3.1 Isa 26.8.9 2. To use all diligence to get them all businesse set apart all other gaine neglected let us seek to be partakers of Grace of the Spirit as the Wise men left their owne countrey to come to Christ the disciples left all to follow him so let us take off our hearts from the world from carnall friends and from whatsoever is deare unto us and seeke to bee endowed with heavenly riches let us Pro. 2.2 3. Let us with David Psal 27.4 desire to dwell in the house of the Lord all our life that we may behold the beauty of the Lord to enquire in his temple Jer. 50.4 Dan. 9.3 Let us by hearing premeditation fasting and by all holy meanes seeke this grace 3. Let us value it more highly then all the treasures of the earth for Job 28.19 Psa 84.10 Psa 119.72 4. Let us love it more entirely then any other endowment give them the preheminence in our affections the chiefest roome in our hearts let us enlarge desires of our hearts towards them let us bestowe the strength and quintessence of our love upon them let us so affect them that with the Spouse we be sick of love Cant. 5.2 So love them that it make us long for them Psal 119.20 so love them that with Jacob we serve an apprentiship for them 5. Let us rejoyce and delight in it more then in all earthly treasure as Matth. 2.10 So wee to see any starre of Grace appeare in the heart as Anna 1. Sam. 2.1 So wee for our new birth thus Psa 4.6 6. Let us receive it more thankfully as Eccles 16.1 Gal. 6.14 7. Let us treasure it up more carefully when Achan had gotten a golden Wedge hee hid it 8. Let us receive the saving graces of the Spirit more thankfully then any common endowments and render more praise to God for this then for any other favour let us be more thankeful for our new birth then for noble birth so for victory ouer sin then for conquest our all bodily enemies for the riches of grace then for all worldly treasures for knowledg faith love meekness patience the joy of the spirit then for all the choisest jewels and most precious praises in the world As wee receiv a cup of pure and pleasant wine more thankfully then a cup of small water a piece of gold more thankfully then a handful of ordinary and common earth as Theodosius gave more thanks that hee was a member of the Church than head of the Empire so should wee give more thanks that wee are the members of Christ Jesus than for the greatest earthly present whereunto the hand of the world can advance us as Naman was thankful for the purging of his leprosie so let us for the washing away of the filth of sin as Moses sang praises to God for their deliverance from the hand of Pharaoh so let us for our deliverance out of the hands of Satan for the donation of the spirit and the grace wherewith wee are enriched Ephes 1.3 This was the Saint's practice Col. 1.12 13. Wee should say for this as David did 2 Sam. 7.18 19 20 22. so should wee com and stand before our God and say Who are wee O Lord God that thou shouldest bring us hitherto that of slaves thou shouldest make us thy free men that of men dead in sin putrified in the grave of corruption thou shouldest raise us to a new life of thorns briars thou shouldest make us fruitfull and bearing vines of strangers thou shouldest make us thine own adopted Children of poor and blinde naked thou shouldest make us rich with the saving grace of thy spirit and this was yet a small thing but thou hast also prepared everlasting mansions for us to dwell in immortal crowns for us to wear upon our heads a glorious ever shining sun to give us light even fulness of joy at thy right hand for ever And what can wee say unto thee our God for all these things how can we sufficiently laud thee for thy goodness for in this are all the motives and inducements of thankfulness If you will sing for refreshment received in the day of drought as Israël did for the spring of water Num. 21.17 here is our welspring of everliving water Joh. 4.14 If yee will bless God for victorie as Debora and Baruc did Jud. 5.1 Here is that which inableth you to tread Satan under foot Rom. 16 20. and maketh you more then conquerers in all assaults Rom. 8.36 If you will offer sacrifice and make vows as the heathen marriners for the appeasing of the tempestuous and raging Sea Jona 1.16 here is that which appeaseth a greater storm which breedeth a sweeter peace Phil. 4.7 If yee will give thanks for the opening of your eies which were blinde as the blinde man did Joh. 9.38 here is that which openeth the eie of the understanding inableth you to see the deep things of God 1 Cor. 2 9.10 This is the sword which conquereth the Physick which healeth the musick which delighteth the milk which nourisheth the wine which cheereth the friend which comforteth the hand which enricheth therefore wee should bee thankfull for this above all other blessings 7. Let us treasure up these gifts most carefully as the husbandmen hide the good seed in the ground that it may bee preserved from the fowls of the aër take root and bring forth increas as rich men lock up their jewels in strong chests place them in close and sure rooms that the hand of the thief may not reach them so must wee with all diligence hide and with all carefulness keep the saving grace of the spirit it is our choicest endowment it will yield us most comfort do us most good stand us in most stead as the people said of David 2 Sam. 18.3 Thou art worth ten thousand of us so the grace of the spirit is worth ten thousand of your sheep oxen gold and silver therefore bee as careful to keep it as the people were to keep David as a man would be to keep the apple of his eie or his right hand It was Solomon's charge to his Son a charge often repeated to make him heedful of it Proverb 3.21 4.23 urged by our Saviour Rev. 2.21 3.12 The like may bee seen in Paul Tit. 1.9 1 Tim. 6.12.13.14 Satan the the World the Flesh will all strive to wrest from us the grace of the spirit by force by flattery by promises and provocations as Dalila labored to cut away Samson's locks so will these strive to rob us of God's saving grace therefore wee must give all diligence to keep it 8. Let all God's people bee contented how slender soëver their outward estate bee though you wash not your feet in butter neither doth the rock yield any oil though your root spread not out by the waters nor the dew lay not all night upon your branch though your outward glorie be not fresh
Kingdom is weakned 5. The more excuseles men will be in the day of judgement Vse A great incouragement to all Gods people specially to Gods Ministers to be industrious in all places not at any time hiding their light under a bushell but setting it upon the Candlestick that all that will not shut their eyes may see by it not being as a sealed fountaine but as a flowing streame to refresh the thirsty Souls of our bretheren Learning by our Saviours Example to do good in all places where we come going up and down seeking whom to save as Sathan compasseth the earth seeking whom he may devour compassing Sea and Land to turne men to God as the Pharises did to make a prosylite an embracer of their superstition Were our care and diligence thus manifested were our time thus redeemed our abilities thus exercised then 1. We should leave in all places a sweet savour behind us 2. We should prevent the commission of many evills 3. We should take from Sathan much advantage which he now hath against us 4. We should enlighten many blind understandings 5. We should revive many dejected Spirits 6. We should make fruitfull many barren Souls 7. We should reclaime many wandering sheep 8. We should replenish the fold of Christ Jesus 9. We should make the Gospel glorious 10. We should multiply our owne graces 11. We should make our appearance at last very comfortable before Christ Jesus Thus of the place 4. The reason why he baptized there because their was much water there other places afforded not so much water as this place did therefore he made choise of this where you may see 1. That the Sacrament of Baptisme ought to be administred in pure water without any mixture 2. That in antient time the whole body of the baptized did use to be washed 3. That Ministers ought to make choise of the most convenient places for the execution of their office of each of these a word or two Doctr. 1 The Sacrament of baptisme must be administred in pure water without any mixture As Naaman washed in the River of Jordan without any thing mingled with it and was healed So must we in this Jordan For so was Christ himself baptized Math. 3.16 So was the Eunuch baptized Acts 8.38 39. Therefore called washing Eph. 5.26 Acts 8.36 Acts 2.41 Math. 28.19 Thus they 1 Cor. 10.2 This answereth the water flowing from our Saviours side as the Wine in the Lords supper doth answer the blood which our Saviour shed and this doth represent the thing thereby signified the washing away of our sinnes Therefore Augustine Tolle aquam baptismus non erit Where by the way we may see the Manichees refuted refusing to use water in baptisme because as they fondly conceived the devill and not God had made the water Their errour discovered who would not baptize with water because Iohn baptized with water but Christ baptized with the Holy Ghost Their practice confuted who insteed of sprinkling water did impresse the forme of a crosse with a hot Iron in the forehead of their children because it is said that Christ did baptize with the Holy Ghost and with fire understanding that literally which was ment Spiritually The weak conceipt of such overturned as think the child may be baptized in Wine Oile or other liquour whereas Acts 8.36 Eph. 5.26 Water is the onely sanctified and appointed Element It also overthroweth the errour and presumtuous practice of the Papists in adding Salt Oile Spittle c. to the Element of Water a practice savouring of no lesse pride than ignorance For it is not in the power of any man or Angel but onely of God to appoint the matter of a Sacrament No man must dare to add to any of Gods Ordinances no creature can make them more compleat and perfect Dutr. 12.32 Whatsoever is by nams invention annexed to it is will-worship which God abhorreth Coll. 2.24 Such as hath neither precept or example in Scripture to warrant it but are taken partly from Iudaisme as Salt and Oile partly from their one blind zeale as spittle and partly from the abuse of the practise of the Church in the time of persecution used to preach and baptize in the night by candle light and hence the Papists will have their candles burning in the day But to leave these cold and comfortles discourses let us returne to our selves and as the water is the Element in Baptisme so let us labour to see that Baptisme in us produce such effects as the water useth to do in things subject to the operation thereof and 1. As the water doth wash the body so let us be stirred up to get our Souls washed from sinne and uncleanenes this is the worst dirt a filthines which doth most defile a Leprosie which doth most deforme no spot so sordid no blemish so uneasily removed no deformity but this causeth us to be refused of God it is not unwashen hands a polluted face but an unwashed Soule which the Lord doth hate this is that the Lord would have us put away Jer. 4.14 All other washings are nothing worth the heart remaining uncleane unwasht it is not so much the outside as the inside of the platter doth defile the meat therefore the Lord will have both to be washed Iames 4.8 And this Davids Prayer Psal 51.2 7. This is Gods promise and the work of his Spirit upon all his chosen children Ezek. 36.26 This is a testimony of his surest love Ezek. 16.9 The sweetest favour that he bestowes on any of his servants to wash away their sin is a greater mercy and higher honour than to cloath them with the richest raiment and seate them in the most eminent places of dignity for as Exod. 29.4 Aaron and his sonnes were washed with water before they ministred in the tabernacle so must we wash before ever we can Minister unto God in any acceptable manner as Iohn 13.8 Christ washed Peters feet else he could not have part in him so unless we be inwardly washed we can have no part in Christ as Levit. 1.9 The inwards and the leggs of the burnt offering was to be washed in water So must our inward parts be washed before we can offer our selves to God Therefore as Naomi advised Ruth intending to joyne herself in wedlock with Boas Ruth 3.3 Wash thy selfe therefore and anoint thee c. So let me advise as many of you as intend to joyne vour selves in this holy wedlock with Iesus Christ wash your selves from your iniquities anoint your selves with the Oile of grace be cloathed with the garment of true holines that so God may delight in you 2. As the water doth supply and make soft and tender the grounds whereon it falleth things cast into it So must we labour to find our hearts by vertue of the grace of the Spirit represented and comunicated to us in baptisme made soft and tender flexible and obedient to the will of God This is Gods
