he could not be said Exod. 32.8 unto the work of his hands Thou art my God Hâ—s 14.3 impose upon God without the intermediating righteousnesse of Jesus Christ offereth not prayses but affronts not thanksgivings but provocations The water which he bringeth he [15] Job 14.4 poureth forth of an unclean vessel the fruit which he tendereth he tendereth [16] Tit. 1.15 with a left hand with a left hand lame and leprous the prayer which he sacrificeth is no more then the cutting off of a dogs neck and his rejoycings are much like the shoutings of them who [17] Exod. 32.18 compared their glory unto a molten calfe Thus all the honour which God purchaseth from the heart refusing grace is only like unto that drudging work which just Masters [18] Quod faciunt contra voluntatâ—m Dei non impletur nisi voluntaâ— Dei Aug de praed Sanct. l. 1. c. 6. exact from their froward servants or much like those confessions which [19] Josh 7.19 Joshua extorted from accursed Achan like the assistance which wise Commanders squeeze from enemies taken in War else like that medicinal use which able Physitians make [20] As Philip of Macedon who made his enemies the Athenians 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Plutarch of dangerous poysons In a word without faith it is impossible to please God for whatsoever is not of faith is sin viz. notoriously short of that reasonable service which the pure God may justly expect from every person since every person hath reason enough to thirst after the holy Spirit of Christ Jesus Sirs from those that do or may understand that such a Spirit is to be sought but seek it not all the honour which the Lord procureth is [21] Rom. 2.8 Job 21.30 Jude 15. Prov. 16.4 Rom. 9.22 Just as the Artist turnâ—th the natural violence of sire winds and water unto profitable works of Art as forced as that which through his transcendent power and wisdome he raiseth unto himself out of the hardnesse of Pharaohs heart or which is the same out of Adams disobedience out of sin as sin and out of Devils as Devils Wherefore the Lord perswade you to pant after the holy Spirit that you may with simplicity of mind endeavour to glorifie your God Object To pant after the holy Spirit of the holy God is a work of Regeneration and we are no more able to regenerate our selves then to beget our own substance in our mothers womb Answ To regenerate our selves in our power it is not we are meerly passive in our spiritual as well as in our natural birth It is tho [1] Ut letum Deo detur hâ—minis voluntatem boaaâ— praeparat adjuvandam adjuvat praeparatam Aug. sole work the sole act of the Holy Ghost to create anew The more [2] Ut velimus sine nobis operatur Deus cum autem volumus nobiscum co-operatur S Aug. de grat lib. arbitr cap. 7 observance and the more thanks is due from us unto that Father of Lights who is of his own will so ready to beget us with his word of truth that we should be any of us regenerated by his Spirit Object Though the word preached be spiritual we are [1] Rom. 7 carnal and sold under sin we are natural and [2] 1 Cor. 2 savour not the things of God Answ Naturally (1) Ratâ—o communionum opinionum consilii coelestis incapax hoc solum putat in naturâ rerum esse quod aut intra se intelligit aut praestare possit ex sese Hillar de Trin. lib. 1. we savour not the things that are of God but this we may do a natural man may be strength of reason so much as in him lyeth with humility and earnestnesse endeavour to know and taste of God as God is now manifested in his works and Word He may with (2) Plangendae tenebrae in quibus me mea facultas latet Aug. confess l. 10. cap. 32. the greatest of diligence he can observe and do the Will of God unto him in the holy Scriptures revealed As One most unworthy of so great a Treasure he may in a constant use of holy Ordinances wait for the (3) Luke 24.49 spirit of Promise moving causes for which the Spirit of grace is vouchsafed these are not Antecedent duties in which this Spirit is vouchsafed they are I say upon these waters of knowledge the Spirit delighteth to move Would a lost sinner patiently wait in the use of these appointed meanes should he never receive the Holy Ghost yet still he had done what in him lay he had submitted unto Christs Scepter he had glorified his God to his power he had made the best of a lost condition But the Scripture offereth more grace He that is faithful in a little natural abilities shall be entrusted with (4) Luke 119.17 16 16.10 gifts above nature True (5) See Mantoâ— upon James 2.4 confound nature with grace we may not sinful man may not justle the holy God may not reckon himself a co-adjutor in that wherein God will have the (6) See Bishop Reynolds Joy in the Lord in quarto mihi pag. 24. Videatur etiam Animalis homo habitus à D. D. Edvardo Reynoldo sole glory Mean while as we desire with all possible humility to acknowledge that the holy Spirit of the great God is infinitely a free Agent free as the wind which bloweth where it listeth so we are bound with all possible gratitude to confesse that this free Spirit hath tyed himself up * Deus promitteado se facit debitorem unto the truth of his Promises wherefore we dare not but expect to (7) Esay 64.5 meet God in those wayes wherein his free goodnesse hath appointed us to find him Saith one (8) Mr. Tillian a Dately of Banbury in his New Birth cap. 9. mihi p. 103. God hath appointed certain things to be done by men which they that will not refuse to do may do and the which they that shall do shall be Regenerate For saith (9) ibid. Neverthelesse Paedissequa noa praevia volantas saith St. Aug. Epist 106. he There is a common work of Illumination which so maketh way for Regeneration that it putteth into man a power of doing that which when he shall do the Spirit of God shall mightily work within him provided alwayes that he damp not the present motions of the Word and Spirit of God with procrastinations and delayes It is much-what in Regeneration by the Spirit as it is in generation of the flesh the fruit of Sarahs womb is expresly the gift of God but there was first a generation before a conception As to expect the fruit of the womb without generation so to expect the Regenerating Spirit without the use of meanes were to tempt nay to contradict and to controle the wise God Object The wind bloweth where it listeth Answ Most true it is that the blessed Spirit sanctifieth (1) John
He is not to his elect as Justinian was to his sometimes favorite Belisarius He is not so cruel to us as Nebuchadnezzar was (5) Jer. 39.7 unto Zedekiah He dealeth not by us as Naash (6) 1 Sam. 11.2 would have dealed by the men of Jubesh He treateth us neither as Joshua (7) Josh 9.21 served the Gibeonites nor as the Philistims (8) 1 Sam. 13.9 used the Israelites Secure Davids Intelligencers (9) 2 Sam 17.18 19 though it be in a damp well under ground corn So you conveigh him down out at the Window (10) Acts 9.25 let Paul for once be (11) 2 Cor. 11.33 Paul in a basket and so you bring him up out of the Dungeon bolster up Jeremiah with (12) Jer. 38.11 Old cast clouts and with old rotten rags Beloved although God giveth us quarter although he spareth our lives yet should he deal with us as we deserve he might justly continue us in this life servants (13) with Rom. 6.16 compare Matth. 1.21 and with 2 Tim. 2.26 1 Cor. 5.5 1 Tim. 1.20 Compare Acts 26.18 unto sin captives (14) Psal 103.10 unto Satan He might make us like the Jews wear yellow badges Oh my Brethren God hath not dealed with us 15 according to our sins he hath not rewarded us according unto our iniquities He hath (1) 2 Kings 6.20 brought us into the midst of Samaria but (2) 2 Kings 6.23 he setteth bread and water before us He crucifieth our old man but our inward man he (3) 2 Cor. 4.16 reneweth daily He taketh from us our filthy garments but giveth unto us (4) Esay 61.10 robes of Righteousnesse He (5) Gal. 6.14 disarmeth us of our rebellious forces but harnesseth us with the (6) Eph. 6.11 2 Cor. 10.4 whole armour of God He dispossesseth us of (7) Eph. 6.5 our strong holds mean while He Himself is (8) Psal 18.2 71.3 91.2 62.7 our strong habitation whereunto we may alwayes resort O my dearly beloved Brethren The mighty Captain of our salvation doth conquer us but he conquereth us with kindnesse Behold He giveth us free (1) Gal. 5.1 13 liberty to (2) Ephes 5.16 make the best of our time of our abilities nay of his what Talents we have are (3) Matth. 