upon it so many errors in Doctrine corruptions in Worship and Tyranny in Government that if a man could be saâ—ed he is saved but as by fire 1 Cor. 3.13 and no man that hath a care of his Soul wiâ—l either embrace Popery or continue in it where the way is plainest there are difficulties enough and the righteous are scarcely saved and therefore in a questionable way none should venture Worshipping of Angels and Saints departed and Images are no light thing Nor will a serious Christian chuse that way where the Doctrines of the Gospel are so exceedingly corrupted and there is such a manifest invasion of the Authority of Christ by câ—allenging an Universal Headship over his Church without his leave and this maintained by errors and persecutions 3. We must distinguish of those that lived under Popery rather as Captives under this Tyranny than voluntary Subjects of this Kingdom of Antichrist As many holy men did in former times groaning and mourning under the abominations rather than countenancing and pâ—omoting them To these God speaketh when he said Rev. 18.4 Come out of her my people that ye be not partakers of her sins and that ye receive not of her plagues They were his people while they were there These were as those seven thousand in Israel that had not bowed the knee to Baal Rom. 11.4 4. There is a difference to be put between those that err in the simplicity of their hearts knowing no better and tâ—ose that withstand the light upon carnal reasons and will not retract their errors though convinced of the degeneration of Christianity For simple ignorance is not so damning as obstinate error Luke 12.48 But he that knew not and did commit things worthy of stripes shall be beaten with few stripes c. and 1 Tim. 1.13 But I obtained mercy because I did it ignorantly in unbelief The Scriptures many times condemn a way as a way of ruine but all in that way are not damned as John 4.22 Salvation is of the Iews There it is eminently dispensed and yet therefore it followeth not that all the Samaritans were damned Some among them though tainted with the errors of their Country might have such knowledge of the law of God and love to him as might be effectual to Salvation 5. We must distinguish between Papists so living and so dying many by Gods grace may have repentance conferred upon them at death and though they lived Papists might die as reformed Christians seeking Salvation by Christ aloâ—e in the way of true Faith and Repentance and so the Lord may manifest his compassion to them pardoning the errors of their lives 6. We must distinguish Times God might dispense with many in the times of universal darkness and Captivity more than he doth afterwards when the light of the Gospel breaketh forth and his Trumpet is sounded to call them forth Whosoever shall compare Iohn Fierus and Iohn Calvin will find they were assisted by the same Holy Spirit of God though the one lived and died a Papist and the oâ—â—er was â—n eminent instrument in reforming tâ—e Church of God but an ignorant fear of separation from the Catholick Church caused many to do as they did but much more doth it hold good in the times before Our Fathers if alive would not have condemned us nor should we condemn them being dead before they had these advantages which we now enjoy Illi si reviviscerent c. saith Austiâ— in a like Case 7. We must distinguish between Popish Errors some are more Capital as Adorations of Images Inovocation of Saints Justification by the merit of Works Inhibition of the Scriptures c. others not so deadly as when too much reverence is given to Ecclesiastical Orders and Constitutions Penance Auricular Confession Fasting c. Now though the Case of a reâ—l Papist who is compleat in this mystery of Iâ—iâ—uity and refuseth hateth persecuteth the truth offered be desperate yet the Lord â—ay in tender mercy accept of other devout Souls who yet live in that way if they hold the head and the foundation 1. Vse Let us not think Popery a light thing which the Lord so peremptorily threatneth Surely it is no liâ—â—â—e mercy that we are freed from it Therefore we should be thankful for the light we have and improve it well while we have it and hold it fast What hope soever we may have of men living in former times and foreign Countries where they knew no better but after such express warnings what hope can we have of English Papists considering the time when Rome is not grown better but worse and what was common opinion is now made an Article of Faith and when the truth is taught and so clearly manifested so that for any by their own voluntary choice to run into Popery it is a pâ—ain defection from Christ to Antichrist and wilfully to drink that poison which will be the bane and ruine of your Souls 2. The great reason why God sent this Judgment upon the Christian World is to punish those that received not the love of the Tâ—uth Here I shall enquire 1. How many ways men â—ay be said not to receive the love of the â—ruth 2. How just their punishment is fâ—r such a sin 1. Iâ— stating this sin 1. It is supposed that â—he truth and doctrine of Christ is made known to a people yea cometh among them with great Evidence Conviction and Authority For it is not the want of means but want of love that it is charged on them And the plenty of means aggravateth their fault and maketh their Condemnation the â—ore just John 3.19 This is the Condemnation that light is come into the world and men loved darkness more than light The truth was not for their turns but was contrary to their lusts and passions and prejudices and these they preferred before the light of the Gospel shining to them 2. That as inevidence of doctrine was not the cause of not receiving the truth