thing in the Verse was the Ministers office as the friend of the Bridegroome prepareth a Bride for him so do Gods Ministers persuade prepare and fit the people to joyne themselves in a Holy wedlock to Christ Jesus Doctr. THat it is the speciall labour of Gods faithfull Ministers to perswade the people to turne unto and joyne themselves in a holy wedlock with Christ Iesus as Abrahams Servant sought a Wife for his Sonne Isaac made an oath to be faithfull praying for good speed Gen. 24.9 12. gave the Woman bracelets and a golden earering vers 22. would not eate till he had done his errant vers 33. commended the riches of his Master vers 35.36 So must the Ministers of the Lord seek woo and perswade men to joyne themselves unto Christ in a spirituall marriage Hence Paul saith he had espoused the Corinthians to one Husband that he might present them as a chast virgin unto Christ 2 Cor. 11.2 the Ministry of the Gospel compared to the marriage feast the Ministers unto Servants inviting men to the wedding by the use fruition sence and feeling of his Ordinances the spouse was made sick of love and filled with vehement and earnest longings after Christ Jesus Cant. 2.4 and this the Apostle sheweth to be their chiefest labour 2 Cor. 5.19 20. and so they make it 1. Because it bringeth much honour to God as Prov. 14.28 So by the encrease of godly men the bringing of many to yeeld ready and cheerefull subjection unto God is the name of the Lord much honoured by this the Scepter of Christ Iesus is erected in the hearts of men the Kings of Tarshish and of the Isles are constrained to bow before him to subject their necks to his yooke to plow up the fallow ground of their hearts and to bring forth fruit unto God by this they are brought to confesse their sin and to give glory unto God as Achan did when the Lot was cast upon him Ios 2.19 by this they are turned from Idols and wordly vanities to serve the living God 1 Thes 1.9 by this their nature is changed Isa 11.6 they are made to be at peace with God and among themselves by this of a barren wilderness they are made a fruitfull vineyard Isai 35.1 2 5 6 7. 2. Because it is very pleasing unto God the returning of the prodigall was delightfull to his Father as appeareth by the hast he made to meet him by the entertainement he gave him the bringing home of the lost sheep doth much rejoyce the Shepheard so the conversion of sinners is very pleasing unto God Luc. 15.7 What the bringing of many sheass into the barne is to the Husbandman what the birth of the Child is to the Mother the same is bringing of many to the new birth the gathering home of many Souls into Gods garner it is not the adorning of the body with gold and silver but the adorning of the heart which is in the sight of God of the greatest price 1 Pet. 3.3 4. It is not the bestowing of much riches upon men but the making of them rich in the grace of the Spirit which God respecteth 3. Because this doth bring the greatest ruine unto Satans Kingdome this like a key openeth the prison doores of sin and bringeth forth the Souls of men to liberty as the Angel brought Peter out of prison Act. 12.7 this overturneth his strong holds 2 Cor. 10.11 driveth him from his former possession Luc. 11.21 as the breaking of the pitchers shining of the lights with the cry of the sword of the Lord and Gideon put the Midianits to flight and gave freedome to Israel thus Isai 9.4 5. 4. Because this is most profitable for the people this of dead doth make them new and living creatures Joh. 5.25 of dry trees doth make them like trees planted by the waters side Psal 1.3 of barren Souls it maketh them fruitfull like a Mother of many Children Isai 54.1 of a desolate and forsaken people it bringeth them to a holy fellowship and honorable Communion with Christ Jesus by working faith in them Ephes 1.13 By separating them from profane persons like sheep from goats Chaffe from Corn Mat. 3.12 Ier. 23.29 Use This therefore discovereth the fearefull sin of such in the Ministry as in stead of turning men unto God do turne them from God in stead of joyning them in wedlock unto Christ do separate them from Christ in stead of drawing the hearts of men unto God and to the love of holy duties do like Absolon steale away the hearts affections of men from delight in the works of sanctification from subjection unto Gods precepts 2 Sam. 15.6 Some like the false Apostles seek to marry the people to themselves not to Christ seeking their owne praise not the honour of the Lord Jesus as the Disciples of the Baptist would have had their Master have taken the honour to himselfe which was due to Christ so there are some Masters labour to make their Disciples give them the reverence obedience praise which is due to Christ alone by making their sayings to be a Law an infallible ruse which must be followed giving preheminence or equalizing their traditions and unwarranted Doctrines to the Scriptures exercising Lordship tyranny over the faith and consciences of men rather than assisting them contrary to that of the Apostle 2 Cor. 1.24 and that of our Saviour Mat. 23.8 9 10. as if they were authours when they can be but instruments the fountaine when they must be like cisternes conveying the waters of life which they receive from God the Sun when they must be but starres in the right hand of Christ shining in the light which they receive from him Ier. 6.14 II. Some draw others from Christ by their false Doctrine flattering them in their sin speaking peace when there is no peace healing the disease of the people deceitfully like an unfaithfull Physician Ezek. 13.10 daubing with untempered morter like a deceitfull builder promising liberty when themselves are the servants of sin 2 Pet. 2.19 III. Some hinder men from coming to Christ harden them in sin by opposing and disgracing the wholesome Doctrine and gracious admonition given by their fellow brethren by sowing tares to choake the wheat by withstanding like Elimas Acts 13.8 by forbidding them to speake Amos 7.10 by seeking to alienate the hearts of the people from them Gal. 4.17 by incouraging the people in evill 1 King 22.11 12. IV. Some hinder men from coming to Christ by their silence they teach not the way of life and salvation they open not the danger of the naturall mans estate they acquaint not men with the riches of Gods mercy but Isai 56.10 11. A man that is both blind and dumb is an unfit man to make a marriage so they who are spiritually blind and dumb are no way meet to perswade the people to joyne themselves in wedlock unto Christ they cannot open unto them the honour
Husband their portion and the onely beloved of their souls there is no cause of repentance of going back of leaving Christ though Christ be alone as Naomi was in much affliction in much reproach poverty envy trouble yet they may well say to him as Ruth to Naomi Ruth 1.16 and to all that shall question with them hereabout as Pilate answered them Ioh. 19.22 what I have chosen I have chosen I will not reverse it and to all you that have laid hold on him that have entred into Covenant with him let me say as Paul in another case to the Galatians Gal. 5.1 stand fast in the choise you have made suffer not your hearts to be divorced from Christ to be brought again in bondage to the World let not honours pleasures on the one side nor taunts reproaches persecutions losses on the other side divide your hearts from Christ as once the evill spirit made a breach between Abimelech and the men of Sechem But ever remember whatsoever the World proffer or threaten Christ is above all he will make a large satisfaction for all and therefore having Christ comfort your selves 1. Against adversaries be they never so powerfull subtile violent full of fury and indignation Christ is above all above all in wisedom turning all the devices of the crafty Achitophels of the earth into foolishnes and Isa 44.25 he taketh them in the snares of their own spreading in the pits of their own digging there is Prov. 21.30 31. for he can do great things Iob 5.9 10 11 12 13. he is above all in power he can open the prison Acts 12.7 8. he can divide the Sea Exod. 14.30 31. he is a man of warre Exod. 15.3 he is a valiant Captain Ios 5.14 he can make us valiant Psal 60.12 he can make one of us chase a thousand Ios 23.10 If he be the leader of the army he can overthrow the Wals of Jericho with the sound of a Rams horne he can smite our enemies with blindness send a trembling into their hearts overturn them with a barley cake and make their bowels sheaths for their own swords it is all one to overcome with few or with many to cast down with a stone or with a sword with a Jaw bone or with a thousand men with a goade or with a multitude of Canon shot 2. Against the strength of sin the mighty power of Satan though our lusts be as untamable as the wilds beasts in the forrest yet he can put a bridle into their lips though they be like the bloudy issue which no Physician could cure yet Christ is above all he can dry them up though they be like a deep a strong and swift runing stream he can stay them though they be like Trees of a deep Root of a mighty growth yet he can pluck them up though they be strong holds yet he can cast them down as David took the fort of Syon notwithstanding all the strength thereof so 2 Cor. 10.5 he can tame the Lion Isai 11.6 7. the vertue of his death can make iniquity to moulder like a tree whose roots are rotten like a house whose foundation is decayed like a body which hath received a deaths wound though it be as strong as the buildings of the Temple yet as that was cast to the ground not one stone left upon another so can Christ cast down our sins that not one lust shall remain upon another as David overthrew Goliah and made all the Philistines fly So will Christ overthrow Satan and put all our lusts to flight the same power that opened the eyes of the blind that healed the lame that raised the dead can and will do the like for us He is above all who is our Saviour our Physician our Husband our Friend the beloved of our Souls therefore think of this and be comforted 3. Against spiritual assaults and grievous temptations perplexity and anguish of conscience though no bed can give us rest no Sun can give us delight no Fountain afford refreshment no Musick can give any comfort no friend no earthly treasure no tidings give contentment but all paths are paths of Thorns every speech dreadfull as Thunder every Fountain as the waters of Marah all manner of comfort that can be presented like the Prophets pottage whereof they cried there was death in the pot yet the Lord Jesus is above all he is the Prince of peace Isa 9.6 he he can still the stormy Tempest Math. 8.26 he can cast out the unclean spirit that casteth men into the fire and into the water into manifold troubles and perplexities he can cure the stinging of the fiery Serpent Math. 21.6 7. he can binde up the broken heart and heal the wounded spirit though it be a burden in supportable yet he can give us ease Matth. 11.28 he can make our peace like a River turn the winter of our sorrow into a pleasant spring the Hail and Thunder of trouble into the Sun-shine of sweet and pleasant rest 4. Against all reproches contumelies Christ our head our soveraign our husband is above all therefore though for the present we are in the eye of the world as our Saviour was a face wherein was no beauty a dry Tree without leaves without fruits signs wonders spectacles gazing stocks a cursed people out-casts the worst of all sinners the most miserable of all base things and things which are not yet let us remember that Christ is above all and that we are Members of the body whereof he who is the head is above all the spouse of that husband who is the Prince of all Kings let us remember whatsoever we are in the eye of the world yet in and through Christ we are Exod. 19.5 as the Sun Phil. 2.15 Jewels Mal. 3.17 Kings 1 Pet. 2.9 the most honourable and glorious people in the world therefore Cant. 1.9 10 11. Cant. 6.10 5. Against all wants Christ Jesus who is ours is above all in him there is all fulnesse Therefore let us comfort assure our selves in all our necessities there shall no good thing be wanting for all things are in Christ in a transcendent manner after a more full larger sort than in the creature as light is in the Sun after a fuller manner than in the Gloe-worm he who hath him if he be well experienced in him shall find enough to supply himself if a man want love from the world the love of the Lord Jesus will abundantly recompence it as the love of the King of the Master will abundantly recompence the want of the love of the begger of the servant if a man want honour estimation respect among men to be honourable in the sight of God to have sonship with God heirship with Christ will largely answer it if a man want fellowship with men fellowship with God Christ sufciently countervaileth it if a man want rich and glorious apparel the royal
none of the Astrologers onely Joseph and Daniel can interpret it for Mat. 11.27 7. In regard of the ministration of his kingdom and government of his Church and people none so great a charge so many people to rule so many great and strong enemies to oppose subdue and conquer therefore hee is said to bee girded with the sword Justice by his Word the sword of the spirit striking the hearts of rebellious people to bring them into subjection to ride upon the word of Truth by the ministry of the Gospel defending his chosen beating down sin and superstition working many wonders striking terror into the hearts of his enemies and for the accomplishment hereof hee is said to anointed with the oil of gladness above his fellows to have received more grace then all men or angels Psal 45.3 4 5 6 7. for thus also it is said that the spirit of God doth rest upon him filling him with all heavenly gifts and graces the spirit of wisedom fulness of knowledg in the things of God the spirit of understanding promptness and readiness to know all things of what nature or condition soever the spirit of counsel faculty and quicksightedness to free himself out of all perplexities the spirit of might courage to teach the truth and to oppose shake and overthrow all fals doctrine and to reprove their wicked conversation the spirit of knowledg a sure and firm understanding of things the spirit of fear filial cheerfull and perfect obedience Isa 11.2 3 4. Observ Isa 512. 