25.14 1 Cor. 4.7 James 1.17 his goods with these he permitteth us to traffique (4) Matth. 16.27 1 Cor. 15.58 Heb. 6.10 for our selves He then (5) Rom. 2.6 7 10 Phil. 2.13 1 Cor. 9.24 Revel 3.5 21.21.7 accompteth that we do him the most and best service when we work out our own salvation he encourageth us to procure all the peace all the vertue all the godlinesse all the graces all the present prayse and future glory we can Blessed blessed be the holy God for that while we abide here sinners upon earth we are allowed to be spiritually minded to place our affections upon things above to have our conversation in heaven we are not forbid to use (6) With 1 John 2.27 compare Exod. 30.33 no not the most precious ointment of the Sanctuary Seventhly For bestowing upon us all things [1] 2 Pet. 1.3 appertaining to godlinesse People who never yet head the [2] Psalm 89.15 joyful found may [3] Psalm 102.22 Revel 11.15 be religious if they will that is if they can I say The Gentiles which [4] Luke 1.79 sit in darknesse are [5] Acts 11.18 17.30 not prohibited light but light hath not yet shined unto them Whereas the day-star from on high hath visited us so that we walk at least we should walk as children of the light Yea [6] It is with us as Deut. 4.6 7 Psalm 147.20 unto us of this age and kingdome are given of Gospel-priviledges the best in every kinde We above all other the Churches of Christ have Matter of Thankfulnesse unto God First For his revealed will Luther was no lesse worthy rehrehension for [1] Epistola Jacobi collata cum Evangelio Johannis ejus epistolâ primâ cum Epistolis Paulinis imprimis quae ad Romanos Galatas Ephesios scriptae sunt verè straminea epistola est See Brochmand and Luthers German Bible printed 1528. terming S. James his Epistle a strawy Epistle then that plow-man was worthy to be praysed who for one single leaf of it gave a whole load of hay Verily if one Oration of Isocrates did cost [2] viz. if not an 133 l. yet 100 l. twenty talents of silver if for every verse which Oppianus presented was given a [3] viz 0 l. 16 s. -4 d. stater of gold then is every word of our God more [4] Psal 119.72 to be desired then thousands of gold and silver Sirs every judgement denounced every warning given every truth related every prediction and prophesie every precept every command every promise c. abundantly claim from us our studied thankfulnesse A small portion of holy Writ the Pentateuch is especially if it be compared unto all the other canonical Scriptures neverthelesse great [5] Psal 19.7 119. per totum 1.2 138.2 very great was the esteem given unto the word of God even then when no word of God was extant saving only those five books of Moses Beloved blessed are your eyes for they see those holy Scriptures which neither Moses nor David nor any of the Patriarchs saw Next For this revealed will of God [1] with Psalm 102.18 compare Hos 8.12 written By signes and wonders and by several other meanes hath the God of truth given testimony unto the truth of his Word (2) See du Plessis Grot. de veritate relig Christianae and Dr. Hammond his Reasonablenesse of Christian Religion Among which this is not the least namely the harmonious consent of various Copies in several Nations and Languages transcribed and preserved And herein let our God receive the prayse due from us for none of the Churches of Christ can equal their Bibles unto that published by our English Clergy even in [3] Videas Praefat. ad Waltoni Bibl. Polyglotta perillous times Thirdly For this written Word [1] Deut. 28.49 1 Cor. 14.14 Revel 14.16 translated and [2] Gen. 40.8 Job 33.23 Prov. 1.6 1 Cor. 12.10 14.13 Esay 50.4 interpreted Nor hath any Kingdome under Heaven so great cause to be thankful for the purity of Scripture-translations interpretations as England hath Fourthly For these truths of God wholsomely applyed In England every place is full of Manna I mean of religious Treatises almost in every kind When the Reverend Prelacy of this English Church were silenced by (1) The Tribe of Levi. standeth and falleth with the Tribe of Judah a rebellious power God gave them a heart and an ability to leave a Monument of truth in Bishop Waltons voluminous Bible The Lord stir up the hearts of those Ministers among us which now silence themselves to improve their talents likewise Whether in
for it p. 80. 81 342 Self-denial tryeth the truth of graces p. 350 Sin why remainders of it in the elect p. 266-269 Spirit Sow to it p. 326. joy in it p. 431. 435 Talents may not be un-improved p. 317. 323 336 Tapers their use in Cathedrals not insignificant p. 122 Time an exceeding precious talent p. 96 Unbelievers in effect drudges for true believers p. 240. 331. shaken from their shifts p. 56-61 guilty of troubling their own hearts p. 62. of distrusting God and his Christ p. 62. 63 of despising heavenly mansions p. 63. of death spiritual p. 65-71 of death eternal p. 71 72. awakened to a holy fear p. 73 74. answered their manifold objections p. 76-80 called to the life of faith p. 80 84 253-257 to peace of conscience p. 85. 86. to perseverance p. 88. 89. by several motives p. 90-108 Unbelief a sin most inexcusable p. 319. most accursed p. 318. 320 Ungodlinesse aggravateth guilt p. 312. 313 Unthankfulnesse an argument of unbelief p. 320 White Vestments suit with a Gospel-purity p. 369 Worldly blessings accompany the peace of the Gospel p. 28. 397 406-413 and oblige us to glorifie our God ibid. Zeal why so strictly required in Believers p. 310. 311 314. MARK 16.4 And when they looked they saw that the stone was rolled away for it was great Imprimatur Ex. Aed Sab. Decemb. 20. 1662. Geo. Stradling S. T. P. Rev. in Christo Patri Gilb. Episc Lond. à S. Domest THE STONE ROLLED AWAY AND LIFE more ABVNDANT JOHN 14.1 2. Let not your heart be troubled ye believe in God believe also in me In my Fathers house are many Mansions ROM 10.17 Faith cometh by hearing The Introduction I dare not therefore distrust your attention So your heavenly Redeemer prepare for each of you a Mansion in his Fathers house as ever ye believe that where His Gospel is preached there the Power of his Spirit is present to heal Even so Lord Jesus Time was when the (1) Deut. 32.8 Dew the (2) Pro. 16.21 Sweetness of (3) Pro. 10.32 thy blessed lips once (4) Can. 4.11 dropped once (5) Psal 45.2 graced as well this Text of mine as other thy Gospels Oh that now while it is called to day the Inspirations the Breathings of thy Holy Spirit would vouchsafe to sanctifie would vouchsafe to bless unto us as well this Discourse of mine as other thine Ordinances Beloved The Method that the Sun of Righteousness may at this time delight to arise upon us with healing in his wings it is at this time my Duty therefore to explain these words that I may profitably apply them First 1. The Explication of the Text. then Let not your heart be troubled ye believe in God believe also in me In my Fathers house are many Mansions The manner how delivered Words all Gospel and all Epistle I mean full of Doctrines and full of Vses too Words full of Passion and as full of Compassion spoken to the heart yea and from the heart too unexpectedly ushered in and as abruptly uttered forth Let not your heart be troubled A Reproof smiting friendly a Reproof pouring out excellent (1) Psal 1â—1 5 Oyl though soft smooth yet fetcheth out the poyson which lieth in the stomack B. Reyâ—o'ds in his Rich Mans Charge p. 7. oyl Ye believe in God believe also in me An Exhortation cloathed with Instruction cloathed with Evangelical Instructions