our Meat when hungry and upon our Drink when thirsty for Christ sets an high price upon it 6. We see with what thankfulness hungry and thirsty ones should receive what is given them for Christ makes great reckoning of what is so given 7. We see what great incouragement we have to be of a bountifull spirit to hungry and thirsty ones for it is not so much done to them as to Christ himselfe 8. We see what a lovely thing it is to relieve those in want for Christ himselfe is fed in them 9. We see that how secretly soever any reliefe is given to the Saints Christ takes special notice of it 10. We see what tender love is in the Lord Jesus that will take so small a thing so â—indly at our hands 11. We see his wonderful humility herein 12. We see that we should not indure to see the Saints want Vse 2. For Reproofe 1. To those that with-hold more then is meet Prov 11.24 Christ Jesus will count himselfe little beholden to them 2. To those that spend what they have upon their lusts and will part with nothing to Christ in his Saints 3. To those that by fraud keep back that which is in justice due to others James 5.4 Vse 3. For Exhortation 1. To come off bountifully to hungry and thirsty ones in their needs Christ will take it â—indly at our hands 2. To bless the Lord Jesus that be will take what we so do in such good part for our goodness extendeth not to him Psal 16.2 3. To accept with due acknowledgement what he does in the least of his mercies Gen. 32.10 4. To love him that takes so kindly what is done to us whom should we love like him Prov. 23.26 1 Cor. 16.22 5. To follow Christ in taking kindnesses done to hungry and thirsty ones as done to our selves Philem ver 12 â—7 6. To be glad of an opportunity for the relief of the Saints Gal. 6.10 7. To devise wayes of liberality Isa 32.8 8. To do what we do out of love to Christ for else it profits nothing 1 Cor. 13.3 9. To bewail our former hard-heartedness Luke 19.8.10 To love mercy Micah 6.8 Vse 4. for Consolation 1. That surely the least of these kindnesses shall not be forgotten but all remembred and rewarded by him 2. That the Saints shall surely remember his kindnesses and the multitudes of them and one day give him the glory of them We are now come to the second Branch of the XVIII Doctrine which is this That Christ takes it very kindly when his Saints that are strangers are kindly entertained into our houses For opening of which let me shew 1. How it does appear that he takes their entertainment so kindly 2. Why he takes it so kindly 3. The Uses For the first It does appear that He takes their entertainment very kindly 1. In that be gives it in charge that we should do it 1 Pet 4.9 Heb. 13.2 and he cannot but take it kindly when we observe his charge 2. In that he commendeth those that are kinde this way 3 John 5 8. 3. In that he makes account that such are fellow helpers to the truth ver 8. and this the Lord cannot but take kindly 4. In that he does reward all such kinde entertainments as we see he did to the widow of Sarepta 1 Kings 17. and the Shunamite 2 Kings 4. 5. In that he stirs up the hearts of his Servants to wish for their health and outward prosperity 3 John 2. 6. In that he gives such to thrive and prosper in their Souls ibid. 7. In that he vouchsafes them the love of his precious Saints yea the love of all them that know the truth 3 John 1. 8. In that he gives them such blessings as they could not well expect 2 Kings 4.14 15 16. 9. In that he has sometimes restored their children from death to life 1 Kings 17. 2 Kings â— 10. In that he has honoured them so as that they have entertained Angels Heb. 13.2 11. In that the whole Family is blessed by it Luke 19.9 Heb. 11.31 with Josh 6.23 Q. 2. Why does be take so kindly the entertainment that his people finde Ans 1. From himself 1. He loves and preserves strangers Psal 146.9 2. He sometimes was a stranger himself and therefore cannot but take it kindly what is done in way of entertainment of them 3. He hates and â—bhors the covetous that do it not Psal 10.3 and therefore cannot but take it kindly when we do entertain them 4. He knows what comfort his Saints have when entertained Judg. 19.21 22. 5. He takes pleasure in their prosperity Psal 35.27 6. He knows that the want of entertainment has cost many a man his life 2. From the Saints 1. They give him entertainment into their hearts Ephes 3 17. 2. They are the delight of his eyes Cant. 2.14 3. They are the very ravishment of his heart Cant. 4.9 4. They are his Fathers blessed ones so the Text. 5. They want entertainment very much are sometimes in great distress for want of it Judg. 19.18 19. 6. They praise him wheâ— they have it 3. From the nature of Entertainment 1. It is a fruit of their Faith Heb 11.31 So in the Widow of Sarepta and the Shunamite 2. It flows from Love and therefore we must not forget to do it Heb. 13.1 2. 3. It is a fruit of obedience to the Commandment 1 Pet. 4.9 4. It is a fruit of Bounty and see Isa 32.8 5. It may be the preservation of life 6. It refresheth them in their weariness Vse 1. for Information 1. VVe see what great delight the Lord Jesus hath in his Saints and People in that he takes so kindly a little entertainment given to them Psal 143.4 2. VVe see how kindly he will take it when we entertain him into our hearts Rev. 3.20 3. VVe see what entertainment himself will give such in his house here and in his Kingdome hereafter that takes it so kindly when they are entertained into our houses surely he will honourably entertain them Isa 25.6 John 14.2 3. 4. VVe see how much more kindly he will take it when we give that that may refresh and save the lives of their Souls 5. VVe see that the Lord takes special notice of small kindnesses shewed to his people in that a little entertainment is so kindly taken 6. VVe see how kindly we should take it when the Lord bows the hearts of his people to be courteous in entertaining of us for Christ takes it kindly at their hands 7. VVe see that Hospitality is that that Christ loveth and delighteth in how then should we love it Titus 1 8. 8. We see that we can never love the Lord Jesus enough that takes it so kindly when we are kindly entertained 1 Cor. 16.22 9. We see a reason of the charge he gives us 1 Pet. 4.9 Heb. 13.2 10. VVe see thaâ— tâ—ey are not of the spirit of Christ Jesus that are
it makes us like to God Luke 6.36 and none can bear his image but justified ones 9. In that mercy argues the goodness of a mans condition Psal 37.23 26. and no man can be called a good man but he that is in a justified estate 10. In that Mercy is a pledge of Gods mercy to us in the forgiveness of our sins for we cannot be of a merciful spirit to others till his mercy haâ— prevented us Q. 2. Why must it needs be so that they that are of a merciful spirit are in a justified estate Ans 1. Because it is a fruit or Faith by which alone we are justified Rom. 5.1 2. Because it is a fruit of that wisdome that cometh from above Jam 3.17 3. Because it is that that God is well pleased with Heb 13.16 Mic 6.8 4. Because it is that that is the stability of a Christian Isa 32.8 5. Because it is that that is a mans exaltation and honour Psal 112.9 A mans Justification is so Luke 18.14 6. Because it is that whereby when we die we enter into peace Isa 57.1 2. 7. Because it is that that Christ will own at the last day 8. Because it is that that evidenceth the truth of our Religion Jam. 1.27 Vse 1. for Information 1. We see that works of Sanctification are good evidences of our good estate before God if they evidence a justified estate they evidence a good estate 2. We see what great encouragement we have to be of a mercâ—ful spirit and to love mercy for if works of mercy be done from right grounds for right ends and in a right manner they argue that we are in a justified estate Mic. 6.8 3 We see how unwearied we should be in doing good and shewing mercy for there is not a better argument of our integrity and righteousness then that is Gal 6.9 4. We see what hope we may have of some of our forefathers that lived in time of Popery who were very bounâ—iful and merciful to the poor for though some did what they did thinking to merit by it as they were taught yet it is to be hoped that some were of a better spirit 5. We see that all they that do not bring forth fruits of mercy and good works whatever pretence they make or whatever they say of their Faith yet they are not justified in the sight of God Jam. 2. 