so not bare weakness of understanding no it is not weakness but wilfulness which is here intimated not a defect of their minds but their hearts Joh. 8.15 Because I tell you the truth ye believe me not It was not weakness but prejudice hindred their believing They despised the grace of God yea hated it for their lusts sake Their lusts lie more in opposition to the truth than speculative doubts and errors Luke 16.14 And the Pharisees who were covetous when they heard all these things they derided him the words are blew their Noses at him The sensual carnal and ungodly World scorneth heavenly doctrine and pure Christianity is distasted by false Christians Err in mind err in heart 3. It is not enough to receive the truth in the light of it but we must also receive it in the love of it or it will do us no good To make the truth operative 1. Knowledge is necessary and also Faith and then Love Knowledge for without knowledge the
the World to come though these things be set before him in the Promises of the Gospel they leave no impression upon his heart There needeth a very quick sight to be able to look from Earth to Heaven therefore till we are enlightned by the Spirit we can have no saving knowledg of those things which pertain to the Kingdom of God or eternal Life 2. By way of Inclination the Spirit doth not only open the Eyes of our Mind but he doth also incline our hearts to mind and seek after these things as our Portion and Happiness Acts 16.14 God opened the Heart of Lydia There is an opening of our Mind and an opening of our Hearts necessary for the Wisdom of the Flesh is kneaded into our Natures and we are prepossessed and entangled with divers foolish and hurtful Lusts. Though we know these things we regard them not and therefore the Work of the Spirit is necessary to incline us earnestly to look and long and patiently to wait for Blessedness to come Gal. 5.5 For we through the Spirit wait for the Hope of Righteousness by Faith Alas otherwise we should never regard these things certainly we would not wait for them with so much patience and self-denial and solace our hearts with these Hopes in the midst of all our Labours Adversities and Troubles when all is in Expectation and so little in Possession 3. By way of Excitation he doth quicken us and comfort us by raising our Thoughts Desires and Endeavours after the promised Glory and Blessedness Rom. 15.13 Now the God of Hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing that you may abound in Hope through the Power of the Holy Ghost It is by his lively Impressions that this Grace is acted in us with any profit our Hope is acted and increased by his Power blessing the Promises of the Gospel to this end 2. That it is his free Gift That which moveth God to give us this Hope is his meer Love and Grace 1. The Matter of Hope is God's free undeserved Mercy The Mercy of God is every where made the great invitation of Hope to the fallen Creature Psal. 130.7 Let Israel hope in the Lord for with the Lord is Mercy and plenteous Redemption Without this there were no Hope for us and therefore the Saints make this their Anchor-hold Psal. 13.5 I have trusted in thy Mercy therefore my Soul shall rejoice in thy Salvation Let others trust in what they will Lord I will trust in thy Mercy This is that which maketh Hope lift up the Head Iude 21. Looking for the Mercy of our Lord Iesus Christ unto eternal Life There is our best and strongest Plea But 2. For the Grace of Hope it is the mere Fruit of the Lord's Mercy such are our undeservings and ill-deservings that nothing else could incline him to give us this Hope He was not induced by any Merits of ours which are none nor hindred by any demerits or sins of ours which were many and great only his Grace moved him to bring us under the hopes of the Gospel that we might set our selves with longing and certain expectation in the way of Holiness to seek after the eternal enjoyment of himself 1 Pet. 1.3 Of his abundant Mercy he hath begotten us to a lively Hope There were so many Provocations on our part such great privileges to be injoyed that nothing but abundant Mercy could give us this Hope II. What incouragement is this in Prayer if God hath given us good Hope through Grace 1. God would not invite and raise an Hope to disappoint it For surely the Lord will not deceive his Creature that dependeth upon his Word and therefore we are allowed to challenge him Psalm 119.49 Remember thy Word unto thy Servant on which thou hast caused me to hope The words contain a double Argument the Promise was of God's making and the Hope of his operation it is thy Word and thou hast caused me to hope his Grant in the New Covenant and his Influence by the Spirit we have a strong Tie upon him as he giveth us the Promise which is a ground of Hope surely we may put his Bonds in suit Chirographa tua tibi injiciebat Domine but when his Spirit hath caused us to hope it is not with a purpose to defeat it and therefore we may expect necessary Blessings such as are support and establishment in Holiness Sometimes God promiseth that we may believe and then promiseth again because we do believe and trust in him Isa. 26.3 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on thee because he trusteth in thee Actual Hope and Trust giveth a fresh Claim or new Interest for God will not fail a trusting Soul as a generous Man will not fail his Friend if he rely on him We count this to be the strongest Bond we can lay upon another to be mindful of us and faithful to us I wholy trust upon you Now much more will God do so when he hath sent his Work before him he will bring this Reward with him when he hath invited Hope by his Promise and caused Hope by his