In my Fathers house are many Mansions A Consolation a strong consolation a strong consolation far fetched fetched even from the highest heavens Beloved The Party speaking ye may know the man from his manner of Communication Surely the Hand nay the Heart of Jesus is in all this It is so Compare this verse with that next above The same Jesus which answereth there Thou shalt deny me thrice the same Jesus answereth here Let not your heart be troubled The Party speaking we know Jesus we know The Persons spoken to but Who are ye your heart Answ Some Greek Copies prefix 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 He saith unto his Disciples Imagine that Varia lectio Apocryphal admit it not the Dictate of the Holy Ghost but the Annotation of some busie Transcriber Nevertheless more then manifest it is (1) c. 13.22 35. who The persons here spoken unto are They prove themselves to be Disciples Disciples of Christ the chief of the Disciples of Christ all twelve of them excepting (2) c. 13 30. Judas one not worthy the looking after The Disciples spoken to we see Jesus speaking The occasion of Christs speaking here we hear But Vpon what occasion speaketh he Answ S. Chrysostom and from him Theophylact they therefore repute these former words one Argument of Christs divine nature for that then when his Disciples here stood silent He of Himself perfectly knew the secret troubles of their heart But saving the esteem due unto so great Fathers that Jesus Christ was as well God as man the latter clause of this verse (1) Plscator in locum better proveth and that Jesus knew all things other Scriptures sufficiently declare we need not to discompose this Text. Were no other causes manifest yet one plain and visible reason wherefore the hearts of the Disciples should be the less troubled may be (2) Maldonat in locum derived from Christs approaching Resurrection or rather from his approaching Ascension That our Redeemer here looketh quite thorough his Resurrection unto the hour of his ascending I demonstrate from c. 13.33 from c. 13.1 and from this c. 14.1 2. 1. From 1 Proof from c. 13.33 Whether I go ye cannot come They could drink (1) Mat. 20.23 of Christs bitter cup could be baptized could be plunged into a (2) Phil. 3.10 fellowship of his sufferings but unto the Heavens whither he now went they could not now come neither their souls while they abode in the flesh nor their bodies until the general resurrection 2. 2 Proof from c. 13.1 The hour was come wherein Jesus should go not only out of the world but to the Father All Divines own a difference between that measure of joy which departed souls now receive and that consummation of bliss which they shall finally participate together with their glorified bodies But some very learned Interpreters critically distinguish between that (1) Vide sis Grotium in Lucae 23.43 part of Heaven wherein blessed souls do now abide and that whereunto say they the same souls shall at the time of the Restitution of all things be everlastingly exalted They tell us That S. Paul's (2) 2 Cor. 12.24 Paradise was inferiour to his third heaven they affirm That during Christs death Christs soul was only as the Jews call it in (3) Luke 23 43. Paradise and as others phrase it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 (4) Fuit dives quidem 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 sed sait 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 etiam Lazarus nam
then religious I speak In this Text our Master of (2) Joh. 7.15 42. eloquence doth not so much mind his phrase that he forgetteth his Auditors He delivereth no airy stuff but heavenly Truths His endeavour is not to (3) Praeceptis Christi detrahit pondus Sacerdotum levitas Lactan. tickle the ear but to amend the heart He spareth not down-right Reproofs Let not your heart be troubled He is full of earnest exhortations Ye believe in God believe also in me He layeth down enforcing Motives In my Fathers house are many Mansions What shall I more say Christ was a (4) Joh. 1.18.3.2 13. Teacher sent from God and almost every word of his hath the efficacy of a coercive application Behold he hath given you an (5) Tanto majorem apud doctos habere gratiam debet quanto mino em apud indoctos hab t. example May therefore what was unto me a stumbling block be unto you betwixt you and your Jesus as that Pillar was between Jacob and Laban viz. a Mizpah a [6] Gen. 31.45 Watch-tower May your zeal like Elijahs fire from the Lord consume this [7] 1 King 18.38 wood this dust this stone this wooden stuff this dustie trash this stone of Offence so God who is a consuming fire God who pardoneth the Iniquity of our holy things will accept your sacrifice as he did Elijahs Fathers and Brethren let us be guided by this wise Master-builder let us imitate the workmanship of this precious this chief Corner-stone this Head-stone of us all so shall we grow up not only as polished corners of His Temple but also as the supporting Pillars of his glorious Church In the next place for so much as the birds round about her Observ from the persons spoken to are against the (1) Jer. 12.9 speckled bird since every Jew will have a fling (2) Joh. 8.59 at Jesus because most persons stumble most at the (3) Joh. 16.2 Mat. 9.14.10.25 Luke 6.2.23.31 Clergy-mans gate and the persons spoken unto in my Text are (4) Joh. 15.19 much spoken of in the world those rocks of offence which this world forceth upon us I will roll as far from our door as conveniently I can Our humane frailty to be sure or if that be born with our Prelacy or if Prelacy we gain none our Function it self hath been cast in our faces as (1) Nunquam deerunt hostes ubi adest Ecclesia Tertul. matter of Reproach but how causlesly I appeal unto these persons in my Text. To separate the Apostles themselves from their frailty is more then flesh and blood can do Of their failings Hos 6.7 they cannot chuse but err like men and may as soon shake off their dust as their sinfulness First then If instead of double honour we meet with undeserved contempt if our Failings if those infirmities of ours which humble our spirits encourage any unadvised ones to become our accusers the persons here spoken to may frame our replies 1. I. Reply Seeing the Purity of the Gospel requireth clean (1) Job 17.9 Psal 24.4 1. Tim. 2.8 hands clean (2) Psal 119.101 Isa 52.7 Luke 1.79 John 13.8 feet clean (3) Psal 50.16.51.15.71.23.141.3 Prov. 8.6 Isa 6.7 lips and clean (4) Psal 50.17.51.10 Rom. 2.1 hearts too since Pastors more especially should be examples unto Believers since Holiness becometh Gods house for ever far be it from us to despise the admonitions of any sincere Christian Let not our heart be troubled for such benefits but if when our foot slippeth ye magnifie your selves against us ye do not well Jesus Christ would not allow his Disciples frailty to be a grief of heart unto them and dare any of you delight to see our hearts troubled Do not malitiously do not over-narrowly watch our steps make us not Offenders for a word be not ye (5) Psa 38.16.56.6 Mark 9.42 Committe-men What wounds the Physitian in this Text bindeth up those expose not ye to open air or if ye do make use of these following salves 2. II. Reply Our thoughts for ought that ye know save your tongues the labor A Father telleth you (1) S. Chrysostom Hom. 5. in 2. Tim. That it is impossible that the heart of him who continually receiveth the words of the heavenly Doctrine should not be affected I will not say it is impossible but I am sure it is (2) Psal 19.7 improbable Self-examination is (3) 2 Cor. 13.5 required from every one Consider now not any Christian whatsoever hath so fair opportunities to look within himself as (4) Lectio assidua purificat omnia S. Aug. Serm. de tempere the Divine hath If we know not our own wickedness if our (5) Lucerna Domini scrutans in conscientia torquens in facinore Bernard sin be not ever before us it is in us who daily consult the Scriptures a daily a repeated