6. We see how good the Lord is to those that the Lord is pleased to beâ—â—ow a spirit of mercy upon he gives them in a comfortable pledge of their justified estate 7. We see who they be that Churches may safely adâ—â—it into their Fellowship if we see men and women of a merciful spirit we may without fear admit them for this â—rgues a justified estâ—te 8. We see who we should desire to make our â—osome friends and our intimate acquaintance merciful men 9. We see what an high price the Lord sets upon works of mercy in that he reckons of merciful men as righteous ones 10. We see how amiable and precious the Lords mercy should be to us seeing he prizeth our mercy so highly which is but a fruit of his Psal 36.7 Vse 2. for Humiliation 1. That there are so few merciful men Mic 7.1 2. Psal 12.1 2. That those that are are so little set by Vse 3. for Exhortation 1. To prize merciful men as â—â—d dâ—es 2. To lay it to heart when such are taken away Isâ— 57.1 3. To joyn in fellowship with such 4. To love mercy Mic. 6.8 5. To bless the Lord when he makes us of a merciful spirit 6. To remember to shew mercy Heb. 13.16 7. To delight to see others merciful 8. To be afraid of an unmerciful spirit 9. To follow after mercy Prov. 21.21 10. To bear with frailties if this be found in Brethren Vse 4. for Consolation 1. Against the corrupt censures and â—ard thoughts of men a spirit of mercy argues integrity and righteousness 2. Against the unbelief of our own hearts unbelief may here stop its mouth 3. Against evil tidings such a man as is merciful need not be afraid of them Psal 112.7 Ver. 37 38 39. Then shall the Righteous answer him saying Lord when saw we â—â—ee an â—ungred and fed thee 〈◊〉 c. Doct. XX. is this That the Elect Saints are so farre from putting any confidence in any thing they do for the Lord that they cannot own any thing that they have done at that day Reasons 1. From the Lord. 2. From themselves 3. From the duties they perform From the Lord. 1. From his Infiniteness which our â—inite works can no way reach unto Isa 40.15 16. and how theâ— can we put any confidence in what we do or how should we own any thing that we have done in reference to him 2. From his Perfection and Sufficiency in Himself we cannot adde any thing to him Job 22.2 3. 35.6 7 8. Psal 16 2 3. 3. From his Beneficence for whatever we do in the best way for him is from him 1 Chron. 29.14 16. Isa 26.12 1 Cor. 4.7 4. From the Purity of his Nature which 〈◊〉 not but abhor our best services as they come from us Habak 1.13 Wâ—c to us if we should stand before him in our best works Isa 64.6 Titus 3.5 5. From his Soveraignty and Greatness Mal. 1.14 Psal 47.2 and what poor things are our duties for such a Prince as he 6. From his Command to us Luke 17.10 7. From his Justice which requires exact obedience 8. From his Omniscience 1 John 3.20 2. From the Saints themselves 1. They see no worth at all in what they have done 2. They desire pardon for their best works Nâ—bâ—m 13.22 3. They see them all wofully defiled Isa 64.6 4. They pray that God would not enter into judgement with them for the best of them Psal 143.2 5. They see them at best imperfect 1 Cor. 13.9 10. 6. They see that their Alms though Sacrinces Heb. 13.16 yet need an Altar to sanctifie them Mat. 23.19 7. They acknowledge themselves unable to stand if God should mark their iniquities Psal 130.3 8. They acknowledge though they cannot accuse themselves yet they are not thereby justified 1 Cor. 4 4. 3. From the Duties they perform 1. They have their spots 2. They come hardly off Mâ—t. 11.30 3. They are such things as we are apt to be weary of Galat. 6.9 4. They are so performed as that we have cause to be ashamed of them 5. They are at best but childish things 1 Cor. 13.11 6. They need covering and washing 7. They are onely acceptable to God through Jesus Christ 1 Pet. 2.5 8. They cannot save us Titus 3.5 Eph. 2.8 9. Vse 1. for Information 1. We see what little reason any have to glory or boast of any of their works of Bounty oâ— Mercy that they have done for at the last day the Saints will be so farre from this that they cannot tell how to own their best works 2. We
by the Judg of quick and dead well may they long and look for that blessed day 3. We see what love we should express to Jesus Christ how can we love him enough that will at that day so lovingly absolve and acquit us a Malefactour would for ever love that Judg that when he might have coÌ„demned him will notwithstanding graciously acquit him and that before he Condemn others So much more should we 1 Cor. 16.22 4. We see a reason why Christ shall be so glorified in his Saints at that day 2 Thes 1.10 there is good cause why it should be so for he will first begin with absolving them before he do any thing else at the day of Judgment 5. We see why he should be the first and chief with us the first in our desires and above all others in our esteem Psal 73.25 Cant. 5.10 for we shall be the first with him at that day he will first acquit us before he do any thing else at the great day 6. We see what great reason we have to justifie and clear him in all his dispensations of himselfe to us in all the afflictions troubles and all the evils that pass over our heads in this World Psal 51.4 Nehem. 9.33 for as he doth here acquit us in his word and by his spirit so at that day he will with his own blessed mouth pass the blessed sentence of absolution upon us and it shall be the first thing that he will then do 7 We see that what the Lord calls his Servants to he will then surely inable them to and remove that that might hinder them he calls his servants then to an honourable work to Judg the World to Judg Angells and that they may not be in the least surprized with fear and so hindred he takes that away and first passeth the sentence of absolution upon them before he condemn the wicked World 8. We see what tenderness we should use toward his Saints and people we should do what we can to take them off from all their feares such as are in temptation that are full of feares if we judg them such as Christ hath acquitted and will acquit at that day we should do as he doth do what we can to take them off from all their feares 1 Thes 5.14 Isai 35.3 4. 9. We see the Wisedome and Justice of Christ Jesus the Judg that he will have nothing to trouble his Saints with it is the wisdome and justice of an earthly Judg to incourage those that are innocent and acquit them So here 2 Tim. 4.8 10. We see what great honour the Lord will put upon his Elect Saints at that day in that he will acquit them and absolve them before his Father and the Holy Angels and the whole World it is an honour to a poor man that is brought before an earthly Judg to be acquitted before all the company that are present at the assize Oh what an honour then will the Lord Jesus put upon them that are his Elect at that day whom he will acquit before God Angels and Men when the whole World shall be convented before him Such honour have all his Saints if the Psalmist said so upon a less occasion Psal 149.9 much more may we say so upon this 11. We see what a mercy it is to be acquitted here in the assurance of the pardon of our Sins Psal 32.1 2. for it is a blessed pledg of our acquitting at that day 12. We see how cordially the Lord Jesus will absolve his Elect ones at that day for he it is that hath satisfied divine Justice and payd all their debts for them and therefore will heartily acquit them and with much cheerfulness pronounce the sentence of absolution upon them Vse 2. for Terrour to wicked men For this must needs add to their Horrour and Amazement that others are acquitted and themselves in a fearfull expectation of being Condemned So it would be Horrour to those who were to be Condemned in mans Court to see others acquitted first and so it will be here see Luk. 13.28 Vse 3. for Humiliation 1. That we are so full of censuring of this and that body how doest thou know but that thou censurest them that Christ Jesus will acquit at that day Jam. 3.1 2. That that day is no more longed for and desired after they that know they shall be acquitted having gotten the Kings pardon long for the day of Assize So should we Vse 4. for Exhortation 1. To make sure of the pardon of our Sins here that we may with comfort expect acquitting and absolution at that day for Blessed is he c Psal 31.1 2. 