and late he find it Thus the Apostle exhorting 〈◊〉 Hebrews to give diligence so to know Châ—… and God as to be filled with or attain to full assurance of hope to the end he adâ—… Be not slothful but followers of those who thrâ—… faith and patience inherit the Promises Hebâ—… 11 12. Dij laboribus omnia vendunt say Heathens that is the Gods sell all things to men for their labours as if that was all the price they require for them And there is some truth in it in reference to the only true God The price for which he sells to us as from us wisdom and its great fruits and benefits is a hearty love to it and an industrious labouring to obtain it working as the word is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 not for the meat that perisheth but for that which endures to eternal life Which the Son of Man will if we so do especially certainly give us for him hath God even the Father sealed set apart and authorised to that purpose John 6.27 the hand of the diligent here also maketh rich and beareth rule when he that dealeth with a slack hand becometh poor and the slathful shall be under tribute Prov. 10.4 12.24 5. We must part with whatsoever way and practice is in it self sinful and contrary to the Law and Doctrine Will and Commandment of God Thus David who was made wiser than his enemies and got more unâ—…erstanding than his teachers than the antiâ—…ts because he meditated in Gods Testimonies â—…nd kept his Precepts and Commandments â—…ells us that He refrained his foot from every â—…il way that he might keep Gods word and 〈◊〉 get still more wisdom therethrough Psal 19.98 99 100 101. For indeed wisdom as is said Wisd 1.4 will not enter into a wicked or malicious soul nor where the body is subject to sin for it is a pure most holy influence from the most holy God and loveth not that which is filthy and unclean Thence the fear of the Lord is said to be the beginning thereof because by it we depart from evil pride arrogance and the evil way and the froward mouth doth wisdom hate Prov. 8.13 Therefore if we would be truly wise cleanse we our selves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit perfecting holiness in the fear of God 2 Cor. 7.1 Laying aside all filthiness superfluity of naughtiness receive with meekness the ingraffed word the fountain of Wisdom Eccles 1.5 which is able to save the soul Jams 1.21 And to add but one more 6. Lastly in a word We must Deny ouâ—…selves take up our Cross and follow Christ and therein forsake all that we have else wâ—… cannot be Christs Disciples and obtain thiâ—… heavenly gift Mat. 16.24 Luke 14 33â—… We must deny and forsake all our owâ—… things casting them away as loss and duâ—… for the excellency of the knowledge of ouâ—… Lord Jesus the true wisdom as all oâ—… own fleshly priviledges and rejoycings 〈◊〉 to the knowing our selves after them whâ—… ther our fleshly birth or humane parts 〈◊〉 lations to such good and excellent persoâ—… admission to Gods Church and Ordinances so as not taking up content that we have them Yea our own righteousness after the Law and our own best self attainments our wisdom carnal or fleshly understanding with all our own desires and designs to gâ—…t our selves or keep to our selves the honors riches and pleasures of this world as any of them stand cross to or are inconsistent with as often or usually they are the getting the knowledge of Christ laying down all our self conceits interests and purposes at his foot we must only and above all things attend to know him and his grace and gracious mind and will concerning us and follow on after him therein patiently bearing and enduring what ever thing cross to our said interests desires or designs befal us in the way of his truth and righteousness and so doing we shall not fail of being truly and indeed wise and doing wisely to Salvation for Good and upright is the Lord therefore He preventingly teaches sinners in the way the meek he will by his following grace guide in judgement the meek that hear his reproofs and rebukes and take all well and yet yield up themselves to him to learn of him and follow him will he teach his way Yea What man is he that feareth the Lord him will he teach the way that he should go his soul shall dwell at ease The secret of the Lord is with them that fear him and He will shew them his Covenant Psal 25.11 12 13 14. Thus doing we shall be made wise and obtain the happiness here spoken of viz. to shine as the brightness of the Firmament especially if also as wisdom will lead us to and direct us in that also we make it our business to make others wise by instructing them and to turn others to righteousness with reference to which branch as also to the other reading of the word translated wise 2. In the second place what hath been noted thereto we may further apply it sundry ways as Vse 3. 1. To exhort and provoke such as have wisdom and are in any measure furnished with the heavenly talents to be diligent and faithfully in improving them and laying them out for the good of others also endeavouring to their capacities and in the places God hath set them and according to the instructions of his truth to make others wise and righteous in turning them from their sins errours and disobedience to the wisdome of the just one and to be earnest diligent and servent herein as they have opportunity knowing that their labour shall not be in vain in the Lord but they shall receive a good reward They shall shine as the Stars for ever and ever 1 Cor. 15.58 and this is a point of wisdom also For the fruit of the righteous is a tree of life and he that winneth souls is wise Prov. 11.30 Quest But what should we do or what course shall we take that we may turn others to righteousness and make them truly wise Answ I might say shortly from the words of our Saviour to his Disciples and Apostles 1. Let us retain the Salt in our selves and â—…ts favour that we have received of God in â—…nd by Christ for Christs Disciples are the â—…alt of the earth to purge corruption from them and render them savoury unto God But if the salt hath lost its savour wherewith â—…hall it be salted it s thenceforth good for noâ—…hing Matt. 5.13 14. Mark 9.5 that is â—…et us have and hold fast the word of Christ and the wisdom therein contained â—…nd conveighed to us with its reproofes â—…f instructions so as we our selves may be â—…ept in an awful fear and reverence of God â—…nd be sweet and clean in our speech and â—…arriage in the world and toward it that â—…e savouring the grace of God our selves â—…nd retaining the savour of it in our own â—…earts may be