1. In external appearance hee was outwardly of low estate Phil. 2.6 7. but the more contemptible hee was in his outward condition the more evident was the work of the God head manifesting it self therein 2. Hee wanted beauty in the eies of carnal men the sun seemeth not beautifull to the blinde but to such as have the eie of understanding savingly enlightned hee is the fairest of ten thousand Cant. 5. vers 10. Vse This by way of instruction sheweth where to go to have all our spiritual wants supplied and furnished Christ is the fountain in whom the Father hath put all fulness hee is the Physitian that can cure us when wee are diseased the Conquerer able to deliver us when wee are captived the Counseller able to advise us when wee are doubtfull hee is the Teacher which can instruct us when wee are ignorant Isa 9.6 therefore when all the cisterns of the world are broken holding no water when no physitian can cure us when all store-houses are empty and no hand can enrich us when all lips are shut and no tongue can comfort us when all waters like Abana and Pharphar have no healing virtue no cleansive power then like the woman Mark 5.11 let us come to Christ like Naaman 2 King 5.14 let us come to the Jordan of his blood for in his hand there is power to heal the wounded soul in his blood is efficacy to purge away the filth of sin which no nitre can purge in his word is virtue to comfort the troubled soul which no voice of man or angel can quiet Isa 50.4 in him as the Apostle saith dwelleth the fulness of the Godhead bodily Col. 2.9 in him it hath pleased the Father that all fulness should dwell Col. 1.19 all fulness both for number and measure of graces there is in Christ an absolute compleatness 1. In respect of members Ephes 1.23 2. In respect of inhabitation of the divine nature Col. 2.9 3. In respect of power and authority over all both in heaven and earth Mat. 28.4 In respect of merit 5. In respect of grace in him is fulness of wisedom to make us wise fulness of redemption to make us free fulness of righteousness to make us just fulness of sanctification to make us holy and hee is made to us of God 1 Cor. 1.30 therefore to him let us come Mat. 11.28 2. This by way of confutation reproveth and confuteth all Saint-worshippers and Meritmongers in Christ is all fulness there needeth no supply from Saint Angels or Works a fulness is no where to bee had but onely in Christ hee is able to save us to the utmost his royal robes are long enough to cover us his arm is strong enough to deliver us hee needeth not another to bee joyned with him hee trod the wine-press of his Father's wrath alone Isa 63. hee is the lamb slain from the beginning of the world which taketh away the sin of all beleevers in the world John 1.29 neither Saint nor Angel but Christ hath purged away our sin and is set down at the right hand of God Heb. 1.3 hee maketh reconciliation Heb 2.17 hee offered himself Heb. 7.27 all other are broken cisterns weak shields such as will not cover us in the day of Gods anger therefore it is not kiss the Saints but the Son Psal 2.12 3. By way of exhortation this seemeth to stir up men to labor for fulness of grace to bee replenished in measure as Christ is above measure as the members of the body are answerable to the head the branches in the tree answerable to the fulness of the juice in the root of the tree so wee who are members of the body whereof Christ is head branches in the true vine should labor a blessed fulness of all graces wee should strive to bee full of knowledg as the sea full of waters Isa 11.9 abundant in love 1 Thess 3.12 perfect in patience Isa 1.5 ful of joy and peace in the holy Ghost Rom. 15.13 full of faith in beleeving God's promises full of courage in maintaining God's truth against all opposition Act. 6.8 rich in all good works 1 Tim. 6.18 like trees bearing much fruit lamps holding much oil vessels filled with good liquor like travellers going forward like rich men building their barns greater enlarging our hearts more and more towards God and his waies this is the Apostle's charge 2 Pet. 3.18 this is Saint Paul's earnest entreaty 1 Thes 4.1 and for increas of grace of grace wee should strive 1. Becaus the more grace the more sweetness shall wee finde the more consolation shall draw from the ordinances of God the more health the more comfort doth the body finde in the food prepared for it the more perfect the eie the more pleasure it taketh in the light of the sun which it beholdeth the ordinances of God do good to them that are good Mic. 2.7 to those they are sweet Psal 119.103 joyous Jer. 15.16 comfortable tidings Rom. 10.15 holiness maketh God's ordinances to the soul like the chariots which Joseph sent to Jacob an occasion of reviving Gen. 48.25 like a wel-spring to the thirsty like dew to the ground like a feast to the hungry Psal 65.4 Cant. 2.4 2. The more grace the more comfort wee shall have in God's presence the more clearness wee shall behold in God's countenance the more obedient the childe is the more favorably his parent looketh on him the more profitably the servant
and then you shall bee able to rest on Christ The woman came not to Christ till shee saw a vanity in all other Physitians Mar. 5.29 no more do wee rest on God rely on Christ till wee see there is no remedy elswhere to bee found thus Hos 2.6 7. this was that which caused the disciples to rest on Christ they found not whither els to go Joh. 6.68 2 Chron. 20.11 12. the contrary to this was the ground of Israëls unbelief Isa 31.1 2. You must strive to be throughly humble labor for a contrite and broken heart you must becom vile in your own eies bee far from all ambition and vain glory and so you shall feel your heart to bee drawn to rest and rely upon Christ then the doctrine of salvation shall bee sweet then God will reveal himself unto your souls very graciously multiply his grace upon you abundantly according to his gracious promise Isa 57.15 Psal 25.9.14 Jam. 4.6 and then shal you bee able to fasten your hearts upon Christ strongly then shall you bee able to rest in Christ firmly for Isa 61.1 Isa 29.19 Psal 22.26 the want of this continued the unbelief of the Pharisees Joh. 5.44 Gal. 6.3 3. You must bring your hearts to this pitch to seek the prais and commendation which God giveth to his people to bee approved in the sight of God to make it your crown your glory and comfort to bee accepted before the Lord to rejoice more in the inward witness of God's Spirit and our own consciences then in the applaus of all the men of the world you must with Paul 2 Cor. 1.12 and then you shall feel God will shed abroad his love abundantly into your hearts seal up to your souls the pardon of your sin strongly and inable you to rest upon him firmly Joh. 5.44 4. You must meditate and acquaint your selvs with the all sufficiency of Christ bee perswaded of his love goodness readiness to help you see in him more beauty more peace more joy more honor more comfort more power than in all the world look upon him as on a glorious sun and let all the world bee a glow-worm in comparison as an empty cloud to a full fountain as a withered arm to a strong man and this will work frame and draw your hearts to beleeve in him John 12.11 Joh. 10.28 John 7.31 Proceed wee now to the gain of Faith namely everlasting life whence learn Doctr. That everlasting life is the fruit of a true and saving faith Everlasting life is God's gift in regard of the free donation of it Rom. 6.23 It is Christ's purchase in regard of the price paid for it in regard of the meritorious cause thereof in regard of the head whence it is derived It is the work of the Spirit in regard of the principal cause efficient It is the fruit of the Word in regard of the external seed whence it springeth and instrument which worketh it It is the fruit of Righteousness in regard of the way which tendeth to Christ in whom this life is hidden Therefore our Saviour in earnest asseveration to perswade his disciples hereof John 5.24 And the Evangelist sheweth this to bee the principal purpose of God in inditeing the Scriptures Joh. 20.31 hence Paul Gal. 2.20 and plainly S. Peter speak's to this purpose 1 Pet. 2.8 9. And that everlasting life is in this manner a fruit of faith is apparent Reason 1. By the union which faith worketh between us and Christ it joineth us in wedlock with him it interesteth us in all the riches of Christ as Mediator it maketh us living members of that body whereof Christ is the head it build's us upon Christ as the residue of the building upon the head-corner stone it ingraffeth us into Christ as as the branches into the vine it maketh Christ to bee ours it fills us with fulness it causeth him to rule within us and to replenish us with all good things Ephes 3.17 John 2.16 Reason 2. By the interest which it giveth us God's promises this is the foundation whereupon our faith is builded and faith is the condition which God requireth to make us capable of what hee hath promised Gal. 3.13 14. this is the hand by which wee receiv all good things of God this is the key by which wee open the store-house of God's bounty without which all the good things of God are to us as the Sun under an eclips as water in a sealed fountain riches in a treasury locked up as the tree of Life to Adam when the Angel kept the way with a flaming sword it is faith doth give us claim and entrance into all the great and glorious promises of Christ 2 Pet. 1.1 3 4. 3. By the application it make's of the righteousness of Christ it covereth us with this as with a roial robe it healeth all our sins herewith and maketh us just in the sight of God for what els is our justification but the gracious sentence of God whereby for Christ apprehended by faith hee doth absolve the beleever from sin and death and accounteth him just unto life Rom. 3.22 24. Rom. 9.30 Rom 8.1 4. By the victory which it getteth over whatsoëver is adverse or repugnant to this everlasting life it conquereth sin it purifieth the heart Acts 15.9 it giveth an overthrow to Satan as David by his sling to Goliah 1 Sam. 17. therefore 1 Pet. 5.8 9. overcometh the world all the allurements and all the oppositions of it it trampleth them all under foot 1. John 5.4 Like David's Worthies it breaketh through an hoast of dangers to drink of the waters which are in the wells of Life 2 Sam. 23.16 it will follow the Lord wheresoëver hee goeth it will leave him in no estate it will endure any hardness sustain any loss bear any reproach encounter with any danger it will leave all rather then leave the Lord the power of faith is invincible nothing is too hard for it 5. By the gracious acceptation and spiritual adoption which it procureth for us with God whereby wee are become the sons of God 1 John 12. 1 John 3.1 made heirs and co-heirs with Jesus Christ Rom. 8.17 for as Christ in justification is applied as a garment to cover our sins so in adoption hee is applyed as our brother and Prince of our salvation Heb. 2.10 11 12 13. and by virtue of this adoption and communion with Christ all true beleevers are called the first begotten of God Hebr. 12.23 and this sonship of theirs remaineth unalterable the dignity and happiness of their condition is unchangeable John 8.35 6. By the use which it maketh of all the Ordinances of God the Word Sacrament praier c. which otherwise would bee as unsavoury meat without taste as a shell without a kernel as a deaf ear of corn as a cloud without rain without comfort without any benefit at all yea many times a trouble a terror a great disquietment the very savour
night season Psal 16.7 As Hanna celebrated God for the birth of a Sonne So let every regenerate Soul praise God for his new birth and say 1 Sam. 2.1 2 8. He raiseth us from the grave of sin from the dust of iniquity He lifteth up the poor Souls from the dunghill of sin to set us among them that are Kings and Princes unto our God Vers 23. And John also was Baptizing in Aenon neer to Salim because their was much water there and they came and were Baptized FRom the practice of our Saviour descend we to the labour of the Baptist wherein we may take notice of 1. His constant practice in his calling notwithstanding Christ had now manifested himself 2. The quality of his imployment 3. The place where 4. The reason why 5. The concourse of the people to him 1. Christ began publickly to teach to shine like a glorious Sun yet the Baptist did not therefore cease from his calling but continued constant not saying that Christ is come therefore I may be silent hence marke Doctr. That we may not at our owne pleasure leave our callings but follow them while God doth give us ability to performe them Like Noah who as he went in so he would not come forth againe but by the Lords commandement Vse A sharpe taxation for such as take every occasion to neglect their calling But I passe by this and come to the second namely 2. The quality of the Baptists worke he baptized This baptisme administred by Iohn and that administred by our Saviour was the same In regard of the Author authority Iohn 2.33 2. In regard of substance and thing signified Remission of sin in Christ 3. In regard of the signe Water 4. In regard of the Ceremony Washing the body 5. Inregard of the efficacy and effect Offering forgivenes of sin to all true believers Acts 19.4 thus they agree They differ In regard of time the Baptisme of John was before Christs Baptisme The Baptisme of John sealed up remission of sinnes to beleevers in Christ to come The Baptisme of Christ is extended to all people Johns Baptisme extended onely to the Israelites The Baptisme of our Saviour hath greater measure of efficacy than the Baptisme of the Baptist because the Spirit after Christs passion and ascension was more plenteously given Bellarmine contendeth that the Baptisme of the Baptist was not the same with Christs that such as were baptized by him were againe to be baptized by Christs Baptisme But this is not so for otherwise we should not have the same baptisme with Christ for he was baptised by Iohn And as by his circumcision he sanctified the circumcision of the Fathers so by his baptisme he sanctified ours otherwise their should be two baptismes which the Scripture contradicts Eph. 4.5 One baptisme Baptisme thus administred by our Saviour by the Baptist it sheweth Doctr. That the Sacrament of Baptisme must be carefully administred to such as are capable of it This is the first Sacrament of the new Testament by the washing of water representing the powerfull washing of the blood and Spirit of Christ and so fealing our new birth and enterance into the Covenant of grace read these places Ephes 5.26 1. Cor. 6.11 Heb. 10.22 Iohn 3.5 Tit. 3.5 As the benefit represented and sealed by it to the faithfull is great So the authority of it is not humane but divine it was brought into the church by the commandement of God by the Ministry first of Iohn therefore called the Baptist after sanctified and confirmed by our Saviour himself being baptized of Iohn and giving commission to his Apostles and Ministers to continue the same in his Church unto the end In this Sacrament there are two parts The outward Element of Water Iohn 1.31 With the action of washing Eph. 5.26 In the name of the Father Sonne and Holy Ghost That which is signified by this is the blood and Spirit of Christ Heb. 9.14 1 Cor. 6.11 Washing away both the guilt and filthines of sin Acts 2.38 Ezek. 36.25 Yet this spirituall and inward doth not alwayes accompany the outward washing for how ever God by his Minister offer unto all yet the elect onely are effectually partakers of the benefit thereof and that not alwayes as soone as they be baptized but after they be once converted and ingraffed into Christ Gal. 3.27 Then Baptisme doth ever after become a fountaine for sin and for uncleanenes Zach. 13.1 And this doth wash from all sin originall actuall sinnes before sinnes after Baptisme and that perfectly in respect of the guilt Isa 1.18 Though inperfectly and by degrees in regard of the pollution and power of sin Iohn 13.10 Psal 51. Thus you see the authority and benefit of the Sacrament Let therefore every one that hath participated of it be carefull as he is thereby received into the number of Gods people brought within the Covenant of God So 1. Let him live as one of Gods Family and not as a stranger as a friend and not as an enemy 2. Let him strive to find that Union wrought between him and Christ which is represented by Baptisme Gal. 3.27 3. Let him be sure that as his body so his conscience be baptized the inward man be renewed Tit. 3.5 1 Pet. 3.21 4. Let him get the assurance of the pardon of his sinnes Acts 2.38 Cease not till by the best testimony of Gods Spirit the witnes of thy own conscience and the saving fruit hereof thou be assured of the same 5. Ever remember the obligation wherein thou art hereby bound to believe and obey Rom. 6.34 6. Ever keep thy conscience sincere and unspotted 1 Pet. 3.21 And then in the deepest affliction thou maist find much comfort for as the rising out of the water of Baptisme may assure thee of the comfortable passage thorough the waters of all afflictions of a future resurrection to glory and happines 2. Since the authority and benefit is so great we are much to blame that deny our presence at this Ordinance for 1. It is a parcell of Gods worship 2. We should pray for a member more received into the Church 3. Give thanks that God vouchsafes this grace and favour to him 4. We might be put in mind of our owne covenant A shame it is that we cannot a little while afford our presence to a duty so behoofull so comfortable 3. The place where the Baptist did Baptice was in Aenon a city neer unto Salim whereof is mention 1 Sam. 4. Two cities nigh unto Jordan The Baptist remained not still in one place he baptized our Saviour in Jordan now he Baptizeth in Aenon hence learne Doct. That we must according to the utmost of our abilities communicate the means of salvation to the people of all places The more largely the meanes of salvation are divulged 1. The more the goodnes of God is commended 2. The more the name of God is honoured 3. The more Souls are converted 4. The more Sathans