quenching of the Spirit It is monstrous in a man of God to give place unto the Devil Can we supplicate for you and forget that we our selves are (6) Gen. 18.27 Dum alium steo meipsum desteo Ambros dust and ashes Our consciences would be very much seared should we (7) Rom. 2.1 complain of your faultiness and cherish our own The more we do search the holy Scriptures the more we do (8) Rom. 7.9 prie into our own lives I say the better we think of the Law of God the worse we think of our selves Gospel-light helpeth us to see many a mote in our (9) Mat. 5.29 2 Cor. 4.6.10.5 right eye then we make a progess in our studies when the fear of the Lord (10) Deut. 17.19 Prov. 2.5 10 11. giveth us understanding And the more we (11) Job 40.4.42.6 see God the viler we find our selves The higher Moses ascendeth upon Mount Sinai the more exceedingly doth he (12) Heb. 12.21 Psal 119.120 fear and tremble Exod. 28. Dress Aaron in his habits and the weight of his own vestments will keep him under Make St. Paul a (13) Rom. 11.13 Gal. 2.8 chief Apostle and he will proclaim himself the (14) 1 Tim. 1.15 chief of sinners St. John was one of those here spoken unto in my Text he professeth he voluntarily (15) 1 John 1.8 professeth That if he should say he had no sin he should be a deceiver St. James was a second of these Apostles he concealeth not that he sinned and that too (16) James 3.2 in many things Nor fell these confessions from a levity of brain but from an inward conviction of guilt For instance ye see a third of these Disciples bursting into tears at the (17) Luke 22.61 very first look he was the chief of the eleven here spoken unto and when Christ had once (18) Luke 5.8 revealed his power unto him he stood off at a distance prostrate because snful Ye therefore among all our Congregations who (19)
troubled Sinner Bethink thy self Jesus Christ his sufferings [3] 1 John 22 are thy pardon Come unto him thou that art heavy laden [4] Mar. 11.28 Christ will ease thee Hate sin that Christ [5] Act. 26.18 may pardon it Did the Lord Christ suffer the death of his body and the fierce wrath of his own Father all to keep thee from Hell and wilt thou again pawn thy Soul unto the Devil [6] 1 Pet. 5.1 for some trifling sin Are fire and brimstone [7] Matth. 25.30 Jude 15. Esay 30.33 2.19 and everlasting darknesse such flea-bitings Are Peace and Glory and [8] Rev. 21.7 everlasting Joy so contemptible that whatsoever the Son of God hath suffered should not at all concern thy soul Cast off thy [9] Dan 4.27 Esay 30.22 sins thine unprofitable sins for for Thee Christ dyed Thy Thy Soul the Mercifull Jesus would pardon Thirst [10] Dan 55.1 Revel 22.17 thirst after Righteousnesse that Christ may impute it Jesus Christ hath [11] Isa 53.4 born thine iniquities and wilt thou pluck them from off His shoulders to again place them upon thine own Oh rather set thy face toward Heaven and look look up upon [12] Zech. 12 10 Him whom Thou hast pierced Let Christ but see once [13] Esay 53.11 of the travel of his Soul and He shall be satisfied and thou too The Son of God dyed and dyed to save thee from thy sins That is one Inducement to force [14] Foelix est periculum ad Deum consuge e. thine heart of unbelief to seek the Lord while he may be found 2. Circumstance Although this was or was near upon Circumstance the same night wherein he was betrayed from the beginning of Chap. 13. unto the end of Chap. 17. Christ taketh much thought not for his dying self but for his sinfull Disciples Sinner it will not repent him that He layed down his life for thy sake if where He hath layed it down there thou wouldest take it up for thy preservation he is solicitous for his own he was not 3. A third Circumstance Three other Evangelists Circumstance three other faithfull Pen-men Jesus Christ had of his most holy Gospel but such a subject as this This the turning of his bowels the unbosoming of his loving Kindnesses so choyce a portion of the Gospel as is this He peculiarly reserveth for his fittest Pen man His bosome Evangelist his beloved Disciple his darling JOHN shall be the Author of this Evangelical Scripture and this purposely that such a desperate Caitiffe as thou hast been may [1] John 20.31 believe and conceive hopes 4 Circumstance The tender compassion of Christ Jesus over the present troubles of these Disciples hearts Circumstance Sinner The heart which melteth to see a wound lanced will never have the power to see a Sword ripping up thine entrails What troubles these Disciples here met with were but only the troubles of this world yet see here the swooning of Christs bowels Tell me Would not Jesus Christ endure that these should perplex their hearts and will he take any pleasure in the eternal torments of thy lost Soul Believe it the merciful Jesus doth not willingly afflict To be gracious he waiteth at thy death he aimeth not Thy Spirit had long since failed before him had not He forborn to strike I tell thee Thy case thy state of unbelief is so desperate that God deferreth his just anger unto the very last minute He knoweth shouldest Thou to Hell once thou art then a lost man for ever After death no redemption Thy sins are so great that Christ would if possible forgive them although thou imaginest not so He would if thou wouldest assent heal all thy back-slidings lest otherwise thy Soul thy wretched Soul should unto all eternity be tormented miserably tormented in Hell in the nethermost Hell If the Disciples afflictions move Christ unto compassion know the vengeance due unto thy sins pierceth his heart Shouldest thou to Goale once thou wouldest be sure to be condemned and executed wherefore ere ever thou art questioned for thy life Thy Jesus would procure for thee the Kings pardon nay He hath procured it and willeth thee to accept it upon the Kings terms Sinner if thou hast grace to believe any one of these Circumstances these Circumstances will be unto thee Life from the dead Secondly Life of comfort for Believers For Believers First against all worldly distresses Against worldly distresses viz. Although the afflictions of the Righteous are [1] Psalm 34.19 many yet [2] 1 Pet. 4.12 think not that strange True as A Child of God in the anguish of her spirit [3] Mr. G. C. in his Epistle before his Sermon at the Funerals of Mrs. A. Childe of Northwick Worcestershire replyed unto her Minister A sharp Visitation seemeth to signifie displeasure but Let not your heart be troubled For First The very same afftictions are [1] Pet. 51 9 accomplished in your Brethren No temptation can take you but such as is [2] 1 Cor. 10.13 Bonus quicquid accidit ei aequo animo feret Sen. Epist 7. common unto men nay unto Saints Art thou afflicted Answ So were Christs chosen Disciples yea so was Jesus Christ Himself even in the compassions of this very Text His heart was troubled then when he said Let not your heart be troubled I say Secondly So kind a Master so loving a Brother is Jesus Christ that he is [1] Heb. 4.15 touched with a sense of our infirmities Who is afflicted and he [2] 2 Cor. 11.29 burneth not I say In all thine afflictions thy dearest Bridegroom is [3] Esay 63.9 afflicted with thee He in this Text forgat his own sufferings although so near at hand that he might [4] Dr. Sibs Sermon on John 14.1 comfort his Disciples in these their troubles Thirdly The same Redeemer who bringeth the trouble layeth this command Let not your heart be troubled Be ye sure now He who [1] John 14.1 Esay 54.5 7 8 40.1 2 Jerem. 31.20 Hos 11.8 9 will not give way that thy heart should be any whit troubled at all will in due time remove what He Himself dis-liketh If thy Plaister [2] Rom. 8.28 Phil. 3.21 hurt it shall be taken off and that quickly Or ever he find out a temptation for thee he will out a way for thy [3] 1 Cor. 10.13 temptations escape rather then thy heart should be over-much troubled What thou canst not [4] Heb. 7.25 Matth. 11.30 12.20 well bear shall never burden thy feeble shoulders Fourthly Suppose thy distresse burdensome I reckon that the sufferings of this [1] Rom. 8.18 present life are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us What yea what are these light afflictions which are but for a [2] 2 Cor. 4.17 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Domum apud Patiâ—â—n habéo camque vòbis