a righteous demeanour conversation and walking proposed to us in the Scriptures of truth in the word and doctrine of the Gospel to be followed after by us in the receiving of and walking in Christ Jesus which the grace of God that brings Salvation or is saving to all men teacheth Tit. 2.11 12. 1 Tim. 6.11 and All Scripture given by inspiration of God is profitable to instruct and direct us in and promote in us 2 Tim. 3.15 16. 3. That men may be turned to this righteousness from their unrighteous state and practices or they may be made partakers and practicers thereof It is true no man can of himself turn himself thereto or make himself righteous therewith This also is of God who as he made his Son who knew no sin sin for us that we might be made the righteousness of God in him so also sent his Son to bless us in turning every one of us from our iniquities Acts 3.26 and hath put his spirit upon him that he might bring forth judgement to us By whom he hath also given forth his Law and Doctrine which is a ministration of the spirit and so is perfect converting the soul Psal 19.7 and of righteousness 2 Cor. 3.8 9. The Gospel or preaching of Christ is the power of God to salvation to every one that believeth yea and the word of faith by which seriously heard and minded the heart is perswaded to believe Rom. 1.16 10.8.17 Isa 55.3 With this our Lord Jesus sent his Servants to open the eyes of the blind and to turn them from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God Acts 26.18 True it is that all have not this Law and Doctrine of God alike clearly nor some at all declared to them but even there the goodness or kindness of God as otherwise evidenced is leading them to repentance to which also his chastisments provokes them And though they cannot by those less clear means attain to that understanding and abundance of consolation as men may by the clearer means the Law and Doctrine of God as audibly and distinctly made known at least ordinarily and without miracle yet they that by such means fear God and work righteousness or keep the righteousness of the Law their uncircumcision is counted circumcision and God through and by means of Christ accepts them Acts 10.34 Rom. 2.4 5 26 27. But the choice way and means that God useth for conversion and turning of men to himself is the preaching of the Gospel That being a preaching of repentance and remission of sins in the name of Jesus Christ Luke 24.46 47. and therein Christ is set forth a Prince and a Saviour giving repentance and forgiveness of sins Acts 5.31 though so as yet men are therefore required to listen to him and in hearing to receive the grace he gives for turning them so as to repent and be converted that God may blot out their sins and forgive them Acts 3.19 Yea he now by and with the Gospel preached to all Nations commands all men every where to repent Acts 17.30 whereunto his Spirit is not straitned or shortned but so administred that his words do good to him that walks uprightly that doth not willingly and stubbornly decline the force of them winking with the eye that he might not see and hardning the heart that he might not understand and be converted but singly yields up to the power working therewith Mic. 2.7 Matt. 13 12-15 Acts 28.26 27. 4. That he makes use of Men and their Ministry or Service even such as he hath indued with wisedome and capacity thereto by holding forth that word law and doctrine and walking therein blamelesly to be means or instruments for converting men and bringing them to righteousness by bringing them to Christ Jesus to know believe on and obey him And such as are made wise and gracious themselves by that blessed word He commissionates and commands them to call others to Christ that they might be made wise and righteous also in and by him So He gave the word and great was the company of publishers of it Psal 68.11 and Christ being ascended on high gave gifts to men And He gave some Apostles some Prophets some Evangelists or Gospel-preachers some Pastors and Teachers furnishing them with gifts and appointing them in the exercise of those gifts to instruct others that are ignorant in the knowledg of Christ and thereby endeavour their conversion unto God Eph. 4 8-11 and so to make them Disciples to Christ and so wise and righteous persons Matt. 28.18 19 20. Mark 16.15 16. He hath set them as the salt of the earth and light of the world to be useful and profitable to others to draw them in also to glorifie God Mat. 5.13 14 15 16. Yea The manifestation of the Spirit is given to every one to profit withal 1 Cor. 12.7 and No man lights any candle to put it under a bushel or under a bed but to set it on a Candlestick that it may give light to all that come into the house Matt. 5.15 Every one that hears that in any measure udderstands and is obedient to the truth of the Gospel hath commission and command from Christ to call others to him endeavouring their coming to him that they may be made righteous Let him that heareth say Come Rev. 22.17 Christ commissionates neither all nor only University Scholars and those that are learned in the Arts and Sciences to be his Ministers Preachers of his Gospel and inviters of men to Him and so instruments of turning them to righteousness and makers of them righteous If they hear not his Call themselves and be not subject and obedient to Him He commissionates them not to be his Preachers nor accepts their service how learned soever otherwise they be For to the wicked God saith What hast thou to do to declare my Statutes or that thou shouldst take my Covenant in thy mouth seeing thou hatest instruction and castest my words behind thee Psal 50.16 17. But whoso hears yea whither man or woman learned or unlearned in worldly Sciences they are bid to say Come and they may do it so they keep as all must within their bounds and go not beyond the proportion of Faith that they have received or behave not themselves disorderly A Woman indeed is not permitted to speak in the Church or Congregation nor to usurp authority over the man but otherwise if they have the gift they may pray or prophecy 1 Cor. 14.24 and 11.5 1 Tim. 2.11 12 and be Teachers of good things Tit. 2.3 and by their good conversaion may endeavour to win in their husbands that believe not the word 1 Pet. 3.1 the woman of Samaria was a good instrument by calling her neighbours to bring them to know Christ Joh. 4. and not only Aquila but Priscilla too instructed Apollos and helped to bring him to a perfecter understanding in the way of the Lord Acts 18.24 25 26. and we read in
