The Throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it and his Servants shall serve him Then they shall serve him and not their Enemies any more and they shall serve him in-deed Now his Servants in name do serve other Lords Hypocrites go for the Servants of God but then his Servants shall serve him All Servants in name shall serve him indeed that is all shall serve him in sincerity so his Servanâ—s shall serve him throughly and to purpose 'T is so little Service that God hath now from his Servants that they can hardly be said to serve him but when they are before the Throne of the Lamb then shall Christ have abundantly more Service from his Saints As there shall be more light more warm Affections heat of Love in a high degree So there shall be much better Service Quest Shall there be a keeping of a Sabbath in the new Jerusalem the Holy City 't is said thus no Temple there no Sun nor Moon No Ordinances because the presence of the Lamb shall supply them and so make them useless and if no Ordinances then no First-day-Sabbath but every day a Sabbath Answ We must distinguish between the Holy City New Jerusalem and the Nations of them that shall be saved and shall walk in the light of it Rev. 21.24 Who bring their Glâ—ry and Honour into it mentioned Chap. 20.9 That is the Nations of them that shall be saved in the time of the Thousand Years as it is the same word which is used for the Congregation of Israel when they went out of Egypt travelling towards Canaan In like manner in the time of the Thousand Years besides the beloved City there will be a Camp of Saints there will be saved Nations called and converted then travelling towards the Holy City The Law shall go forth from Sion and the wâ—rd of the Lord from Jerusalem And they do walk in this light towards it Now in the beloved City Ordinances cease and the keeping of one day in seven ceases but in the Camp of the Saints c. amongst the Nations saved and walking in the light of the New Jerusalem there will be Ordinances and the keeping of the Sabbath in manner as is here prescribed Uses If there ought to be so strict an observation of the Sabbath day then how short do men come of the keeping of it Where are the Persons to be found that walk on the Sabbath according to this Rule 1. How loose are some in their Principles in writing and speaking against a Divine Institution of it as if there were not ground for the keeping of it but from Custom and the Commands of Men and so it shall be but the Holy of Men and not the Holy of the Lord whereas this is that which makes it H nourable and is the ground why we should call it Honourable because it hath the stamp of Divine Authority upon it And it 's Christ that is the Lord of it and not Man 2. And what loosness is in the practice of almost all Who be they that turn their Feet the Feet of the Body and Soul from it Where are any to be found that do not find their pleasure and speak their own words c. 2. Learn what reason there is to long for that glorious Reformation which shall be in the World As the Creatures groan to be delivered for the bondage of Corruption and from being in such bondage to Men's lusts who do abuse them so much to the dishonour of God and make them the matter of Sin So those that have the first fruits of the Spirit should groan within themselves waiting for the Adoption That is as they that believe have the power of Sons so they should wait for the Inheritance of Sons and long to have more of the Spirit of Sons that thereby they may be enabled as in their whole course to carry themselves as Sons towards their Heavenly Father So on the Lord's day they may come before the Lord in that Holy Spiritual and Heavenly frame which is here required What a blessed time will that be when he that is feeble and fails so much in Duties shall be as David the Man after God's own heart doing all his will Christ advised the Jews to pray that their flight might not he on the Sabbath-day Many times there is flying on the Sabbath-day and this is sad times Sometimes there is flying from Meetings flying from Duties for fear of Enemies and too often our Hearts on that day are flying away from God and the duties of his worship upon the wings of worldly thoughts and affections A happy time will it be with the Saints when there shall be no flying on the Sabbath no flying upon the wings of fear nor no flying upon the wings of worldly love but then David's wish shall be fulfilled to those that shall serve the Lord and David their King and fear the Lord and his goodness They shall have the wings of the Dove wherewith they shall fly to the Holy Spiritual Soul-refreshing rest of the Sabbath and fly to Heaven to the Throne of God and the Lamb c. Use 2. Exhortation Let that Holy Spiritual Strict Observation of the Sabbath which shall be hereafter be your pattern now 1. It will be a good evidence of your being in Covenant and of the truth and reality of Grace when you can thus holily and spiritually keep a Sabbath to the Lord. This is the Man that is likely to perform the duties of his Calling on other days to the honour of the Lord he will work he will Buy and Sell he will Plow and Sow he will Eat and drink to the honour of God and he will be careful that his business in the World be acted in Religion Isa 56.1 2. Keep Judgment do Justice Keep the Sabbath from polluting it The former comprehends the duties of the Second Table the latter the duties of the First So necessary is it to the right worshipping of God to keep a Sabbath that this is put for and made comprehensive of all the duties of God's worship 2. Thus shall you be the better prepared for a Storm For as here are Promises of being above troubles of riding on the High places of the Earth c. So hence you may conclude you shall have protection under trouble The true worshippers who worship God in Spirit and rejoyce in Christ Jesus may have great confidence and peace in their hearts in such a day Psa 27.4 5. One thing have I desired of the Lord c. In the time of trouble he shall hide me in his Pavillion in the secret of his Tabernacle c. Those that come to his pavillion-love to be where God is and to be near him and to have communion with him c. When the Woman is in the Wilderness she is nourished there and when a stream comes and the Dragon casts out a flood out of his Mouth to swallow her up the Earth shall help her
it shall be to those The Reading in the Margin is very considerable for he shall be with them the unclean shall not be there because the Lord shall be with them there as before the Lord their Righteousness the wayfaring men tho' Fools shall not err therein Tho' in themselves Fools without Divine teaching yet being taught of God they shall not err Verse 9. No Lyon shall be there nor any Ravenous Beast shall go up thereon None to affright them out of those Paths but the Redeemed shall walk there and as here Dwell there They shall be Pillars in the Temple of God and go no more cut Rev. 3.12 We read of lively Stones 1 Pet. 20.4 made so by coming to Christ the living Stone so are Saints the Materials of the Church Stones but living Stones seeing Stones upon one Stone was Seven Eyes Zech. 3.9 So hearing Stones speaking Stones and walking Stones so these Pillars shall be lively Pillars walking Pillars going in the House of God but never going out of its Paths they shall be Paths to dwell in 6. Verse 14. I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the Earth thou shalt get above all former troubles and Persecutions Rev. 17.7 The Woman the Mother of Harlots hath a Beast carrying her on which she rides having Seven Heads and Ten Horns and this Woman Verse 15. Sitteth on People Multitudes Nations and Tongues on these she rides they carry her and on those she rides over the Saints and treads them down who are the true worshippers and rides over their backs This Woman rides upon the High places and High Persons of the Earth which carry this Woman giving up their strength and power to the Beast which is called before the Woman here 's a Beast riding over the true worshippers whose condition is suitable to what is said Isa 51.23 They said to thy Soul bow down that we may go over and thou hast laid thy Body as the ground and as the street to them that went over The great Whore says to the Soul bow down and would have them submit their Souls and Consciences to her and to receive her Doctrine Commands c. But observe when Souls are call'd for the Saints will not yield them to bow down but thou hast laid thy Body as the ground Saints chuse to have their Bodies trodden down rather then to bow down to an Idol with their Souls This hath been long the condition of the true witnesses and so will whilst the Woman rides but what is said there I will take the Cup of trembling out of thy hands and put it into the hands of them that afâ—â—ict thee which say thus to thy Soul Observe Rev. 17.16 The Ten Horns that is the Ten Kings that give up their power and strength to the Beast shall hate the Whore shall throw off their Rider and shall make her desolate and naked and eat her Flesh and burn her with Fire And then shall the true Church ride upon the High places and be above former troubles How was this fulfilled to the Jews after their return from Babylon when they were subject to their Enemies and had seldom any breathing time from their troubles Doubtless then this Prophecy looks far beyond these times 7. 'T is Promised and Prophecied I will feed thee with the Heritage of Jacob thy Father Q How doth this prove that this Prophecy respects Gospel-times and in special those times when the Jews shall be called Ans Thus. When the Jews came out of Babylon it was but Judah that returned And so one upon the place who would understand it only of the Jews returning from Babylon straitens the sence thus The Heritage here meant is the land of Canaan part of which was the Land of Judah and so when 't is said to ride upon the High places of the Earth by Earth in general saith he we are to understand the Land of Judah in particular But observe the promise is I will feed thâ—e with the Heritage of Jacob thy Father and it was the whole Land of Canaan was Jacob's Inheritance and so the Promise of being fed thus includes the calling and bringing back of the Ten Tribes when the stick of Joseph and Judah shall become one Jacob gave all his Sons an Inheritance in Canaan and now when this Prophecy shall be fulfilled then all the Tribes shall be called and have their Lot as is fore-told Ezek ult Now observe as it appears that these Promises have respect to the Gospel times so the condition of them is a strict observation of the Sabbath-day under the Gospel And so in this Prophecy of the Old Testament we find a Jus Divinum for the Christian Sabbath which may well go under its old and first Name though another also be given it under the New Testament The Lord's day which now we are to observe by vertue of the Fourth Commandment tho' the day be changed and the Fourth Commandment does require us now to observe the first day of the week that being made a Christian-Sabbath