a teachable and tractable Spirit the low shrubs are quiet when the trees of high tops are tossed and shaken with the winds no such enemy to peace as pride and haughtiness of Spirit Prov. 13.10 Prov. 28.25 Pride like the wind in the Sea maketh men to toss and roule to and fro troubleth the calme Waters but meeknes hath the promise of peace Psal 37.11 And is prescribed as a rule to preserve peace Eps 4.2 3. 2. To be truely wise unto salvation to see the things wich belong unto our peace to discerne the things wich differ ignorance of the manner of Gods proceeding of what is good and beneficiall for our salvation 1 Cor. 2.8 Want of ability to judge what is good for us is the cause of much strife But true wisedome Ia. 3.17 is the way to peace Prov. 3.17 3. To be patient in hearing the word of exhortation Heb. 13.22 Receive it gladly when it launceth as well as when it healeth Psal 141.5 Get thy heart so affected that thou mayest be able to say to every one that admonisheth thee as David to Abigal 2 Sam. 25.32 33. Why did Israel murmur and strive against Moses but because they wanted patience Why did the Libertines gnash the teeth on Stephen but because they were of an impatient mind and could not endure the word of exhortation 4. To live in no known sin but universally reforme thy wayes apply thy selfe to every commandement of God if thou leave but one unruly person in the family he will distrub the whole house if you leave but one leak in the Ship the water coming thereat will disturb all that are within the same What bred the strife between Herod and the Baptist but Herod allowing himself in that sin of incest Mar. 6.20 5. To love Gods Word unfainedly to delight in it as in the light of our eyes to feed upon it as upon the food of our souls to walke by it as by the rule of our conversation this is the means to breed true peace Isa 57.19 This hath the promise of peace Psal 119.16.5 6. To be of one mind and of one heart in things of the best nature to be guided by one Spirit to attend on Gods word with one consent as Acts 2.1 Phil. 2.1 2. Let us agree in this and we shall agree in all other things 7. To love one another unfainedly Ephes 4.31 32. This will cover many infirmities passe by many weaknesses 1 Cor. 13.5 6 7. 8. To construe all that is done and spoken in the best sence till the contrary doth evidently appeare the want of this breeds strife 2 Sam. 10.4 John 11.47 Matth. 2.2 9. To use the gifts we have received to the glory of God the good of his Church the edification of the faithfull in the knowledge of the truth the incouragement of our brethren in the way of godliness to the discountenancing of sin and not to the disgracing of the godly the maintenance of any evill 10. To beare with the weaknes of our brethren to suffer wrong rather than to contend or quarrell Abraham gave Lot liberty to chose Genes 13.8.9 Thus of the time next of the parties between whome some of the Disciples of Iohn and the Jewes which beleeved in Christ and were Baptized of him both parties were baptized attended Gods Ordinances yet contended Doctr. Sometimes there are contentions even among them that after a peculiar manner frequent Gods Ordinances the Sonnes of one family the souldiers of one army do sometime contend Acts 15.39 Gen. 27.41 Cor. 11.12 Reas 1 Because there is corruption remaining even in the best of Gods people some pride forwardness self will which being not well looked to getteth advantage and breaketh out 1 Cor. 3.3 4. Luc. 22.24 Reas 2 Because there be many make externall profession who want internall sanctifications are mere strangers to the power of godlines nay enemies to them that shine in holines Gal. 1.29 They were both circumcised 1 Tim. 3.4 5 6. Reas 3 Because some professe the truth but love not desire not but envy the spirituall welfare of their brethren Gen. 27.41 1 John 3.11 Like Iosephs brethren Reas 4 Because it is necessary that offences should come for the triall of Gods people whether they love him whether they will continue constant with him Matth. 18.7 1 Cor. 11.19 Use We may not rashly condemne the Gospel withdraw our heart from it because they are not all of one heart and mind that doe professe it there is no musicall instrument so well composed but sometimes there is jarring in it no army so well ordered but sometimes they are disordered no family but sometime heareth of more or lesse discord it is the perrogative and priveledge of heaven to enjoy that peace which is unchangeable to see that day which hath no cloud let not other mens contentions make us leave the Gospel of peace but let their strivings make us the more in love wich peace the more constant in attending the means of peace the more carefull to shun the hinderances of peace the more dilegent in persuading to peace 2. Let this occasion such as are called to the profession of the truth to do what in them is to have peace with all men specially among themselves that 1. Because such breaches are most advantagious to Sathan what maketh more for a forreine enemy than civill warres brawles and contentions between the people of that Kingdome or city wich he goeth about to possesse 2. Because this giveth greatest cause of scandall to the adversaries of the truth when Absolon the Sonne of Davids love rebelled against him then Shemei opened his mouth to revile David 3. This casteth great disgrace upon the Gospel of peace whereof we make profession We professe our selves to be ruled by the Gospel of peace to be the subjects of the Prince of peace to be travellers in the way of peace to be possessed by one and the same Spirit of peace If contrary to all this we live like Salamanders in the fire of contention do we not much dishonour the Gospel The Gospel teacheth us to be innocent as doves meek as Lambs and can we without the reproach thereof contend like Dogs and Lions 4 This exposeth the Gospel the Church to ruine a divided Kingdome cannot stand a distracted army flieth before the enemy a disjonted house soone falleth to the ground when the evill Spirit came between Abimelch and the men of Shechem it was not long before both came to ruine and this taketh away the comfort they might have in the Ordinances of God the sweet refreshment they might find in that holy mutuall Communion that ought and otherwise would be between them When the Wood is dispersed that fire extinquisheth wich otherwise would burne 5. Hereby the doing of much good to our brethren is hindered a divided streame cannot drive that mill which a full streame will one stick cannot give that heate wich many can 6. Hereby assaults afflictions become much
Pharises who should have rejoyced in the coming of Christ as at the appearing of the most glorious and comfortable Sun that ever did shine to be full of indignation at it Use This must therefore cause us if we purpose to enjoy any true peace to receive any true comfort by Gods Ordinances to hold any comfortable Communion with Gods Servants to pluck up this evill weed to quench this fire to hew down this tree to suppresse this self-love and haughtines of Spirit no more seeking our selves no more serving our lusts no more living to our selves no more accompting all fish lost which cometh not into our owne net all the Oile spilt that is not put into our Lamp the honour misplaced that is not bestowed on us as they Mic. 3.5 But let us learne 1. To deny our selves our owne lusts reason ends desires living no longer to the flesh Mar. 8.34 Let us become little in our eyes lower and viler than dust truely apprehensive of and thoroughly affected with our owne sin with our owne unworthines and we shall find little occasion to contend with our fellow brethren to envy the graces of God in them but rather desire them out of their abundance to communicate to our necessities and this is their surest way to honour as our Saviour said in another case Math. 10.39 So in this case he that seeketh his owne honour shall loose it but he that forsaketh his owne praise he shall find it as Ioh. 8.50 54. Luc. 14.11 Before honour humility c. Ia 4.6 1 Pet. 5.6 2. To live wholy and altogether unto God seeking his glory bringing forth fruit to him devoring our selves wholy to his service as the wife forsaketh her fathers house becometh her Husbands and seeketh how to please him So must we leave the World and things most deare to the flesh and study how to please the Lord this is given in charge 1 Cor. 10.30 To this we are earnestly perswaded Rom. 12.1 2. 2 Cor. 5.15 and did we make Gods honour the mark whereunto we levell all our arrowes did we make this the end of our labour and desires as Phil. 1.15 16. We would be glad if God might be honoured whither by our selves or by any other instrument did we thus glorify God we should not faile to receive honour from the Lord 1 Sam. 2.30 3. To seek the good of our brethren as one member in the body doth seek the good of another to communicate what we have received as the full clouds do their raine to the barren grounds This is required 1 Cor. 10.24 practised 2 Cor. 12.14 This is the way to abound in the grace of the Spirit to shine in holines not the envying of other mens spirituall welfare but endeavouring to increase it 1 Cor. 9.6 Heb 6.10 4. To rejoyce in the welfare of our brethren as in our owne not like Cain that murdered Abel because more righteous than himselfe Not like Esau hating Iacob because he had obtained the blessing Not like Saul maligning David because he had slaine his ten thousands when Saul himselfe had slaine but his thousand but rather because with David 1 Chro. 29.17 2 Cor. 12.26 Iohn 12. Eph. 4. The second thing is their ignorance they heard what testimony the Baptist gave of our Saviour yet they understood it not for then they would not have envied but readily followed him as others did Doctr. That there are many who heare good and sound Doctrine delivered affect the person teaching it and yet do neither truely nor savingly understand it The Disciples saw the Miracles of Christ heard the Doctrine he delivered gave some Testimony of their love for they followed him but yet understood not his Doctrine Ioh. 6.60 61. This is also verified in Nicodemus Ioh. 3.5 8 9 10. In the Women of whom Paul speaketh 2 Tim. 3.7 Yea some undertake to be guides to others themselves not knowing the way 1 Tim. 1.6 7. and this so cometh to pass 1. Partly thorough the spirituall high and heavenly nature of divine things which the carnall eye cannot discerne 1 Cor. 2.14 A riddle which the naturall man cannot unfold unles he have Gods Spirit vers 11. As Sampson told the Philistines they could not have opened his riddle unles they had plowed which his heafer 2. Partly thorough some base and by ends which men propose unto themselves making their attendance on the word a hooke to take some other fish Judas followed Christ because he did beare the bag the Disciples because they had eaten of the bread 3. Partly thorough the sinister notives which stirre up some to attend upon the Word the novelty the applause accompanying carnall relations to the teachers of it to them that do embrace it horrour of conscience dismall feares which cause them to attend on it the Raven cometh into the Ark for feare of the Deluge Ahab humbleth himselfe when a judgment is threatned 4. Partly thorough the deceitfulnes of many mens hearts supposing it enough that they do heare though they do no more never searching as the Bereans did Acts 17.11 Never enclining the eare and applying the heart unto understanding as Solomon giveth charge Prov. 2.2 3 4. But as Ier. 7.10 as Prov. 7.14 therefore Ioh. 1.23 24 25. 5. Partly thorough the just judgment of God who sendeth a spirituall slumber upon some that seeing they shall not perceive and hearing they shall not understand Isa 6.10 but Isa 29.11 Whereunto agreeth that of our Saviour Mat. 13.13 14. and 2 Cor. 4.3 Vse This therefore must give every one of us occasion on to make triall of our selves whether we are not guilty of this sin whether we do not content our selves with the bare hearing of the Word or else do also savingly know and understand it a grace whereof few do participate a lamp that shineth in few mens Souls a work of a singular nature of the truest comfort of the greatest benefit a blessing peculiar to Gods faithfull a jewell not gotten without much diligence a tree loaden with the choisest fruit fountaine full of the purest water Therefore it is good wisedome to try while we are endowed with it 1. True knowledge is alwayes accompained with true humility contrition of heart meeknes of Spirit and a Holy teachablenes the whole man will readily subject it selfe to every Ordinance of God So that he who was once an indomitable beast now a child a weake man Gods Minister shall lead him Isa 11.6 True knowledge taketh downe the haughtines of the Spirit breaketh the obstinacy of the heart maketh man say as Paul did Acts 9.6 as Cornelius Acts 10.33 and maketh him with Job Job 42.6 putteth him altogether out of conceit with himselfe 1 Cor. 3.18 thus Ia. 3.17 The wisedome which is from above is gentle easily intreated as Naaman having the sight of his Leprosy hearkned to the advice of a maid to go to the Prophet and afterward to go to Jordan by the persvasion of his Servants Mat. 11.29 2.