well knew the excellency of her gracious spirit that he aimeth to have our spirits like unto Hers His cost is your benefit His Liberal soul deviseth liberal things and by liberal things may He stand But may you and I glorifie our God [6] Gal. 1 24 in Him And as in Him so in his other Self whose untimely [7] Like Rachels Gen. 35.16 19. untimely not to her but unto us as Phil ip of Macedon spake of his friend Hipparchus Plutarch Apotheg death first gave life unto what you now read One especial matter which setteth forth the prayses of our God consisteth in [1] Psalm 66 16 Veritatem celare est aurum sepelire S. Aug. confess l. 12. what the Lord hath done for his chosen servants Our God is glorified in those divine Histories which tell us how great mercies the Lord poured upon Abraham Moses Joshua Samuel David Solomon c. He is glorified in such Scriptures as mention the prayses of Sarah Rebeccah Deborah Ruth Hannah Abigail and those other Matrons whose good examples are recorded for our learning There were that [2] Mat. 26.8 had indignation at Mary for pouring so precious ointment upon the Head of our Saviour neverthelesse it is the glory of our Saviour that Her prayse is [3] Mat. 26.13 in the Gospel May it likewise be interpreted unto the glory of our God if wheresoever this small Treatise shall finde acceptance there some of those blessings which the Lord vouchsafed unto this religious Gentlewoman be told for a memorial of her To the Right Worshipfull Sir JOHN HALES Baronet Encrease of favour with God and man SIR AMong those affectionate Kinsfolk so uncomfortably withheld from the solemn burial of your pious Aunt YOU her Dearest Nephew were a Chief Her embalmed Corps you did not see her spiced and perfumed Grave you could not attend I am bold therefore to place before you this Specimen of [1] [1] Illa quidem anima in societatem sidelium recepta landes nec curat nec quaerit humanas imitationem quaerit non laudem S. Aug. Epist 125. her Funerals A rough unpolished unhewn Tomb-stone it is a Stone worthy to be rolled away by the same hand which erecteth it Vouchsafe neverthelesse to approach unto it as [2] [2] Tumulum intuens pius esio unto her lively Monument For if the memory of this good Gentlewoman shall remain dear unto you you by delighting to imitate her vertues will partake of Her happinesse past and present You will during life obtain peace and after death life more abundant Dominae Dorotheae Rutter Vera Effigies Martij 21 mo 1661 2 Anno Aetatis suae ult et 31 mo Life more abundant in her lookes you see Picture her Soule a Heav'nly Saint is Shee Sir I willingly promise my self this blessing because it farreth with those good Christians who bury their Friends as it doth with us Ministers when we are crucified with Christ Espy us in the Town you see us in black mourning for the sinfulnesse of the World but meet us in the Temple you finde us in white rejoycing at the purity of the Gospel just so when good Christians have buried their dead if their thoughts reach no further then this World well may they cloath themselves in mourning but let their thoughts follow their dead unto their Fathers House and then their grief and sorrowes are swallowed up in Joy and Rejoycings From my Study April 3d. 1662. COnsider this dear and worthy Gentlewoman first as She was a part of this world next as She was a Member of the Church and thirdly as She is present with the Lord within the mansions in her Fathers House In every of these you will see plentiful matter layed before you for the prayses of Our God First In the things of this Life It is the glory of our God that while he [1] Psalm 17.14 giveth unto the wicked their portion only in this life He is also in the things of this life sometimes bountiful as well unto the [2] Matth. 5.45 just as unto the unjust thus he was unto [3] Gen. 13.2 6 Abraham and thus he was unto this [4] Gal. 3.7 Daughter of Abraham From the Cradle which first danced at the voyce of her cryes unto the grave which now bewaileth her silence little very little cause there was why Her heart should be troubled For instance The more loyal our affections be toward our most gracious Soveraign Lord the King the more honour we have for that Sexe which gave conception and birth unto his sacred Majesties sacred Person Adam he [1] Gen. 3.20 calleth his wives name Evah Why Answ Because she was the Grandmother of Christ in whom all are made alive Beloved Let not the community of a Blessing bury that Blessing in oblivion The Friend of whom we now speak was a Daughter in Israel to wit One of that Sexe which had both the Happinesse and the Honour to bring the Great Redeemer of all mankind into the World As for her lineage I am no Herald yet this I can say as by wedlock she matched into a [1] For she was married unto Michael Rutter of Burton on the Hill in the County of Glou. Esquire worthy Family a Family of a just esteem a Family of a good and [2] See page 117. of the Vale Royal of England viz. The County Palatine of Chester illustrated by Dan. King long descent so She her Self was no Filia terrae It is of God that while one Family is low and obscure another is superiour and exalted This Gentlewoman was of the later and superiour sort She was the branch the off-spring of a very Generous Stock I shall utter more then in other words I can so well expresse if I tell you she was a [3] Of which Family see Dugdals Surveigh of Warwicksh HALES a HALES no way over-reached by any specious pretences of hypocritical Rebels Whereas the honesty of some great Ones is rugged and the seed of their goodnesse unformed for want of an early education it was not so with this Friend she was highly civilized Indeed Her education was as well became Her Eminent birth very singular Furthermore it was as successeful-as exquisite Her wealth was suitable unto her birth The blessing of the Lord made her rich and he added no sorrow with it Her body that body which now sleepeth in Jesus was herein a picture of her soul upright and graceful In the natural endowments of her mind she surpassed many of her equals She had a tenacious memory an elegant fancy a piercing judgement and a deep understanding Her acquired parts were no lesse remarkable She read much and much unto her benefit witnesse her language alwayes apposite witnesse her habitual transcendent elocution and from that again the law of kindnesse which was ever in her lips together with that charity and that piety which so often perfumed her familiar Discourse Although she could not