2. To make our calling and Election sure 2 Pet. 1.10 for they are Elect ones that shall be absolved and acquitted at that day 3. To sigh and groan earnestly in our desires after that blessed day Apoc. 22.20 Who would not desire to be acquitted and absolved by the Judge in the Judgment day 4. To thank Christ Jesus who hath procured our pardon and will then fully absolve us and acquit us Ephes 1.7 Mic. 7.18 5. To be the first in duty and service unto him who begins with us first in that day in absolving of us see for illustration 2 Sam. 19.11 12. we had not need be last in our duty to him who makes us first in that day 6. To honour the Lord Jesus by believing in him who will thus honour us at that day if 1 Pet. 2.17 then much more are we to honour him 7.10 wait patiently for his coming Jam. 5.7 8. 8. To Judge nothing before the time 1 Cor. 4.5 9. To be weaâ—ed from mens praises for what are these to this acquitting 2 Cor. 10.18 1 Thes 2.6 10 To rulers in the Common Wealth to acquit those that are innocent Deut. 25.1 Vse 5. for Consolation 1. Against all rash private censures and Judgments passed upon them wâ—ereby they are condemned of evill men Christ Jesus will absolve them at that day 1 Cor. 4.3 4. 2. â—gainst slanders more publiquely laid upon them as Mat. 11.18 19. Act. 28.22 3. Against the unjust and wrongfull sentences that are passed in Judgement seats on earth Eccl. 3.16 17. if they condemn now and Christ acquit then it 's no matter 4. Against all the accusations of Satan and all the false Charges that he hath brought in against them day or night Apoc. 12.10 if Christ acquit at that day who is he that shall Condemn Rom. 8.35 5. Against all the feares the Saints have in their own hearts at that acquitting day and ever after they shall be free from all their feares 6. Against mens light esteem of them they shall be honoured with the first and they only at that day Doct IX is this That the Lord Jesus in the day of Judgment will shew himselfe a King to his People The King shall say c For opening of which let me shew 1. Wherein he will shew himself a King 2. Why. 3. The
this way in entertaining and lodging his strangers as Abraham and Lot and the Shunamite in the O. Test and One siphorus and Gaius in the New 6. In that he takes the kindnes of lodging them as done to himself so the text 7. In that he takes it heinously when men do it not so the text 8. In that he makes it a property of a Church-Officer rightly qualified whether Bishop or Deacon or Widow 1 Tim. 3.2 Tit. 1.8 1 Tim. 3.8 5.9 10. 9. In that he saves their lives and sometimes their souls that entertain his servants Heb. 11.31 10. In that he recovers some from dangerous sicknesses that have bin kind entertainers of his servants Act. 28.7 8. 11. In that he promises a reward unto such Mat 10.41 12. In that he stirs up Barbarians to give them entertainment Acts 28.2 Quest 2. Why is he so sensible of their want of lodging and entertainment Answ 1. From himselfe 2. From them From Himselfe 1. He knowes the hearts of strangers that want lodging having been himself harbour less Mat. 8.20 2. He is acquainted with the weaknesses of their bodies and knowes they need it and therefore is sensible and puts himself in their condition 3. He came to save mens lives Luke 9.55 56. and therefore pities and suffers with them in a strangers condition 4. He is the Master of the house Mark 13.35 that gives us all entertainment 5. He is the head and therefore sympathizeth with his members 6. He dwells in his people Ephes 3.17 2. From them 1. They are his Sister and Spouse 2. They are the apple of his eye Zech. 2.8 3. They are his fellows Psal 15.7 4. They are his brethren so the text 5. They are his friends Luke 12.4 John 15.15 6. They are his peculiar ones Tit. 2.14 Vse 1. For Information 1. We see the great Humility of the Lord Jesus the Lord of Glory that is so sensible of his servants want of a nights lodging that he himselfe looks at himselfe in such a condition with them Oh how low doth he come down for our sakes 2. We see what tender affection he beares towards us that tounts himself a stranger and wanting entertainment when we are in that estate 3. We see that surely he will entertain us well in his house with spirituall dainties that is so sensible of our want of bodily refreshings for he will be much more sensible of our spirituall wants Cant. 5.1 4. We see what entertainment we should be willing to give to him into our hearts and to open to him Psal 24.7 9. Rev. 3 20. 5. We see how low we should be willing to stoop to the Lord Jesus in doing the meanest offices for him or any of his seeing such a mean thing as our want of a lodging or little entertainment doth so affect him 6. We see that when we sometimes want lodging or entertainment we do not bear all the burden of it our selves alone but Christ sympathizeth with us 7. We see that the eye of Christ is over us by night as well as by day for he is sensible of our want of a nights lodging 8. We see that Christ looks into all our houses and seeth what entertainment we give or give not to his people 9. We see that the Lord Jesus never slumbers nor sleeps Psa 121.4 but is mindfull of us that we may do both and is as if he wanted a lodging when we want 10. We see that a nights lodging and a little entertainment in any friends house should be of esteem with us for Christ sympathizeth with us in the want of it Vse 2. For Humiliation 1. That we have spirits too insensible of brethrens wants in this kind Iudg. 19.18 19. 2. That we are much more insensible of Christs standing at the door and knocking Rev. 3.20 Vse 3. For Exhortation 1. To be kind in entertaining strangers for Christ is sensible of their want of it Heb. 13.2 Job 31.32 Judg. 19.20 2. To be thankfull to the Lord his people when we as strangers are entertained by them as Elisha to the Shunamite 2 Kin. 4. 3. To be sensible of the mercy in our own houses and the provision the Lord makes for us there for if we were strangers and wanted them the Lord Jesus would be sensible of the want 4. To be sensible ashamed of our unkind denials of opening to Christ Cant. 5.2 3. 5. To mourn for grieving the Spirit of Christ and sending him sad away from us 6. To admire the mercy of the Lord that he will vouchsafe to look into our lodgings and see how it fares with us there 7. To entertain him with all our bearts Psal 101.2 8. To make provision for our lodging strangers Philem. v. 22. 9. To be sensible of their condition 2 Sam. 11.11 10. To be sensible of the case of persecuted ones Heb 11.38 they want comfortable lodging Vse 4. for Consolation 1. Sure then none of Christs shall perish John 10.28 for if he be sensible of their want of a nights lodging here sure he will never lodge them in Hell to all eternity 2. That sure he will lodge them well in his Fathers house when he has them with him John 14.2 3. 