15. for Isa 55.1 As the cloud freely poureth down his raine upon the thirsty ground so doth God his blessings upon the thirsty Souls of men blessings of every kind both spirituall and temporall of the right hand and of the lest are freely bestowed touching blessings of the most eminent nature our Saviour speaketh Rev. 22.17 touching favours of inferiour condition Psal 104.28 Yea the very wicked drink of the water of this Fountaine and are relieved by the bounty of this hand Iob 22.18 So that the Apostles question may well be proposed to every person 1 Cor. 4.17 and the reason hereof is Reas 1 Because God is the Fountaine of all goodness all blessings are in his store house he is the vine whereon all the grapes grow which nourish our Souls bodies he is the Sun which giveth us light the nurse whose breasts afford us refreshment the Olive tree which filleth our Lamp full of Oile this Nehemiah doth acknowledge Neh. 9.25 Psal 68.9 10. and thus the Prophet ascribeth all the welfare of Gods people to his goodnes Zach. 9.15 16 17. Reas 2 Because we cannot claime nor challenge any blessing or favour at the hands of God we have forfeited all by our sin Ephes 2.12 All things are become impure Tit. 1.15 We have broken the Covenant and have made forfeyture of all we did enjoy so that we can lay claime to nothing by vertue of any promise from God till we be in Christ according to that of the Prophet Hos 2.19 20 21 22. Reas 3 Because the whole praise of all we enjoy belongeth unto God Rom. 11.36 1 Cor. 1.30 31. so 1 Cor. 4.6 7. This is a jewell of which God will not suffer himselfe to be robbed the onely thing that God aimeth at in all his works Isai 42.5 6 7 8. Use This therefore overthroweth the proud and insolent Babel of Popish merit challenging eternall life and glory as a wages due to their labours as a fruit growing upon the trees of their owne planting a harvest arising from a vineyard of their owne manuring for thus they teach Opera bona justorum ex seipsis absque ullo pacto acceptatione digna esse remnueratione vitae eternae 2. Operibus iustorum nullum dignitatis accrementum provenire ex meritis aut persona Christi c. Whereas the Baptist a man of a more sanctified Spirit and profound judgment than any sly and subtle Jesuite taught his disciples that a man could receive nothing unles it were given not merited and whatsoever these Româ—sh Doctours do now teach their Apostatized Romans yet Paul a chosen vessel of God a man that was extraordinarily converted richly endued with the grace of the Spirit in labour more abundaÌ„t than any other Apostle taught the Romans of his time that the wages of sin was death but the gift of God was eternall life Rom. 6.23 and our Saviour taught his Disciples Luc. 17.10 Whereupon Hierome si inutilis qui fecit omnia quid de illo dicendum qui explere non potuit and St Paul teacheth that not onely the actions but the passions also added thereunto hold no proportion of condignity with life eternall Rom. 8.18 For should we be able to merit eternall life by our works win the crowne by our owne strength then we should turne the fountaine of Gods favour into a well without water where should there be any place for Gods bounty If we could merit and make salvatioÌ„ a due debt then Christ should have spent his labours borne the heavy burthen of afflictioÌ„s undergone the ignominy of the crosse shed his blood in vaine Gal. 2.21 Then there should be no more place for grace Rom. 11.6 Non est in quo gratia intret ubi meritum jam occupavit Bernard in Cant. Ser. 67. therefore Ephes 2 8. and yet we do not take away the reward because we deny the merit of good works for in the keeping of Gods commandements Psa 19.11 and Prov 11.18 But the question is whence he that soweth must expect to reape so great and sure a harvest whether from Gods justice which he must do if he stand upon merit or from his mercy as a recompence freely bestowed out of Gods gracious bounty and not injustice due for the worth of the work performed which question the Prophet Hosea hath sufficiently resolved Hos 10.12 The Lord doth crowne his graces adding an encrease to that which he hath given and inabled us well to use Psal 62.12 giving an encrease of glory according to the measure of grace bestowed so that originally and in it selfe this reward proceedeth merely from Gods free bounty mercy but accidentally in regard God hath bound himselfe by his Word and promise to comferr such a reward so it proveth after a sort an act of justice as 1 Joh. 1.9 The thing promised is free and by us undeserved and if God should faile in performance yet do us no wrong but wrong himselfe and therefore Canaan was called a Land of promise not of merit Dut. 9.5 Neh. 9 8. Ja. 1.12 2 Tim. 4.8 Not just because of our merit but because of Gods promise therefore Augustine fidelis homo est credens promittenti Deo fidelis Deus exhibens quod promisit homini teneamus fidelissimu debitorem quia tenemus misericordissimum promissorem Vse 2 Is every good blessing Gods gift doth it all come from heaven then in all our wants let us addresse our selves to God Whatsoever we want let us seek it at the Lords hand let us not go to Endor Baalzebub Aegypt or Assyria as if there were no God in Israel as if there were no Oile in Gods Lamp no strength in Gods arme no light left in the Sun or his favour let us not go to broaken cisternes but say with Peter Ioh. 6.68 this is that we are commanded to do Amos 5.4 5 6. It is at the Lords gate that we must knocke one begger doth not make supplication at another beggers doore but at the gates of the rich what are all creatures in respect of God but beggars they have no water in their owne wells but what distilleth from the cloud of Gods bounty therefore Mat. 7.7 8. the Lords eares open to heare his hands are open to relieve Exo. 22.23 Though Baal be deafe and cannot heare his suppliants yet the God of Israel will surely attend to the cry of his people let us silence out crying sins let us turne our feet into the path of Gods precepts and the Lord shall heare our requests Job 22.23 to 28. Let us in the sence of our wants in the humility of our Souls draw nigh unto the Lord and then Psa 102.17 Let us pour out our Souls before the Lord as the full clouds do their raine let us cry out as a woman in travell and though we were as dead men yet we shall live Isa 26.16 17 19. Let us not waver but believe we shall obtaine Ia. 16. Let us come
peace safety and comfort whereunto they shall be advanced they cannot with powefull and invincible arguments work upon and move their affections they cannot make their words pierce like goads Eccles 12.11 and cause the people to cry out Acts 2.37 They cannot give the knowledge of God 1 Cor. 4.6 They cannot with Paul espouse them unto Christ 2 Cor. 11.3 but Jer. 10.21 V. Some hinder the people by their profane walking Ier. 23.14 As the people stood still when they came to the place where Ahasel who went before them fell down 2 Sam. 2.23 So when the people see their leaders fall they stand still have no heart to go forward in the way of life this is a stumbling block a snare a gulfe the Word is usually made unprofitable when the conversation is profane and carnall good Doctrine and evill walking is like a yoake of oxen the one drawing forward the other backward Loquendi authoritas perditur quando vox opere non adjuvatur Vse 2 This teacheth us how requisite the Ministry of the Word is how great the benefits are which thereby do accrew unto us how needfull it is the Messengers of the Lord should be instant with the people 2 Tim. 4.2 wherein it is that they ought chiefly to be imployed even in reconciling men unto God and to the end the Ministers may be able to accomplish this great work make this heavenly marriage between the Church and the sonne of the great King they must do as Abrahams Servant did when he went to make a marriage for his Masters Sonne 1. Abrahams Servant received instruction what he should doe Gen. 24.3 4. So must the Ministers of God receive instruction be taught of God before they become teachers of others the Sun was filled with light before he became the ruler of the day the Sea with water before it undertook the watering of the earth the Apostles staid at Jerusalem the Holy Ghost was poured down upon them before they went forth to preach the Gospel the Lamp must be filled with Oile before it can give light to others Timothy know the Scriptures from a Child 2 Tim. 3.16 Paul had his eyes opened Acts 9. â—7 Isaiahs lips were touched Isai 6.6 he had the tongue of the learned Isa 50.4 Ier. 1.9 and Mal. 2.7 whereas 2 Pet. 2.17 2. Abrahams Servant made an oath to his Master to be faithfull Gen. 24.9 so the Minister of the Lord must be faithfull 1 Cor. 4.2 and 2 Tim. 2.2 unfainedly seeking the glory of God faithfully unfolding the whole counsell of God keeping back nothing either out of feare fraud or sloath Acts 20.26 27. 3. Abrahams Servant made supplication to God that is journey might be prosperous Gen. 24.12 so must the Ministers of the Lord make fervent prayer unto God for a blessing upon their endevours that the Word may be as seed sowen in good ground Mat. 13.24 As the sword of Saul and bow of Ionathan which returned not empty 2 Sam. 1.22 As Moses rod to the Rock turning the stoney into a repenting heart Exod. 17.6 As eye-salve to the blind opening the eye of the understanding Rev. 3.18 Deut. 32.2 As dew to the dry ground causing it to flourish abundantly in the grace of the Spirit thus Phil. 2.9 10 11. Col. 2.9 and Ephes 6.18 4. Abrahams Servant left all other inployments and attended this so must the Minister of the Lord wholy imploy himselfe in the duty of godlines and the work of his Ministry 2 Tim. 2.4 This is a task requiring our best abilities our most serious thoughts our whole time therefore 1 Tim. 4.15 We must be instant in season and out of season 2 Tim. 4.2 take all opportunities Isai 62.5 be as vigilant to save as Satan to destroy the Souls of the people 5. Abrahams Servant gave this imployment the preheminence he would not eate till he had done this errand Gen. 24.33 so must the Minister of God leaving all other busines attend his follow it with all speed with all care with all industry neither pleasure nor profit must be an obstacle to it but as all men Mat. 6.33 So especially the Ministers of the Lord must seek the Kingdome of Christ this must be their meate and drink as it was Christs Ioh. 4.34 6. Abrahams Servant related the great riches of his Master and how he had given all to his Sonne Isaac Gen. 24.35 36. so must the Ministers of God acquaint the people with the gloriousnes of Gods nature the honorable condition of Christ the blessed estate they shall enjoy the dignity whereunto they shall be advanced that so their hearts may be affected with Christ lead unto repentance by Gods goodnes and moved to joyne themselves in wedlock with the Lord Jesus greatnes riches dignities prevaile much in earthly marriages a powerfull loadstone to move and draw affections all the excellencies in the World are in this Bridegroome nothing can be desired but it may be found here in perfection therefore 1 Cor. 7.1 Rom. 12.1 2. 3. Is it the chiefest labour of the Minister to perswade the people to turne to God to joyne themselves in wedlock with Christ do they cry day and might for this do they leave all other inployments to accomplish this work Then this must stirr up the people to turne to God to yeeld up themselves into the hands of Christ Rom. 6.13 to give themselves unto God 2 Cor. 8.5 and Rom. 6.17 for I. This is the chiefest end of the Ministry the most comfortable use of the word even the reconciling of men to God 2 Cor. 5.20 therefore called the Ministry of reconciliation vers 18. as the speciall imployment of an Embassadour is to make peace so is the speciall labour of Gods Embassadours to make peace between God and his Servants therefore Acts 26.17 18. II. This advanceth us to the highest dignity this maketh us to be a chosen generation 1 Pet. 2.9 the spouse of Christ faire and beautifull as the great light of the World Cant. 6.10 as the comeliest person deckt with the choisest ornaments Cant. 1.1 11. This incorporated us into Christ 1 Cor. 12.12 this maketh us citizens of the new Jerusalem Ephes 2.19 this maketh us Kings and Priests unto God Rev. 1.6 No such way to honour as to leave the broad way of sin and to set our feet in the way of Gods cammandements Rom. 2.10 to sow in righteousnes is the way to reape in mercy Hos 10.12 Gal. 6.8 III. This bringeth us to the surest safety the strongest defence this maketh God to be a wall of fire Zach. 2.5 this causeth Christ Isai 32.3 Iob 22.23 25. No wals are so sure for defence no weapon so succesfull for conquest as a godly conversation a Holy Union with Christ he will beare us as an Eagle beareth her yong Deut. 32.11 and Zach. 12.6 7 8. We shall be as fire and they as stubble we shall be as the wind and they as the chaffe we