Spirit he will give the Mercy you hope for for he hath prepared you for it by his preventing Grace I remember the Prophet telleth God Jer. 20.7 O Lord thou hast deceived me and I was deceived words that seem to intrench upon the Honour of God Some interpret them as if they were spoken by the Prophet in a Passion others soften them by another rendring Thou hast persuaded me and I was persuaded that is to undertake the Prophetical Office to which I was nothing forward of my self and have found it more troublesome than I expected But why may not the words be spoken as a supposition If I be deceived thou hast deceived me God had told him that he would make him as a Brazen Wall and had raised a Faith and Hope in him that he would bear him out in his Work and so it signifies no more but I cannot be deceived When you have God's Word and a well-grounded Hope it is not a foolish Imagination or vain Expectation God will not deceive a poor Creature that trusts in him for necessary things such as Perseverance and Establishment in Holiness 2. He that giveth us Hope will give us all things necessary to the thing hoped for therefore when God hath called us to the Hope of Eternal Glory by Jesus Christ we may with the more confidence pray for necessary support and establishmeâ—t in the way This Argument seemeth to be urged by the Apostle 1 Pet. 5.10 The God of all Grace who called you to his Heavenly Glory by Iesus Christ afâ—er ye have suffered a while make you perfect stablish strengthen settle you God that called us to Eternal Glory foresaw the Difficulties and Troubles we should meet with by the way and therefore provideth Grace answerable which we are to sue out by Prayer Surely he that called them to
we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end Their Hope is slight and fluid the Temporary loseth his Joy and Comfort which he conceived in the offers of the Gospel and so either casts off the profession of Godliness or neglecteth the Power and Practice of it But the true Christian is Serious Patient Heavenly and Holy because he is alway looking to his End and sweetneth his Work by his great Hope keepeth up his Taste or lively expectation of the Mercy of Christ to everlasting Life Nay this differenceth the Children of God those that are in their Conflict from those that are in their Triumph the Sanctified and Glorified those that are in their Way and those that are at Home They that are at Home are enjoying what we expect and in posseâ—â—ion of that Supreme Good that we yet hope for they have neither Miseries to fear nor Blessings to desire beyond what they do enjoy they see what they love and possess what they see But the time of our Advancement is not yet come and therefore we can only look and long for it this is our Work and present Happiness 2. Now the Covenant of God is contrived to raise Hope in us The Iachin and Boaz the two Pillars that support it are Mercy and Truth Micah 7.20 Thou wilt perform the Truth to Jacob and tâ—e Mercy to Abraham Psal. 25.10 All the Paths of the Lord â—re Mercy and Truth unto such as keep his Covenant and his Testimonies And Psal. 138.2 I will praise the Name for thy loving Kindness and Truth For thou hast magnified thy Word above all thy Name And in many other Scriptures 1. The Mercy and Grace of the Covenant 1. In the frame of it where excellent Benefits are dispensed upon free Terms that our Faith and Hope may be in God the Lord would not leave the sinful Creature under Despair but hath provided a way how we may be Râ—conciled and Glorified Psal. 130.4 There is forgiveness with thee that thou mayst be feared Mercy opens the Door for us the very offer speaks much Mercy the terms are Mercy So much Duty is required as is necessary and doth arise from the nature of the thing Violence would be offered to the Reason of a serious Creature if such things were not required 2. In the dispensations of thâ— Blessings of the Covenant Now Gal. 6.16 To as many as walk according to this Rule Peace be on them and Mercy and on the Israel of God There are many Infirmities and Fraâ—lties but God passeth them by when there is Sincerity Our Faith is weak and mingled with Doubtings our Love to God clogged with much inordinate Self-love our Obedience often interrupted Too much deadness and coldness in holy Things yet these do not cast us out of the favour of God nor make void our Interest in the Covenant where the Heart for the main is set to serve him and please him Mal. 3.17 I will spare them as a Man spareth his own Son that â—erveth him 3. At the very close of all it is Grace Hope unto the end for the Grace that is brought unto you at the Revelation of Christ 1 Pet. 1.13 Then there will be the fullest and largest Manifestation of God's Love and free Grace There is Grace brought to us now by the Revelation of Jesus Christ in the Gospel but when his Person shall be revealed Grace shall be seen in all its Graciousness We see his Grace in the pardon of Sins and that measure of Sanctification which now we attain unto that he is pleased to pass by our Offences and take us into his Family and give us right to his Heavenly Kingdom and some taste of his Love and remote Service But when Pardon shall be pronounced by the Judge's Mouth when he shall take us not only into his Family but into his Palace and Father's House and give us not Right only but Possession and we shall be admitted to the immediate Vision and Fruition of God and be everlastingly imployed in Heavenly Praising and delighting in him then Grace will be Grace indeed 2. His Truth and Mercy openeth the Door for us Truth keepeth it open Mercy is the Pipe Truth is the conveyance Now God bindeth himself by Promise and hath ever been tender of his Word We may see for the present that a Covenant-Interest is no fruitless thing he hath confirmed this Hope to the World by Miracles to us within the Church by the Seal and earnest of his Spirit or the impression of his Image preparing the Hearts of the Faithful for this blessed Estate Ephes. 