the World to condemn the World but that the world through Him might be saved He that believeth on Him is not condemned He that believeth not is condemned already because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God and this is the condemnation that light is come into the world and men loved darkness rather than light c. John 3.14 15 16 17 18 19. like to which is the message sent to the bidden Guests in the Parable Matt. 22.4 Go teâ—â— them that are bidden Behold I have prepared my Dinner my oxen and fatlings are killed and all things are ready Come ye to the Marriage Whence we may as also from 2 Cor. 5.19 20 21. Prov. 9 1-5 6. observe that there are two main Heads or branches of the preaching to be preached to men to turn them to God or to righteousness oâ—… of what is to be said to them and the ordeâ—… to be observed in saying them viz. 1. The Declaration of the Love and Grace of God in Christ to Sinners and what He hath done and prepared for them for their welfare and happiness as that He hath 1. Prepared a Dinner for them a Feast for all people Isa 25.6 For entertaining them and making them happy and this in Christ Jesus as it is said This is the record that God hath given of his Son that God hath given us even us mankind the same us that he commands to believe 1 Joh. 3.27 eternal life and this life is in his Son 1 Joh. 5.21 2. To that purpose made his Son flesh and delivered him up to Death for us for our Sins and raised him for our Justification as it is said This is the Gospel that we preached to you viz. how first of all or among the first things Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures and that He was buried and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures 2 Cor. 15.3 4. This is the meaning of those expressions in the Parable My oxen and my fatlings are killed my choice things are sacrificed for you and their flesh thereby are become meat for you my Son who answered to all the Sacrifices of the Law being delivered up to death for you is become fit matter of nourishment for your souls wherein is signified the greatness and freeness of the love and charity of the heart of God towards us in not sparing his own dearly beloved Son but delivering him up for us all and that when we were yet without strength ungodly sinners and enemies that he might be as a feast for us matter of hope and encouragement to confidence in God for us Rom. 5.6 7 8 10. and 8.32 Seeing also 3. That all things are ready the fulness and every way sufficiency and perfect compleatness of the grace in Christ for us both as to the end and as to the way both as to the giving us full safety and satisfaction in the enjoyment and as to the provision for making us fit and meet to enjoy that end the end is eternal life an everlasting Kingdome and Glory and this is ready in Christ for us and to fit us for them forgiveness of Sins washing and Sanctification the Holy Spirit to renew us and work all our works in us and the whole work of God in and upon us in Souls and Bodies and in a word all things pertaining to life and godliness are treasured up in him for us and He also and God in and by him ready to impart them to us nothing wanting in or with him only men wanting as to the accepting but to move to that here is 2. A gracious loving invitation and provocation of men to accept of the grace of God set before them and made ready for them and to accept it to purpose so as they may not fail of the enjoyment thereof Come to the Marriage Come eat of my bread and drink of the wine that I have mingled forsake the foolish and live and go in the way of understanding Prov. 9.5 6. Be ye reconciled unto God yea we beseech you in Christs stead as if God did beseech you by us Be you reconciled c. 2 Cor. 5.20 Wherein we have 1. An evident signification that it is the blessed gracious good will and loving mind of God that men any or every man to whom the call comes should be partakers of this provision The simple and such as have no understanding He would have to come and eat Every one that thirsteth and he that hath no money nothing good or desireable in himself such as are not graciously thirsting for Christ but are laying out money for that that is not bread and labouring for that that satisfies not Yea He would have the wicked forsake their ways and the unrighteous their thoughts and turn to him and He will be gracious to them and abundantly pardon them Isai 55.1 2 7. The poor the halt the maimed and those in the high-waies and hedges the worst of men he would have them come to the Supper prepared by him Luk. 14.21 23. He would not that any should perish but that all come to repentance 2 Peter 3.9 Would have all men saved and come to the knowledg or acknowledgment of the truth 1 Tim. 2.4 Hath no pleasure at all in the death of the wicked but rather that they should turn to him in his Son and live Ezechiel 33.11 and 18.23 32. and to that end He calls and invites them from the rising of the Sun to the going down of the same Psal 50.1 2. All the ends of the earth Isaiah 45.22 and waits with long patience upon them Rom. 2.4 5. 2 Pet. 3 9-15 even to Jezabel he gave space to repent of her evil deeds Ren. 2.21 for Christ stands at the door of mens hearts and knocks and if any man hear his voice and open to him He will come in and sup with him c. Rev. 3.20 yea and therefore he sends and calls again and again to men Matt. 22.3 4. and 22.37 and is angry with men for refusing to come Matt. 22.7 Prov. 1.24 25 26 c. 2. That there is a necessity of coming to and believing on Christ for the enjoyment of this grace and glory prepared in him because 1. It is all treasured up in Christ for us so as not to be enjoyed or received but in and with Christ How shall not he with Christ not apart from or without Christ freely give us all things Rom. 8.32 This life is in his Son He that hath the Son hath life and he that hath not the Son hath not life 1 Joh. 5.11 12. The Feast is prepared in Wisdomes house and she and her servants go forth to call men to it in the house but do not carry it out of the house to them to be eaten in the streets Prov. 9 1-5 6. for men may not have forgiveness of Sins the Holy Spirit the grace and blessing of God in their