shall be as a house builded on the rock and they as the waves of the Sea dashing themselves in pieces with the great assaults which they make against us IV. This procureth the truest and sweetest peace this turneth the tossing and raging Sea of a troubled conscience into a pleasant calme This like Noahs dove bringeth an Olive branch of peace like the Starre to the Wise men filleth the heart with much joy and gladnes this uniteth us to the Prince of peace reconcileth us to the God of peace maketh our hearts the temples of the spirit of peace for Rom. 5.1 and Ioh. 16.33 this is the fruit of holines Rom. 2.10 the attendant of an heavenly mind Ro. 8.6 in this standeth the Kingdome of God Rom. 14.17 and of this all that walke according to the rule of Gods Word shall infallibly participate Gal. 6.16 The 4th thing is the Commission the Ministers of God have before they do undertake this calling they go not of their owne accord but they stand heare they wait upon God for instruction they deliver not their owne devices but they wait upon God for his counsell and direction Doctr. GOds Ministers must be furnished with abilities before they undertake this calling and be sure that the Word of God do warrant their Doctrine they must be furnished with abilities as the Lamp with Oile for Mat. 5.14 as the well with water for Mal. 2.7 Deut. 32.2 as the Generall with skill and valour for 2 Tim. 2.3 as the Physician with art to discerne diseases and to apply right remedies Isa 61.10 As nurses have milk in their breasts 1 Thes 2.7 As Aaron was anointed Exod. 29.21 So must the Ministers be anointed with the grace of the Spirit Jer. 1.5 as they must be furnished with abilities so their Doctrine must be warranted by the Scriptures they are Gods mouth and therefore must not speake their owne but Gods language Ier. 15.19 Gods Embassadours and therefore must not deliver their owne but Gods message 2 Cor. 5.19 furnished they must be with abilities 1. Because the worke they undertake is a worke of great weight the glory of God and welfare of the souls of men is so deeply interest Onus vel ipsis angelis formidandum as Bernard speaketh a task requiring the strongest arme to effect it a building the laying of whose foundation requireth much wisedome 1 Cor. 3.10 a labour so hard that the Apostle proposeth the question 2 Cor. 2.16 2. A work of great difficulty the Scripture like Iacob's Well are deep our owne armes are too short to reach unto the waters therein a heavenly language to the unfolding whereof the tongue of the learned is required Isai 50.4 The hearts of men are very deceitfull they must handle the Word of God skilfully who will make it like a two edged sword dividing between the bone the marrow the joynts and the Spirit Heb. 4.12 the new birth is a hard work requiring a skilfull midwife much labour Gal. 4.19 abundance of strength the rooting up of these briars the planting of the trees of holines in the Lords vineyard requireth strong hands men furnished with good gifts if we look on the difficulty of bringing men out of the bondage of sin and Satan we may say as Moses did in another case Exo. 3.11 12. 3. A work resisted by forcible and subtle opposition the emenies of mans salvation are many powerfull crafty violent striving to hold the winds of the Gospel that they may not blow Rev. 7.1 standing at the right hand of Josuah that he may not Sacrifice Zach. 3.1 an old and subtle Serpent Rev. 12.9 his Souldiers are strongly armed Rev. 9.9 10. ready to withstand the messengers of the Lord as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses 2 Tim. 3.8 and therefore Gods Ministers must not be like naked men without armes but thoroughly furnished with every good gift 4. It is the grace of the Spirit which will make them abundant and plenteous in their labours this will make them like the Sun rejoyce to run the race which is set before them like the full clouds pour out abundantly their waters for the refreshing of the Souls of Gods people This will make them that they shall not be silent but as Job 32.18 19 20. This will constraine them to labour make the Word of God be as fire in their bones this will be as a spurre in their sides so that they shall say as 1 Cor. 15.10 And as they must be thus qualified so their Doctrine must be warranted by the Scriptures Because that Doctrine alone which is grounded upon the Scripture doth I. Open Gods counsell will and purpose touching our eternall salvation in these alone God speaketh this is the letter wherein the mind of God is unfolded the looking glasse wherein we may see the beauty of Gods holines Psal 27.4 All other writings of humane learning are in this regard but like painted lights dark Lanternes like the images Psal 115.5 6. Men of the greatest wisedome undertaking to declare Gods counsell without the sound study of Gods Word may say as Job did Job 42.3 and confesse as he did in another case Ps 139.6 therefore Paul who revealed the whole counsell of God Act. 20.26 taught nothing but what was grounded upon the Law and the Prophets Acts 26.22 Acts 28.23 II. This doth enlighten the understanding make us wise unto salvation 2 Tim. 3.16 17. therefore Joh. 5.39 III. This doth comfirme the faith of Gods people This is a sure foundation a firme anchor all other Doctrines are but sand this is a sure Word 2 Pet. 1.19 This is no deceitfull bow but like the bow of Ionathan it never returneth empty it alwayes accomplisheth that whereto it is sent Isa 55.10 it is sure Psal 19.7 As the Lord said of Eliakim Esa 22.23 So may I say of the Word of God Psal 111.7 8. IV. This is mighty in beating down the holds of sin this maketh the mouth of Gods Messenger like a sharp sword Isai 49.2 their Doctrine like sharp arrows in the hearts of men Psal 45.4 making them to stoop and humble themselves Acts 2.37 this like Canon shot battering down the strongest wals like a burning fire trying the Metall making a separation all Doctrine without this is weake like a withered reed like a dead carkasse Mat. 7.29 V. This hath a regenerating vertue 1 Pet. 1.23 therefore likened to good seed Mat. 13.23 24. a voyce awakening the dead in sin Ioh. 5.25 therefore called the Word of life Phil. 2.14 Use This therefore sheweth it to be a great misery to the Church to be pestered with insufficient Ministers with such as have no competent abilities to discharge their callings by reason whereof the Souls of men are as a diseased patient under the hand of an ignorant Physitian having no skill to cure him as a barren field under clouds which have no raine to pour upon them as flocke under a Shepheard that hath no pasture
the tidings of salvation rejoyceth greatly because of the bridegroomes voyce Doctr. THe study meditation and publishing of the Gospel is very comfortable to Gods faithfull Messengers Psal 8.9 10. Ier. 15.16 and Paul called it a finishing of his course with joy Acts 20.24 Herein they see the great things of God the sight whereof is more pleasant to the eye of the mind than the sight of the Sun is unto the eye of the body as the Psalmist saith of the marriners Psal 107.24 so may I say of the Ministers of the Lord they go down into the deep and behold the holy and heavenly wonders of the Lord. II. Hereby the Word of God doth cast a sweet savour in their nostrils and becometh as a warme fire in their bones often travelling among the flowers refresheth us with their smell the bruising of spice maketh the sent thereof the more odorifeous in our nostrils III. They are glad to do any service to bring any honour unto God it is their meate and drinke to do the Lords will IV. They are glad to do good to others to informe their judgments stablish their faith cleanse their affections comfort their hearts quicken them in the duties of holines and make them rich in the grace of the Spirit Vse 1 They are no faithfull Ministers that do not the work of the Lord with cheerfulnes that rejoyce not of all opportunities to publish the gladsome tidings of eternall happines but to go about the Lords busines by constraint as a lasy horse driven with the whip as a sluggard that must be compelled to his labour this want of delight in Ministers in their calling argueth want of love unto God want of a lively feeling of the goodnes and operation of the Word of God within them want of zeale for Gods honour want of hatred against sin want of true compassion to the Souls of Gods people inconsideratenes unsensiblenes of the weighty calling they have taken upon them of the fearefull accompt they must render unto God for the Souls of whom they have the oversight Vse 2 This discovereth the cause why some Ministers are so laborious so frequent constant earnest in the work of their Ministry it is a great delight unto them delight maketh hard things seeme easy irksome things seeme pleasant labour becometh no labour sufferings are turned into joy the work becometh as joyous as their meate As this hath relation particularly to Ministers so it is generally true of all faithfull Christians of every godly man that loveth Christ every one that is his friend heareth the Bridegroomes voyce and rejoyceth greatly Doctr. IT is a very great joy to Gods faithfull people to heare the voyce of Christ in the preaching of the Gospel as Israel shouted at the presence of the Arke 1 Sam. 4.5 so do the people of God at he presence of the Gospel as appeareth by the examples recorded in this behalfe Acts 8.8 Acts 2.46 Acts 13.48 1 Thes 1.6 II. By the entertainement they give the faithfull Ministers of the Word Gal 4.14 Job 33.23 Acts 21.17 III. By the charge which is in this regard given Phil. 2.28 29. IV. By titles given attributed to the Gospel Psal 89.15 Luc. 2.10 1 Tim. 1.11 V. By the promise which God hath made Jer. 31.12 13 14. Isai 35.2 Reas 1 From the nature of the Gospel and the preaching of it it is of a very pleasant and delightfull nature therefore likened to the light 2 Pet. 1.19 Ps 119.105 for as the light is pleasant to the eye Eccles 11.7 so it is a pleasant thing to Gods people to behold the light of the Gospel II. To the dewes as the dewes rejoyce the ground make it green and pleasant so doth the Gospel rejoyce the hearts of the people Isa 35.1 2. III. To milk as that delighteth and nourisheth the Child so doth this Gods Children 1 Pet. 2.2 IV. To wels of water which afford much refreshment to the thirsty traveller so doth the Gospel to the Souls of Gods people Isai 12.3 V. To ointment poured out because as that is very savoury to the nostrils of men so is this to the nostrils of Gods people Cant. 1.3 even the savour of life unto life 2 Cor. 2.16 Reas 2 From the matter of joy contained in it it is a letter full of the expressions of the love of Christ Jesus replenished with exceeding great and precious promises 2 Pet. 1.4 A garden overspread with sweet flowers a shop full of precious ointments and savoury perfumes a tree every branch whereof is loaden with most pleasant and comfortable grapes a proclamation of peace Acts 10.36 a treaty of Union 2 Cor. 5.18 19. the profer of a free pardon Mar. 1.4 a marriage feast between Christ and the people Mat. 22.2 3 4. gladsome tidings Rom. 10.15 a relation of the high and incomparable love of God to man of the victories which our Saviour wonne the downfall of Satan sin and the shutting up of the gates of Hell the large endowments high honourable priviledges of Gods people all matter of the truest sweetest most lasting joy and therefore cannot but make the hearts of Gods people exceeding joyfull Reas 3 From the sence and feeling the people of God have of the want of the Ministry of the Word as a sick man feeleth the want of Physick a man in darknes the want of light a hungry man the want of food a captived man the want of freedome a condemned man the want of a pardon and therefore do much rejoyce at the presence and enjoyment thereof as the Wisemen rejoyced at the appearing of the starre which formerly they beheld as the woman in the parable rejoyced at the finding of the groate which shee had lost thus the Apostle Rom. 18.15 alledgeth that of Isai 52.7 to signify that the coming of Gods Messengers unto such is very desirable their preaching sweet and comfortable their words being sweet as honey as drink to the thirsty bread to the hungry alluring and drawing them like a loadstone their conversation being cleare as the Sun as their lips their Doctrine so their feet their walking was holy and upright and their Message altogether replenished with comfort Reas 4 From the sweet agreement which is between the hearts of Gods people and the Ministry of the Gospel as between the eare and the best tuned musick the palate and the pleasantest wine the nostrill and the purest ointment never did Jonathan David better accord than the heart of a sincere Christian and the faithfull Ministry of the Gospel and surely as David said of Ionathan 2 Sam. 1.26 so may every faithfull servant of God say of Gods Word Ier. 15.16 Ps 19.10 Reas 5 From the near Union between Christ and his faithfull people they are his friends Ioh. 15.14 members of that body whereof Christ is the head 1 Cor. 12.12 joyned in wedlock with him Ephes 5.30 and therefore as the Bride rejoyceth to hear the voyce of the