4.30 Grieve not the holy Spirit of God whereby ye are sealed unto the Day of Redemption 2 Cor. 5.5 Who hath given us the earnest of his Spirit He hath appointed Ordinances to revive our Hopes 1 Cor. 11.26 For as often as ye eat this Bread and drink this Cup ye do shew the Lord's Death till he come By daily experience we see many of God's Children have gone out of the World chearfully professing this Hope we have the same Father of whom the whole Family in Heaven and Earth is named Ephes. 3.15 are reconciled to him by the same Christ. Col. 1.20 Having made peace through the Blood of the Cross by him to reconcile all things to himself by him I say whether they be things in Earth or things in Heaven If he be so good to that part of the Family that is now in Heaven he will be good to them also that are working out their Salvation with fear and trembling 3. What an advantage is it to the Spiritual Life to have good Hope wrought in us through Grace 1. It maketh us diligent and Serious Christianity implieth a serious application of our Heart and Mind to do what Christ requireth that we may obtain what he hath offered to do it as our first work and chief business Phil. 2.12 Work out your own Salvation with fear and trembling Heb. 4.1 Let us labour to enter into that rest That is imply our utmost care and diligence Now all the Executive Powers are fortified and strengthened in their Operation by Hope 2. To be Patient and Mortified that we subdue our Lusts and bear the loss of our Interests with an humble and quiet Mind Rom. 12.12 Patient in Tribulation rejoycing in Hope And for Lusts 1 John 3.3 He that hath this Hope purifieth himself even as he is Pure 3. To be Heavenly and Holy the one respects our End the other our Race For it is not a few dead lifeless Thoughts now and then but the continual and delightful fore-sight of Eternal Bliss What is the way to Heaven but Hope And who more pure and holy than they that look for such things 2 Pet. 3.14 Wherefore Belâ—ved seeing ye look for such things be diligent that ye be found of him in peace without spot and blameless Vse 2. Well then get this Hope But what must we do You will say It is God's Gift Yet
pitched it here some there until the Pit was discovered to the Church and the snare layed open and now to run wilfully into these errours how damnable is it If Papists cleave to him let not Protestants fall to him to continue Papists is dangerous for they favour Antichrist and serve Antichrist but to turn Papists is more dangerous for this is a downright revolt from Christ to Antichrist and how God may in mercy dispense with errors imbibed in our Education we know not but to turn our back on the truth wherein we have been educated and instructed maketh it more dangerous to our Salvation Secondly We now come to the more comfortable part his ruine where note I. In the general that the Apostle as soon as he had showed his rise he presently foretelleth his ruine to support the hearts of the â—aithful though he hath yet more things to speak concerning his discovery v. 9. I cannot let this pass without an Observation Doct. That a spiritual eye can discern the ruin of wicked instruments even in their rise and Reign Job 5.3 I have seen the foolish taking root and presently I câ—rsed his habitation by the foolish is meanâ— the wicked by their taking root their seeking to fix and settle themselves in their Worldly prosperity I presently that is without any great deliberation which in this matter needeth not cursed their habitation not as desiring but as forseeing and foretelling I pronounced them accursed or to be in a cursed condition when carnal men seek to root and establish themselves upon Earth to a spiritual eye their best estate is miserable and detestable when we see their rise we may foretel their fall Reasons 1. Their Faith occasion such a reflection which is the evidence of things not seen Heb. 11.1 they lookt not at things as at present they seem to short-sighted men or as they relish to the flesh but as they appear and will be judged of at last their ruine is as present before them as their rise present time is quickly past but now without Faith this cannot be 2 Pet. 1.9 He that lacketh these things is blind and cannot see afar off 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 but are dazled with present splendor and so misâ—arry 2. This Faith is necessary 1. Partly to prevent scandal at the prosperity of an ungodly party who obey not the Gospel but corrupt and pervert it to their Worldly ends Dâ—vids steps were even gone when he saw the prosperity of the wicked till he went into the Sanctuary and understood their end Psal. 73.17 that setled his heart to consider what end these men were appointed unto how prosperous soever they seem to be for the present yet the end must put the difference there they see the wicked in the height of their prosperity as ready to be cut down and withered 2. To prevent Apostasie they chuse the better part that chuse the Holiness and Patience of the Saints 2 Cor. 4.18 While we look not at the things which are seen but at the things which are not seen for the things which are seen are temporal but the things which are not seen are eternal but things present carry away our hearts because we have so dim and doubtful a sight of things to come whereas if we did look upon them as sure and near they would fortifie us against Temptations Prov. 