3. That he will Chamber them up there Isa 26.20 4. That he will lodge them in his house here Psal 23.6 according to their desire Psal 27.4 We come now to the third Branch of the XVII Note That Christ is very sensible of his peoples Nakedness and want of Clothing For opening of which let me shew 1. Wherein it does appear that he is so 2. Why. 3. The Uses For the first It does appear that He is sensible of their want of Clothing 1. In that he stirs up some to be so pitiful to them as to minister Clothes to them Job 31.19 20. 2 Chron. 28.15 2. In that he preserves their Clothes from waxing old when other helps fail Deut. 29.5 Neb. 9.21 3. In that he gives it in charge that they shall be clothed Isa 58.6 7. Jam. 2.15 16. 4. In that he enjoyns the rich not to keep a poor mans Pledge all night that he may sleep in his own raiment Deut. 24.12 13. 5. In that he commends them that have been pitiful to them Acts 9.39 6. In that he rewards them for their kindness to them in clothing of them Mat. 6.3 4. If he that gives a cup of cold water Mat. 10.42 then much more be that gives Clothing to a Disciple shall not lose his reward 7. In that he sends them in Clothes by wayes that they think not of 2 Kings 7.8 15. 8. In that he takes it kindly when they are clothed and offensively from them that do it not so the Text. 9. In that he would not have them too solicitous about clothing Mat. 6.31 which evidently shews that himself is sensible of their want of it 10. In that he provides means for our clothing by those flocks that he sends to us Psal
sin of Adam imputed damns all Rom. 5.12 10. Sins of Omission bring a man into bondage to Satan as well as sins of Commission 2 Tim. 2.26 and therefore will be charged at that day 11. Sins of Omission argue a daring spirit against God and tempt God as well as sins of Commission Psal 78.19 22 41 42 56. 12. Sins of Omission cause the Name of God to be blasphemed as well as sins of Commission Rom. 2 21-24 13. Sins of Omission defile the Conscience as well as sins of Commission Tit. 1.15 16. 14. Sins of Omission if men be Professors argue that they are Hypocrites if they be frequent Mat. 7.3 4 5. And therefore it is no wonder if they be charged upon them Vse 1. for Information 1. We see what a dreadfull thing it is to be guilty of sins of Omission they will be charged upon them all whoever they be at the last day 2. We see that Civil Morall men are in a poor case and commonly dash at this rock and split themselves for they care not for omissions of duties so they keep themselves from gross pollutions Paul was better then any of them Phil. 3.6 3. Wee see what great need we all have to bewail our sins of Omission and to confess them before the Lord that they may be forgiven to us and so never charged upon us at that day 1 Job 1.9 4. We see the dangerous estate of all Hypocrites that either make no Conscience of performing duties required in the first Table or if they seem any thing to mind those fail shamefully in omiting duties of the second Table for all hypocrites fail in the one or in the other Their state is dangerous for sins of Omission will be sadly charged upon them at that day 5. We see what need we all had to beware we be not guilty of these Omissions in our severall places and relations as ever we desire that they may not be charged upon us at the great day 6. We see the greatness of these Sins of Omission in the Lords account how lightly soever men esteem of them 7. We see that they that make most Conscience of performing duties required and are least guilty of Omissions shall stand before the Judg with most comfort 8. We see that if Omissions will be so charged at that day oh where shall they appear that sin against the Holy-Ghost Heb. 6.4 5 6. 10.26 27 28 29. 9. We see how tender we should be of men of tender Consciences that dare not omit any thing that they know to be their duty 10. We see that surely God will punish men here for their Omissions if he charge them at that day Vse 2. for Terrour 1. To those that make nothing of Omissions so they keep themselves from gross sins alas Christ will charge their Omissions upon them 2. To those that despise and deride those that are conscientious this way it had been better for them if they had been as conscientious themselves Vse 3. for Exhortation 1. To beware we omit no duties that God calls for either respecting God our selves or other men 2. To pitty those that we know to be grosly guilty in omissions they are like to hear of it another day 3. To all of us to humble our selves for our omissions and charge our selves with them 1 Cor. 11.31 4. To all such to repent of these sins as well as others that they may not be charged at that day 5. To abhorr Hypocrisie for such as are Hypocrites make light of Omissions Mat. 23.23 6. To the Saints to admire the mercy of the Lord that he will not charge their Omissions upon them 7. To fear before him Psal 130.3 4. 8. To rejoice when any of ours are Conscientious concerning duties to be performed 9. To take heed of forsaking the publick Assemblies of the Saints therein we should omit a great duty Heb. 10.25 10. To do what we can to draw such men to repentance and acknowledgement of the Truth Ezek. 18.32 Vse 4. for Consolation 1. To those that make Conscience of doing things Commanded it will be well with them at that day 2. To those that mourn for their Omissions they will not be charged upon them at that day 3. To those that love Christs appearing 2 Tim. 4.8 for no wicked men can do it that are to have their sins charged upon them surely they that do it have their sins forgiven to them Ver. 42 43. for I was an hungred and ye gave me 〈◊〉 meat c. Doct. XXXV is this That neglect of Mercy to the Saints in their necessity will Condemn those that are guilty of it at the last day Jam. 2.13 Reasons 1. From Christ Jesus 2. From the Saints themselves 3. From the nature of this Sin From Christ 1. He is neglected in them so the Text. But if that more afterward if the Lord win 2. He commands mercy to be shewed to them Luk. 6.36 and therefore the neglect of it is high contempt and disobedience to his Commandment 3. He has threatned condemnation to such Jam. 2.13 4. He promiseth rewards to the Mercifull Mat. 5.7 Luk. 6.37 and therefore will punish the contrary 5. He was of a Mercifull spirit himselfe to such when on Earth Joh. 13.29 such therefore are unlike to him that neglect Mercy and therefore he will condemn them 6. He makes account that not to shew Mercy is to kill and that deserves Condemnation 2. From the Saints 1. They are owners of our Charity and Bounty and Mercy it 's their â—ue Prov. 3.27 and not to give them their due is a Condemning sin 3. They are great Heirs Jan. 2.5 and to neglect them must needs be a Condemning sin see for Illustration Judg. 8.18 19. 3. They are such as the Angels minister 10 Heb. 1.14 and not only in their life but after death Luk. 16.22 and to neglect 〈◊〉 as these great Courtiers minister to must needs be a condemning sin 4. They are our own flesh Isai 58.7 and to neglect Mercy to our own flesh Is gross 5. They are such as bless those that are Mercifull to them Job 31.20 2 Tim. 1.16 and to neglect Mercy to such must needs be a Condemning Sin 6. They are such as we should be forward to remember in a way of Mercy Gal. 2.10 3. From the Nature of this sin 1. Neglect of Mercy to the poor argues that the love of God dwells not in 〈◊〉 1 Joh. 3.17 2. Neglect of Mercy argues that we love not the Brethren for love will come off with any thing it is bountifull 1 Cor. 13.4 3. Neglect of Mercy is the neglect of Justice Prov. 3.27 4. Neglect of Mercy is the neglect of our own Salvation 1 Tim. 6.18 Luk. 16.2 5. Neglect of Mercy to the poor speeds a man to Hell Luk. 16.23 6. Neglect of Mercy is the very Character of a Reprobate Psal 109.16 Vse 1. for Information 1. We see what the sad condition of unmercifull ones will