by divine appointment as much as it did the Jews to observe the seventh day which may be cleared by an Instance in the Second Commandment which hath a negative part not to make any graven Image forbidding Men to institute and appoint ways of Divine Worship and an affirmative part requiring us to worship God in these ways and in the use of these Ordinances which he hath commanded So under the Law the Second Command did bind Men to observe the Ordinances of Circumcision the Passover and offering Sacrifices And now under the Gospel it bind us to observe Gospel Ordinances as Baptism the Lord's Supper c. But the Second Commandment remains the same only hath different respects so the Fourth from the beginning and under the Law did oblige to the observing of the seventh day and now the first day yet the Command is in matter the same there 's no change in the Command only it hath different respects Quest How doth this change appear and how will it be made out that Christ commanded the observation of the first day Answ It 's evident there was Apostolical and Christian practice of it in the Primitive times and so ever since then were the solemn meettings for Worship Act. 20.7 Upon the first day of the week when the Disciples came together to break Bread Paul Preached unto them till midnight And then Collections were made for the Poor 1 Cor. 16.2 As on the first day of the wâ—ek when Christ rose the Disciples were assembled Jesus came and stood in the midst of them so from this time this was kept as the Christian-Sabbath and it may be well thought that Christ commanded the Apostles to observe it Act. 1.2 3. Christ gave Commands by the Holy Ghost unto the Apostles and spake of the things pertaining to the Kingdom of God Now this is a great thing that pertains to the Kingdom of God upon Earth or if Christ
lowest and meanest Prudence orders the way and means foâ— bringing about that which Wisdom judgeth best to bâ— dâ—ne Prudence is the Guide of Action and s conversant in doing Wisdom counsels and consider Prudence puts upon working that which counsel determines He worketh all things after the counsel of his own will Eph. 1.11 Wisdom is conversant in counsel Prudence in working after that counsel Many men have a great measure of Wisdom and knowledge but they rest in knowing and content themselves in Speculation there is mention of a Servant who knew his Master's will and did it not His Wisdom did not dwell with Prudence he that knoweth to do good and doth it not to him it is sin 't is not so with Christ his Wisdom dwells with Prudence nay he is Wisdom c. Prov. 8.14 As he knows how to do good so he doth it He knows how to convince gain-sayers he knows how to Justifie Sanctifie and Save and how to subdue and destroy his Enemies The pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hand Thus Wisdom dwells with Prudence and finds out knowledge of witty Inventions The Scripture discovers many of the witty Inventions of Wisdom dwelling with Prudence foretelling and promising more 1. What a wise Invention was the World the Heavens the Earth and all the Host of them These Works of the Lord are great and to be sought out when we consider the Heavens the work of God's hand the Moon and the Stars which he hath created the Earth and variety of Creatures therein but especially man in the frame of his Body but chiefly his Soul There will be abundant cause of admiring the witty inventions of Wisdom dwelling with Prudence and we may say of all they are fearfully and wonderfully made 2. When man was fallen by the subtil inventions of Satan what a witty Invention came forth of Wisdom dwelling with Prudence to recover man fallen The Seed of the Woman shall break the Serpents head Gen. 3.15 3. When the World was to be destroyed by a Flood what a witty invention was there of Wisdom dwelling with Prudence to save Noah and his Family and a stock of all living creatures in the Ark 1 Pet. 3.20 4. When Joseph's Brethren had their witty inventions to make void his Dreams then wisdom dwelling with Prudence had its witty inventions to accomplish them and herein to be admired that their wicked inventions intended by them to frustrate were made the means to further the fulfilling of them Gen. 50 2â— 5. When Pharaoh thought he saw an advantage against the Israelites they are intangled in the Land the Wilderness hath shut them in and now he resolves to pursue and overtake c. But what a witty invention was there of Wisdom dwelling with Prudence for the Salvation of Israel and utter destruction of Pharaoh and his Host at once by the same invention Exod. 14. 6. When Haman had a mischievous invention to destroy the Jews Wisdom dwelling with Prudence had a witty invention to save them and to cut off Haman Esther 6.7 7. There was a witty invention to cut off those three Shadrach Meshach and Abednego by setting up an Image and commanding them to worship it and because they would not worship it they were cast into the fiery Furnace but then Wisdom dwelling with Prudence that is the Son of God appeared in the Furnace and walked with them in the midst of the Fire restraining it that it had not power upon their Bodies or Garments only as we may conceive it did burn up their Bonds for they were cast in in Bonds but walked loose which is worthy of our Observation in that it hints to us God's great design in the fiery Trial at any time happening to the Saints which is to burn up their bonds Lusts within are Bonds these will the Lord consume by the fiery Trial and too often outward things as Riches Glory Prosperity are like the hands of the whorish Woman that is bonds to the Soul which sometimes are loosed by the fiery Trial and what is Death to Saints but the loosing of the bonds of the mortal body that so the Soul may go to its rest Hence Paul â—ays Phil. 1.23 I desire to be dissâ—lved to be unbound to be let loose and to be with Christ which is much better And the design of destâ—oying Daniel in the Dâ—n of Lions was frustrated and ended in the destruction of the contrivers Here we may see 1. That there are Inventions within Inventions of Wisdom dwelling with Prudence within Satans and wicked men's inventions 2. The inventions within that is of Christ are the standing inventions Many are the devices of men's hearts saith Solomon but the counsel of the L rd shall stand Christ's inventions do oveâ—-rule and over come all Satan's and wicked men's inâ—entions As 1. Sometimes making them prove abortive destroying the Wisdom of the Wife and bringing to nothing the understanding of the Prudent 2 Setting them their bounds thus far shâ—ll â—hey come and no farther and here shall theiâ— pâ—oud waves be stayed c. 3. Giving them their tendency which is many times directly contrary to what men aim at making them serve to the Author's destruction men have perished and will perish by their own inventions and fall by their own counsel the Lord will be known by his Judgments herein and his Wisdom must triumph over all the Wisdom of Hell and the World But 1. Of all the witty inventions of Wisdom dwelling with Prudence the most Glorious is that of the Word being made Flesh and so made sin that sinners may be made the Righteousness of God in him Satan had a Subtile invention to destroy the the Lord a more witty invention to save men what an invention was here that one Person should be God-man Creator and Creature Off-spring of David and Root of David his Son and yet his Lord The Salvation of Sinners seemed utterly impossible God had said a sinner must dye There was an invention of fulfilling this Law upon a Surety which undertook for man As an Infinite Person was offended so there must be an infinite satisfaction and price of an infinite value without which man could not be reconciled to God what a glorious invention was here The Surety undertaking this was an infinite Person equal with the Father he gave a life of an Infinite Value he had in the humane nature united to him A Body hast thou prepared me It was the Body of the Son of God and so a Sacrifice of Infinite Value the Priest offering the Sacrifice was infinite the Son of God the Altar Sanctifying the Gift was the Divine Nature What an invention was it for the redeeming of lost man The Incarnation of Christ the Hypostatical union was the chief of the witty inventions of Wisdom dwelling with Prudence 2. The next is the mystical union betwixt Christ and the Vessels of Mercy who are joyned to the Lord and become one Spirit with him being
Christ have cause to fear him because of his wisdom when Saul saw that David behaved himself very wisely he was afraid of him 1 Sam. 18.15 5. Walk circumspectedly not as Fools but as wise Eph. 5.15 walk as wise before him that hath such Riches of wisdom when we are amongst wise men we will speak and act as wisely as we can much more being before the wise Lord of Heaven and Earth be wiâ—e to consider the day of visitation the things of Peace be exact in our walkings and doings have Eyes before behind and within as the beasts have Rev. 4.6 8. the Body hath not so but the Mind should look before to see the Lord before us his will and Glory look to the Joy before us look behind to see what we were in the Flesh and to Satan pursuing the world persecuting have Eyes within to see our failings imperfections wants and what is amiss within us 6. Let there be Wisdom dwelling within you so as 't is with Christ that is we should know and do know and obey know and love if ye know these things happy are ye if ye do them John 13.17 Be doers and not hearers only otherwise knowledge will but aggravate sin and increase Judgment As we should have Eyes within before and behind so also Wings Rev. 4.8 we should make haste and not delay to keep the Righteous Judgments of God CHAP. VI. THere are in Christ Riches of Power Job 9.4 He is Wise in Heart and mighty in Strength not only strong but mighty in strength he excels therein so that the strongest Creatures have no strength in comparison of him verse 19. If I speak of strength lo he is strong what do we speak of the strength of Men Sampson Goliah and David's worthies c. he hath strength worthy of praise lo he is strong Solomon was a type of Christ in Wisdom David in his glorious Conquests so Sampson in his strength 1. There is his Power and Strength as he is God the Lord God Omnipotent all thinngs are possible to his Power by this he weigheth the Mountains in Scales and the Hills in a Ballance and takes up the Isles as a very little thing to which the Power of the Nations is nothing yea less than nothing and vanity Isa 40.17 2. There is the Power as Mediator thus 1. There is the Power of his Death which may be called the weakness of Christ but yet stronger than Man than Satan than the World than Sin there is a conquering Power of his Death Heb. 2.14 By Death he destroyed him that had the Power of Death that is the Devil in his works Kingdom c. Satan had his power by means of Sin and that being satisfied for there is Redemption from his power The Death of Christ was not so destroying to Christ's own as to Satan's Kingdom and to the old