Paul and Silas to tarry in her house and of
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
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
in themselves more holy or by institution under the Law than other dayes And so to observe dayes either by the Churches precept or by voluntary taking up to observe is reproveable for though in respect of institution and use the Saboth is more holy than other dayes yet not in the nature of the day for then it could not have beene chaunged As the water in baptisme by institution and use is holyer than other water so the bread and wine in the Sacrament but not by any inherent holinesse 2. He condemnes the keeping of such daies above other as worship of God of necessitie in conscience as if the not keeping bound to sinne When none but God can give such Lawes as the breach of them blots the conscience where is no Law is no trasgression where the Church and governers appoint or men take them up to observe they bind but as historicall helps and are free without scandal contempt 3. Hee finds fault with the keeping of them as against faith shaddowes of Christ and his benefits for which they were instituted Coloss. 2 16. Christ being come as the body of those shadowes the shadowes must cease But to keepe dayes in memory of benefits past and to stirre up to duties thereby for time to come is not against religion It reproves such as forget both benefits and dayes wherein the Lord wrought them for them Psal. 78 42 They remembred not his hand nor the day wherein hee delivered them from the enemy wee are so apt to forget benefits that wee had neede use al lawfull helps to put us in mind of them consider the charge Deut. 8 10. 11 and David charging his memory Psal. 103 1. Is salvation come The day of calling and salvation is one the same day that a man is called hee is saved 2 Cor. 6 2 Behold this is the accepted time behold this is the day of salvation the day of acceptation in Christ is the day of salvation to him that is so accepted Adoption comprehends all our blessing even the glory of the life to come Rom. 8 We wait for the adoption the redemption of our bodyes But in our calling receiving Christ we receive this dignitie of adoption Iohn 1 12. Calling is the revealing of Gods grace and his will to save us by Christ Iesus in our minds and heart so as we consent to God calling and follow after him for that life in his Sonne and cleave to him for it Comming to Christ and receiving of Christ are coupled together and the contrary not comming not having life but abiding in death 1 Iohn 5 12. Iohn 5 40. Calling is Gods worke inabling a man to performe the condition of the covenant which is to beleeve in Christ and so makes partaker of Christ that hee is of his body partaker of the promise an inheriter also Ephes. 2 6. Hee that beleeveth hath everlasting life is passed from death to life Iohn 5 24. Calling effectuall is the first revelation of predestination to life accompanied with justification and glorification Rom. 8 30. Iustification is unto life Rom. 5 18. Regeneration is Glorification or Salvation begunne Titus 3 5 7. He saved us and called us 2 Tim. 1 9. Hee saved us calling us wee are called to his kingdome and glory 1 Thess. 2 12. To obtaine salvation or the glory of our Lord Iesus Christ 2 Thess. 2 13 14. To high things Phil. 3. The calling is therefore called heavenly Heb. 3 1. Not onely as from heaven but unto heaven Come up hither and then they ascend in the sight of others Revel 11. Wee are called in hope of heaven Coloss. 1 4 5. And by hope we are saved Rom. 8 24. If calling and saving in respect of beginning and certaine accomplishment bee contemporarie then bee exhorted to make your calling sure that you may be sure of your salvation with it 2 Pet 1 10. Try your selves by these signes 1. An eccho like answering to the Lord revealing his grace and will to save you by Christ Psal. 27 6 7. Hos. 2. ult Zach 13 9. Esay 44 5. God speakes first in the heart then the heart answers againe to the Lord and a man is readie to underwrite to the Lord if hee say thou art mine I have given my Sonne for thee as proofe of it The heart will say I am thine with admiration of thy love receive I thy Sonne given to mee This will further by strife against unbeleefe and the love of God and a carefull applying of our soules as given to God to doe his wil appeare though wee yet feele not our faith Vnbeleefe and other sinnes have no quiet setling no dominion over us wee labour to cast them out and linger after the Lord as having our hearts toucht by him to receive him as our King to save us as they followed Saul whose hearts the Lord had toucht 1 Sam. 10 26. As Elisha at plough after Eliah had cast his mantle upon him as a signe of Gods calling him to be a Prophet could not but follow and durst not so much as goe home without his leave 2. A standing up from the world unto new workes whereunto God called us wee forsake the worlds fashion and manner of life wee can bee no longer of one mind and heart with them Be they Heretickes civill men without religion or professing religion without power God in calling selects us from the world we cannot count them our deare companions our hearts and wayes do so disagree