ye die O house of Israel zech 33.11 But now to his Discipleâ—… addes But blessed are your eyes for they and your ears for they hear As the reaâ—… still why it was given to them to know mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven 〈◊〉 they winked not with or closed their 〈◊〉 nor stopped their ears as the obstinate 〈◊〉 rebellious ones Zech. 7.11 12. But 〈◊〉 trariwise they see and heard they leâ—… and received the light vouchsafed and discoveries it made and the voice truth brought to them and what it sâ—… fied and therefore they were blessed dued with greater capacity of seeing 〈◊〉 hearing more understanding and inlaâ—… ment in spirit Matt. 13.11 12 13 14 16. like to which also was that answer ven by Christ to Judas when he asked hâ—… Why he would manifest himself to them 〈◊〉 not to the world the refusers and rejecâ—… of him Joh. 14.22 23 24 If any manâ—… me saith he he will keep my words and â—…ther will love him and we will come unto 〈◊〉 and make our abode with him He that â—…eth me not keepeth not my sayings c. To â—…em that turn at his reproofs He powres out 〈◊〉 Spirit and makes known his words but 〈◊〉 them that set at naught his counsels and â—…ll none of his reproofs he doth not so nor â—…e they in a fit posture for it yea such a carriage provokes him to give them up to their 〈◊〉 lusts and let them walk after their own â—…eâ—…sels Prov. 1.23 24 25. Psa 81.10 11 12. 〈◊〉 that both mens first complying with or â—…t complying with the light and truth â—…herewith God by Christ prevents them is â—…e exercise of their voluntary choise not â—…e necessity or excellency of their natures â—…th are mercifully prevented by Grace â—…r God fashions their hearts alike before he â—…nsiders their works to approve the one or â—…ndemn or be angry with the other â—…sal 33.15 He that chuseth to comply 〈◊〉 the grace that prevents him chuseâ—…â—…t of himself nor hath any liberty thereto â—…t as Grace prevents strengthens and inâ—…ines him thereto but yet Grace works â—…t so as not to leave him a capacity of â—…hoise or refusal but gives him the capacity 〈◊〉 chuse excites him thereto and directs â—…d strengthens him therein and he volunâ—…rily obeying it is approved commended followed with more grace and made wisâ—… to Salvation and useful for the good 〈◊〉 others though this last according to God free pleasure more absolutely who distributes his gifts for usefulness differently 〈◊〉 those that are made spiritual ones as he see good as is plainly asserted 1 Cor. 12.7 8. To one is given by the Spirit the word of wâ—…dome to another the word of knowledg by 〈◊〉 same Spirit to another the working of Mirâ—…cles c. But all these worketh one and the sâ—… same Spirit dividing to every man severally 〈◊〉 He will The others rejection is not 〈◊〉 want of or from any defect in preventing grace for wisdome calls and stretches out â—…hand that is puts forth her power for helpfulness and in the day of Salvation is succoâ—…ing them also that they might hear and obeâ—… and chuse the fear of the Lord Prov. 1.22 23 24 25. 2 Cor. 6.1 2. and would gather thâ—… also Matt. 23.37 but it proceeds from thâ—… mere voluntary choice of the Will or Soâ—… in them chusing to retain its Idol lust 〈◊〉 way of iniquity It s true before the graâ—… of God prevents and works men naturalâ—… and necessarily do evil and follow afâ—… vanity But that 's not the thing for which God is angry and provoked to deny 〈◊〉 withold his grace for notwithstanding thâ—… He prevents them Yea that is matter 〈◊〉 pity and commiseration to Him to see men naturally under such a power and necessity of evil but mens rejections are condemned â—…s they are their voluntary and unnecessiated choises of evil after grace preventing â—…hem counsels and excite them to do better â—…hence This is the condemnation that Light 〈◊〉 come into the world and men love darkness â—…ather than light because their deeds are evil â—…oh 3.19 And Because I called and ye reâ—…used I stretched out my hand saith wisdome â—…nd no man regarded Ye have set at nought all â—…y counsels and would none of my reproofs I also will laugh at your calamity and mock when â—…our fear cometh Then they shall call upon â—…e but I will not answer they shall seek me â—…arly but shall not find me For that they hated knowledg and did not chuse the fear of the Lord therefore shall they eat the fruit of their â—…wn way and be filled with their own devices Prov. 1.24 25 26 28 29 31. What our â—…aviour saith to the Jews refusing him â—…nd his words being in a sense and measure more generally true viz. If I had â—…ot come and spoken to them they had not had â—…in but now they have no cloke for their sin He that hateth me hateth my Father also and so generally he that hateth the way and means of Gods conveighing his divine light and power as such hates him that so conveighs it If I had not done among them thâ—… works that no other man did they had not haâ—… sin but now they have both seen and hated bâ—… me and my Father John 15.22 23 24. Yeâ—… though we say that some men attain to wiâ—…dome through their voluntary complying with the grace of God preventing them and others fail thereof through their wilful râ—…fusings of that grace which prevents them which had it been complyed with would also have made them wise yet we alwayâ—… reserve to God as is meet his own Soveraign liberty and freedome of preventing the one or other with more or less afforâ—…ing more or less clear means or discoveries of his truth in and by those means exeâ—…cising longer or less patience towards theâ—… or taking more ordinary or extraordinaâ—… courses with them For as sometimes 〈◊〉 makes some Sinners examples of his Seâ—â—rity for admonishing others and exciting them to Repâ—â—tance who were not leâ—… Sinners than those whom He makes examples Luke â—…3 1 2 3 4 5. So He may aâ—… sometimes doth make some as bad as 〈◊〉 thers examples or special instances of hâ—… mercy for the moving others to seek meâ—…cy of Him and incouraging them to hoâ—… for it from Him in their seeking it 1 Tim. 13.15 16. Now of those that are made wise it is said They shall shine c. Where we may further inquire 1. What these wise men are and where 〈◊〉 their wisdome stands or is evidenced 2. What is imported in its being said They shall shine as the brightnefs of the firmament 1. These wise men we have seen are such â—…s are made so through the Grace of God â—…ringing Salvation to them closed and complyed with by them with a wisdome â—…hat no man hath by and of himself or by â—…is own mere strength and industry but by â—…he Grace of God in Christ Jesus by which as