3.31 32. Envy thou not the Oppressor and chuse none of his wayes For the froward is abomination to the Lord but his secret is with the righteous II. More particularly the ruine of Antichrist is set forth 1. Partly by the manner of his fall it is represented both as begun and finished he shall be consumed he shall be destroyed the one noteth a lingring delay the other an utter Perdition that he shall be finally rooted out First consumed to consume is to waste and melt away by little and little Doct. Antichrist is not presently to be destroyed but to waste away by a lingring Consumption as his rising was by little and little so is his fall he loseth his Authority in Christendom by degrees Now the Reasons may be these 1. God hath a Ministry and use for him and the abetters of his Kingdom as he hath an use for the Devil himself therefore permitteth him some limited power but yet he holdeth him in the Chains of his invicible Providence so hath he a use for the Devils eldest Son for Antichrist and Antichristian Adversaries which if their power were wholly gone could not be performed as 1. To scourge his people for their sins as their contempt of the Gospel and wantonness under the several priviledges which they enjoy by it God will not want a rod to scourge his disobedient Children as Isa. 10.5 he calleth the Assyrian the rod of his Angeâ— the Instrument that he maketh use off to punish those with whom he is angry and again the staff of his Indignation the Staff is an heavier and sorer instrument of correction than a Rod what the Assyrian was to the Jews that Antichrist is to professing Christians God useth him till he hath sufficiently chastised his Children and then he will cast this Rod into the Fire Heathens and Turks are at a distance from us our miseries will come from Antichristianism who are nearer at hand to execute the Lords vengeance when we grow wanton 2. To try his people for he expects a tryed obedience what Christianity we will accept and chuse that calculated for this World or that which is calculated for the next Antichristianism in all the branches of it is a sort of Religion suited to Worldly interests 1 John 4.5 They are of the World therefore speak they of the World and the World heareth them but true Christianity for the Kingdom of Heaven 1 Cor. 2.12 Now we have received not the spirit of the World but the spirit which is of God therefore God will try who are the formal and pretended Christians that serve their own bellies and the sincere Christians who look to an unseen World and are willing to hazard their own interests out of their fidelity to Christ Therefore when the Saints under the Altar groaned Rev. 6.10 How long Lord holy and true dost thou not avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth the Answer given was v. 11. That they should rest for a season until their fellow servants and also their brethen that should be killed as they were should be fulfilled in every Age God will have his Witnesses who by their Faith and Patience and not loving their lives to the Death should promote the Lambs Kingdom before they receive their Crown and therefore though Antichrist be consumed more and more yet he hath so many abettors of his Kingdom left as may try Faith and Patience of the Saints 3. To Cure our Divisions Nazianzen called the Enemies 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the common reconcilers the Dog is let loose to make the Sheep flock together we are hardened in our
have need of before you ask him He observed every weary step of David in the Wilderness and all his Tears and Sorrows Psal. 56.8 Thou tellest my Wandrings put thou my Tears in thy Bottle are they not in thy Book He particularly took notice of all the Troubles and Sorrows of his Exile and wandring Condition as if his Tears had been preserved in a Bottle and his Troubles registred or recordeâ— in a Book The Doctrine of the Gentiles was Dii magna curant parva negligunt The great and weighty Matters the Lord took into his Care but left other things to their own event and chance but the Doctrine of the Scriptures is otherwise God taketh notice of every particular Person For our Prayers Psal. 34.6 This poor Man cried unto the Lord and the Lord heard him and saved him out of all his Troubles How obscure soever the Worshipper be in the account of the World if he depend on God the Lord will regard him 2. For his Power he is able to do all Things Mark 14.36 Abba Father all things are possible to thee 3. For his Goodness he relieveth all his Creatures heareth the moans of the Beasts much more the Prayers of the Saints Psal. 145.15 16. The Eyes of all things wait upon the Lord and thou givest them their Meat in due season c. Now this he makes a ground of fulfilling the desires of them that feâ—r him and being near to all that call upon him Vers. 18 19. He that feedeth a Kite will he not provide for a Child Surely we have more reason to trust in God than they if you think this belongeth to his common Bounty But in Spiritual things it is otherwise he is most pleased when we ask Spiritual Blessings 1 Kings 3.10 It pleased the Lord that Solomon asked this thing Well then since none other is capable and God is to him must we come 2. The Scriptures which are the proper Rule of Worship direct us to no other When Christ taught his Disciples to pray he directeth them to God Luke 11.2 When ye pray say Our Father which art in Heaven Invovation is Divine Worship and so done to God alone 3. When the Spirit moveth us to pray he inclineth us to come to God Rom. 8.15 Ye have received the Spirit of Adoption whereby we cry Abba Father Gal. 4.5 6. Because ye are Sons he hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your