that we are abomination or matter of pittie one to another We are as first fruits to God 3. A Spirit sitting us for that unto which wee bee called by which wee savour things of the spirit aspire to heavenly righteousnesse not satisfyed with measure but to bee filled with the fullnes of God following apprehend that for which wee are apprehended wee meditate now high things a crowne a kingdome heavenly inheritance lower things are too meane to hold us to them Bee thankefull you that know your calling 1 Tim. 1. I thanke him The promise is to them that the Lord calls bee they neere or farre off Act. 2 39. That when you heare the promises you ought to prayse the Lord that made you true heires of them that you may say Salvation belongs to me for the promise belongs to mee in that I am called Prayse God for the fellowship with Christ Iesus his Sonne to that hee hath called you 1 Cor. 1. 8. This calling is a speciall character of Gods love the first speciall evidence of it Worldlings falsly conclude speciall love from common blessings against which Solomon opposeth Eccles. 9 1. And our Saviour Math. 5 44. And the Rhemists note is good there that outward prosperitie is certaine either of a better man or better religion but effectuall calling is an infallible evidence of Gods love from election to salvation Bee studiously thankfull for this which the Apostle puts the Romans in mind that among
hearts Ier. 29 11 13. If when we were enemies Christ reconciled us to God much more being reconciled shall hee save us from wrath He giveth by his Spirit to us to seeke by requests of God such things as wee need for which same hee in heaven makes intercession for us To stirre up our love and care in seekeing men that are lost or fallen in common dutie of charitie or speciall charge and office The first implied in that speech Cant. 8 8 9 10. The Church of the Iewes speakes to Christ for the Gentiles yet uncalled who destitute of the word and ministery not having thâ— true doctrine whereby to nourish others as a virgin that hath no brests not yet mariageable so unfit yet to receive Christ desiring that they may be brought to the acknowledgement of Christ askes what shall bee done for them in that day of their calling to him when there shall bee treatie of their mariage to him The Church joynes her selfe to Christ in this care of doing something for the calling of the Gentiles because though the power be his and he be the author of all heavenly blessings yet hee useth the faithfull in this worke as his instruments The answere of Christ implieth his good liking of that care for the Gentiles calling according to the Prophecies If she be a wall if she be constant and continue firme in expectation of her promises and the profession of that truth which shall bee revealed wee will build upon her a silver pallace wee will build upon him a silver pallace beautifie and strengthen her with further grace make her a costly pallace fit to entertaine my spirit and if shee be a dore we will keepe her in with boordes of Cedar if she give free passage and good entrance to my word and grace wee will make her sure and safe from corruption and reserve her to immortalitie Christ joynes the Church still with him in this as an instrument voluntary Ezech 18. Returne and cause one another to returne Hos. 6. Come let us returne to the Lord. Zach. 8 21. They that dwell in one Cittie shall goo to another saying Vp let us goe and pray before the Lord of hosts and seeke him I will go also like that Esay 2 2 3. Come let us goe up to the Mountaine of the Lord c. Ioshua 22 19. If the land of your possession be uncleane come over unto the Land of the possession of the Lord where the Lords tabernacle dwelleth and take possession among us but rebell not against the Lord c. This is the nature of faith to breed love to God and those that belong to him even such as they never saw that were long before them and shall be long after them This love brings forth desire and endevour to procure their salvation Wee pray thy kingdome come our indevour must proue the truth of our desire The successe may provoke to the duty Psal. 51. I will teach thy wayes to the wicked and sinners shall be converted to thee a man shall have joy of the answere of his lippes Prov. 15 23. It is to such a fruit as a righteous man hath not a greater Prou. 11 30. Let him know it hee saveth a soule from death and covereth a multitude of sinnes Iam. 5. Seeke them then by prayer stand before God and speake good for them wee love little if wee will not speake a good word for a man The feareful condition of the world is noted in that Christ loved them not so much as to pray for their salvation Iohn 17. Thus Paul sought Israel of God Christ those that crucified him of ignorance 2. By teaching and admonishing them of the error of their way Ezra 7 25. 