Man which was Crucified with Christ when a dead-Man touched the bones of Elisha he was raised to live 2 Kings 13.21 and much more when Christ dying is touched by Faith those that are dead shall live Rom. 5.10 We were reconciled to God by the Death of his Son and if there be so great a Power in his Death what is the Power of his Life If so great a Power of Christ Crucified what is the Power of Christ Crowned If so great a Power of Christ in the Grave what is the Power of Christ on the Throne of his Glory 2. There is the Power of his Resurrection Phi. 2.10 That I may know him and the Power of his Resurrection which hath a justifying Power He was raised for our Justification Rom. 4.25 As the bonds of his Death were loosed and Prison Doors opened so this declared he had paid the uttermost Farthing and thereby the bonds of Captivity were loosed to the Vessels of Mercy who being under the bonds of Guilt were loosed thereby and enlarged There 's a raising Power of his Resurrection a saving Power of his Life Christ quickened becomes a quickning Spirit Because he lives the Elect shall live also John 14.19 He is a quickning Spirit to the Soul that is Planted in the likeness of his Resurrection and shall be to the Body the same Spirit by which he was quickened shall quicken your mortal Bodies Rom. 8.11 what a glorious Power is this And what reason had Paul to desire so much the Power of his Resurrection and how happy are they that have the experimental knowledge of it 3. There is the Power that Christ hath with the Father in his Mediation and Intercession If Jacob had Power with God then how much more Christ who could say I know thou always hearest me let me alone said the Lord to Moses c. Exod. 32.10 What was this but to shew what Power Christ as Mediator hath to hinder Divine Wrath from consuming Sinners having taken it upon himself he saves from wrath such as believe in him as on the other side he hath Power to draw forth wrath against Antichrist and all his Enemies Rev. 8.3 5. The golden Censer is filled with Fire and cast into the Earth This is a sweet consideration for true Believers that 't is Christ their Head Saviour Redeemer c. who hath Power to dispense good and evil Grace and wrath having a loosing and binding Power in some sort in relation to the Fathers Love and Wrath. 4. Christ hath Power over himself and his own wrath Num. 14.17 When the People murmured because of the evil report brought upon Canaan and the Lord threatned to destroy them Moses makes intercession Let the Power of my Lord be great as thou hast said the Lord gracious c. and now pardon the Iniquities of thy Servants When the Lord pardons he hath Power over his own wrath when men are offended and provoked they have not always Power to keep themselves from revenge Simeon and Levi had not Power over their own wrath which Jacob cursed because 't was cruel but the Lord hath Power over his Wrath to turn it from believing convinced humbled repenting sinners when the Lord knows and we know also our manifold transgressions and mighty sins Amos 5.12 'T is comfortable to know that the Lord hath a mighty Power to pardon even mighty sins as Christ lays hold on the Fathers strength so we may on his and make Peace Isa 27.9 5. Christ hath Power over Men's Heart 1. Of the Elect to change them and to turn them from sin unto God to take away the heart of Unbelief the heart of stone he can humble the proud heart and make the rebellious heart to yield How soon can Christ make us other Men Saul why Persecutest thâ—u me I am Jesus and what said Saul Lord what wouldest thou have me to do Acts 9.4.6 2. Of wicked men he can bind up and bound their Malice he can melt and incline their hearts towards his Servants as he did once and again the heart of Saul towards David of Ahashuerus towards Mordecai
and the heart of Cyrus to make Proclamation of Liberty for the Jews return to Jerusalem and hence this is an Expression to set forth the Power of God Isa 44.24 Thus saith the Lord that stretcheth out the Heavens v. 27.28 that saith to the Deep be dry that saith to Cyrus he is my Shepherd he shall perform all my Pleasure What comfort is this when Saints see what bad hearts they have they know that Christ hath power to make them better and what malicious hearts wicked men have Christ can either destroy or incline them to shew kindness as he did the heart of Esau to Jacob. Gen. 23. 6. Christ hath power over all Creatures to do with them as he pleases and to do what he will by them they go and come move or not move live or dye they are or are not at his will He sends forth his Spirits they are created he takes away thâ—ir breath thâ—y dy He hath power of nothing to make something of darkness to make light of evill to turn it to good of death to bring out life from it it 's the Prerogative of God he calls the things that are not as though they were 1. Cor. 1.28 and commands them to be and much more can he confound that which is of Babylon he can say of it Babylon the great is fallen is fallen This is matter of abundant consolation to the Sainis thy Redeemer is strong the Lord of Host is his Name 2. Tim. 2.12 I know whom I have believed and I am perswaded that he is able to keep me c. Believers know whom they have chosen believed in whom they love and serve how full of might he is and when the power of Hell and of the World lying in wickedness is against them they may comfort themselves in this the power of the Lord is for them God made Nebuchadnezzar to know that the Heavens do Rule Dan. 4.25 26. that is the three that bear Record in Heaven the Father the Word and the Spirit which Spirit is in the hearts of Saints also of which the Apostle says Greater is he that is in you than he that is in the World 1. John 4.4 the holy Spirit is the Spirit of the Church Satan is the Spirit of the World the Saints comfort is they have the greater Spirit and if their Spirit be greater than the Spirit of the World much more is it greater than the Flesh of the World Particularly 1. Christ's Riches of Power are to be excercised for the good of the Heirs of Salvation Psa 89.19 I have laid help on one that is mighty the Father hath laid it on Christ with his power to help Unbelief to help Infirmities to help the Spirit against the Flesh the law of the Mind against the law of the Members None will stand by me in these things but Michael your Prince Dan. 10.21 .12.1 Let the weak then say I am strong Joel 3.10 In the Lord have I Righteousness and Strength Isa 45.24 In the Lord it is and in the Lord I have it 2. Christ's Riches of Power is a Fountain of Power to the Saints 1. In Regeneration he propagates his Power he begets and maintains a Power of Godliness in the new nature 2 Tim. 1.7 A Power to serve God a Power to confess his Name to take up a Cross and follow him Joseph's bow abode in strength when the Archers shot at him being made strong by the mighty God of Jacob Gen. 49.24 So are Saints strenghtened by the mighty Power of Christ resting on them Sin is from weakness how weak is thine heart seeing thou dost these things Ezek. 16.30 Vertue is a Power to do good which is from Christ 2. In the Resurrection Christ will give great Power to the glorified Bodies of the Saints 1 Cor. 15.43 It 's raised in Power the Power of raised and glorified Bodies shall be exceeding great there is not such power in any thing in the World as will be in them if God should give commission one glorified Saint might be able to destroy a World of ungodly men 3. In the World to come all weakness shall be swallowed up in Power there will not be cause to complain of the Power of Sin and weakness of Grace Heb. 6.5 there is mention of the Powers of the World to come there is no weakness but power in that World the power of Godliness the power of Love the power of an Endless Life Heb. 7.16 of Endless Holiness of Endless Joy Josh 14.11 As my Strength was then so it is now herein was Joshua a Type of the perfect and abiding strength of the Saints in the World to come And there being such Power in Christ learn 1. To Trust in him Isa 26.4 because in him is everlasting Strength Isa 3.15 O my Soul thou hast troden down Strength Judg. 5.21 Deborah's Soul having strong Faith and being poured out in Prayer did most in that Victory Deborah's Soul with Barah's Sword overcame the Host of Sisera Saints do most with the strength of their Souls and in this have great advantage of their Enemies and with this they shall tread down Satan and the Man of sin when a Saint hath no power in himself he may say as John there is one mightier than I and mightier than all my Enemies Jer. 31.22 A Woman shall compass a Man that is the weak shall overcome the strong as Deborah and Jael did one trod down the strength of the Host with her confidence and the other slew Sisera the Captain of it the Woman clothed with the Sun having the Moon under her feet though driven into the Wilderness yet at last must compass and conquer the Man of sin and then her Wilderness shall be as Eden and her desert as the Garden of the Lord and Babylon's fruitful Field shall become a Forrest 2. Fear him who hath Riches of Power he can destroy both Body and Soul in Hell Who art thou that art afraid of a Man that shall dye and forgettest thy Maker Fear him that hath made Heavens and the Earth the Sea and the Fountains of Water 3. Praise his Power Psal 21.13 Be thou exalted Lord in thine own Strength so will we Sing and Praise thy Power The Saints shall have abundant matter ministred unto them in the last days of praising the Power of Christ and of saying Salvation and Strength to our God and to him that sits upon the Throne Psal 145.11 12. They shall speak of the Glory of thy Kingdom and talk of thy Power 4. Be in subjection to Christ and serve him if we ought to be in subjection to the higher Powers then much more to him that hath the highest Power and take heed that we be not found in opposition to him Do we provoke the Lord to jealousy are we stronger than he Job 9.4 5 6. He is wise in Heart and mighty in Strength which removeth Mountains and they know not Who hath hardened himself against him and prospered