Hearts crying Abba Father He doth not move us to go to the Saints but to God The Vse Well then if any tâ—ouble befal us let us call on God unbosom our selves to him Psal. 50.15 Call upon me in the day of trouble I will deliver thee and thou shalt glorify me If we want any Grace let us go to the God of all Grace in the Name of Christ Heb. 4.16 Seeing therefore we have a great High Priest that is entred into Heaven Iesus the Son of God let us come boldly to the Throne of Grace tâ—at we may obtain Mercy and find Grace to help us in a time of need We can pray to none but to him in whom we trust Psalm 62.8 Trust in the Lord at all times pour out your Hearts before him Trust is the Foundation of Prayer they that look to God for all will frequently apply themselves to him Our Necessities and Wants are continual both as to the Temporal and Spiritual Things we need not only daily Bread but daily Pardon daily Strength against Temptations therefore let us often come to God III. Observation That Jesus Christ is invoked together with the Father as an Author of Grace and thereby his God-head is proved for he that is an Object both of Internal and External Worship is God Now such is Christ. Of Internal Worship Ioh. 14.1 Ye believe in God believe also in me Though Christ died as Man yet he is God equal with the Father and an Object of Faith and Trust. For External Worship or Prayer the Text is clear Our Lord Iesus Christ and God even our Father That is much for the comfort of the Faithful that we have God to trust in and Christ to trust in that we that have sinned with both hands earnestly have a double ground of our Comfort and Hope the infinite Mercy and Power of God and the infinite Merit of a Mediator There is a great latitude in the Object of Faith and so of Invocation The Lord Iesus Christ himself and God our Father There is no pain so great that God in Christ cannot remove no Danger so dreadful but he can prevent no Misery so deep but he can deliver from it no Enemy so strong but he can vanquisâ— them no Want that he cannot supply When we have a Want that he cannot supply or a Sickness that he cannot cure or a Danger that he cannot prevent or a Misery that he cannot remove or Enemies that are too hard for him then we may sit down and despair and die I speak of both as one for God and Christ are here joined as to the same effect comforting their Hearts and stablishing them in every good Word anâ— Work IV. We can obtain nothing from God unless we seek it in Christ. Therefore the Apostle beginneth his Prayer Now our Lord Iesus Christ and God c. God Alone iâ— abundantly enough for our happiness for there is in him more than abundantly enough to satisfy all the Capacities of the Creature but without a Mediator how shall we come to receive of his fulness If Maâ— had kept innocent God had been enough to us for in Innocency there was no Mediaâ—or but to Man fallen a Mediator is necessary 1. I shall state the necessity of iâ— Because of Distance and Difference we are unworthy to approach his Holy Presence and God hath a Quarrel and Controversy with us which till it be taken up we can expect no good thing from him 1. Distance We are stranged from God by the Fall and having lost his Image lost his Favour and Fellowship and all communion with him so that God now is looked upon by us as out of the reach of our Commerce which hindreth our love and confidence in him for we can hardly depend upon one so far above us that he will take notice of us or take care for us so as to relieve us in our Necessities or help us in our Miseries and give us the Blessings we ask of him or that we shall be welcome to him when we come with our Prayers and Supplications God taught the Israelites their distance and the Apostle telleth us that all that dispensation the Holy Ghost did signify That the way into the Holiest was not yet made â—anifest wâ—ile the first Tâ—bernacle was standing Heb. 9.8 They could not come near God without danger of Death he would not have them so familiar wâ—th him 2. Difference or Controversy A Mediator is used only between disagreeing Parties When Man was guilty God was angry Conscience of Sin
presents God terrible and taketh away all confidence from us so that we are obnoxious to his Wrath and righteous Vengeance Who is able to stand before this Holy God 1 Sam. 6.20 And who can dwell with everlasting Burnings Isa. 33.14 We cannot approach God in any friendly manner 2. I shall shew what Provision God hath â—ade for us The Lord Jesus took this Office at God's appointment of reconciling God to us and appeasing his Wrath and us to God by bringing us back again our alienated and estranged Affections to God How so what hath he done 1. The Distance is in truth taken away by his very Person he is God-Man God and Man meet together in the Person of Christ God doth condescend and come down to Man and Man is incouraged to ascend to God God in Christ is nearer to Man than he was before that we may have more familiar thoughts of him The pure Deity is at so vast a distance from us that we are amazed and confounded when we think of it and cannot conceive an hope that he should concern himself in our â—ffairs But the Son of God is come in our Nature John 1.14 The Word was made Flesh and dwelt among us 1 Tim. 3.16 Grace is the Mystery of Godliness God manifested in the Flesh So that he is more acceptable to us and nearer at hand and more readily inclined to help us for he will not be strange to his own Flesh. 2. The Difference and Controversy is taken up by the Work of his Redemption for God hath set him forth to be a Propitiation or a means of appeasing his Wrath Rom. 3. 