such a one as by Valerius Maximus lib. 7. Pythagoras was caâ—â—ed Peafectissimum sapientiae opus and as Socrates Humanae sapientiae quasi terresire oraculum and as the same Socrates by Eunapius 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 A living Image of wisdom Blessed were 1 Kings 10.8 Solomons Servaats behold a greater then Solomon is here an Author of those heavenly instructions by which we learn to lead a heavenly conversation while we are here upon earth we who walk by Scripture Rules are followers not of men but of God we are the Disciples not of Zeno or of Plato but of the person speaking in my Text. But Sixthly Godlinesse hath [1] 1 Tim. 4.8 the promise of this life St. John hath some encouragement then to wish the [2] John 2.3 health and wealth of Gajus his body and estate when the soul of Gajus prospereth The earth is [3] Psal 24.1 the Lords and the fulnesse thereof But what doth He with it Answ The precious things of the earth and the fulnesse thereof he giveth unto [4] Deut. 33.16 Josephs seed even unto the seed of them that delight [5] Psal 112.1 2 3 4 greatly in his Commandements Truth it is a mans life consisteth not in [6] Luke 12.15 Psalm 37.16 the abundance of things which he possesseth Rather feed me with food convenient for me then give me Riches saith [7] Pro. 30.8 Agur. But presupposing a plentiful estate of all conditions the best for a true member of the Church a plentifull estate [8] Psal 84.11 1 Cor. 3.22 he shall have Have it he shall but shall not be bound to it I mean he shall be unto it not a [1] Tit. 3.5 James 4.3 Eccles 4.8 servant but a Master Have it he shall and shall also have a [2] Tit. 2.24 5.18 19 power to use it moderately as if he [3] 1 Cor. 7.31 used it not viz. not [4] Psal 52 7 trusting in it neither [5] Psal 49.6 boasting of it nor [6] Psal 62.10 setting his heart upon it Indeed herein is one signal difference betwixt a man that is and a man that is not a faithful subject of the Kingdome of grace He that is not a subject unto the scepter of this Kingdome of grace is so full of usurpation that like one ill-bred he applyeth himself unto Creature-comforts neither [7] and yet Matth. 7.7 8 Leave is light asking leave nor [8] See 1 Thess 5.18 Quis enim non eâ—ubescat gratiam beae de se merentibus non referre cum videat etiam Tobit 6. 1 Sam. 1.3 bestias refugâ—re crimen ingrati D. Ambros lib. 6. Exam c. 4. rendring thanks whereas a man truly gracious enjoyeth the same the very same creatures and comforts which the wicked person doth but he enjoyeth them with (9) Rom. 8.28 Heb. 13.5 1 Tim. 4.4 better security and in greater [10] Rom. 11.36 1 Cor. 10.31 measure then doth the wicked person For instance The sound Believer hath in him so much good manners that he will not once meddle with the Creature unlesse he first obtain the (11) See ver 27.28 leave and good liking of the blessed Creatour Again he hath the wit to make the most and the â—est of this worlds goods namely while he useth these worldly Comforts not according unto his own shallow imagination but accordingly as the good Word of his God (12) Phil. 4.8 instructeth him Furthermore He is so humbly (13) Gen. 18.27 32.10 thankful that in whatsoever he possesseth he seeketh to observe please and credit not (14) Psal 145.11 115.1 1 Chro. 29.11 Jer. 9.23 24 Matth. 16.24 himself but his Lord and Saviour so much duty so much affection oweth he unto his most bountiful God that whether the (15) Job â— 21 22 Lord giveth or the Lord taketh away still he patiently and most contentedly blesseth the name of the Lord. To wit his care is not to (16) Matth. 6.19 lay up for himself treasures here upon earth but how to (17) 1 Pet. 4.11 1 Tim. 4.5 make the best and the most sanctifies use that he possibly can of every present (18) Heb. 13.5 portion wherewith he is already entrusted Mean while as the more he is entrusted the more he endeavoureth to be (19) 1 Cor. 4.2 Luke 16.10 11 12 found faithful so the more faithful he is found the (20) Mat. 25.23 more he is entrusted whereupon it followeth that wealth and riches shall be (21) Psalm 112.3 in his house It is said Riches and honour (1) Pro. 8.18 are with wisdome and justly for no person is so well able to make the best of either riches or honour as is he who is (2) Pro. 9.10 Tit. 1.15 spiritually wise The same Ark which made (3) 1 Sam. 5.6 the hand of God so heavy upon the men of Ashdod was a (4) 2 Sam. 6.12 blessing unto the house of Obed Edom. That Bishop who is a (5) Heb. 13.17 spiritual Over-feer of soules the greater (6) 1 Sam. 1.15 26 1 Kings 18.13 Lord he is the greater (7) 1 Sam. 1.40 2 Chron. 23 11-21 24.2 Prov. 11.10 good he doth and He is most worthy to be a Magistrate who is as (8) Miâ—aâ— 6.8 holy as powerful If when Solomon petitioneth for Wisdome what Wisdome he seeketh he seeketh wot for his own but (9) 1 Kings 3 8-13 for his Gods sake Solomon shall have wealth at will once let it appear that Joseph refuseth to (10) Gen. 39.9 10 sin against God and whatsover Joseph doth (11) Gen. 23. shall prosper Make Abraham a (12) Rom. 4.11 Father of the faithful and Abraham shall (13) Gen. 23.6 fare like a Prince He and Elisha understood what they did when the one would not (14) Gen. 14.23 accept spoiles from the King of Sodom nor the other a (15) 2 Kings 5.15 26 blessing from Naaman I wisse The Possessor of (16) Gen. 14.22 heaven and earth doth (17) Compare Gen. 15.1 with Psa 23.1 118.9 more for us every minute of the day then all the Princes of Syria and Kings of Sodom can do for us in an age Philosophers conclude that wheresoever there is light there is heat Sure I am wheresoever the Gospel shineth as the Sun there (18) Compare Matth. 21.9 with Psal 118.25 See also Psalm 36.8 31.19 1.3 the earth it self will be the warmer The operations of the soul are (1) Eph. 4.23 requisite for the exercise of grace the health of the body (2) Psal 51.8 is subservient unto the operations of the soul food and raiment (3) Matth. 6.25 1 Tim. 6.8 conduce unto the health of the body no marvail then if (4) Deut. 8.4 Nehem. 9.21 all things pertaining unto life are made subordinate unto the things (5) 2 Pet. 1.3 appertaining unto godlinesse See saith Isaac (6) Gen. 27.27 28 The smell
publishing their own corrected labours or in advancing revising contracting and digesting the learned works of other men Oh that I might see (2) Like unto the Hexapla written by Andrew Willet in English Hexapla upon the whole Scriptures Oh that some Evangelical Riverius (3) Imitating Riverius his Practice of Physick would out of the best practical Divines select the case and cure of every soul Fifthly For (1) See Mr. William Durham his Epistle before his Sermon upon James 5.9 the Gospel preached What any Minister of Christ delivereth according to the simplicity of Gods holy Word that not so much the Minister as (2) with Exod. 20.19 Job 33.6 7. and 2 Cor. 4.7 compare Num. 16.5 ii Deut. 18.19 Num. 17.10 1 Sam. 8.7 Mat. 10.40 and Luke 10 16. So long as he keepeth to his Commissiom and delivereth the Counsel of God you cannot despise the work of your Minister but you do therewithal despise the blood of your Saviour Bishop Reynolds pag. 46. of his Pastoral Office Christ himself speaketh for Christ by His (3) 1 Cor. 12.28 Matth. 28.20 Eph. 4 11 12 Ministry now (4) Heb. 12.25 Ephes 2.7 2. Cor. 5.20 speaketh from Heaven O blessed Jesu Thou didst not pray for thy Ministers alone but for (5) John 17.20 them also which shall believe on thee through THEIR word Sixthly For every other Ordinance of Christ administred among us Compare the purity of our Church with the superstitions abroad yea confer (1) 2 Cor. 3.8 9 Gospel worship with the (2) Gal. 4.9 beggarly rudiments of the Law or the (3) 1 Pet. 3.21 laver of Baptism with the (4) Curtis Jadaeis Pers Gen. 17.11 unsightly circumcision of the foreskin of the flesh or the (5) 1 Cor. 11.23 Supper of the Lord with the (6) Exod. 32 8 bitter herbs of the Passeover nay taste the Spirit and life of any Ordinance of Christ you will then (7) Psal 30.4 give thanks unto God at the remembrance of his holinesse Seventhly Let us and all the Churches be thankful for that the (1) John 6.29 1 John 3.23 whole duty of man is to believe in God and his Christ When we hear and believe read and believe meditate and believe then is our heart filled with joy and our lips with prayses I believed therefore (2) 2 Cor. 4.13 have I spoken The (3) James 5.16 prayer of faith how doth it avail The (4) Hab. 2 4 just shall live by his faith yet (5) Gal. 2.20 not he but Christ liveth in him Wisely to (6) Psal 119.66 Matth. 