3. By doing good unto them and conversing honestly and with winning behaviour before them Waiting for God to succeede all If we must do thus of charitie wheÌ„ we also have charge to do so publike or private how should wee not apply our selves to seeke mens soules wherewith wee are charged how shall wee free our selves from guiltinesse of their blood that perish without our indevour to save them When a man hath done that which appertained to him and they will not returne but dye hee hath delivered his owne soule How woefull is their case that seeke not to recover the fallen but draw them into sinne And to save Consider wee the action to save 2. The propertie hee hath in it hee came to it as appointed of his Father The state of the persons to whom he performes this lost To save hee was appointed Esay 49 6 He is called the Salvation of God mine eyes have seene thy Salvation Luke 2. Hee hath his name Iesus of that Hee shall save his people from their sinnes he saith of himselfe that hee came to save mens lives not to destroy them Luke 9 56. Not to condemne the world but to save the world Iohn 12. Hee came to save sinners 1 Tim. 1 15. God hath lift him up to bee a Prince and a Saviour Act. 5 31. Q. How doth he save us A. By his merit and spirit merit of his life and of his death fulfilling the Law for us expiating all our sinnes by the Sacrifice of himselfe making intercession for us Not onely was hee without sinne as Iohn 8 46. 2. Cor. 5 21. 1 Pet. 2 22 23. Heb. 4 5. That hee needed not to offer as the high Priests under the Law for his owne sinnes Heb. 7 27. Neither did he fulfill the Law perfectly onely for himselfe and so is called that holy thing in respect of nature sanctified from the conception Luke 1. The holy Child Act. 2 27. Holy one Act. 13 35. And the just 3 14. But hee fulfilled the Law for us as many as hee came to save Rom. 8 3 4. Rom. 10 4. As Adams disobedience is imputed to all his progenie so the obedience of Christ is to all that are in him as their roote Rom. 5 19. As by one mans disobedience many were made sinners So by the obedience of one many are made righteous We may be said in a sort to be justified by the righteousnesse of the Law but inherent in Christ imputed to us Iustification by faith imports two things the not imputing of sinne imputation of righteousnesse which is called the righteousnesse of God not onely by Gods appointing it or by his accepting it but by his working of it in Christ his obedience being the perfect full entire obedience of his person God and man not onely of his nature humane to bee a holy and a just mâ—n whence it commeth to bee meritorious The Apostle teaching that wee are justified by faith saith that in so teaching he establisheth the Law Even by that Doctrin because the righteousnesse which it requires for matter is performed by Christ and offered to God as our righteousnesse and imputed of God to us it requiring unto life do this man by faith findes it in Christ. If it
shee shall bee more glorious by the holy Trinitie till she attaine the perfection of glory In regeneration wee live in the Spirit that life which is eternall 1 Iohn 3 15. So as never to dye Iohn 11 26. We are partakers of the first resurrection raised to a glorious and immortall life the life by Iesus manifest in our mortall flesh 2 Cor. 4. Which life Christ came for that wee might have it and that wee might have it more abundantly Iohn 10 10. Wee are saved by the renewing of the holy Ghost The exercise of this sanctification is partly in repentance which is unto Salvation as Christ came to save sinners so to call sinners to repentance Repentance and life are coupled together Act 11. Whom God would not have perish hee will have come to repentance 2 Pet. 3 9. Seeing whom Christ saveth hee sanctifieth it should move us to examine our selves about sanctification which is salvatioÌ„ or glo rification begun It is of that necessitie that al the unsanctified are excluded Math. 18 3. Iohn 3 3 5. Heb. 12 14 Revel 21 27. The inheritance is appropriated unto Saints the Scripture thrusts it into their bosome and pinnes it as it were on their sleeves Act. 20 32 and 26 18. Eph. 1 18 Coloss. 1 12. There is no sanctification singular but in union with Christ Who as the head giveth life and influence of grace onely to his body Eph. 1 22. Heb. 2 11. Titus 3 6. Whatsoever civill vertues a man have as the yongman that Christ looked upon and loved What temporary reformation or common sanctification so called in respect of some materialls or dispositions not brought forward to sanctification singular being not by spirituall union with Christ is no degree of Salvation Therefore to know true sactification con sider the singularitie of it Math. 5 20. Except your righteousnesse exceed c. 47. What singular thing do you 48. Yee shall therefore be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect By imitation of God suffer not this one vertue of loving your enemies to be wanting in you This perfection is the singularitie of sanctification Not that any man attaines to absolute perfection in this life Philip. 3. I am not alreadie perfect Wee have sinne wee doe sinne all in many things but there is in the sanctified a perfection of sinceritie their heart is good and honest which God calls perfect 2 Chron. 