25. and to be the Foundation of that New Covenant wherein Pardon and Life is offered to us It is not enough to our Recovery that God be reconciled but Man must be renewed otherwise we remain for ever undeâ— the displeasure of God Now he hath purchased the Grace of the Spirit to be dispensed by the Covenant to bring us home to God Titus 3.5 6. Nor by Works of Righteousness which we have done but according to his Mercy he saved us by the washing of Regeneration and renewing of the Holy Ghost which he shed on us abundantly through Iesus Christ our Saviour And Rom. 8.2 For the Law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Iesus hath made me free from the Law of Sin and Death Vse Let us be sensible of this unspeakable Mercy that God hath provided a Mediator for us that we may come to God by him Heb. 7.25 Wherefore he is able to save unto the â—ttermost all that come unto God through him seeing he ever liveth to make Intercession for us That the legal Exclusion is removed and a way opened to the Father John 14.6 I am the Wâ—y the Truth and the Life no Man cometh to the Father but by me Otherwise we could not immediately converse with God nor trust in him 1. We see God in our Nature as near at hand and ready to help he came down amongst us and became one of us was bone of our bone and flesh of our flesh And though he hath removed his dwelling into Heaven again it is for our sakes he hath carried our Nature thither to take possession of that blessed Place in our Name if we have a mind to follow him Iohn 14.2 I go to prepare a Place for you 2. Here we see the means of appeasing God's Wrath 2 Cor. 5.19 God â—as in Christ reconciling the World unto himself There is a full Ransom paid all that enter into God's Peace shall have the benefit of it 3. By him we are encouraged to come to pray for every Blessing we stand in need of Ephes. 2.18 Through him we both have an access by one Spirit unto the Father Liberty to approach unto God is a priviledg which we cannot enough value the Wall of Partition between God and us is broken down by Christ he hath compleatly satisfied God's Justice Heb. 10.19 He is now at the right Hand of God interceding for us 1 Tim. 2.5 There is one God and one Mediator between God and Man the Man Christ Iesus and remaineth with God as the great Agent of the Saints Heb. 8.1 2. We have such an High Priest who is set on the right Hand of the Throne of the Majesty in the Heavens a Minister of the Sanctuary c. Perfuming their Prayers with the smoke of his Incense Rev. 8.3 4. And another Angel came and. stood at the Altar having a Golden Censer and there was given unto him much Incense that he should offer it with the prayers of all Saints upon the Golden Altar which was before the Throne And the smoke of the Incense which came with the prayers of the Saints ascended up before God out of the Angel's hand V. Mark the distinct Titles given to God and the Mediator Christ is called our Lord and God our Father Let us see what these Titles import of Lord and Father 1. Christ is represented to us as the Lord so he was set forth by the Apostles at the first preaching of the Gospel Acts 10.36 We preach Peace by Christ Iesus he is Lord of all 2 Cor. 4.5 We preach Christ Iesus the Lord. Col. 2.6 If ye have received Christ Iesus the Lord so walk in him Christ is Lord two ways 1. By that right which belongeth to him as Creator and is common and equal to him with the Father and the Spirit Surely the Creator of the World is the Soveraign of it this Right continueth still and shall continue while Man receiveth his being from God by Creation and the continuance of his being by daily preservation and providence 2. There is novum jus Dominii Imperii a new Right of Empire and Government which belongeth to him as Redeemer and this accrueth to him 1. Partly by the Donation of God Acts 2.36 Let all the House of Israel know that this Iesus whom ye have crucified is made Lord and Christ. This Office of Lord is derivative and cannot be supream but subordinate it is derived from God All Power is given to me both in Heaven and Earth Matth. 28.18 and it is reffered to him Phil. 2.11 That every Tongue should confess that Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father The supreâ—m right of governing is still in God and sâ—bjection to him is not vacated but established and reserved 2. It is acquired by his own purchase Rom. 14 9. For this end Christ both died and rose again and revived that he might be Lord both of Dead and Living 1 Cor. 6.19 20. Ye are not you own for ye are bought with a price therefore glorify God in your Body and in your Spirit which are God's He had a full right in us before but this Lordship and Dominion which the Redeemer is possessed of is comfortable and beneficial to us and the end of it is to effect Man's Cure and Recovery We could not by our sin make void God's Right and
Holiness And his unchangeable Love which doth not vary and alter with our Condition Heb. 12.6 Whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth and scourgeth every Son whom he receiveth He is our God still though he seemeth to deal hardly with us We learn of Christ on the very Cross to cry My God Matth. 