seek for it as for Silver and dig for it as for hidden treasures Pro. 2.1 2 3 4. and 10.14 Yea they take not offence at but receive and turn at wisdomes reproofs and follow her counsels whatever they be or whithersoever they lead taking the Kingdom of God as it were by violence because they know the necessity and worth of it Prov. 3.23 and 15.5.31 32. Matt. 11.12 They hear wisdomes voice watching at her gates and waiting daily and diligently at the posts of her doors knowing that so they shall find her and finding her they shall finde life and shall obtain favour of the Lord Prov. 8.33 34 35. Yea and knowing that two are better than one and a threefold cord is not easily broken they join in company with those that fear God and go forth by bands with the Locusts Prov. 30.27 Eccles 4.9 12. Psal 119.63 Matth. 3.10 Psal 133. 1-4 Yea further in this Wisedome and these wise men there is 5. Cautelousness and circumspection their Eyes are in their head Eccles 2.14 and they understand their way and ponder and consider the path of their feet that all their ways may be established not believing with and as the simple ones every word or closing with all that hath a fair appearance in the flesh or outside but being wary they look well to their going Prov. 14.8.15 with 4.26 they walk circumspectly and exactly looking to themselves because they know the world is full of deceit and deceivers and Sathan can transform himself into an Angel of light and his messengers into Ministers of righteousness Ephes 5.16 Joh. 2.7 8. 2. Cor. 11.13 14. They believe not every spirit nor follow every Preacher that hath a form of godliness nor are led by the speciousness of their carriages their zeal noise and brave appearances in the flesh or outside performances of religious actions but they try the spirits whether they be of God or not and to that purpose they make use of Gods touchstone his Law and Testimony from which they will not start or be waved by any pretending Apostleship from God or appearing like Angels in their gifts parts speech or carriages towards and aâ—…gst men they mark whither mens doctrines confess Christ come in the flesh and lead to and build only on him as the full all-sufficient and only foundation of our hopes and whither they speake the Language of the holy Apostles and Prophets Isa 8.20 Gall. 1.8 9. 1 John 4.1 2 3 6. They understand the voice of their Shepherd and strangers therefrom they will not hear or follow John 10.4 5. They know that in believing on cleaving to and abiding in him there is sure and certain safety and out of him nothing but danger of destruction and therefore by no pretences will be drawn from him They understand that at what time God speaks to or concerning a Nation or concerning a Kingdome to build or to plant it yet if that Nation or Kingdome do evil in his sight and obey not his voice He is at liberty for all his former speaking or promise to harden and reject it and will repent of the good wherewith He said He would benefit it Jer. 18.9 10. And when he saith to a righteous man as He doth to none not truly and acceptably righteous thou shalt surely live yet if that righteous man trust in his righteousness and commit iniquity all his righteousness shall not 〈◊〉 remembred but for his iniquity that he hath done he shall die Eze. 33.13 and therefore as he is not discouraged from repentance by any threatnings against any sinful acts or ways that run in absolute formes so neither is he emboldened to sin against God because of any promises to the righteous in absolute forms nor will therefore be drawn to cast himself from the Pinacle of the Temple presuming and being confident that the Angels of God shall preserve him from harm because it is said to such as make God their refuge and the most high their habitation that his Angels shall bear them up in their hands and keep them in all their ways that they dash not their foot against a stone Psal 91 9-11 12. Mat. 4.5 6. The wise man feareth and departeth from evil He knows his standing is by faith and that in waiting upon God and keeping his way he shall be exalted out of all low ebbs that befal him to inherit the land that in Christ Jesus only are all the promises of God yea and in him Amen to the praise and glory of God so as in abiding in him and his doctrine they shall surely be met with and enjoyed but in departing from and wandring out of him they are departed from him too and he should become as a bird wandered out of his place and therefore he fears to imbrace such Scripture-less sayings as Once in Christ and ever in him That no sin can unson a Son of God whom God loves once he loves for ever if such a person sin never so much or never so often he cannot perish but must be pardoned cleansed and saved and therefore no need for such as are once justified of God can fear sinning against Him as a thing that deprives him of heaven and happiness He fears to suck in such Principles as may betray his Soul in a temptation and so to give any admission to sin and wickedness knowing that God spared not the Angels that sinned nor his people which He brought out of Egypt but afterward destroyed them that believed not nor the natural branches or seed of Abraham though elected of God and in Covenant with him as his first born people He is not high minded because of any grace bestowed upon or wrought in him but fears to offend or to follow after any principle or counsel leading him thereto knowing that though Gods goodness is towards and upon him yet the continuance of it to him is no otherwise assured than in his abiding in Christ keeping his Commandments and so continuing in his goodness Prov. 14.16 Psal 37.34 2 Corinth 1.20 Romans 11.20 21 22 23. John 15.9 10. 1 Cor. 9.27 with 10.1 3. 10 11. But the fool rageth and is confident or he goeth on transgresseth and is angry with them that would put him in fear 〈◊〉 any harm that may befal him and is bold and confident confident that he stands so sure he can never be moved He can never fall away totally and finally though he hearken to the enticements of Sin and Sathan and follow his desire and inclination to satisfie his lust and affection for why He is elected He is in Christ a Son of God Sin he may and suffer he may but all shall be for his advantage at last and work for his good even his presumptuous sinnings and sufferings for them too and he can never perish therefore he goeth on and whereas He that feareth alwaies is blessed this bold presumptuous and confident fool falls into mischief Prov. 14.16 and 28.14 6. A