Bridegroome so do they to hear the voyce of Christ Cant. 5.16 Reas 6 From the love which it doth breed in their hearts towards Christ This like a bellowes bloweth up the coales of their affections like the warme Sun it heateth their frozen hearts causeth them to be rooted and grounded in love Ephes 3.18 19. So to love him as to leave all for him Mat. 10.37 to despise all in comparison of him Luc. 14.26 an affection so strong that nothing can breed a separation Rom. 8.35 38 and loving Christ so fervently they cannot chuse but rejoyce abundantly in him love and joy like joynt companions go together Gal. 5.22 like the Sun and the light they will not he separated the one from the other Reas 7 From the operation of the Holy Ghost which doth attend it the Spirit of God which is the Fountaine of all joy is given with the Ministry of the word this is the key by which our hearts are opened and the Holy Ghost admitted into our Souls hence Acts 10.44 1 Thes 1.6 Acts 13.52 Reas 8 From the benefits which arise from hence by this the understanding is enlightned 2 Cor. 4.6 their faith is confirmed Ephes 1.13 victory over Satan obtained Ier. 31.11 their hearts are so softened and made tender as ground by the dewes Deu. 32.2 Isa 55.10 their affections are purified as the Corn by the fanne Mat. 2.12 Ier. 23.29 their consciences are purified Isa 57.19 their love and zeale is increased of a small drop these affections become like a flowing streame of few sparks become a burning flame of weake plants they become tall trees full of good fruit and hence as Acts 3.8 so Isa 35.5 6. Reas 9 From the protection which by this meanes they enjoy the Ministry of the Gospel is as Horsemen and Chariots to the people a sure defence Gods Ministers the best Watchmen the best Souldiers the Word of God is the surest shield the strongest shot the sounding of the Trumpet prevailed more against the walls than much Canon shot the shining of the Lamps the cry of the Sword of the Lord and Gideon put the Midianites to flight sooner than an army of men the Arke put the Philistines in greater feare than all the Israelitish army when the Ministry of life was removed from Ierusalem their house lest desolate then the Temple was cast to the ground Reas 10 From the grief which they conceive at the removing of it as Phinea's Wife would not be comforted when the Arke was taken away 1 Sam. 4.21 Ioseph and Mary went up and down sorrowing when Christ was lost Luk. 2.46 so the people of God are full of heaviness at the absence of the Word La. 2.6 12. Ps 74.9 Use This discovereth the misery of such as take no joy as delight not in the fruition of the Gospel to whom it is as light to the blind not seeing it musick to the deafe not hearing it food to the sick not relishing it want of delight in that Word of God is a sufficient argument of alienation from God an apparent testimony that we are not of God that we have not tasted of Gods goodnes he that doth not with David dance before the Lords Arke hath not Davids heart wanteth Davids love is a strangers to Davids sence and feeling of the working of Gods Word and Spirit within him He that looketh on this as on a vessell without water a tree without fruite a Lamp without Oile hath a heart without grace who is it but a Stoick a man of a stupified heart a seared conscience that accompteth Pauls preaching to be but babling that saith Job 21.14 A theef hideth himselfe from light Ioh. 3.20 Who but the deaf taketh no comfort in pleasant musick Psal 58.5 Mat. 11.17 Who but they that know not the things belonging to their peace Luk. 19.42 are not delighted with the Gospel of peace how canst thou be the Child of God if thou rejoyce not to heare the voyce of thy Father How canst thou be the Bride of Christ if thou art not affected with the language of thy Husband How canst thou be a new creature if like a new borne Child thou art not delighted with the milk of these breasts How canst thou be a traveller towards the heavenly Canaan and not be glad to see this fiery Pillar shine before thee How canst thou be a man of a hungry stomack and not be glad of this honey-comb How canst thou be experienced in the assaults of Satan and not rejoyce at the having of this weapon he cannot be the faithfull servant of God that findeth no delight in the Word of God Vse 2 This discovereth the cause why the people of God do so desire Gods Word Psa 27.4 Why they thirst after it as dry ground thirsteth Ps 63.1 Why they seek it Amos 8.12 why they incourage one another Zach. 8.21 why they wait Pro. 8.34 as Ioh. 5.5 Acts 3.3 why they say Ioh. 6.34 It is musick to their eares and they like David 2 Sam 6.16 it is Isa 25.6 and as Eccles 10.19 it is the joy and rejoycing of their hearts Ier. 15.16 It is the Sun that giveth light to them in darknes the staffe that sustaineth them in their weakenes the Arke bearing them up in the deepest deluge of troubles the Fountaine affording refreshment when all their water brooks do faile therefore no wonder they attend upon it Use 3 This must cause every one of us to try whether we can find this joy in the Word of God in hearing the Gospel preached whether it be to our Souls as the voyce of a kind friend a gracious Father a loving husband whether these apples these flagons Cant. 2.4 comfort stay and glad our hearts as they with their bottles Hos 5.3 made the King glad and if we doe rejoyce at it indeed it will appeare 1. By our conscionable preparation to it as sick men prepare their stomacks and Husbandmen their vineyards before the one receiveth Physick or the other soweth his seed so do they that delight in the Word for this is Physick and seed which they who wisely husband their Souls and highly value the wored of the Lord will not suffer to be sowne among thornes and briers but as Exo. 19.10 2. By our frequent meditation upon it man often thinketh upon that wherein he rejoyceth thus Psal 11.2 delight is a loadstone that draweth the thoughts a Chariot that carrieth the mind with an irresistible force to the thing rejoyced in 3. By our constant attendance on the same if we delight in it we will wait patiently and constantly upon it we will hearken diligently what the Lord will speake unto us we will be no strangers in Gods house but we will take every opportunity to go thither desire to make it our habitation Ps 27.4 accompt it our happines to have admittance within the gates of his house Ps 84.10 4. By our high valuation of it as the Sun above the Candle pure wheat
By the stirring struggling and striving nature of sin within them it is not asleep it lieth not like a dead man as it doth in the hearts of carnall and unregenerate people but it fighteth and warreth like a Souldier Gal. 5.17 It is not like a resty jade in the pasture but in the bridle under spur whip It is as pricks and thornes in their sides as the Canaanites were to Israel Iudg. 2.3 as a heavy burthen on their backs Psal 38.4 as a dead body a rotten carkasse unsavoury noisome hatefull a continuall vexation Rom. 7.24 afflictions are very availeable to make and keep a man humble but the feeling of the nature and operation of sin as working more immediately upon the soule conscience is much more forcible to drive man out of himselfe to make him humble this will make a man endued with a propheticall Spirit to say Prov. 30.2 3. It will make a man of the rarest endowments of the greatest industry to say Rom. 7.24 and for this it is that God doth leave sin in the hearts of his Servants 2 Cor. 12.7 3. By the continuall subtle and violent assaults that Sathan doth make against them he spreadeth snares and layeth stumbling blocks in the way to make them fall he seeketh as a Pyrate to rob them like an enemy he layeth continuall siedge against them hunteth like a roaring Lion to make a prey of them he casteth his fiery darts at them to affright such and if it were possible to burne and utterly consume them he raiseth many stormes within and without to disturb and amaze them so mighty so incessant so fraudulent are his attempts that as Israel said in another case Psal 124.1 2 3. So do Gods people in this case and by this meanes it cometh to passe that as the Princes of Israel and the King humbled themselves when Shesack had taken some of their Cities and was come up against Ierusalem 2 Cro. 12.5 6 7. so the people of God perceiving how this Prince of darknes taketh advantages against them how he is in continuall warre with them how they are buffeted by him do still walk humbly before the Lord and this is one use God doth make of him 2 Cor. 12.7 4. By the disposition and qualification of their hearts of Lions they are become Lambs of hard they are become soft and tender ground trembling at the Word of God contrite and breake thorough godly grief and sorrow as a high building beaten to the very dust as a strong body having all the bones broken emptied of all conceit of their strength abilities excellencies cast like Paul from the horse back to the ground denying themselves their owne reason affections purposes thoughts ends renouncing their owne wisedome as folly looking on themselves as on a Lamp that hath no Oile as on a broken vessell wherein is no liquour as on a wounded body wherein is no soundnes 5. By the nature and operation of true and saving grace wheresoever this taketh possession it maketh the heart meek and humble according to the sway and dominion which it beareth the full eare of Corn boweth downeward the full loaden ship goeth deep in the waters The nigher Abraham came to God the more humbly he thought of himself Gen. 18.27 The more grace any man hath the more hee seeth the deformity of his owne hearts the obliquity of his wayes the unprofitablenes of his works Luk. 17.10 it maketh them loath themselves Ezek. 36.25 31. This maketh them esteeme others better than themselves Phil. 2.3 to neglect temporall and externall dignities Heb. 11.24 Christ Iesus in whom was the fulnes of all holines was the most compleat and absolute patterne of all meekness Mat. 11.29 Ioh. 15.3 this is a jewell wherewith they be alwayes adorned a garment with which they be every day cloathed without this they think themselves naked 1 Pet. 5.5 Humility waiteth on true grace like the handmaide upon the Mistriss like the threed following the needle the light attending the Sun the Daughter the Mother Ruth Naomi Gal. 5.22 this is one of the wayting maids belonging to this Princesse one of the branches which springeth from this roote 6. By the work of Gods Word upon their hearts this like a hammer doth breake and bruise them like fire doth melt them Ier. 23.29 like an axe laid to the roote of the tree it doth cast them to the ground Mat. 3.10 like dew it doth soften their hearts which are hard as clay under a long Sun shine Deut. 32.2 Like a warlike weapon it doth cast down the mighty Holds of sin maketh high thoughts stoope 1 Cor. 10.5 maketh hils to become low as the Valleys Luk. 3.5 As the Priest looking upon pronouncing the leprous uncleane caused him to lay his hand upon his mouth and to cry uncleane Lev. 13.44 45. So the Minister of the Lord presenting to Gods people the leprosy of their Souls by the Ministry of the word causeth them Acts 2.37 Rom. 7.9 As David by his perswasions and proffers 2 Sam. 19.14 so God by the Ministry of the Gospel doth bow the heart of the people Psal 45.5 7. By the opinion and apprehension they have of their owne works their best performances their sincerest duties they look upon them as on water running through an impure channel on silver mingled with much drosse a heape of Corn mixed with much chaffe an apple having much rotteness within it their understanding like Leah is bleare-eyed their faith like a palsy mans head hath much shaking in it Joh. 11.44 their will like Lazarus comes forth of the grave bound hand and foote Gen. 32.31 their love is but like a fire in green zeale like the flying of a bird whose wings are broken in their best duties they halt like Jacob and find occasion of humiliation after the performance of their choisest service need to pray for forgivenes of what is amisse for Iob 9.3 Psal 143.1 2. 8. By the afflictions which doe befall them they are a ship tossed a tree shaken corn winnowed spice bruised a field plowed a patridge hunted a body Physicked a Child corrected an oxe in the yoake a tree under the pruning knife Zeph. 3.12 Psal 34.19 Heb. 11.25 and this will keep them low and humble this will make them stoop and bow down to the commandements of the Lord. 9. By the base estimation the World hath of them they are in the eye of the World as the dung and the off-scouring of all things 1 Cor. 4.13 as monsters signes wonders Isa 8.18 Zach. 3.8 gazing stocks Heb. 10.53 excommunicated persons Luk. 6.22 pestilent people unworthy to live upon the face of the earth Acts 22.22 Acts 24.5 driven into dens and caves Heb. 11.36 37. and by this meanes they are also kept meek and humble 10. By the sight and apprehension they have of God which others have not they by faith see him who is invisible are sensibly affected with the beauty