15 17. The heart is whole with God not devided spoken in comparison of hypocrites whose heart is not whole Psal. 78 with the Lord they are double minded Iam. 1 and 4. They are true in their heart have their conversation in simplicitie and godly purenesse 2. Perfection of integritie they have the seedes of all vertues in them though yet they are not growne up They have the perfect nature of Christians though they be but babes in Christ 1 Cor. 3. They have a new man in them Newnesse of Spirit in which they serve God Rom. 7. The spirit soule and body sanctified in measure They respect all the commaundements given to them Psal. 119 Towards all persons God their neighbour themselves They have compleatnesse in their actions they have the needfull parts of a good worke and right matter a right principle out of which they worke saith purifying the heart working by love a right end Gods glory the edification of men c They hold on and contend towards perfection in degrees Iob. 17. It is not thus with the Hipocrites 2. Consider their difference in sinning the Godly sinne not they cannot sinne 1 Iohn 3 9. Grace freeth them from the reigne of sinne that they serve it not it giveth an inclination and disposition to the will that it resists the will of the flesh as contrary so in their sinning they are rather patients than agents they worke none iniquitie Rom. 7. Leads mee captive to the Law of sinne It is not then I that doe it but sinne dwelling in mee which appeareth in their striving mourning complaining of sinne in them purging or purifying of themselves constantly desirous to be freed utterly from sinne Temptation is said to take them 1 Cor. 10 13. And to be but humane not sought out of affection but taking advantage of humane infirmitie Humanum quiddam non nihil ipsos esse passos dicit Galat. 6 1. If a man be preoccupate in any offence Ex subito motu passionis ignorantia seu infirmitate Hee speakes of sins into which a man falls not wilfully or of set purpose but of infirmitie beguiled by the Devill or the flesh the deceitfullnesse of sinne like men to sinne is of two sorts by surreption or disease By constitution and habite which bring forth actions corrupting loosing that common Sanctification which they had by their common calling into out ward covenant with God and became holy in profession before others that were not so called Which aggravates their sinne above theirs that were never called by Gods Name Deut. 32. Three things Moses chargeth them with 1. Corrupting themselves 2. Contracting spotte 3. Habite or constitution perversenesse sinning of full will frowardnesse wicked men are noted of their frowardnesse they sinne of full enmitie and maliciousnesse of will Consider a kind of force in the Spirit sanctifying to do knowne good The Spirit within me compels me Iob 32. Ier. 20. It was as fire shut up in my bones I was weary with forbearing I could not stay Downe goeth the power of the flesh the dore is open for Christ to come in and the grace within will not bee shut up but breakes forth unto the workes of righteousnesse 2 Cor. 5. The love of Christ constraineth us For we thus judge c. Psal. 116. What shall I render All his benefits are upon me Psal. 56 12. Thinke upon me O God As wickednesse proceedeth from the wicked so righteousnesse from the righteous such are noted of the working of righteousnesse it will declare it selfe in a mans life if hee have any sanctification in him â—f wee live in the Spirit let us walke in the Spirit Gal. 5. 2. Let such as the Lord hath sanctified rejoyce and bee thankefull they are entered already on some part of salvation which assures them fullnesse from Gods faithfullnesse 3. Christ saves by his Spirit in leading preserving the sanctified unto salvation hee keepes them that they cannot loose it Deut. 33 3. All thy Saints are in thy hands This effect of Gods speciall love to his Saints distinguished from hypocrites by this worke of grace they are his Disciples and humbly and attentively heare his words notes that after God hath received people into favour he takes them into sure custodie for Salvation they are all in his hands and who can pull them out none as Christ saith Iohn 10. I will give them Eternall life no man shall pull them out of my hands 1 Sam. 2 9. Hee keepeth the feete of his Saincts Prov. 2. 7 8. He is a shield to them that walke
worke of Christ done by himselfe wee are bound to trust and rejoyce in him alone for our whole salvation Gal. 6 14 God forbid I should rejoyce in any thing save in the crosse of our Lord Iesus Christ. The word save is exceptive hee will glory in that and exclusive in nothing else Christ cru cified is the treasure of the Church for all spirituall blessings of all wisedome and knowledge of the love and favour of God Ephes. 1 6 Of honour and holinessâ— hee hath made us kings and Priests to our God Apac. 1 6 of libertie Luke 1 74 Iohn 8 32 36. Of pleasures and comfort wee are compleate in him Philip. 