last must their Souls be brought The Kingdom of Christ is the wealthy Place Into that the Church at last shall be brought The Israelites had great Afflictions in Egypt and were led through the Water of the Red Sea and through Fire afterwards the burning at Taberah the stinging of the fiery Serpents and at last were brought into Canaan the wealthy Place were they enjoyed Vineyards they planted not Houses they built not so the Church is under hard bondage in Egypt Spiritually so called and that may have great Tryals in the Wilderness but at last it must enter into that Rest that remains and that wealthy place prepared for it or moist well watered Land as the words import or into a Refreshing as the Greek hath it Suitable to this the Apostle speaks Of times of refreshing from the presenee of the Lord Act. 3.19 After these sore afflicting times under the Reign of that Man of Sin shall be times of most sweet and abundant refreshing from the presence of the Lord when he shall consume Antichrist with the Spirit of his Mouth and destroy him by the brightness of his coming and so make the Kingdoms of the World his own Kingdom 4. See that you have a true right to those true Riches you must have Christ that you may have his Riches he that hath the Son hath life 1 Joh. 5.12 he that hath Christ hath his Riches you must be in Covenant have the Lord for your God be his People and all is yours ye are Christ's 1 Cor. 3.22 23. you must have Christ as Saviour and Lord and Christ must have you to be his Servants and Followers to be his Spouse and Members do not content your selves with a Thought and Opinion that his Riches are yours but see that it be so indeed Laodicea thought her self to be Rich but was Poor as worldly Mens inward thoughts are as Psa 49.11 that their Houses shall continue and so the inward thoughts of some are that they have an Interest in the Riches of Christ when they are none of theirs as he that getteth Riches and not by right shall leave them in the midst of his Days and in the end shall be a Fool Jer. 17.11 So he that thinks he hath Christ's Riches and hath them not indeed in the end shall be a Fool Math. 13.12 From him that hath not shall be taken away that which he hath he that hath a Name and not the thing a Name to live to be rich in having Christ and is dead and without Christ indeed shall have his Name taken away He that hath a form of Godliness and not the Power shall have the form taken away He that hath Gifts and not Grace shall have his Gifts taken from him he that hath a Lamp and not Oyle shall have his Lamp taken from him as 't is said concerning Judas his Bishoprick let another take it but on the other side to him that hath shall be given He that indeed is partaker of the Unsearchable Riches of Christ shall then have them more yea more abundantly The End of the First Discourse THE SECOND DISCOURSE OF Knowing CHRIST Crucified 1. CORINTHIANS ij.ij. For I determined not to know any thing among you save Jesus Christ and him Crucified THere were two sorts of men that took offence at Paul's Preaching Jews and Greeks as appears in Chap. 1.22 1. Jews The Preaching of Christ Crucified was to them a stumbling block they dreamt that the Messiah should abide always John 12. â—4 and never die or be crucified they expected a Messiah that should restore the Kingdom to Israel and that which was to be understood mainly in a Spiritual sense they understood carnally of outward and mundane Peace and Glory They that had such high and large expectations of temporal felicity would not believe in a Crucified Messias that Life Salvation Eternal Glory and an everlasting Kingdom should spring from a Cross from a cursed death upon it their vailed understandings and carnal hearts could not be perswaded of They expected likewise some visible convincing Sign to Evidence to all the World that he was the Messias without which they will not believe Chap. 1.2 The Jews require a Sign 2. Greeks who were Philosophers Disputers of this World had wise and subtil heads these Greeks seek after Wisdom they apprehended there was no wisdom in Paul's Preaching Chrâ—st Crucified 1. Because he did not speak Reason they deemed it commendable wisdom to deny assent to that which was not made apparent by Arguments clearing it to Mens Reason Paul Preached naked Truths only upon the Testimony and Authority of God Now as Thomas would not believe unless he did feel so will not these Greeks unless these Truths be evidenced to Reason The Jews seek after a Sign the Greeks after a Convincing Reason The Jew will have it made evident to his Sense by a Miracle the Greek by a sound Argument to his Reason that Christ Crucified is the Saviour of the World so Natural Reason and Carnal Wisdom is made the rule and standard for the proof and trial of Divine Truths 2. They dislike his manner of Preaching 't was not sufficiently adorn'd with Wit and Eloquence the Truths that he Preached were not set before them in a comely dress they conceived both wisdom of Matter and wisdom of words to be wanting Truths of God Soul saving Truths are rejected because they were not delivered in enticing words of Man's Wisdom here 's the ground of the Offence To these groundless grounds of Offence the Apostle replies by urging his Commission given by Christ his Practice grounded on and conformed to that Commission and the Reasons why such a Commission was given him 1. He shews his Commission Chap. 1.17 Christ sent me not to Baptize but to Preach not with wisdom of words c. not to Baptize c that is this was not my principal work that he set me about but to Preach which is the greater and more noble work Verbum est vis Sacramenti Preaching is the means to beget Life Sacraments do but seal and confirm what is begotten the Church may sometimes subsist without the Administration of Sacraments for a time as the Jews in the Wilderness but not without the Preaching of the word though Hypocrites are of a contrary mind herein if they have Sacraments administred and their ordinary Service kept up no matter how little preaching there be but says Paul Christ sent me not to Baptize that is to Baptize and not to Preach or to Baptize as my chief and principal work but to Preach and that not with wisdom of Words His Commission was not to go and preach wisdom of words or to go in the strength of natural Wisdom or rational Arguments to convince their Judgments or with enticing words of mans wisdom with well-set Sentences and Eloquent Phrases to move their Affections but declare plain and naked Truths set Christ Jesus before them as Crucified urge the Testimony and Authority
of God which is the only solid ground of Faith in the most plain and edifying way this was his Commission And his Practice is answerable hereto which he declares in the beginning of this Chapter I came not with Excellency of Speech with enticing words but sound wholsome edifying Language not that he disliked Eloquence and Elegancy of Speech which is to be perceived in many places of his Epistles but he came not 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 cum Eminentia that is not with vain ostentation of his Gifts to gain applause of Men by Excellency of Speech he did not compose his Language in the likeliest manner to win applause but so as to edifie Rhetorick is useful whilst it may help on good grounds towards the embracing of Divine Truths Non laudatur Ruditas sed simplicitas nec vituperatur Eruditio sed Ostentatio And as he came not with Excellency of Speech so not of Wisdom He did not labour to work upon them by Natural Wisdom by Rational Arguments but did declare the Testimony of God We may say of Wisdom Reason Philosophy Humane Learning c. as the Apostle of the Law it is good if a Man use it lawfully if Natural Reason Wisdom and Learning be made subservient as a Handmaid to Faith and Religion there is a good use of them but if it be made the Mistriss and Lord of Faith and Religion the Standard for trial of Truths to be embraced then they are Enemies to Faith and Religion but Divine Truths must be urged upon a Divine Testimony and Authority In the next place now Paul declares further the grounds of this his Practâ—ce viz. 1. From the great esteem he had of the Knowledge of Jesus Christ and him Crucified I determined to know nothing among you but Jesus Christ 2. From the powerfulness and effectualness of the plain Pâ—eaching of Christ Crucified it is the power of God to Salvation in this way God's power woâ—kâ— on Men to the begetting of Faith and Repentance and bringing them to Salvation Chap. 1.18 3. From the powerfulness and ineffectualness of that way of Preaching by the excellency of speech c. the Faith and Obedience begotten hereby stands not in the power of God but in the wisdom of Men this is the foundation of it and so 't is but like the House built on the Sand 't will not endure a stormy blast of wind a Tempest a little Persecution arising the whole Fabrick is overturned 'T is observed of Paul Ast. 14. Preaching at Lystra with great Elegancy of Speech for which the People admired him and called him Mercurius seemed to imbrace him with much Affection so that they were ready to offer Sacrifice to him that we find no real good wrought amongst them Their affection stood in the wisdom of Man and so suddenly vanishes away no sooner came the Jews among them who were Enemies to Paul but they perswaded them another way and now verse 19. they stoned Paul to whom before they were ready to offer Sacrifice as a God that Man's Religion is vain that is not grounded on the Authority and Testimony of God that stands not on the Power of God This Introduction makes way for the better understanding of the sense and scope of the Text also to shew you what Preaching it is you should look after and have in highest esteem viz. that wherein divine Soul-saving Truths are in the plainest manner brought home unto you and urged upon your Consciences from the Testimony of God as Truths which God requires you to believe and imbrace and practice for the Salvation of your Souls and this is Preaching in the demonstration of the Spirit and of Power The words of the Text are one reason laid down of Paul's way of Preaching practised by him in plainess of Speech and declaration of the Testimony of God concerning Christ and him Crucified because he esteemed it the most excellent knowledge to know Christ and the cheifest piece of service he could perform for to bring honour to God or procure good to Men to Preach and to make known Jesus Christ and him Crucified They contain a Determination or Resolution of Paul in the great work he had to do among the Corinthians which he sets forth 1. by way of Negation or Comparative disesteem of the knowledge of other things not to know any thing I count nothing so worthy of my study or pains to make known or of your Search Diligence or Labour to know 2. By way of Affirmation setting forth the highest esteem of the knowledge of Christ in these words But Jesus Christ and him Crucified Him I account worth knowing Here you have 1. an Evangelical preacher mentioned take him for a Pattern Paul 2. His holy Resolution and Affection he had to his work I determined I fix'd this Resolution this I counted my choicest work 3. The Persons among whom he had a mind to work viz. the Corinthians although by many he was accounted a Fool for his labour and his Preaching Foolishness 4. The subject or matter of his Preaching Jesus Christ and him Crucified Something it will be needful to speak for the meaning of words I have determined 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 says Calvin is often used to the same sense 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 tanquam pretiosum Seligere to make choice of as a thing most precious therefore he translates the word Non eximium duxi I counted it not excellent or valuable Herein concur Peter Martyr and Beza who gives an Instance of that use of the Verb Rom. 14.5 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 One man esteemeth a Day so in our Text I have not esteemed any thing so precious and worthy to be made known c. Not to know i. e. to Preach or make known as the following words among you declare to be the sense Any thing Non quod respuendae sint Artes c. Muscul Not as is the knowledge of Arts and Sciences were to be rejected and Secular Learning despised which Paul was not unacquainted with and sometimes expresly makes good use of citing that verse of Epimenides in Tit. 1.12 But he accounted all other knowledge as nothing in comparison with the knowledge of Jesus Christ. This could not add any weight to the knowledge of Christ. But Jesus Christ But was he not to Preach many other things concerning the Father and the Holy Ghost c. yea but the meaning is nothing but Christ because there is no other Name whereby we can be saved c. nothing else as the way and means of Salvation he alone is the Way Truth aud Life he that knows him knows the Father by whom 't is we come to know and enjoy God from whom the Spirit is to be received And him Crucified Although Crucified I am not ashamed to Preach a Crucified Saviour proud Spirits disdain believing in one hanged on a Cross but the Ignominy of the Cross shall be no stumbling block to me Something further seems intimated that