merchandise whereof is better than the merchaudise of Silver and the gain whereof is better than fine Gold that is more precious than Rubies and so excellent that all the things that a man can desire are not to be compared to her In her right hand is length of days and in her left hand riches and honour her ways are ways of pleasantness and all her paths peace She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her happy is every one that retaineth her Prov. 3.13 14 15 16 17 18. For they that be wise with this wisdome shall shine as the brightness of the Firmament for ever and eveâ—… Other wisdome worldly and humane literature may make a man shine for a time nay sometime through many ages likâ—… some candles and torches that have the thieves as they call them in them the strong sents and stinking smoakes belonging to them as in the heathen Poets and Philosophers and divers Heathen-Christian may be seen But it s this heavenly wisdoâ—… only that will advance a man on high aâ—… make him shine most purely brightly aâ—… above the reach of envy and for ever 〈◊〉 the world to come And therefore the wise having such happiness entail'd upon them as may render it evident and easie to be believed that Wisdome is the principal thing Proverbs 4.7 It may in the next place Vse 2. Exhort us all to get wisdome get understanding yea above all things with all gettings to get this understanding that we may be made of the number and company of these wise men who shall obtain such excellent glory such a happy portion And surely it s not a thing impossible to get this wisdome for then the Holy Ghost would not exhort us to go about it let there be but an earnest and hearty endeavour after it according to Gods directions given us thereabout and God that is ready to give it yea that gives liberally to all and upbraids not will give it to us James 1.5 Labour we then for that meat that endureth to everlasting life which the Son of man will give unto us so labouring for it for him hath God even the Father sealed John 6.27 Fools and Scorners and all are called to it to look after it and promise is made of God that â—…n obeying his Calls and Counsels thereabout they shall have it given them To â—…hat end that we might have it did God â—…end his only begotten Son his Word and Wisdome both to take out of the way that which hindered its communication to us and having done that to be the author and giver of it and to that end hath he put his Spirit upon him that he might bring forth judgment to us though barbarous and brutish Gentiles naturally and thereby make us wise to Salvation and He that spared not his own Son but delivered Him up for us all how shall he not with Him freely give us all things and so this wisdome also Rom. 8.32 Yea and Christ came forth from God to that purpose to set on foot the preaching of that word wherethrough that heavenly wisdome may be obtained and being ascended up on high and having received of the Father the promise of the Spirit even the spirit of Wisdome and Vnderstanding the spirit of Counselâ—… and Might the spirit of Knowledg and of the fear of the Lord. He hath given forth this Spirit also and thereby made known the heavenly word wherethrough this excellent wisdome is conveighed and may be received and all that we may be made wise so that it is not to be despaired of no not by the most simple and foolish but hopefully and believingly to be sought for and endeavoured after by us In and for worldly matters and earthy advantages men may possibly weary themselves in the very fires for nought and labour in vain and to no purpose but looking after this we shall neither labour in vain for God hath not said to the House of Jacob seek ye me in vain He the Lord speaks righteousness and declares things that are right and He hath said Ask and ye shall receive Seek and ye shall find Knock and it shall be opened unto you with reference to this Heavenly commodity For every one that asketh receiveth and he that seeks finds and to him that knocketh it shall be opened Isai 45.14 Mat. 7.7 8. Nor being obtained shall we ever repent the labour and diligence we use for getting it it is of that infinite price worth and benefit as the Honey is good and the Honey-comb is sweet to the taste so shall the knowledg of Wisdome be unto thy Soul when thou hast found it then there shall be a reward and thine expectation shall not be cut off Prov. 24.13 14. Yea Man knoweth not the price thereof it cannot be valued with the Gold of Ophir the precious Onyx or the Saphire the Gold and Christal cannot equal it and the exchange of it shall not be for Jewels or vessels of fine Gold no mention shall be made of Coral or of Pearl for the price of Wisdome is above Rubies The Topaz of Ethiopia cannot equal it neither shall it be valued with the â—…ure Gold Job 28.13 15 16 17 18 19. Quest But as there follows where shall this Wisdome be found and where is the place of Vnderstanding How shall we come by it or what shall we do to obtain it Answ I might say while it is yet a day of Grace as the wise Virgins said unto the foolish Go ye to them that sell and buy for yourselves Matt. 25.9 1. Go to them that sell that is to Jesus Chriâ—… and to God in Christ and to his Holy Spirit in and among his people oâ—… Church his house or Temple for Wisdome hath built her house and hewed out her seven Pillars and there she hath killed her Sacrifice mingled her Wine and furnished her Table and she sends out her maids or servants with whom she and her spirit also go forth to caâ—… persons in thither and she saith to the simpâ—… turn in hither and to them that have no understanding Come eat of my bread and drink 〈◊〉 the wine that I have mingled Prov. 9 1-5 6. Ho every one that thirsteth come ye to the waters and he that hath no money c. Isa 55. 〈◊〉 and Blessed is he that heareth her words watâ—…ing at her gates and waiting at the posts of â—…doors for whoso finds her finds life and 〈◊〉 obtain favour of the Lord Prov. 8.33 34 3â—… But take heed of other posts Go not to â—…thel nor enter into Gilgal c. Amos 5. 〈◊〉 Seek by the faith and in the Doctrine aâ—… Ordinances of the Lord Jesus Christ aâ—… not as it were by the works of the Law or by other mens precepts or devises Rom. 9.31 32. Isai 29.13 Matt. 15.8 9. Quest But how shall we know which is Gods house his Church and beloved People For many lay claim to that name and titly The Church of