pillars and upholders of the places where they are Joh 22.30 to keep off Judgment and to procure mercy Gen. 19.22 Psal 106.23 30. Vse 1. for Information 1. We see with what great Indignation the Lord takes it at the hands of such men when they are so hard-hearted to strangers 2. We see how nearly it concernes us to look to it that we be not of such a Spirit 3. We see how unworthy such men be to have any Saint to come amongst them 4. We see how unmeet it is to receive such hard-hearted ones into favour or familiarity with us 5. We see how dreadful the day of Judgement will be to such men 6. We see how distastful it should be to us to see any such discourtesie used to the Saints when strangers for it is so distastful to Christ that he will one day charge it home upon them 7. We see that for a nights lodging and a little entertainment spared upon strangers wicked men are willing to abide the severity of the great Judges condemnation 8. We see that cruel men are cruel to themselves they may kill the bodies of strangers but by this they cast away themselves for ever 9. We see how deeply sensible the Lord is of the unkindness done to his Members 10. We see what Judgement waits for them that oppress strangers that misuse them that kill them pillage them c. if they that entertain them not shall be so severely judged where will these appear 11. We see that they will have a bad lodging themselves that do not lodge strangers they must lodge with Devils 12. VVe see what Coveteousness brings men to Vse 2. for Terrour 1. To all cruel ones to strangers in denying them entertainment see Jam. 2.13 2. To all those that grudge to do any Courtesie for them are hardly drawn to it 3. To all that deal worse with them oppress them pluck from them revile them do what evil they can against them Vse 3. for Exhortation 1. To Strangers to take patiently what they meet with in that condition for the Lord Jesus sees it and will one day require it 2. To be chearful in want of lodging and entertainment for it was not only his own case Luk. 9 51 52 53. but he will remember how they have been used and charge it sadly upon the wicked at the great day 3. To think of the entertainment that Christ gives them here in his house at his Table and of that he will give them in Glory and let that suffice 2. To us all 1. To abhorr this Spirit in our selves and others 2. To be thankful if the Lord give us open hearts and open doors to receive such 3. To fear and tremble at the least grudging in our spirits to receive such 4. To stand at our doors to observe weary and way faring ones and desire them to come in as Abraham did 5. To be of Lydia's spirit Acts 16.15 6. To make account that it is not only the Ministers duty to be given to Hospitality Tit. 1.8 but ours 1 Pet. 4.9 yea the poorest are not exempted 1 Kings 17.10 11 12. 7. To pity their case that are hard-hearted they are the worst Enemies to themselves Ver. 43. Naked and ye clothed me not The Third Branch of the XXXVI Doctrine is this That unmercifulness in not clothing Christs naked Members shall be deeply charged upon the Wicked at the last and great Day Reasons 1. From the Nature of this sin 2. From the Saints who are in this Condition 3. The Uses First From the Nature of this Sin 1. It is that that exposeth them to perishing Job 31.19 and thereby such are guilty of Murther and therefore it is no wonder if Christ will so deeply charge it upon wicked men at the last day 2. If it should not rise so high as Murther yet it exposeth them to suffer much by reason of cold which sometimes is so extream that it cannot be born Psal 147.17 and the extremity of cold causeth many sicknesses some of which are as painful and bitter as death it self see Job 24.7 2 Cor. 11.27 3. If neither of these should come yet it exposeth the Saints to uncomeliness for to be naked and destitute of clothing is very uncomely and the Lord would have us go comely looks at it as a sin in those that cause others to go naked Job 24.10 4. It is that that godly men reprove in those that they think are guilty of it Job 22.6 It 's true Eliphaz missed the mark when he charged Job with this but yet it holds out that he thought he was guilty and chargeth it home upon him Much more will Christ charge it deeply upon them that he knows to be guilty at that day 5. It is Inhumanity and God would have us as in other cases to shew our selves men Isa 46.8 6. It is contrary to the Rule of the Gospel Luke 3.11 7. It comes cross to the practice of the Saints 2 Chron. 28.15 Job 31.19 Acts 10.39 8. It breaks the Law of Love Rom. 13.10 9. It spoils the most Spiritual of all our Duties Isa 58.3 4 6 7. 10. It is an Abomination to the Lord Ezek. 18.13 and therefore no wonder if he charge it so home upon the wicked at that day 2. From the Saints 1. They are the Fathers Blessed ones so the Text. 2. They are Heirs of the Kingdome 3. They are such as Christ admits into his blessed Fellowship and sayes Come unto 4. They are his Purchased ones Acts 20.28 5. They are they that the Lord has given Himself his Christ and his Spirit unto Gen. 15.1 John 3.16 2 Cor. 1.22 6. They are his Excellent ones Psal 16.2 3. yea more excellent then others Prov. 12.26 7. They are the Delight of his Eyes and Heart Cam. 2.14 Psal 149.4 8. They are tenderly cared for by him Zech. 2.8 Isa 40.12 9. They are the very Glory of Christ 2 Cor. 8.23 10. They are Rich in their Poverty Rov 2.9 11. They are clothed with the best Robe and Garments Isa 61.10 12. They shall be clothed upon with Immortality â— Cor. 5.4 Now not to clothe these must needs be charged deeply upon wicked men at that day Vse 1. for Information 1. We see the sad case of those that having that by them that would help to Clothe the Naked which they make no use of yet do nothing that way Christ will reckon with them for it at that day 2. We see a reâ—son of the Judgement of God upon the very Garments of Cruel men Jam. 5.1.2 3. We see how unworthy they be of the Name of Christians that will not Clothe their own Families If wicked men shall be judged that Clothe not other naked Saints what shall become of them that will not Clothe their own 1 Tim. 5.8 4. We see what wretched men they be that are so farre from Clothing Christs naked ones that if they will have any Clothes from them they shall pay twice
to them and leap over all hedges and fences that are made to restrain them this is a sign of Reprobation Jer. 5.5 6. Vse 3. for Examination Whether we have not the properties of Goats it concerns us to look to it for it will be sad to be found among the number of Goats at that day Q. How shall we know Ans Enough hath been spoken for discovery already but let me lay down two or three Properties more 1. If we be of the number of Goats we shall discover it by the wilde trips we shall take and by the wilde leaps we shall make for so do Goats they have many a wilde trip and leap so such are unsetled leap from place to place and keep not within their callings 2. We shall discover it by the wildness of our fancies for Goats have wilde fancies 3. By the dangers we run into for so do Goats run into dangerous places high Rocks c. 4. By the places we haunt for wilde Goats have their haunts in lonesome desolate places if we haunt bad places we had need fear that we are Goats Vse 4. for Exhortation To look to it that we be not found of this number at that day And for this end we are 1. To forsake the company of such for Goats will go together Prov. 13.20 1.10 11 c. 2. To beware of filthy and corrupt communication Eph 4.29 Col. 38. and conversation 2 Pet. 2.7 8. 