the business of their Salvation I say such only shall not perish but have everlasting life the Scripture is plain in this that only Saints shall see God that no Whoremongers c. shall see God If Persons be of very weak capacities yet such is the plainess and clearness of the Scriptures in things that are absolutely necessary that they may understand them here is milk for Babes as well as stronger meats for more experienced Christians As there are great Depths for Elephans to swim so shallows for Lambs to wade through as there are some things hard to be understood which the unlearned do wrest c. so there others easy to be understood which the unlearned may follow to their Salvation then let none plead their want of parts as a ground of their neglect of the word as if it were only for men of Learning to search into it but as all have Souls to save so let all that have the use of Understanding and Reason search the word that they may be saved and great encouragement there is because if Men are willing to learn and know the things of their Salvation and of Christ's Kingdom they have a Promise from God to be taught Joh. 6.45 Hebr. 8.10 we know God did inable Children to sing Hosanna to Christ Math. 2â— Isa 32.4 The heart of the rash inconsiderate Men shall understand knowledge and the Tongue of the Stammerer shall be ready to speak plainly they shall be all taught of God that are willing to learn of God and the Spirit that leads into all truth is a Spirit of Promise Use first Reproof of two sorts 1. Those that receive not the word of God with so much respect as the word of Man And it is to be observed for the most part that if the word be not received with the respect that is due to the word of God then it is received with less respect than is due to the word of Man If the word be not embraced as God's 't is despised more than Man's If Men love it not above any word they hate it more than any word and what 's the reason 1. Because it is a great Enemy to what Men do naturally love as their own Souls If they receive not the word so as above all to desire to yield obedience to it then they hate it for it reproves for an Herodias it forbids that which is Mens great delight to follow it contemns the World and it condemns Sinners Hence if the word be not embraced as the word of God with that Fear and Reverence that is due to it 't is hated and despised more than the word of Man Thus 't is with all those that take delight in Sin and greedily hunt after the things of the World and care for nothing but to satisfy their own Lusts and desires they can't but hate the Light because their deeds are evil There is hardly a medium betwixt these two a receiving of and submitting to the whole word as God's and a hatred of it in some parts at least every Sinner hath such a disposition to the word as Ahab to Michaiah I hate him because he Prophecies not good to me so the word gives not a tolleration to commit Sin which is only good in a natural Man's Eye and therefore 't is hated 2. Pride is another reason That which is generally condemned to be the Devil's first Sin is our great Sin Pride the Devil thought himself too high to submit so he rebelled against God that he might Rule he 'll uphold and maintain a Kingdom against God rather than submit to God though he know that he shall be destroyed for it in the end now there is this devilish disposition in every one of our hearts the pride of them lifts us up against God we of our selves chuse to be our own Lords though we destroy our selves hereby rather than Christ rule over us that we might be saved Who is Lord over us is a question arising from that proud disposition of our Hearts the proud Men in Jeremiah said as for the word thou hast spoken in the Name of the Lord we will not do it this we all do if God do reveal his word and not work by his Spirit 2. Those are to be reproved that receive it but as the word of Man some do in a sort receive the word and think that they receive it aright yet 't is but as the word of Man as 1. When they have nothing else to ground their Faith upon then humane Testimony if the should be asked why they believe the word to be God's can give no other reason then that their Fathers and Mothers said so and 't is generally so believed and embraced now those that believe it because others believe it receive it only as the word of Man so the Papists receive it as the word of Men and all that have no testimony from the Spirit no true work on their hearts c. 2. Those that perform Duties that are required in the word to be seen of Men as did the Pharisees they Fasted Prayed and gave Almes were zealous of the Law all to be seen of Men they sought the praise of Men now they that do any thing that the word requires to be seen of Men see not God in his word they that love the praise of Men and out of that seem to be Religious receive the word only as the word of Men then says our Saviour how can ye believe 't is impossible ye should receive the word as God's and believe it by a divine Faith if ye seek Honour one of another Joh. 5.44 therefore if you come to pray and hear only to satisfy Man's expectations of you you receive it but as Man's word 3. Those that take up Mens Ordinances as of equal authority with the word are as zealous for a humane form of prayer as for the word c. they that make Man's words equal with God's make God's word no better than Man's therefore said our Saviour Math. 15.3 9. By your Traditions you make void c. you urge your Traditions as if they were so necessary as the word and hereby you make void the word That hath not any authority amongst you as the word of God for Men to set their Thresholds by God's their Posts by his is to defile his holy name Ezek. 43.7 8. that iâ— by making God no better than Man 4. When Men look on the word as binding the outward Man and not the heart that Religion consists in a bodily exercise that it is sufficient if we come with our bodies before God and honour him with our lips as Men think it enough if you yield outward obedience to their commands for they have no power over the Conscience Now if it be thus in matters of Religion that our hearts are not brought into obedience to the word that we think our thoughts and affections are free and our hearts being loose c.
Spirit dwells in Believers and whatsoever is required of Believers the Spirit hath undertaken to do in them I will put my Spirit in you and cause you to walk in my Statutes Ezek. 36.27 That Covenant which is confirmed unto you by immutable things hath this Promise in it He is a Spirit of Faith Love Meekness and of Light to lead into all Truth to make the heart willing to follow Christ as King to deny self This Spirit is the earnest of Heaven and perfect Glory The Father hath made a bargain confirmed by his Word and Oath and by giving earnest This bargain he Seals and the Seal is the Spirit Eph. 1.13 This is a Seal that is sufficient to confirm Believers that Glory shall be perfected because they have the Spirit of Grace That Spirit that dwells in them shall quicken their mortal bodies Rom. 8.11 2. As the Salvation of Believers is in it self most sure so it may be made sure to them 1. Some have attained it Job 19. I know that my Redeemer liveth c. David Paul Rom. 8.38 I am perswaded c. He includes himself and this was not a singular pâ—iviledge given to some Saints more eminent then others or an extraordinary gift But 2. That which ordinarily God was pleased to bestow on the Saints Rom. 8.15 Ye have received the Spirit of Adoption whereby ye cry Abba Father This is true of all Believers and the Spirit beareth witness The Spirit where he is a Spirit of Adoption is usually a witnessing Spirit sealing up their hearts sealing up and treasuring Salvation in the heart The assurance of Salvation is a precious Jewel which ordinarily the Spirit doth treasure and seal up in the hearts of Believers giving the first Fruits of Heaven to their hearts And as Moses on Nebo had a view of the Land of Canaan so 't is not unusual for the Spirit to carry up the hearts of Believers above the World into the third Heavens and give a sight and taste of that most Excellent Glory 3. A way is shewn in the Gospel in which it may be attained Rom. 10.9 Say not who shall ascend into Heaven c. Do you doubt of Salvation Are you in fears about it Consider Christ hath been in the deep Christ is in Heaven Confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus and believe with thine heart and thou shalt be saved As Christ coming into the Ship when tossed and almost full of water there was a great calm an end put to the Disciples feaâ—s So Christ coming into the heart rebuking fears revealing himself as dying rising and sitting at the Right hand of God there shall then be a great calm in the heart Christ the Peace Joy hope of Glory in the heart 3. Salvation ought to be made sure it is the Duty of all that look towards Heaven to make their Salvation sure this is that which should be in your aims and desires Rejoyce that your names are written in Heaven saith Christ Luke 10.20 This should be the matter of the Saints Joy this implies that we ought to seek after the assurance of this that our names are written in Heaven Heb. 10.22 Let us draw near with a true heart that is ye that look on God as the Life of your heart God in Christ reconciled loving embracing us the Peace Joy Delight Contentment and Rest of the Heart A true heart is a heart that says concerning God as the Rich Man concerning Riches Soul take thine ease in God and with full assurance of favour and acceptation with God And then shews how it may be attained for the Gospel as it requires things to be done so it shews us the way how The Gospel requires not impossibilities but makes all its Precepts possible The Law did not thus it did not make its Precepts possible but the Gospel