13.56 believe to credit and to trust is noble and heroique then this generous duty what duty can be more desireable except to love which is but (7) Gal. 5.6 faith exercised God he graciously entrusteth the Believer with whatsoever conduceth unto his everlasting good The believer he again doth not only believe but (8) Psal 62.8 Esay 7.9 30.15 Prov. 14.26 Ephes 3.12 Heb. 3.6 trust his God He resteth assured that the Almighty is so just so true that man may safely rely upon the faithful friendlinesse of every proceeding of his and upon his bare word in whatsoever he speaketh no wisdome c. like Gods wisdome c. Between learner and teacher servant and master man and wife c. there is a necessity of trusting of these some or other may betray their trust But seldome will we mistrust a person of honour and as for the word of a King that ye know is sacred among us it were barbarism to give a Prince the lye Oh then where we have Gods word of truth for our warrant and that (9) Joh. 17.3 warrant sealed unto us by Gods Spirit of truth with what full assurance may we (10) Heb. 4.16 repose a stedfast confidence upon our great and loving God Most chearfully can the Believer (11) Credere Joan. 14.1 in Deum est fiduciam habere Zegerus trust his God for the pardon of all his sins for the supply of all his wants for the acceptance of his person and of his endeavours for the reward promised unto every duty c. Things temporal are not more visible to thine eye then (12) Heb. 11.1 things spiritual are to his faith All have (13) Rom. 3.23 sinned and come short of the glory of God Christians wherein soever we sin therein our faith faileth us viz. We do not (14) Psal 111 7 119.66 151 86.172 believe the commandement by us broken to be so good for us so advantageous to us as (15) Deut. 6.24 10.13 in truth it is There neither is nor can be any sin which is not accompanied with unbelief On the other side the greater our faith the lesse we disobey that is the lesse we come short of the glory of God Eighthly If the life of faith [1] Hab. 2.4 be a life so desirable what thanks is due from us unto our God for that [2] Rom. 1.4 holy that [3] 1 Pet. 4.14 blessed spirit of his by which [4] 2 Cor. 4.13 alone we are enabled to believe By Him is sanctified the [5] 2 Thes 2.13 use of all that is before us Our [6] Matth. 5.6 thirst after righteousnesse maketh us to rellish righteousnesse the better The waters of salvation which we draw we draw with [7] Esay 12.3 joy The breasts which we suck are breasts of [8] Esay 66.11 consolation We [9] Esay 38.16 live and the spiritual life which we lead is [10] Rom. 8 6 pleasant unto us We have bread from heaven to feed upon and a [11] Jer. 31.25 spiritual taste to delight us while we feed We are a people [12] Psa 75.1 14.14 Rom. 13.11 near unto the Lord We are not amused as those Disciples were [13] Luke 9.33 Matth 17.6 before whom the person speaking in my Text was transfigured no our eyes are [14] Num. 24.3 Luke 24.31 open we [15] Phil. 3.12 apprehend that for which also we are apprehended We are not layed in a trance as [16] Acts 9.4 10.10 22.17 Saul was then when the Lord converted him God doth not cast us into [17] Gen. 2.20 21 a dead sleep as he did Adam while he raiseth a [18] Psalm 89.19 help meet for us rather he giveth us [19] Mat. 13.17 1 Cor. 2.7 10 Ephes 3.9 10 Col. 1.26 27 1 Pet. 1.12 free leave to look on and to contemplate the wisdome of his power He doth not snatch us from unbelief to eternal blisse in a moments space but he giveth us leisure to inform our selves of all those mysteries which his holy Gospel revealeth We are not taken up in a whirl-wind but we walk with God and gently passe from death to life We are entertained in this Kingdome of grace with the [20) Psalm 84.2 Heb. 9.28 2 Pet. 3.13 Heb. 13.14 Rom. 8.24 Jer. 31.17 interview of glory to come We
in being such as every one of you ought to be viz. sound believers and zealous Followers of Christ Jesus our Lord. Consider the persons spoken unto in my Text that they were chosen Disciples called to be Apostles and Ministers we have already understood but withal we may observe that they had more troubles then the other Disciples had We may further note that although a chief part of their troubles arose from their office and Ministery yet a chief part of their Relief and Comfort arose unto them not from their being peculiar Apostles Disciples and Ministers of Christ but from their being such as you we trust are viz. followers of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. When our blessed Saviour comforteth them Let not your heart be troubled he doth not add Ye have the credit of being chosen Ministers ye have the honour of being great Apostles but ye believe in God He doth not bid them remember their preheminencies but believe in me neither doth he tell them In the Ministry of the Gospel is no small honour but In my Fathers house are many Mansions Now Faith in God Faith in Christ the Mansions in heaven are not peculiar unto Gospel-Ministers as Ministers (4) This one name Christian bindeth us a together leadeth us all hand in hand toward Heaven G. H. Serin on Numb 17.18 but common to Gospel-Profsessors as Believers Having therefore so fully considered the persons here spoken unto as they were called unto the Ministery of the Gospel I shall in the next place review them under that Notion which much more concerneth their Everlasting peace I shall consider them as called unto the Faith of the Gospel And this ye may justy expect from my hands For we were only in the Context when we found the persons here spoken unto chosen Ministers we find them professed Believers in the Text it self So many of you as believe in God so many of you as believe in Christ let not your heart be troubled In my Fathers house are many Mansions as well for you his Elect as for his Apostles themselves PArtly because our Saviour had with so much ease conveighed himself from the Jews Universal unto the Professors of the Gospel (1) Joh. 5.16.7.30.8.20.11.8.10.31 39.19.11 whensoever the Jews most malitiously attempted to kill him and partly because when at last our Saviour did not (2) Mat. 26.53 54. escape but suffer death the Traitors heart was so manifestly (3) Mat. 27.3.5 overcome with sorrow some (4) Jansea Concord Evan. cap. 140. pitifully conjecture that had it once entered into his thoughts that Jesus might not have delivered himself as well (5) Joh. 18.6 12. at this as at former (6) Joh. 10.31 39. times Judas would not for any (7) Mat. 26.15 moneys have betraied his Master Thus some fancy But First since Iscariots hand was in (1) John 12.6 what moneys he lost in the Spiknard he was (2) Mat. 26. V. 8. compared with v. 14. resolved he would gain by his Treason Secondly What good affection a [3] John 12.6 Thief had for an honest Master I know not Thirdly The Traitor could not [4] Mat. 16.21 be ignorant that the same Jews which bought his Master would with wicked hands crucifie him Fourthly as his covetous heart could not brook to see any cost go beside his bag so neither could his Hypocritical heart brook it that he was (5) John 6.70.13.26 Mat. 26.23 24 25. layed so open before his Fellow-Disciples Fifthly Of this I am sure the (6) Psal 41.5 9.109.4 5 16. Scriptures concerning him could not but be fulfilled Sixthly This ye will all say (7) 1 Cor. 16.22 If any man love not the Lord Jesus let him be accursed Judas he loved not the Lord Jesus he was [8] Joh. 15.25 his adversary without a cause He (9) Psal 41.9.109.5 rewarded him evil for good he lifted up his heels against his [10] Joh. 13.18 Head he was a very [11] Joh. 6.70 Devil unto him Therefore Judas was not ignorant but malicious not upright but a Thief not sincere but a Hypocrite not a Convert but a Caitiffe he loved not the Lord Jesus and was therefore a [12) Joh. 17.12 son of Perdition Now in as much as Judas is found to be a son of perdition he is utterly excluded from the comforts of this Text When Christ saith Let not your heart be troubled he speaketh not to Judas who (1) Joh. 13.30 left him but unto the Disciples who abode with him Here is therefore matter to be applied unto all of you and unto none of you First Unto none of you viz. Unto none of you in my Text unto you that are none of Christs Next Vnto all of you viz. Unto all of you in my Text unto all of you who are true Disciples of Christ unto all of you Disciples who faithfully continue sincere Followers of Christ To proceede then The person here speaking in my Text is one who is a Teacher sent from God To Unbelievers