3. Be of an humble spirit 1 Pet. 5.5 for Goats are high climbing creatures 4. Adorn we our Profession by a gracious Conversation take beed we make not Religion to be abhorred and to stink for our sakes 5. To keep within our Callings and not leap from one Calling to another 1 Cor. 7.20 6. To beware of an unruly spirit Jam. 4.7 1 Pet. 2.13 14. Ver. 33. And he shall set the sheep on his right hand c. Doct. VII is this That the Lord Jesus will honour his Elect and put dishonour upon Reprobates at the day of Judgement To be set on the right hand is a sign of honour as 1 Kings 2.19 and to be set on the lâ—ft hand a token of dishonour Reasons of the former Branch 1. They are they that have â—onoured him in this life and he will honour them not onely here but in another world 1 Sam. 2.30 2. They have sought for glory and honour by patient continuance in well doing they have sought it in a right way and they shall have it Rom. 2.7 3. They are vessels of mercy prepared for it Rom 9.23 2 Tim. 2.20 and therefore shall have honour and glory bestowed upon them 4. They are they that shall have dominion over the wicked Psal 49.14 and this honour is part of that dominion 5. They are the Brethren of Christ and so acknowledged by him in the Text and John 20.17 Heb. 2.11 12. and will not he honour his Brethren 6. They are the Children of Christ Heb. 2.13 and he will think no honour too great to bestow upon them at that day 7. They are the Members of Christ who is the Head of his Body 1 Cor. 12. Eph. 5.30 and he will surely put honour upon his Members 8. They are they that he hath bought with an honourable price 1 Cor. 6.20 Acts 20.28 1 Pet. 1.18 19 And therefore He will be sure to honour them 9. They are the first-fruits of his Creatures Jam. 1.18 and the first fruits are honourably received as a Present fit for Princes 10. They are fit for honour they are wise men Honour even in this world is not seemly for a fool Prov. 26.1 but wise men are fit for honour they know how to use it to prize it to praise God for it 11. They are styled Excellent and Honourable even in this life Psal 16.3 Prov. 12.26 and therefore no wonder if the Lord put honour upon them at that day 1 Pet. 2.9 Apoc 1.6 12. They are they that shall bear his Image 1 Cor. 15.49 1 Joh. 3.2 and therefore no wonder if he honour them and in testimony of it set them on his right hand Reasons of the latter Branch viz. Dishonour on Reprobats 1. They have dishonoured him and despised him in their life upon earth and he will dishonour and lightly esteem them at that day 1 Sam. 2.30 2. They have been unfaithful Stewards and unprofitable Servants and how should their Master do any other but put dishonour upon them would any Master upon earth honour such servants Luk. 16. 3. They are vessels of dishonour fitted for destruction 2 Tim. 2.20 Rom. 9.22 therefore no wonder if he put dishonour upon them 4. They have used his members and bretheren very dishonourably put all the disgrace and dishonour they could upon them Mat. 5.10.11 12. Joh. 16.33 15.20 Hebr. 11.35 36 37 38. and can the Lord do any other but dishonour them that have put such dishonour upon his precious ones 5. They have been ashamed of him and of his words Mar. 8. ult and if he be ashamed of them and refuse to honour them it is not to be marvelled at 6 They are loathsomâ—ones and as God brings shame and dishonour upon them here as it is in Prov. 13.5 so also at that day 7. They are an abomination to the Lord in their thoughts in their services in their wayes Prov. 15.8 9 26. and is it not meet then he should put dishonour upon them 8 They are fit for nothing else but dishonour honour is unseemly for such fools 9. They are a dishonour sometimes to all their kindred and friends a dishonour to their families to their neighbours to the places where they live and what is meet to be the reward of such but dishonour 10. They are the shame and dishonour of their Lords house Isai 22.18 and is not dishonour then fit to be their portion 11. They are they that dishonour themselves dishonour their bodies by uncleaness by fond attyre by long hair 1 Cor. 11. and is it not meet that such should be dishonoured at that day 12. They have been a dishonour to the Gospel to the religion they have professed they have cast dirt and dishonour upon Churches and if so what can they expect but dishonour at Christs hand at that day Vse 1. of the first Branch for Information 1. We see that the elect Saints need not be much troubled though they suffer some dishonour in this world for Christ will honour them at that day Acts 5.41 16.24 25. Heb. 12 2. 2. We see how faithfull the Lord is in his promise in that he will honour them that honour him Hebr 10.23 who would not trust such a faithfull one 3. We see the blessed condition of the Saints of Christ that He himselfe will put honour upon at that day Haman thought it a great part of his happiness that he was so honoured by the King and that he was in hope of more honour Esthur 6.5 6 But on how happy are they that
men come unto his Saints in prison 1. In that his imprisoned Saints pray for them and their houses 2 Tim 1.16 17 18. which is a pledge that he takes it kindly from them 2. In that they have their lives given them as a prey for this thing Jer 38.7 8 9. with 39.16 17 18. 3. In that he restores such from sickness to health Phil 2.25 27. which is a pledge of the Lords kinde acceptance of it 4. In that he would have such received with all gladness Phil 2.29 5. In that he would have such held in reputation ibid. 6. In that he imparts some Spiritual blessing to them by the Prisoners means by their savoury and gracious communication Acts 16.31 32. 7. In that he blesseth them with off spring of their bodies which had none before as the Keepers wife with whom Dr. Sands was Prisoner being kinde to him had a Son the next year according as he told her 8. In that he takes such with their families into his Covenant as we see in the Jaylor that was kinde to Paul and Silas Acts 16 33 34. 9. In that he fills them with joy in believing Acts 16.34 10. In that he recordâ— the courtesies that have been shewn to his Prisoners in his own book the Keepers courtesie to Joseph Gen. 39. Ebedmelechs to Jeremâ—ah Jer. 38.7 8 9. So Acts 27.1 3. Q. 2. Why does he take it so kindly Ans 1. From himself 2. From them 3. From the work it self From himself 1. He is kinde to his Prisoners and therefore takes kindly what is done in kindness to them 2. He comes to Prisoners himself and chears them as he did to Paul Acts 16.25 26. and to Cuthbert Simpson in Q. Mariet time 3. He sends his Angels to them Acts 12.7 8. 27.23 24. 5.19 20. 4. He knows the sad condition of Prisoners how vilely and unworthily they are used as Joseph and Jeremy were 5. He desires mercy and delights in it Hos 6.6 Micah 7.18 6. He looseth the Prisoners Psal 146.7 and therefore takes it Kindly when we come to them 2. From them 1. They are his choyce Worthies of whom the world is not worthy Heb 11 36 38. 2. They are among the most honourable of his believing ones Phil 1.29 3. They are willing to be bound for him Acts 21.13 4. They rejoyce that they are counted worthy so to be Acts 5.41 3. From the work it self 1. It is the work of Christ Phil 2.30 and therefore no wonder if he does so kindly take it 2. It is an act of spiritual fortitude and true valour Phil 2.25 3. It is an act of true love both to Christ and the Prisoners 4. It is an act of greatest self denial Phil 2.30 Rom 16.3 4. Vse 1. for Information 1. We see that though Prisoners be alone and hardly used yet Christ hath regard to them for he owns what is done to them in way of kindness as done to himself 2. We see with what acceptance we should receive his kindness to us in coming to us when we were every moment in danger of being cast into the Prison of Hell Oh! we should take this kindly at his hands Isa 42.6 7. 