3 3 Wee rejoyce in Christ Iesus and put no confidence in the flesh that is in any created thing out of Christ. But rest in him alone for our whole felicitie with confident glorying The evidence of the truth of this is that hereby the world is crucified to us and wee to the world by the world understanding that which is opposed to the kingdome of Christ and the new creature for which new creature in us the world cannot but hate us By the power of the Spirit dead to the world Phil. 3 We worship God in the spirit our spirit sanctified and governed by the Spirit of Christ with internall and externall actions after his word Let it move us to love him with our whole heart that by himselfe purged our sinnes saved us being lost and no other with him thinke it not enough to magnifie him above other beloveds but omnifie him not onely as a friend a child a wife our life but united all more than all these He did in his love that passeth knowledge all that purchased thy happinesse hee suffered all finished all for thee Let this bee seene in our not induring of such teachers and doctrine as obscure this love of Christ joyning helpes with him for our salvation Philip 3 2 As enemies of the crosse of Christ v. 18. It is noted that the faithfull stand on Christs side for him 2 In our due esteeming of the sincere ministers of Christ that teach him faithfully as the onely redeemer not onely from greater but from all lesser sinnes Ye received me as an Angell of God as Christ Iesus if need had beene yee would have pluckt out your owne eyes Gal. 4 Have them in singular love for their worke 1 Thess. 5. It is their great praise to seeke the things of Christ. 3. In our valewing and respect of men of Christ in them 2 Cor. 5 16 wee know no man after the flesh Whatsoever wee do in word or deede do all in the name of Christ Coloss. 3 Philip. 1. To me to live is Christ. 1. Give him the honour of binding our consciences by his Commandements and no earthly creature as Lord of Lords and King of Kings Traditious not after Christ are in that name blamed that they are after the commaundements and doctrines of men not after Christ Coloss. 2 8 22 Not imposed or warranted by Christ not ascribing all to Christ as the Prophet Priest or King of the Church 2. Doe all by his vertue fruits of righteousnesse are by him Philip. 1 11. Our sufficiencie for doing or suffering is by his grace and power Rom. 8 37. Philip 4 13. I am able to do all things by the helpe of Christ which strengtheneth me All vertues are but naturall qualities dead shapes if they bee not done in and by his grace hee must bee the root they must favor of his sappe or they have nothing to make them truely good 3. In his mediation seeke acceptance in all with assurance Spirituall sacrifices acceptable by Iesus Christ 1 Pet. 2 5 4. All to his glory it is some mens prayse they are the glory of Christ 2 Cor. 8 23 Paul was all in his desire to magnifie Christ whether by life or death That which was lost This is the condition in which Christ finds them whom he comes unto to seeke them and save they were lost The Iewes Gods owne confederate people Children of the kingdome and concerning externall adoption heires of life yet are called lost sheepe Math. 10 6. Goe yee rather to the lost sheepe of the house of Israel Math. 15 24. I am not sent but to the lost sheepe of the house of Israel If they were lost then the Gentiles without God without Christ without hope Math. 18 11 The Sonne of man is come to save that which was lost 1. We were lost in Adam wee in him made a defection from God by hearkening and consenting to the Divels suggestion out of unbeleefe nnthankefullnesse ambition Ayming at a higher state than that which God made man in wee lost both holinesse and happinesse innocencie and life and so by nature are children of wrath Ephes. 2. Death went over all inasmuch as all had sinned by the offence of one the fault came upon all men unto condemnation Rom. 5 12 18. The Divell is therefore sayd to bee a murderer from the beginning Iohn 8 44. 2. There is no power in our nature to recover our selves from this losse and destruction into which wee are plunged nor in any creature We were of no strength Rom. 5. 3. We left to that way of our selves lose our selves more more Esay 53 6. That if Christ did not seeke us and save us wee should perish for ever without regard Iob 4 20 and dye before wee were so wise as to thinke with any fruit of death v. 21. Holden in the cords of our owne sinne goe astray through our great folly and dye for lacke of instruction Prov. 5 22 23. And this aggravated by the time of our going astray from the wombe Psal. 58 3. The wicked are strangers from the wombe from the belly they erre speake lyes so â—remellius reades that Psal. 119 67 Quum nondum loquerer ego errabam declaring that wee are sinners from the wombe I have called thee a transgressor from the wombe Esay 48 8. For I knew thou wouldst grievously transgresse Wee erre as is said of Egypt they have caused Egypt to erre in every worke thereof in things that wee do not yet should doe in things that wee doe and should not doe Deceived Titus 3 3 either by that great deceiver the Divell 1 Tim. 2 14. The woman was deceived and was in the transgression 2 Tim. 2 26. Revel 20 8. And shall goe out to deceive the people which are in the foure quarters of the earth 10. The Divell that deceived them was cast into a lake of fire and brimstone Or by instruments of his that are first deceived and then deceive others 2 Tim. 3 13. Or by our owne heart Ier. 17 9. Sinfull wayes are from a naughtic heart concupiscence drawing away and intising carnall reasons vaine excuses deceiveable hopes our hearts joyne themselves to swarmes of temptations and lusts so sinne deceives us and kills us Sometimes God in a fearefull kind of justice