rest at noon Cant. 1.7 Stay me with flagons comfort me with apples Chap. 2.5 and Thou that dwellest in the gardens the companions hearken to thy voice cause me to hear it Chap. 8.13 and Solomon or the wisdome of God by him joyns together the minding and receiving Gods word and praying or crying to God in Prov. 2 1-3.5 My Son if thoâ—… wilt receive my words and hide my commandments with thee so that thou encline thinâ—… car unto wisdome and apply thine heart to understanding yea if thou criest after knowledgâ—… and liftest up thy voice namely to God foâ—… understanding Then shalt thou understanâ—… the fear of the Lord the beginning or principal point of wisdome Cha. 1.7 and 9.10 and find the knowledg of God for the Lord giveth wisdome it is the Lords to give therefore needful to look and repair to him for it and He doth give it therefore there is good encouragement to seek and ask it of him Out of his mouth cometh knowledg and understanding But yet in and with this going to God and Christ for it both in taking heed to his Word and calling on his Name for it We must also 2. Buy it Go and buy of them that sell So the Holy Ghost counsels us to Prov. 23.23 Buy the truth and sell it not wisdome and instruction and understanding Buy it however whatever it may cost thee but sell it not upon any terms whatsoever for the greatest gain or advantage that may be tendered to thee And again Ho every one that thirsteth come ye to the waters and ye that have no money come buy and eat buy wine and milk without money and without price Isaiah 55.1 and again saith our Lord Jesus I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire that thou maist be rich and white raiment that thou maist be cloathed and that the shame of thy nakedness may not appear Revel 3.18 which are but the same with this heavenly Wisdome with its fruits and benefits Quest. But seeing those are invited to buy that have no money and to buy without money or price that is money-worth what must we pay or give for it or how can we be said to buy it Answ It is called a buying because as in buying there is a parting with something that we may acquire a right to or interest in or possession of another thing even of the thing that we buy So here there must be a letting go something though it be not truly money or any thing truly desireable much less any thing that may for its real worth be valuable with this heavenly Wisdome the price whereof is above Rubies so as it cannot be valued with the gold of Ophir the precious Onyx or the Saphir yet it is what we are apt to prize at a high rate yea many do so highly prize it as that they will rather go without wisdome than part with it and that ihat is in general whatsoever is by wisdome reproved and whatsoever the heart cannot attend to wisdome to receive and walk thereafter except neglected and parted with by it as it is said Turn at my reproofs namely from all your Sins and Idols from every false way that I discover to be so as I discover it and from loving or cleaving to any thing so as to cause a neglect of me and of obedience to sayings And 〈◊〉 will poure out my spirit to you I will make known my words Pro. 23. as particularly to instance in some things or Heads of things 1. We must part with and let go our love of honour and applause with men and the leaning and relying on them their learning wisdome power multitude and be willing to suffer the loss of that esteem that we have or might have with them yea and to incurr their hatred reproaches or injuries as they may be occasioned by our cleaving to and walking in the truth this was one thing the not parting with which hindered the Jews from closing with Christ and so having the wisdome of God they received honour one of another and contented not themselves with or looked not after that honour that came from God only How can ye believe that so do saith our Saviour Joh. 5.44 yea this hindered many who in their hearts were convinced of the truth of Christ from attaining the wisdome that is by it that they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God Joh. 12.43 they minded what the Rulers and Pharisees did and hung upon them that mislead them for direction Joh. 7.47 48 49. And so now if we love the praise and honour of men that are great and learned and make 〈◊〉 great noise and shew of their zeal and strictness as the Pharisees did and would as they be reputed the only wise religious and orthodox persons we shall mistake and do amiss If we prefer any mans seeming yea or real zeal and devotion or fame for piety or learning and value their approvement so as that we will be waved from Gods testimony thereby and them that cleave thereto though but a few and despised as our Saviours Disciples were we shall deprive our selves of wisdome Yea our Saviour tells us if we Come to him and hate not comparatively as in competition with him our Fathers Mothers Brethren Sisters Wives Children yea and our own lives also we cannot be his Disciples that is we cannot be good Scholars and proficients in his School so as to attain to be made wise and truly understanding persons Luke 14.26 He that loves Father or Mother more than him is not worthy of him and he that loveth Son or Daughter more than him is not worthy of him Matt. 10.37 2. We must part with all high thoughts and conceits of our own knowing understanding or sufficiency in our selves for that will cut off our legs as it were and take us off from travailing after and seeking for this heavenly wisdome for that wilâ—… make us lukewarm in our desires and endeavours after it and take us off from buying it as it did the Angel of the Church of Laodicea who saying in his heart that He was rich and increased with goods and wanted nothing not knowing his own wretchedness and misery poverty blindness and nakedness grew therethrough so luke warm that Christ threatned to spue him out of his mouth as some nauseous humour Rev. 3.16 17. Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit there is more hope of a fool even of a mere fool's being made wise than of such an one Prov. 26.12 thence Wo to the wise in their own eyes and the prudent in their own sight Isai 5 21. for they think they know when they know not any thing as they ought to know 1 Cor. 8.2 and so grow scornful of such counsel and instructions as are needful for them to bring them to know and to be wise indeed so as they are ready with the Pharisees to say Are we blind also John 9.40 for the