3. We see what a mercy it is and how kindly we should take it from him when he comes to our Spirits when shut up and sets them at liberty Psal 88.8 4. We see what great encouragement we have to be kind to Christs Prisoners for he owns and accepts it kindly at our hands Heb 13.3 5. We see that he will much more take it kindly if any of us be instruments to let go those that have been Prisoners of darkness 6. We see it coming to Pâ—â—soners of Christ be so acceptable to him how acceptable is it to be a means of their inlargement and to venture hard for it as Rom. 16.3 4. 7. We see of what an amiable nature and sweet spirit the Lord Jesus is that takes a walk to his Prisoners so kindly 8. We see that we need not be much discouraged to go to Prison for Christs sake 9. We see that if he respect his Prisoners so Oh â—ow will he respect them in his Pallace of Glory 10. We see that they that commit his Saints to Prison do them a greater kindness then they are aware of Vse 2. for Humâ—liation 1. To those that neglect this office of love Christ takes it unkindly 2. To those Prisoners of his that are not so thankful as they should to those that come to â—â—em Christ takes it very kindly Vse 3. for Exhortation 1. To stir us up to remember those that are in Bonds Heb. 13.3 2. To be very thankful when Christ comes to us in our imprisoned condition 3. To bless the Father for visiting us by his Son Luke 1.68 69 78 79. 4. To Prisoners to take such kindnesses kindly as Christ does 5. To be unwearied in doing for Christ that takes it so kindly when we come to his Prisoners 6. To deliver Prisoners as we can for he will much more take that kindly 7. To venture hard for them Phil. 2.30 8. To be willing to suffer the Prison for him 9. To be thankful and joyful in that estate Acts 5.41 10. To honour the Lord Jesus in Prison Vse 4. for Consolation 1 That surely he will much more take it kindly when we are at pains and cost for their Liberties 2. That Christ will entertain us when we come to him he will take that kindly John 6.37 3. That though some may vex at those that visit godly Prisoners Christ will not 4. That the Prison cannot separate us from Christs love Rom 8.35 Ver. 37. Then shall the righteous answer him saying c. Doct. XIX is this That they that are of a true merciful spirit to the Saints of Chrâ—stâ—â—n their aâ—â—â—â—cted estate are in a justified estate They are rigâ—teous ones â—saâ— 112.9 Isa 57.1 2 Cor 9.9 10. For opening of which let me shew 1. How it does appear that they are in a justified estate or righteous as they are here styled 2. Why it must needs be so 3. The Uses For the first It does appear that they are in a just fied estate or righteous 1. In that Mercy is a fruit of Righteousness 2 Cor 9.10 Phil 1.11 Psal 37.21 2. In that it is a mark of Election Coloss 3.12 and Elect ones are justified ones Rom. 8.30 3. In that it is a pledge of our happiness Prov 14.21 Now there are none happy that are not righteous 4. In that it is a pledge of our honouring of God Iâ—rov 14.31 and none can honour him truly but justified ones 5. In that it is a pledge of uprightness Isa 57.1 2. and nâ—ne are upright but justified ones Luke 18.6 In that merciful ones shall obtain mercy Mâ—tth 5.7 Now none obtain mercy from God but justified ones see â—sal 18.25 7. In that merciful ones rejoyce against judgement Jam. 2.13 and none can do thus but justified ones 8. In that
becomes us to be little in our own eyes 1 Pet. 5.5 7. We see that our kindnesses done to Christ in his Members are very few for they are easily all forgotten 8. We see that forgetfulness of what we have done for Christ in his Members argues a truly gracious heart 9. We see that good works though they be forgotten of us lose not their nature for Christ before owns them 10. We see that Elect Saints will carry Humility to Heaven 11. We see that they are not for Works of Supererogation 12. We see that surely they do not hold that they are saved by their Works for they are as though forgotten and out of minde Ephes 2.8.9 Vse 2. for Humiliation 1. To those that now think too much and speak too much of their works they shall be all forgotten at that day 2. To those that are so sparing in their beneficence it must needs be forgotten it is so little Vse 3. for Exhortation 1. To this holy forgetfulness now of what we do this way Means hereof 1 Remember we our sins more and we shall be less proud in remembring what we have done Ezek 36.31 2 Look upon our failings in the Grounds Manner and End of our works and we shall see more spots then beauty in them 3 Look upon what Christ has done for us and all our doings will not come into minde 4 Look upon his Greatness and all our doings will be nothing to us but be forgotten 5 Compare the Reward and the Work together As he said of sufferings Rom. 8.18 2 Cor. 4.17 so here our works appear as nothing when set before the exceeding greatness of the Reward 6 Remember his manifold mercies 7 Remember what we did of old against him 8 Remember that all we can do is Debt and Duty 2. To be humble when we shew most mercy 3. To love Humility in others that are merciful 4. To abhorre that Popish Conceit of Merit 5. To detest all thoughts of Works of Supererogation 6. To love Christs appearing 2 Tim. 4 8. Vse 4. for Consolation 1. Against wicked mens charging us with neglect of Bounty and Mercy they do no more then we shall one day do against our selves 2. Against some pangs of vain-glory which we mourn for we shall be troubled with none of them at that day Ver. 37 38 39. Then shall the Righteous answer him c. Doct. XXII is this That the Elect Saints at the last day will wonder and admire that their Works that they have made so little reckoning of should be so owned and accepted by the Lord Jesus For so Interpreters make account that this question is made of them by way of wonder and admiration Reasons 1. From the Lord himself 2. From the Saints 3. From their Works From the Lord. 1. He needs not us nor any of our services and therefore we may then well wonder that he does so accept them Acts 17.24 25. 2. He is above all our services that which is spoken of one is true of all the rest Nehem. 9.5 and being so above them we may well wonder that he will accept of them 3. He was happy from all Eternity when there was neither Man nor Angel to serve him Prov. 8 30 31. and therefore they may well admire at this 4. He fills all in all Ephes 1.23 Joh. 1.16 and is it not then a wonder that he should own and accept any thing done by us 5. He gives us that whereof we have been bountiful 1 Chron. 29.14 16. 6. He puts it into our hearts to be merciful it is his own work and therefore that he reckons of it as ours and accepts it as coming from us we may well wonder at it 2. From the Saints 1. They are unsatisfied in what they do 2. They sin in their best actions Isa 64.6 3. They take no notice of them themselves Mat 6.3 and therefore may woll wonder that he should take notice of them and accept them 4. They see that they too often have wanted bands and hearts to give and therefore cannot but wonder that he should so accept of them 5. They miss their opportunities of Beneficence too often Gal 6.10 when they come off to works of Mercy with delay and difficulty 6. They want ability sometimes to shew mercy are poor and have little to give 7. They give very little Luke 21.1 2 3 4. 