27.46 and if we cannot find enough in him when the Creatures and our natural Comforts fail it is meet we should lose them Heb. 3.18 Though the Fig-tree should not blossom c. yet I will rejoyce in the Lord I will joy in the God of my Salvation This is the sum of God's Comforts and when these things are suggested to us God comforteth our Hearts 3. When by these means God worketh Comfort in us Joy is often called the Comfort of the Spirit and Ioy in the Holy Ghost Rom 14.17 Now all the Spirit 's Works are singular and do much exceed the natural Work of Man's Heart The groans which he stirreth up in Prayer are unutterable Rom. 8.26 His Joys unspeakable and glorious 1 Pet. 1.8 The Heathens counted that Fire more sit and pure for their Altars whicâ— was inkindled by a Sun-beam rather than a Coal taken from a common Hearth So this Comfort which is raised in us by the Holy Ghost is more Rich and Glorious and Affective than that which is the fruit of our bare Reason or the meer working of our Human Spirit even in the common grounds of Christian Comfort Or as Elementary Fire differeth from Culinary and Kitchin Fire and is much more pure So doth this Joy which is immediately wrought in us by â—he Spirit from all Joy that we can work by our selves out of the Scriptural Grounds of Comfort Carnal Men have their Joy at the second or third Hand as God blesseth the order and influence of Inferiour Causes it comes to them from Creature to Creature so as they discern not the Work of God in it yea the Joy of common Christians in the proper grounds of Comfort is not strong as that which is raised in us by the immediat impression of the Comforting Spirit II. Why this is of God 1. Because God challegeth this as his own Right to comfort the Heart of Man and therefore whatever the Means of the comfort be God will be owned as the Spring and Fountain of it He keepeth this as his great Bridle upon the World to govern the Hearts of Men. Job 34.29 When he giveth Quietness who then can make Trouble And when he hideth his Face who then can behold him Whether it be done against a Nation or against a Man only Our Peace and Trouble is in God's Hands and at his disposing It is true he exerciseth his Soveraignty according to Law and in his Internal Government according to the Law of Grace penally withdrawing his Comforting Spirit and leaving us to our Doubts and Troubles and Fears by the rewarding our Obedience and Faithfulness with the manifest Tokens of his Love as the Matter shall require It is enough for the Point in hand that God alone doth powerfully dispence Peace or Trouble And when he will give Comfort none can make his Gift void for it is at his Command and in both a Nation is all one with a particular Person as to any ability to resist God 2. Though grounds of Comfort be never so clear yet if God concur not we find not the effect therefore it is his Spirit that can only comfort the Heart To have God's Warrant for our comfort is much but to have his Impression is more both musâ— concur or the Soul will not be comforted It falleth out many ways sometimes out of Ignorance When a Well of Comfort was near poor Hagar saw it not and was almost famished with thirst until God opened her Eyes and she saw a Well of Water Gen. 21.19 We know not the grounds of our comfort Sometimes out of Passion Grief is obstinate and will admit no Remedy as Rachel would not be comforted Jer. 31.15 They are so peevishly addicted to their Worldly Comforts that if they be crossed in them they will not admit of God's Comforts though they are evident clear and pertinent Sometimes out of Forgetfulness Heb. 12.5 Ye have forgotten the Exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto Children And Oblivion is an Ignorance for the present Had they remembred they would not have fainted and waxed weary It is a great Work of the Spirit to bring to Remembrance sometimes questioning their interest in Comfort besidâ—s that there are general Comforts when Interest is not clear Now the Spirit that sheweth us â—he things given us of God doth also reveal and evidence our Right to them What is wrought in our Hearts that is to say by quickning us to exercise Grace he evidenceth the truth of Grace and in our Afflictions by Patience maketh out our Comfort Rom. 5.3 4 5. We glory in Tribulations knowing that Tribulation worketh Patience and Patience Experience and Experience Hope And Hope maketh not ashamed because the Love of God is shed abroad in our Hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us From the whole there can be no true solid Comfort but what God bestoweth his Favour and our Interest in his Favaour is manifested to us by his Spirit III. What advantages we have by this that all solid Comfort is of God 1. It assureth us of God's readiness to comfort poor afflicted Creatures that humbly submit to him He that is the God of all Comfort is also the Father of Mercies his Mercy and Compassion inclineth him to comfort us God hath his Name from this effect Nomina sunt à notioribus God that comforteth those that are cast down 2 Cor. 7.6 He is very tender of all Afflicted Creatures much more of his People 2. God's Comforts come with more Authority and silence all our Doubts and Fears Psal. 94.19 In the multitude of my thoughts within me thy comforts delight my Soul We have many intricate perplexing thoughts out of which we cannot disentangle our selves no comforts come with such Authority and Power as God's Comforts In the Comfort we have it is good to consider whence it cometh Is it God's Comfort or a Fanâ—y of our own If it be made up by our own Fancy it will be like a Spider's Web that is weaved out of its own Bowels but is gone and swept away with the least turn of a Besom but God's Comforts are more durable they flow from the true Fountain of Comfort upon whose Frowns or Smiles our happiness and misery dependeth There is little warmth in a Fire of our own kindling God's Comforts are built on his Covenant and have a commanding force and over-powering efficacy on the Soul God in his Word speaketh by Soveraign Authority in our Hearts he worketh by powerfâ—l Efficacy The Authority of his Word we own when we speak to others or to our selves when we know trouble but in supposition or imagination The Efficacy of his Grace we feel