to him in this present world He that knows his masters will and doth it not shall be â—…eaten with many stripes for to whomsoever â—…uch is given of him shall be much required â—…nd to whom men have committed much of him â—…hey will ask the more Luk. 12.47 48. Christ was not sent of God neither came he into â—…he world nor hath he sent forth his Spirit â—…nd fitted and furnished servants of his and sent them into the world and given forth his Word and Doctrine and the light of his sons and servants holy conversation to such end that we might only have our brains filled with better and righter speculations or our tongues tipt with finer and righter language and that we should bow to him with our knees and honour him with our lips and cry Lord Lord and jangle and wrangle and make a noise bustle and bluster in the world about opinions and forms of worship while still we remain in heart and life covetous proud ambitious vainglorious unjust and wicked But his great end in all this and the great end we are to pursue in the enjoyment of them all and the use we are to make of them was and is our being redeemed from all iniquity and purified to be to Christ a peculiar people zealous of good works Tit. 2.14 Oh let us look diligently that we neither fail of the grace of God nor receive it in vain but so as we may have it so effectually in our hearts prevailing with us and bringing forth its fruits in us that we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear beâ—… made wise to Salvation a righteous people aâ—… branch of Gods planting the work of his hands that He may be glorified Isai 60.21 3. This also with reference to both it s branches Vse 6. May administer diverse reproofs as 1. To such as neglect Wisdome and Righteousness and regard them not that seek other things but seek not the Lord that call and cry and lift up their voices for vanities and that that will not profit them for perishing pleasures riches or honours but content themselves to be without wisdome and understanding seek not Gods Kingdome and his Righteousness have a will to be rich and through the love of money fall into a temptation and a snare and into many foolish and hurtful lusts which drown them in destruction and perdition and pierce their souls through with many sorrows but flee from Wisdome and her calls counsels instructions and reproâ—… shunning the light thereof because their deeds are evil and follow not after righteousness godliness faith love patience meekness that they might lay hold on eternal life 1 Tim. 6.9 10 11 12. Who not believing that they are the truly wise that fear and serve God in the faith of Christ Jesus nor that they shall shine so gloriously in the issue and as the reward of their wise doings therefore say to God Depart from us we desire not the knowledg of thee or of thy ways preferring riches before righteousness wine and women and the ways of wickedness before wisdome heavenly understanding and righteousness their farms and oxen before the heavenly Marriage-feast husks with swine before the substantial bread of life laying out their money for that that is not bread and their labour for that that satisfieth not when they might but will not eat that that is good and let their souls delight themselves in fatnesse these are fools indeed and shame and contempt will be their promotion Prov. 1.7 and 3.35 When they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the Firmament then shall these ly down in everlasting darkness and be an abhorring to all flesh Isaiah 50.11 and 66.24 especially those that have had the greatest opportunities and advantages for getting wisdome and for being justified and made righteous and yet foolishly and wickedly have neglected and despised them Hebr. 2.3 that have a price put into their hands to get wisdome but they have no hearts to it Prov. 17.16 Indeed had Christ never been sent of God or come into the world or had he never died for them and rose again or had he by no means or God through him ordered any light or truth to them so as it might be known or discerned by them or given them no capacity to see hear or receive it their case might deserve more pitty and excuse God that winked at the times of ignorance would certainly comparatively at least overlook their remediless ignorance and brutishness but now that things are otherwise the light is come into the world Christ hath given himself the ransome for all and the the testimony in due or proper times and is the light that lighteneth every man coming into the world and what is to be known of God is manifest in or among men for God hath shewed it them and they close their eyes and refuse to see and like not to have or retain God in their knowledg yea professing themselves to be wise and neglecting what comes to make them wise become fools and their foolish heart is darkened they have therefore no excuse but the wrath of God is revealed from Heaven against them for all their ungodliness and unrighteousness because they withold the truth in unrighteousness 1 Tim. 2.4 6. John 1.9 and 3.19 Rom. 1.18 19 20 21 22-28 Truly this is the case among the heathens But how much more inexcusable must we Christians needs be who have the Scriptures of the Law and Prophets among us yea the Preachings and doings of Christ and his Apostles in all a clear discovery of the mind and will of God and of his love and grace to us and the highest means and advantages given us for attaining to wisdome and being made just and righteous but put them from us or receive the Grace of God herein in vain Oh how great is the folly and how sad will be the state of such among us Folly and madness to neglect and slight what they might have of such worth as to advance them to greater glory than all the glory of the earth or world even to shine as the brightness of the Firmament But much more folly by neglecting that to incurr endless obscurity and disgrace and everlasting misery If men are accounted fools and well may be oftimes who having opportunities and advantages to attain to glory and dignity among men do sloathfully cowardly or otherwise neglect them how much more shall they who might attain to heavenly glory and care not for it nor will look after it upon which account also 2. Here is reproof to such as being somewhat acquainted with God and his grace truth and having received some furniture and fitness for being useful to others yeâ—… with the sloathful and wicked servant refuse to improve their talent know how to do good to others but have no heart to it mind their own things only but neglect thâ—… things that are Christs Philip. 2.21 Seek what to eat