8. They do it not with such in larged hearts as the Lord calls for Isa 58 1â— 3. From their Works of Mercy 1. They are nothing to what we might have done according to our ability 1 Tim. 6.18 2. They are nothing in comparison of the mercy be has 〈◊〉 to us 3. They are of no reckoning compared with the Reward 4. They are nothing to what others would have done if they had our opportunities 2 Cor. 8.1 â— 5. They are nothing to what we should have done 6. They are nothing to the mulâ—icude of our sins Vse 1. for Information â— We see what cause we have to wonder at the Lords acceptance of what we do here for him for at that day we shall wonder at his owning and accepting of the smallest kindnesses shewed to his Members 2. We see that holy admications here at the prace of Christ towards us is the beginning of those blessed admirings that we shall have at that day 3. We see that we shall furely be filled with admiration at the riches of his grace in pardening of our sins and reconciling us to himself for if we shall wonder at this here mentioned in the Text much more at that if at the less much more at the greater Mich 7.18 4. We see how admirable the joyes of beaven will be we shall be ravished in our spirits in the sense of them If this here mentioned be so admirable what will they be 5. We see that great will be the humility of the Elect Saints at that day for this holy admiration is a fruit of it 6. We see that the more humble we be in our holy admirings at the Lords mercies the more we come up to that perfection that is in another world 7. We see that the Saints make account that their best works are worthless things and deserve not to be accepted Psal 143.2 8. We see how damnable their condition is that trust to the merit of their works for Salvation Tit. 3.4 5 6 7. 2 Tim. 1.9 â— We see how free Godâ— grace is in accepting us and our services Rom. 4 1 2. 10. We see that there are many wonders in the grace of God in accepting what we do for him Vse 2. for Humiliation 1. That we have so few of these holy admirings here 2. That we are apt to have too high thoughts of our works Alas it is a wonder of Gods grace that they should ever be accepted Vse 3. for Exhortation 1. To begin our wondring here for we shall wonder at that day 2. To abhor the thought of being justified or saved by
that is sensible of them 2 Against our own unbelief he will appear to us 3. Against hard Censures and present dishonour Positive Comforts 1. That he will come to us John 14.18 2. That he will let us inherit with him 3. That he will discover himself to us Ver. 40. And the King shall answer and say unto them c. Doct. XXIV is this That the meanest and poorest Saints and most despicable and those that are of least reckoning and account with men are of great esteem with Christ Josus He speaks honourably of the least and counts them his Brethren as well as the greatest Reasons 1. From the Lord Jesus himself 2. From the Elect Saints which are of least account From the Lord Jesus 1. He has Chosen them and more of them then he has of greater personages 2 Cor. 1.26 27. Jam. 2.5 2. He has taken their Nature upon him as well as the greater the meanest that are of the seed of Abraham as well as the mightiest John 1.14 Hebr. 2.16 2. He has died for them as well as the greatest John 10.11 Heb. 2.9 1 Tiâ—â— 2.5 6. 4. He has 〈…〉 them with Faith and made them heirs of the Kingdome Jam. 2.5 5. He has undertaker to plead their Cause as a â—â—ighty Redeemer against those that deal injuriously with them Prov. 23.10 11. 6. He has made them all they are all the works at his hands least and greatest and therefore they are not one preferred above another but the least of Saints are of as much account as the greatest Job 34 19. 7. He humbleth himself to behold these and to raise them sometimes out of a low condition Psal 113.5 6 7. 8. He has used them in the greatest services David a Shepherd Amos an Herdsman the Apostles that were some of them Filbermen in these great works 9. He has remembred them in their low estate Psal 136.23 10. He has rebuked Kings for their sakes Psal 105.12 13 14. 2. From the least and poorest Saints themselves 1. They have the Gospel preached to them and they receive it Mat. 11.5 Zech 11.11 2. They are commonly such as are poor in Spirit Mat. 5.3 with Luke 6.20 3. They are they that trust in the Name of the Lord Zeph. 3.12 4. They are they that bear his Image as well as the greatest 5. They sometimes by their wisdome deliver the places where they live though they be not regarded for what they â—o Excles 9 14 15. 6. They are cared for and looked after as well as the greatest Psal 68.10 7. They are taken into Heaven when they die whereas others though great are cast into Hell Lâ—k 6.22 23. 8. They are called to have fellowship with him in his Supper to the participation of his Ordinances that others refuse to partake of Luke 14.21 9. They are such as in common Calamities finde more favour then others do Jer. 39.10 10. They are they that prize the Lord Jesus more and the mercies held out by him more then others 11. They are commonly most humble and 1 Pet. 5.5 he gives grate to the humble 12. They are the care of Angels living Heb. 1.14 and dead Luke 16.22 Vse 1. for Information 1. We see that the meanest and poorest of the Saints need not be discouraged with their condition for however men esteem of them Christ Jesus has them in great esteem 2. We see the sinfulness of those that undervâ—lue and despise the poorâ— Jam. 2. 1-6 they are not of the Spirit of Christ Jesus for he has them in high esteem 3. We see that the least of Saints are better and more honourable in their condition then the greatest among sinners Prov. 12.26 for Christ Jesus highly esteems of them 4. We see the truth of that John 6.39 for he has the kaâ—â— in high-esteem 5. We see how exceedingly the Lord hambleth himself in that he had in his eye the lowest of Saints Oh who is like to him in so doing Psal 113.5 6. 6. We see how little the least should be in their own eyes for they are highly esteemed of Christ Jesus and who are they that he should make any reckoning of them 2 Sam. 7.18 19. Gen. 32.10 7. We see how unworthily they carry it that oppress the poor Saints and beat them to pieces and grinde the faces of the poor Isa 3.15 He that thinks highly of them will be highly displeased with it 8. We see what cause these poor and least ones of the Saints have to set an high price upon Christ Jesus and highly to esteem of him that has them in that high esteem 1 Pet. 2.7 9. We see how full of holy admirings the least and meanest of the Saints should be that are had in such high esteem with the Lord how should they wonder at the Lords grace towards them Psal 113.5 6 7. 10. We see the truth of that in 1 Sam. 16.7 He seeth not as man seeth c. 11. We see what high esteem we should have of the least of Saints for Christ hath them in high esteem and counts them his Brethren 1 Pet. 2.17 Phil. 2.3 12. We see that it is no matter though we be mean and despised of men for if we be his Elect ones Christ highly esteems of us Vse 2. for Humiliation 1. That the poor among Saints are so little esteemed 2. That Christ himself is no more in price with us Isa 53.3 3. That we covet so after worldly greatness Jer. 45.5 Vse 3. for Exhortation 1. To bless and magnifie the Lord Luke 1.46 47 48. 2. To do as the Lord does and to esteem of the poor as of our Brethren 3. To come off bountifully to them as being the Lords Brethren 4. To bear our poor estate contentedly Phil. 4.11 12. patiently Jam. 5.7 8. and chearfully Heb. 10.34 for the Lord highly esteems of us 5. To admire the Lords mercy that he will have any regard to such as we that are less then the least of all Saints Eph 3.8 chief of sinners 1 Tim. 1.15 6. To prize him above all other beloveds Cant. 5.10 Psal 73.25 7. To despise worldly greatness without godliness for the poor mans case is better Prov 19.1 8. To be very humble for he condescends to us herein much 9 To long for the time of our advancement from Christ 10. To behave our selves as those whom Christ will thus advance Vse 4. for Consolation 1. Against the worlds contempt of us what need we care for that 2. Against the meanness of our estate that hinders not but Christ esteems us highly for all that 3. Against the great esteem other men have in the world what 's that to the esteem of Christ 4. â—gainst Satans whisperings the old Serpents hissings and the Devils perswasions that Christ regards us not Ver. 40. And the King shall answer and say unto them c. Doct. XXV is this That what works of Mercy are done to the Brethren of Christ yea to the meanest and least