doth it leads to Christ by whom whatever is required is or shall be accomplished as to Believers Now look to Christ and so your hearts shall be sprinkled fear and guilt shall be purged out of the Conscience and Peace Joy and full Assurance brought in 2 Pet. 1.10 Give all diligence to make your Calling and Election sure And if Election then Salvation there is a Golden Chain mention'd Rom. 8.29 30. if you get hold of one link of it then you have hold of all this reaches from Eternity to Eternity from Eternity of Election to Eternity of Glorification Now our care should be to fasten on this Golden Chain this Golden Chain is fixed in Heaven let it also be fixed in your hearts so shall you have hope as an Anchor fixed in Heaven and so Heaven shall have fast hold in you and you shall have fast hold in Heaven Heaven shall not loose you nor you shall not loose Heaven 4. Nothing besides Salvation can be made sure The Life of your Bodies cannot be made sure the Life of your Souls may 2 Cor. 5.1 For we know that if our earthly House of this Tabernacle were dissolved we have a Building of God an House nâ—t made with hands Eternal in the Heavens Earth cannot be made sure Heaven may be made sure So lay not up for your selves treasures on Earth but in Heaven The favour of Man cannot be made sure the favour of God may Riches on Earth cannot be made sure they will fly from you or you shall fly from them Riches of Glory may be made sure worldly prosperity and happiness cannot be made sure Earthly Men in their best estate of prosperity stand but in slippery places But everlasting happiness in Heaven may be made sure Honour amongst Men can't be made sure Honour with God may Creatures can't he made sure Christ may Comforts flowing from Creatures cannot be made sure Consolations abounding by Christ may be made sure So for other things those that have them should be as if they had them not Those that buy as if they possessed not those that have Wives should be as if they had none those that have Riches as though they had not and those that labour in the World as if they did not because nothing of them can be made sure So then take heed of spending your selves for them Salvation alone Christ Heaven the favour of God alone can be made sure so labour to make that sure and nothing else Judge the making Salvation sure the one thing that 's necessary because that alone can be made sure 5. Salvation and nothing besides Salvation is worth the making sure If you have Riches worldly prosperity and abundance if you have health and Houses to dwell in Children Men Servants Women Servants Sheep Oxen Shops full of Wares c Hearts full of contentment in enjoying of these things what shall all this avail you Riches cannot profit you in the day of wrath all these things can't redeem your Souls yet in bondage still going to condemnation What shall it profit you to gain the whole World and loose the Soul Math. 16.26 Creatures are
but broken Cisterns these are not worth the making sure but the Fountain of living waters is worth the making sure The Father who is the Father of Lights his Love is worth tho making sure Christ in whom is Righteousness Merits Glory in whom all fulness dwells The Spirit who shall be a Well of Water springing up to everlasting life who shall be in the heart as flowing Rivers of Grace Comforts Joy Fullness of Joy Pleasures for evermore these are worth the making sure Sect. 3. For the further clearing of this consider 1. What Salvation is 2. And what the Assurance of it is 1. Now Salvation is the restoring of an undone Creature from fulness of misery to fulness of Glory 1. Salvation begun in this life is a Translation of a Sinner from a state of Guilt Unrighteousness Condemnation to a state of Righteousness and Justificaâ—ion from Polution to Purity from Prophaness to Piety from Wrath to Grace from a state of Emptiness and Poverty into a state of Fulness in Christ from the Power of darkness into the Kingdom of Christ 2. Salvation perfected is the bringing of a Creature into the presence of God making it partaker of the Glory of Christ God shining to the Soul in all his Glory Christ in his infinite Excellency God shining on the Soul in perfect likeness and suitableness to him We shall be like him for we shall see him as he is 1 John 3.3 This is that which is worth the making sure II. What assurance of Salvation is Now that is when that is done in the heart which the Apostle speaks of 2 Cor. 4.6 God that commanded Light to shine out of Darkness hath shined in our hearts giving the Light of the Knowledge of the Glory of God in the Face of Jesus Christ unto the Soul then the Soul is at rest God appearing in the Glory of his Love reconciled in Christ in the Glory of his All-sufficiency Power and Wisdom God appearing as your God to your Souls the seeing of your selves to be partakers of the Divine Nature with Christ that as Christ hath the Divine Nature so you partake with him in it this is assurance of Salvation Now is not this a Pearl worth the selling all to purchase it Sect. 4. Use 1. Fxhort To perswade you that amidst the multitude of your Affairs and Imployments in the World this may not be neglected but with the greatest diligence prosecuted the making your Salvation sure to your selves As Solomon says above all keeping keep the Heart so above all working work out your own Salvation make sure that which may be made sure and is indeed worth the making sure You are made for ever if once your Salvation be made sure and whatever you are you are most miserable if the Salvation of your Souls be not made sure Be not like Martha troubled about many things cumbred with much serving with serving your Lusts serving of Men serving of the Body Take heed of loosing your Lives in seeking to save your Lives Take heed of loosing your Souls in seeking the things appertaining to the Body of coming short of Heaven in your toiling in Earth but chuse with Mary that better part She sate at Jesus his Feet and heard his word Luke 10.39 Look on this as the one thing needful as the best part that you can choose to hear the word of Christ to search the Gospel of Christ to study that Salvation that is in Christ And wrought out in their hearts that come to Christ behold that life and immortality that is brought to light in him To provoke hereto consider 1. The Father makes it his great work to save Souls a greater work than the Creation of the World wherein more of his Glory is manifested the greatest of God's works next to the Incarnation of the Son of God Now as God makes it his great work so next to the glorifying of that God in Christ this should be your greatest work to get an assurance of your Salvation 2. Jesus Christ died to make Salvation sure to the Elect to the Children of Promise 't is so glorious a work that Christ valued it above his own Life he delighted not so much in his own Life as in the Salvation of Sinners The Son of God pleased not himself that he might do whatsoever pleased him He denied himself that might do what he pleased He humbled himself that was Lord of Glory that he might save poor lost Souls He put himself into the miserable condition of Sinners that they might be translated into his estate of Happiness and Glory so this is a most glorious work for to take Salvation from Christ or make Christ sure or the favour of God Eternal Life in him should be your great work and such a work as you should not leave though you may be reproached and persecuted in it we should be contented to loose Temporals to make sure of Eternals to loose Life to save Life If you were in a Ship at Sea that was full of Gold and in danger of drowning you would cast out all to save your Life so let all things stoop to this work of saving of your Souls yet it is not always so you may make Salvation sure and keep your Riches haply enjoy Peace and not endanger your temporal lives 3. Salvation assured shall be an Anchor sure and stedfast to your Souls you shall see Christ holding you fast and hereby you shall hold fast Christ. And hereby you shall have Hope and Joy in the greatest troubles there 's no Tempest of afflictions shall carry away your hearts from Peace Your Joy is sure Joy your Comforts sure Comforts if you have this sure and stedfast Anchor nay there 's no sin shall trip up your heels of Joy and Peace in Christ with the Father in Christ's Righteousness to cover your Sin in Christ's satisfaction for Sin it should work in you Godly sorrow for doing any thing repugnant to his Glory but it should not disturb a Believers Joy in God And hereby you shall be kept stedfast in the Faith and in the profession of Godliness and in following the Lord Jesus you shall be armed against all trials and oppositions Eph. 6.13 Take the whole Armour of God v. 14. Have on the Breast-plate of Righteousness make that sure and that shall be the Armour of proof on your hearts and nothing shall kill the heart of your Peace and Joy whilst you keep that as a Breast-plate v. 15. Have your Feet shod with the preparation of the Gospel of Peace By Feet are understood also Legs It was a custom antiently to wear a kind of Brazen Boots on the Legs 1 Sam. 17. Goliah had such greaves of Brass on his Legs to defend him against darts c. And they that have such may walk on Thorns and Briars and not be hurt Now have your Feet shod that is walk in Gospel-ways have the Gospel of Peace in your hearts believe the Gospel Promises Gospel