whom it one who rightly divideth the Word of Truth one who distributeth unto each his due portion one who separateth between the goats and the sheep between the chaff and the wheat between the vile and the precious as he will not break the bruised Reed will not quench the smoaking flax so neither will he speak peace unto the wicked Mention a Hypocrite and he shall have [1] Mat. 24.51 weeping and wailing and gnashing of teeth Find out a Generation of Vipers and they shall [2] Mat. 23.32 fill up the measure of their Fathers guilt In my Text here Your is exclusivè ye who abide constant Followers let not your heart be troubled But as for Judas who [3] Joh 13.30 is departed from me well were it [4) Mat. 26.24 for him had he never been born let him do [5] Joh. 13.37.30 what he listeth let him go [6] Joh. 13.30 where he will let his heart be [7] Mat. 27 3. troubled let his heart be troubled till he [8] Mat. 27 5. On which see Hammond and on Act. 1.18 burst again Thus the same Gospel which publisheth glad Tidings unto you who continue Christs unfeigned Disciples the same writteth bitter things against you that forsake your own Mercy Methinketh the Genius of this present Text is much like unto that good Angel specified [1] Mat. 28.2 by S. Matthew such as seek for Iesus them it [2] Mat. 28.5 gratifieth them it filleth with holy [3] Mat. 28.8 fear them it filleth with great [4] Mat. 28.8 joy But as for the enemies of Christ them it [5] Mat. 28.4 shaketh of them it maketh [6] Mat. 28.4 so many dead men at the [7] Mat. 27.60 door of their heart it findeth a great [8] Mat. 27.60 stone a great stone [9] Mat. 27.66 sealed a great sealed stone [10] Ibid. watched and warded
First Shaketh This Scripture shaketh Unbelieuers from their vain Delusions Subterfuges and Shifts Thou who Iudas-like From their Shifts gaddest so much about to change thy way from bad to worse if worse may be Methinketh I know thy thoughts which come into thy mind every one of them but shall (1) Jer. 16.20 a man make gods unto himself and they are no gods or wilt thon (2) Jer. 51.26 25 24. hew unto thy self a stone for a corner or a stone for a foundation out of a burnt a destroying a Babylonish mountain Now that thou art within thine own view numbred among the enemies of Christ thou wouldest but they are but vain thoughts thou wouldest as one (3) Jer. 17.9 desperately wicked sear thy conscience with a hot Iron thou wouldest give thy self over unto thine own hearts lust one nay peradventure each of these three evils thou wilt flee unto who shall be sorry for thee thou wilt with the Adder stop thine ear against God or if thou give him the hearing thou wilt with the serpent open thy mouth against God or if thon bite in thy lips thou wilt with Lucifer exalt thy heart against God Lest they should tingle at the hearing of all those evils which menace thine unregenerate estate 1. Subterfuge shaken thou foolishly stopest thine ears like the Adder a vermine already like thy self sentenced (1) Gen. 3.14 to the dust and laden with curses I say lest thou shouldest see thine own loathsomness thou turnest away thine eyes thou dost (2) Andabatarum more Job 15.12 Mat. 13.15 wink and fight against God wicked thou hast been and to drown the clamour of thy conscience wicked wilt thou be even forcing thy self upon (3) Jer. 8.6 thine unwarrantable practices as the horse turning his course rusheth into battle but shalt thou (4) Psal 56.7 escape by thine iniquity No no rash soul this is nothing else but to leap from the checks of a frying conscience into the flames of everlasting burnings as the guilty soul of Judas did forlorn wretch Who (5) Job 9.4 hath hardened his heart against God and hath prospered Thereafter as a man feareth so is (6) Psal 90.11 Gods displeasure a heart that (7) Isa 66.5 trembleth moveth pity and the heart of (8) Ezek. 11.19 flesh may (9) Psal 51.17 receive a healing wound but where the heart continueth stony there Christ that (10) Dan. 2.34 mountanous stone falleth with his full weight he (11) Mat. 21.44 grindeth such a heart to mere pouder if thou set briers and thorns in (12) Isa 27.4 against him he will be unto thee a consuming fire I hope thou wilt take watning by Judas he (13) Mat. 26.24 John 6.70.13.21 27. neglected many a fair hint which Christ gave him Oh imitate not the stupidity of him the deafness of him whose (14) Prov. 28.9 end thou darest not think of do not (15) 1 Cor. 10.22 provoke the Lord to anger as he did If a servant if a slave spake unto thee thou wouldest vouchsafe an ear even unto him and darest thou (16) Jer. 5.22 stop thine ear darest thou (17) Jer. 32.33 turn thy back when the God of heaven calleth Be not another Judas give ear and hearken unto Christs words (18) Mat. 4.17 for the mouth of this Lord hath (19) Prov. 1.24 c. 2. Subterfuge shaken spoken 2. A meer (1) Marcus Aurelius heathen could pronounce it equal and just That who so is willingly led into sin should be against his will drawn unto punishment and Truth (2) 2 King 7.9 revealeth That every sin is a vengeance unto it self while one and the same word therefore signifieth the evil of punishment because it (3) Gen. 4.7.19.15 2 Sam. 12.13 Isa 6.7 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 signifieth the evil of sin and fitly for as the disunion of the (4) James 2 26 soul from the body is the death of the body so the disunion of good from the soul is the (5) Gen. 2.17 death of the soul wherefore impossible it is that a reasonable Creature should (6) Pro 8.36.14.14 Gen. 20.3 Deut. 30 15. Numb 32.23 chuse sin and refuse death yet thou who (7) Joh. 8.24 1 Cor. 2.14 continuest a very natural fain thou wouldest lay the blame of thy unbelief not upon thine own unregenerate heart but upon the permission of the holy God even of that God who not only (8) Josh 24.15 leaveth thee unto thy free choice but doth also by way of (9) Prov. 8.1 c. prevention (10) Joh. 15.5 instruct nay (11) Neh 9.13 Psal 119.86 Hos 8.12 Act. 17.30 1 Tim 2.4 faithfully command thee for thy good Thou such is thine ignorance standest upon terms Who may say unto a King what dost thou yea no servant is allowed to (12) Tit. 2.9 gainsay his Master yet hast thou the face to (13) Rom. 9.20 reply against thy Lord the King thy King and thy God! whereas it is thy (14) Deut. 4.6 wisdom not to contest but to obey thou instead of fulfilling his good pleasure murmurest and disputest why sayst thou why (15) Rom. 9.19 doth he yet complain Unadvised wreth for shame leave the great God (16) Deut. 29.29 unto the counsel of his own will However know Caitiffe thou canst not ask Who hath resisted his Will for thou hast Rom. 3.23 The Will of God was (17) Gen. 2.17 that thou shouldest not destroy thy self by trying conclusions with the forbidden fruit but even (18) Gens humana ruit per vetitum nifas Rom 7.9 Psalm 58.3 Deut. 29.4 unto this day taste of it thou wilt God for his part (19) Ezek. 33.11 desireth not thy death but thou wo wo unto thee saith the Lord God thou hast (20) Isa 63 3 4 chosen death rather then life He earnesty endeavouring thy preservation vehemently calleth out Why (21) Ezek 18 31 wilt thou die for thy part answer (22) Rom 13 9 thou him if thou canst Judas was indeed a son of perdition but his (23) Hos 13 9 3 Subterfuge shaken perdition was from himself 3. Now that the worm gnawing thine evil conscience hath smitten this gourd also guilt seemeth to turn bank-rupt and so whispereth unto thee as if thy sinfulness were now so beyond all pardon that it were now to no purpose to serve the Lord Well I will not extenuate thy guilt for what (1) Joh 27 8 is the bope of the Hypocrite and what is tby strength that thou (2) Joh 6 11 9 2 3 shouldest hope yet say not thy sins are more then God can pardon but speak truth say thy sins are more then thou wilt part with When Israel (3) Jer 2 25 exclamed There is no hope God drew aside his Vizard and called unto him With-hold thy foot from being unshod and thy throat from thirst just so thou if