Grace Gospel Righteousness have a Gospel Spirit So you are well prepared and walk through troubles dangers and oppositions in the midst of Satan's fiery darts and the World's reproaches and still the life of your Peace and Joy in the Love of God in Christ be preserved v. 17. Take the Helmet of Salvation Salvation being made sure shall be an Helmet on your Heads whereby you shall receive the blows of Tongues c. and not be hurt this shall defend you against all the Curses of the Law 1 John 4.17 Herein is our Love or Love with us made perfect that we may have boldness in the day of Judgment When others shall fear the Wrath of the Lamb c. you shall have boldness and not be ashamed in this World c. when your Salvation is sure the Soul dwells in God in the Love of God All-sufficiency Power Wisdom c. 4. The more assurance you have of your Salvation the less earthly will your thoughts and hearts be this will raise your Spirits and carry them up to God in Christ So that 1. You shall dwell in Love you shall dwell in God and God in you He that dwelleth in Love dwelleth in God and God in him 1 John 4.16 And this is a glorious habitation for a Soul to dwell in the Love of God in Christ The World will be but the habitation for your Bodies The fulness of the Lord Jesus the Love of God which hath length and breadth c. shall be the habitation of your Souls The want of this the not breathing after the Assurance of Salvation makes men so earthly that their Souls are still travelling in the Creature seeking Joy and Contentment in the World 2. You 'll dwell safely and secure who can hurt those that dwell in God God must be overcome before they can be destroyed God is a better habitation then the World so whilst you dwell in the World above all labour for the assurance of the Love of God 5. The more Assurance you have the greater abounding of Grace there is from Christ 2 Pet. 1.11 Give all diligence to make your Calling and Election sure so an entrance shall be administred aboundantly to you into his everlasting Kingdom then shall you expect the more and receive the more you shall come with the more boldness and receive the more Grace 6. Now is the day of Salvation the day wherein great Salvation is offered to you Behold now is the acceptable time now is the day of Salvation 2 Cor. 6.2 Now in my absence work out your own Salvation Now is the day to make Salvation sure now Salvation is offered to you and revealed Christ now calls on Sinners and beseeches them to be reconciled to God Now God lets down the coâ—ds of his love in Christ that you may take hold on them and live Now is the Righteousness of God revealed for Sinners to embrace that they may be justified Now is the day in which the Spirit is poured forth Now is the day in which Christ is working the works of God that is for calling of Sinners out of the World and gathering the Elect into his Kingdom by the preaching of the Gospel for the saving of Souls and reconciling them unto God And this day shall have a night And now is the day and season for you to work out your Salvation to make it sure A night shall come when none shall have the means and opportunity of working out their Salvation the Night of Death or day of Judgment which is a Night in this respect then 't is too late to work out Salvation if you neglect Salvation now you shall not escape wrath in that day Heb. 2.3 How shall we escape if we neglect so great Salvation which at first begun to be spoken by the Lord 't is great Salvation Salvation from the greatest misery to the enjoyment of the greatest Glory to an exceeding eternal weight of Glory 't is great Salvation spoken to not hid from you but spoken to you that you might make it sure And if the Gospel be hid when spoken consider what the Apostle says 2 Cor. 4 3. If our Gospel be hid it is to them that are lost Section 5. Use 2. Direct 1. To Sinners Such as are yet strangers from Christ and from the Covenant of Promise that you may make Salvation sure To this end 1. Build on a sure Foundation let your hopes of Glory be founded on Christ Christ is a sure Foundation Isa 28 16. A foundation of Justification Sanctification and Life that will not fail You may be as sure of acceptance as Christ anâ—â—o continue in favour with God as sure of Glory as Christ and to remain in a state of Glory and as sure of Life as Christ as sure to live because I live ye shall lille also Joh. 14.19 Christ's Life is a sure foundation of a Believers Life Christ's Acceptance a sure foundation of his Christ's Glory a sure foundation of his Glory so then hearken to the Lord's call Isa 45.22 Look unto me and be ye saved all the ends of the Earth Sinners look to me who came to save you from your Sins know that there is death in Sin there is Damnation to all that are out of me your Lusts are hurtful Lusts if you follow them they will work out your ruin will bring everlastiâ—g hurt to your Body and Soul Fleshly Lusts war against the Soul they war against the Salvation Life and Peace of your Souls your Life consists not in the abundance of your Riches c. 'T is no profit to you to gain the World and loose your Souls in the Creature Neither is theâ—e any life in youâ— Dâ—tiâ—s These aâ—e no sure foundations to build youâ— Salâ—ation upon hopes of Salvation built only â—n them is like a House built on the Sand. So 〈◊〉 Christ to you look off from all those Behold me behold Life in my Death Peace in my Blood Righteousness in my Obedience Behold Love in me and Bâ—wels of Compassion with which you shall be received by me thus look to Christ and you shall â—e Salvation in him he that believes on him shall not be ashamèd for he shall be sure of Salvaâ—â—on You are all by nature of the World that lies in wickedness on which condemnation is coming apace Now prepare an Ark for the saving of your Souls Christ is this Ark as Noah in the Ark was safe and sure of being safe let the Waters rise as high as they would the Ark caâ—ried Noah still above them and when he was in the Ark God shut him in and then if any would have entred in none could Christ is the Ark prepared for the saving of Souls the Door of the Ark is not yet shut Christ calls you to come in unto him if you come not before God shuts the Door of this Ark there is no escaping of Condemnation O whilst it is to day if you will hear his voice harden not
suffer Death for them the Spirit works to will and to do to consent to be saved by Christ to take Christ for Saviour and Lord and to believe in him as the Author of and to follow him as the Câ—â—tain of Salvation 2. There 's a most glorious manifestation of God in this work All God's works are God's manifestations they are his visible appearances and out-goings The Creation was the first manifestation of God The Heavens declare his Glory and ths Firmament shew his handy work Psa 19 1. Rom. 1. His eternal Power and Godhead is seen by the things that are made as 't is said of Christ Joh. 2.11 This beginning of Miracles he did and manifested forth his Glory The most glorious manifestation of God is in Christ the Word being made Flesh the fulness of the Godhead in him being made Flesh made Lord and King He has Love Power and Wisdom to set up his Kingdom and to make his Enemies his Foot-stool This is the greatness of Gods works Godman being made by this work that is the Union of God and Man in one Person the effect of this work The second Glorious Manifestation next to this is in saving Sinners by Christ He shall come to be glorified in his Saints and admired in them that bâ—lieve A Manifestation of Power exceeding greatness of Power As great a work to save a Sinner as to raise Christ from the dead Of Wisdom in finding out a way to save Sinners so as that Justice might be satisfied and love be abundantly discovered an infinite Satisfaction an infinite Obedience and an infinite price to be paid Where should such be found Men were not able to give it Angels could not bring it The Son of God became Man and Mediator an infinite Person undertakes to lay â—down his Life and to yield Obedience and so an infinite Price is paid and infinite Obedience is yielded c. Here the Wisdom of God is most clearly seen And Lastly Here 's a most glorious discovery of Mercy and Grace he makes known the Riches of his Grace on the Vessels of Mercy When Sinners aâ—e Enemies and nothing lovely God loves the Elect so as to give Christ to taste Death for them and Christ loves not his Life to Death He that was in the form of God humbles himself and puts himself into the miserable condition of Sinners that he might translate them into his own Glorious Estate whom he will make like to himself and partakers with him of the Divine Nature and of all his Glorious Priviledges 3. This Glorious manifestation of God in the Soul cannot but work fear and trembling in it Fear will be the effect of the discoveries of God to the Creature There is so much Majesty Glory and Greatness in it that will awe the Heart of the Creature When God appears in the Glory of his Justice and Almighty Power Then the wicked shall fear The Kings and Captains c. shall cry to the Mountains to hide them from the wrath of the Lamb. And the discovery of the infinite goodness of God will work fear in the Hearts of the Saints they shall fear the Lord and his Goodness because his goodness is the goodness of God that is infinite and exceeding great goodness to sinful nothing Creatures The apprehension of this should work fear Hos 3.5 Section 12. Now this fear consists 1. In admiration of this Glory reveal'd Such Wisdom and Grace that if it be apprehended will raise the Soul in holy admiration of God David said he was fearfully and wonderfully made Psa 139.14 In respect of the excellent frame of the Body such variety of parts and so fitly composed therein may be seen so much of the Wisdom and Power of God as may make the Heart wonder and fear that God that made him so Persons that are sav'd are fearfully and wonderfully sav'd if it be reveal'd in the Soul how this work is undertaken and carried by the Trinity The Father loving from Eternity Christ dying in the fulness of time and the Spirit living and acting in the Soul making it his own Habitation Sinners become the Apple of God's Eye precious c. Christ's Members Joynt Heirs with Christ Sinners having access to God and are partakers of the Divine Nature What a fearful and wonderful thing is this So much favour shewn by God to a Sinner when there is so vast a disproportion betwixt him and God may well beget admiration When Saul said he would give David his Daughter to Wife 1 Sam. 18.18 He replys What am I What is my Life or my Father's Family in Israel that I should be Son in Law to the King The apprehension of the great disproportion betwixt him and Saul was the cause of his so much admiring at the favour that was shewn him so there is the greatest disproportion betwixt God and Sinners As Men and as Sinners As Men they are not so much as a drop to the Ocean And as Sinners as great as is between Light and Darkness c. That such Creatures should be comprehended in love and brought near to God c. What am I and what is my Life that I should be brought hitherto Deut. 28.58 Thou shalt fear this great and dreadful name the Lord thy God God that is Infinite Thy God that art a poor and inconsiderable Creature God that is so holy thy God that art so unholy God that is Just and will not clear the Guilty thy God that hasâ— so much abounded with Sin clearing thee of Guilt that hast so much abounded with Guilt This Name This is dreadful this is a wonderful and dreadful Manifestation of God As the Psalmist says They that know thy Name they will put their trust in thee So they that know this Name The Lord thy God will fear and tremble They cannot but admire at such Infinite Grace when the Son of God was made Man the Word made Flesh and Crown'd c. This was a dreadful Manifestation of God! There 's cause to admire at the Grace that was shewn to the humane Nature of Christ whence as the Apostle says Heb. 2.6 One testifies What is Man that thou art mindful of him c. Thou Crownest him with Glory and Honour And Christ himself is said to fear as Man So as Man he is most deeply sensible of and affected with the Grace shewn to the humane nature So a Believer may say What am I that God should be so mindful of me That he should visit me with Salvation-love That I that am the lowest and worst of Creatures fit for Hell and to be a Companion for Devils should be Co-Heir with Christ and partaker with him of all his Glory 2. In Humility The discovery of such Grace and Goodness will bring down high Imaginations and beget lowliness of Mind it will convince the Creature of its own emptiness and nothingness This hath been the effect of the appearance of God both to Men and Angels Isa 6.2 The
did not then yet after by the Holy Ghost in the Apostles he gave this Command And that a Christian Sabbath is now to be kepâ— by Divine Institution may be gathered 1. From Mark 2.27 The Sabbath was made for Man and not Man for the Sabbath ver 28 For the Son of Man also is Lord of the Sabbath-day I gather this hence Man did need a Sabbath and it was given to Man because he doth stand in need of it Men do need and cannot be without it therefore the Son of Man who is Lord of the Sabbath must give him a Sabbath God shall supply all your need Phil. 4.19 If Christ did not then he was not so faithful as Moses he gave a Command for a Sabbath because the Jews did want it therefore it is not to be questioned but that Christ gave a Command for the Christian-Sabbath Let this then be well considered the Sabbath was made for Man's benefit for his good and he so needed it that he can't well be without it and Christ being Head will give what the Members do need the Lord will give what the Servants do need the Husband will give what the Spouse shall need 2. When it was given Adam in Innocency 't was made for Adam's good and because he stood in need of it and if Adam in Innocency did need a Sabbath do not we much more now that we may the better recover what was lost by the fall 3. It was made for the Jews this was one of their advantages Rom. 3.1 2. What advantage had the Jews Much every way they had Oracles and the word of God they had his Laws Psa 147. He dealt not so with other Nations and in particucular the Law of the Sabbath was a great advantage and as much profit in it Now if Christians under the Gospel should not have a Sabbath given them than the advantages of the Law were above the advantages of the Gospel and the profit which the Jews had beyond the profit of Christians whereas the advantages of the Gospel are beyond the advantages of the Law the ministration whereof exceeds in Glory in Profit and Advantage Quest How was the Sabbath made for Man Answ 1. For man to rest in for the rest of his Body from labour and of his mind from thoughts care and study about his worldly Affairs 2. 'T is for Man that he may set himself in a more solemn and serious manner to praise the Lord for the great work of Redemption by Christ i. e. the work of the new Creation begun and for the works of Providence Sabbath work is the work of Heaven begun on Earth It was made for Adam that on the seventh day he might contemplate and praise God for the work of the six days and he was to think on God manifest in the Creatures aâ—d to see the invisible things of God his Eternal Power and Godhead in the things that were made The Christian-Sabbath is made for the Saints to contemplate the great Mystery of Godliness God manifest in the Flesh c. As Man was Redeemed Quickened Called Sanctified that he might be to the Praise of the Glory of his Grace and to shew forth the Vertues of him that died and rose again c. So this is the day the Lord hath made for the solemn Performance of this work 3. 'T is for a Man to gather Manna for the six Days The Jews were to gather Manna for the body on the sixth day for the seventh we on the Sabbath for the six days this is a day to trade for the Soul to buy of Christ Gold white Raiment and Eye-salve and to be digging for Wisdom and to search out for hid Treasures As God hath given Apostles and Prophets for the wâ—rk of the Ministry for edifying the body of Christ so a day also for the work of the Ministry for the edifying the Body of Christ and to continue with the Ministry till we all come in the unity of Faith and knowledge of the Son of God Eph. 4.13 Thus you see the Sabbath is made for Man for his use good and benefit and he can't be without it his Body and Soul need it and Christ is Lord of the Sabbath and it being so necessary for them he would make a Sabbath for them and not make it void He came not to destroy but to establish the Law Math. 5.17 The next thing to be handled is that there ought to be and when the Church shall be Gloririous in the World there will be a strict observation of the Sabbath As appears in this place 1. If thou turn away thy Foot from the Sabbath-day to unlawful Works to sinful Company not go any unnecessary Journeys or to Sports and Recreations you must not walk your own Steps as well as not speak your own Words Now there is more understood when there is less spoken as thou must turn away thy Foot so the Hands the Eyes the Ears from the Sabhath-day the Hands from the works of thy Calling the Eyes from the delightful beholding of Earthly things the Ears from hearing vain Discourses and Talks about worldly matters Men's own words Likewise the Feet of the Soul as thoughts and affections with these Feet many Souls many times travel on the Sabbath as the Devil doth that is to walk to and fro in the Earth and by observing lying Vanities to allude to that in Jonah forsake th â—r own Mercies Now as Solomon exhorts keep thy Foot when thou goest into the House of God Keep your Feet when the Sabbath comes and turn not these away from it let not these be Instruments of Prophanation on the Sabbath-day 2. Turn from doing thy Pleasure self-pleasing works are Sabbath prophaning works God's pleasure is to be fulfilled then altogether and nothing of our own pleasure is to be done in that time all bodily Recreations are forbidden all works tending to our worldly profit are unlawful for we must deny our selves in point of Pleasure and so also in point of Profit 3. Not finding thy own ways Most properly the works of Men's Callings are their own ways Let every Man abide in his Calling the works of our Calling are our own works these must not be done on the Sabbath-day they are the works of the six days 4. Not finding thine own Pleasure As we must not set our selves to self-pleasing works so if any pleasurable Objects are presented and come in your way you must not find them that is you should not take notice of them nor regard them If they find you and tempt you do not you find them Satan lays matter of Pleasures in your way but do not find and take it up 5. Nor speaking your own words Such words as you may speak at other times we ought not to be speaking of worldly Matters what we must not do what we must not find pleasure in that we must not talk of as we must not work so we must not talk of work we
which I have committed to his care and custody to bring it forth a glorious Soâ—â—at that day and my vile Body that he may make it a glorious Body like his own This I have committed by Faith and Hope deposited with him This is the great Command of the Gospel that you give up your selves to Christ that you deposite your Souls and Bodies with him and trust him for the saving of both that he is able and willing to do it 2. Do what Christ would have you to do deny your selves to do Christ's will Let not his Commands be grievous to you Let your conversation be as becometh the Gospel in Holiness Meekness c. This some do conceive to be meant by the Wedding Garment a conversation becoming the Gospel The Gospel calls to a Feast it contains fulness of Blessings as Rom. 15.29 I shall come in fulness of the Blessing of the Gospel of Christ Blessings for Soul Body enough for both Eternity of both He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting Life He shall live and reign with Christ. This is the Feast that believers are called to Now 't is required in all that would be meet Guests that they be Holy Obedient in carriage As you know 't is an unseemly thing for a Man to come to the Marriage-Feast of a King's Son only to enjoy the pleasures of that solemn meeting without respect of decent apparel befitting such solemnity So you that would eat of the Feast of fat things contained in the Gospel must have decent apparel a Conversation beseeming a Christian Calling becoming the Gospel suitable to it in all holy conversation and godliness as you would lay hold on the promises and blessings of the Gospel so you must have a Gospel-garment a Gospel-frame of life herein many come short they do profess to believe in Christ and hope for Pardon and Mercy at that day but have no Wedding Garment no Gospel Garment no Conversation becoming the Gospel and to such Christ shall say How comest thou in hither out with him here 's one that lays claim to Promises and would not regard the Precepts he comes in his filthy Garments of sin now this is to be so doing Mat. 24.46 Blessed c. that so doing trusting in Christ and walking in Gospel ways endeavouring to honour the Lord Jesus as Lord and King this is Oyl in your Lamps a heart believing the Gospel subdued to Christ establish'd with Grace Oyl in the Lamp is Faith and Love a Lamp without it is an empty Profession and form of Godliness your hearing praying professing to believe in Christ that is your Lamp your Eaith Love Zeal for the Honour of Christ is your Oyl in the Lamp have not this to seek when you should come to meet Christ 3. Look for this day looking for the blessed hope Tit. 2.13 all the hope of a Christian is in that day of Christ If in this Life only they had hope then they were most miserable then more miserable than wicked Men they have pleasure and enjoy their good things and Saints for the most part in regard of their outward Condition have torments So look for that day and long after it be not overcharged wlth the cares of the World say not this is your rest look for rest for your portion and inheritance at the day of Christ's appearing to them that look for him he shall appear without Sin c. Christ hath so foretold it and before his coming he shall give evident signs that he may be looked for so look beyond Friends Estates beyond the end of the World beyond Life Death even to Christ's day be frequent and serious in your thoughts of it 't will disengage your thoughts from the World Enoch the seventh from Adam that lived in the beginning of the World his thoughts did reach to the end of it to Christ's appearing though the Vision be far of and a great while to come Judg. 14 Enoch prophecy'd The Lord shall come with ten thousands of his Saints how much more should we look after it upon whom the ends of the World are come now the time is so near that Christ is as it were at the door so watch and wait for him 2 Pet. 2.12 Looking for and hasting to the coming of the day of God or hasting the coming going forth to meet Christ let your thoughts and desires be sent out to meet him Vse 3. Comfort for Saints here they find trouble c. but they shall find mercy at that day there shall sure right be done them and be avenged of the wicked as the Jews are wont to comfort themselves when they meet with any knotty place of Scripture in the old Testament that cannot understand Elias veniet et euodabit omnia So Christ will come and then wo to the wicked it shall be ill with them say to the Righteous it shall be well with him Isa 3.10 't is the day of the Saints Redemption and Adoption when they receive Inheritance as well as have right to it As Rom. 8.23 we wait for the Adoption even the Redemption of our Bodies FINIS