brightness and Majesty of his holines so affected with it that as Daniel when he saw the vision Dan. 10.8 So they in this manner beholding God to be a God of infinite holines righteousnes wisedome are ashained of their owne corruption and all thought of their owne excellency departeth from them this maketh the very Cherubins cover their feet Isai 6.2 and vers 5. now put all these together and they make this argument that people who are affected with the sence of their owne unworthiness the struggling of their corruptions assaults of Satan whose hearts are broken endued with true grace melted by the Word basely conceited of the best of their works loaden with affliction reproaches in the World affected with the beauty of Gods holines that people is an humble people but thus are Gods people Use This therefore acquainteth us with the dangerous estate of all men of high haughty and ambitious Spirits of men that are puffed up with the conceit of their owne excellencies that soare at least in their owne imagination upon the wings of their owne abilities who will needs increase in the eye of the World though it be to the decrease of the honour of Christ and to the reproach of their brethren such men are surely strangers to the Spirit of the Baptist have little experience of the heavy burthen of the loathsome nature of their owne corruptions of the merit of their doings the wages due to their labours this is a sin arising from present and the increase of temporary and common endowments either internall or externall when men look on humane abilities as Nebuchadnezar upon his palace Dan. 4.30 as the peacock upon his feathers as Rabseca upon his Masters victories 2 King 18.33 then they swell this is a sin arising also from the forgetfulnes of God men consider not that all they have is raine falling from the cloud of Gods bounty fruit gathered from the tree of Gods favour and hereupon they magnify the strength of their owne arme celebrate Philistia like the Dagon of their owne wit and endevours Hab. 1.16 of this the Lord forwarned Israel Deut. 8.14 and of this we have all great cause to be very carefull for I. This is a sin repugnant to our very originall and beginning we are not our owne workmanship a house of our owne building but the hands of the Lord have formed us now shall the vessel magnify it selfe against the potter Isai 29.16 Deut. 32.18 19. but Isai 64.8 and besides God made our bodily part out of the dust whereon our feet tread Gen. 2.17 hence Job 4.17 18 19 20 21. pride is a sin which doth repugne our very creation II. This is a sin repugnant to the tenure of all our endowments our goods and lifes are held at the will of the Lord we are but stewards he may take them when he pleaseth according to our abilities will be our reckoning 1 Cor. 4.1 Luc. 16.2 so that in our selves we are an empty vessel having nothing but what God hath given Gen. 31.9 Iac. 1.17 III. This maketh us uncapable of the grace of Gods Spirit a full vessell is uncapable of new water a full hand of a new gift a full stomack of food these say to instruction as Esau to Iacob I have enough Gen. 33.9 thus Rev. 3.17 Ioh. 9.41 While Paul was on horseback he was uncapable of instructions therefore the Lord smote him to to the ground Acts 9.3 IV. This maketh God to crosse curse and punish us to be after a peculiar manner an enemy against us more than against any others pride maketh a man set himselfe in Gods seate rob God of his honour reject Gods precepts despise his fellow brethren which are Gods Workman ship and for this doth God become an enemy to the proud and when he giveth grace to the humble yet he resisteth the proud Iac. 4.6 When he doth encrease the gifts of the meek he will take away what he hath given to the proud leave them destitute like a Well without water a tree without fruit leaf or branch hence Luc. 1.53 They who feel themselves empty like hungry stomacks Matth. 5.6 thirsty like dry grounds the Lord will give abundantly to drink out of the Wells of salvation but the rich such as be puffed up with the conceit of their owne goods these shall remaine like empty vessels empty of the true knowledge of God joy of the Spirit sence and feeling of the Word of God in his heart as a man will send away him whom he knoweth to have money enough without an almes from his doore and as a King taketh away weapons places of dignity from them that lift up themselves and rebell against him Luk. 14.11 The higher men do exalt themselves the more God will abase them as 2 Sa. 15.2 Acts 12.22 therefore let us take heed of all high conceipts of our owne excellencies Vse 2 Since Gods people are of a humble disposition let us try our selves whither we are indued with this humility or not that so we may know whither we are the Children of God or no and if you be indued with the humility proper to Gods Children you shall know it 1. By the instrument or meanes which doth worke it and that is the preaching of the Word of God the Law and Gospel together this doth awaken the conscience like a sounding trumpet this throweth down high thoughts as the sounding of the rams hornes did the Walls of Iericho Ios 6.20 this hath made you with the jailour Acts 16.31 with Paul Rom. 7.9 this light hath caused you to fall to the ground like that Acts 9.3 this like Daniels vision Dan. 10.8 you have felt how the Lord hath pricked your conscience with this goade Eccles 12.11 How the wounding of this arrow have made you fall down before the Lord Psal 45.4 How this looking glasse this Sun hath acquainted you with the spots that sticke in your Souls like dirt in a garment and hath made you vile in your owne eyes you have experience how God hath laydsiedge against your Souls how by the Ministry of his word he hath made you see your owne weakenes caused you to lay down your weapon yeeld up your selves and seek and sue for peace you have felt how the Gospel of God hath shined like the warme Sun into your hearts and hath melted your frozen affections and how God by his goodnes hath lead you to true repentance and made you truely humble as Ios 5.1 7 5. Iud. 5.45 So the people of God have found at the coming of the Word as Psa 97.4 5. 2. By your reverent meek and lowly attention to and entertainement of the Word of God receiving it as from the mouth of God himselfe 1 Thes 2.13 as that which is the instrument wherein and whereby God will shew himselfe powerfull in the work of salvation Rom. 1.16 as the Scepter by which Christ will sway in our hearts as the Child attendeth with an awfull reverence to
77.6 12. We must think upon his loving kindnes in the morning as David did Psal 59.16 Meditate upon him and his works in the evening as Isaac did Gen. 24.65 yea Ps 55.17 He must be alwayes in our thoughts as the person whom we must fervently affect the treasure wherein we principally delight Mat. 6 21. The fountaine whence we draw the waters of sweetest consolation thus Psal 119.97 we must thinke upon him in prosperity that we be not lifted up in adversity that we be not overmuch dejected that we run not to forbidden meanes for deliverances in peace as on the authour of our welfare in sicknes as on the Physician that can heale us in heavines as on the friend that can speake comfortably to us in trouble as on him that hath authority to appease the stormy tempest as on the eagle that hath wings to cover us as on the rock that can cast a comfortable shadow to refresh us in time of distraction and doubtfulness as on the Counsellour which alone is able to advise us in time of temptation as on the shield which alone is able to defend us from all the fiery darts of Satan under the sence of sin as on the Jordan which alone is able to wash and sanctify us in all wants as on him that can give all fulnes of contentement to us in the middest of our possessions as on him whom we must honour with all our abilities we must thinke upon him how to please him in every estate in every undertaking all our thoughts must be towards him as the streames to the Sea as Moses charged Israel touching the Word Deut. 6.6 7 8. the like charge let me give to you touching Christ it shall not be in vaine for Mal. 3.16 4. Let us give him preheminence in our speeches let him be the choisest and chiefest matter of our language let our tongues become trumpets sounding his praises and clouds plenteously dropping downe the knowledge of Christ to others as a man speaketh freely frequently fully unweariedly of the beloved of his heart so must we of Christ the beloved of our Souls thus the spouse speaketh of him when she had lost him she speaketh to the watchmen enquired for him she spake of him to the forreigne congregations maketh a large relation of his excellencies Cant. 5.10 11 12. this is the charge given 1 Pet. 4.11 Ephes 4.29 this was Davids promise Ps 119.46 this is a singular fruit of Gods grace and work of Gods Spirit in the heart of his Servants Isai 19.18 a property of their conversion as every man speaketh the language of his owne countrey he may now and then speake in another tongue but this hath the preheminence above all others This language is most seemely most holy most pleasant most profitable this like light sheweth the way of life by informing the judgement this like fire doth warme the affections this like water doth wash away spirituall filthines this like dew doth make men fruitfull in the grace of the Spirit this like the crowing of the cock to Peter doth make men go out and weep bitterly for their sin Matth. 26.75 This like the boxe of ointment casteth a sweet savour in the nostrils of Gods people Joh. 12.3 This like a goade driveth them forward in the wayes of God Eccl. 12.11 This discovereth our love of Christ or delight in Christ for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh therefore renomce all profane and abridge all worldy language and let Christ have the preheminence in your speeches 5. Let Christ have the preheminence in your choise as he is above all so doe you chose him before all it is usuall with men to chose what is in it selfe most excellent what will prove most beneficiall what will exalt to the highest honour endow them with the greatest riches give them the sweetest pleasures now there is no creature in it selfe so excellent as Christ for he is as the apple tree among the trees of the wood Cant. 2.3 as the Prince among the creatures Rev. 1.5 as the Sun among the Planets Mal. 4.2 above all principalities and powers Ephes 1.21 he is the brightness of his Fathers glory and the expresse image of his person and hath a more excellent name than the Angels Heb. 1.3 4. He can advance us to the highest honour make us conquerours over all opposers Rom. 8.37 make us Sonnes Gal. 4.5 yea Kings and Priests to God Rev. 1.6 a chosen generation a peculiar people 1 Pet. 2.9 He can endow us with the best riches he can bestow those gifts upon us which are not to be found in the bowels of the earth nor to be bought with the wealth thereof Iob 28.12 13 14 15. riches which the World doth not know 1 Cor. 2 9. Ioh. 14.16 17. riches which the theeves cannot steale which death cannot take away Mat. 6.20 Rev. 14.13 an abiding substance Heb. 19.34 the unsearchable and glorious riches Ephes 1.5 and 3.8 the very reproach of Christ is greater riches than the treasures of Aegypt to be scandalized traduced persecuted cast out as vile for the cause of Christ is better and more gainefull in the judgement of Gods people than to win the World with the deniall of Christ he can bring us in to the Paradise of the choisest pleasures make our Soules as a watered garden satiate us with fatness Ier. 31.14 make us drinke abundantly out of the rivers of his pleasures Psal 38.6 every way replenish and content us so fill us with his presence favour goodnes that we shall have no cause to complaine of any emptines but whatsoever we want wee shall see it all in him Therefore let us choose him above all others as Moses did Heb. 11.25 26. as Paul did Mat. 4.20 Psal 119.30 Phil. 3.8 9. Let him be in our eye the fairest of all persons Cant. 5.10 let us joyne our selves in wedlocke to him before all others for as Prov. 16.16 so it is much more true of Christ the giver of wisedome the authour of every good blessing and Psal 33.12 for as Jud. 8.2 6. Let us give him the preheminence in our faith as he is above all so let us trust him and rely upon him above all He is not sand but a sure foundation Matth. 7.24 25. It is our best wisedome to build upon him Let us not trust upon any arme of flesh any created abilities for these can do nothing without him if he put not a fulness into them they are an empty vessel a dry breast a fruit tree like that in the Gospel Mat. 21.19 a rotten ship that breaketh asunder in the sterne a Ionahs gourd that is soone withered Io. 4.8 there is no trust to be put in it Ps 62.9 10. Iob 8.14 Iud. 9.15 Ps 78.22 Let us trust in the Lord Iesus draw nigh unto him with our hearts cast our selves and our burthens upon him put our selfe into his hand trust him with our Soules with our bodies with our
as if God had brought them into a condition wherein he could not preserve them into a danger out of which he could not deliver them made a promise which he was not able to accomplish Psa 106.25 Hereby they deny Gods Soverainty and dominion they harkened not saith the. Psalmist Psa 106.25 that is they detracted from Gods authority and dominion they would not be guided by his voice ruled by his counsell but would fight against the Amalekites go into the land of promise when God forbad them Deut. 1.42 43.44 thus you see now greatly God is dishonoured by infidelity 2. Therefore as we doe desire to make the name of God glorious to doe any thing pleasing in Gods presence let us labour to beleeve his word to consent subcribe and yeeld to the truth of his testimony to search after the through-knowledge of it to imbrace it with most hearty and unfained affection to build upon it as upon a sure foundation to rest upon Christ alone for life and salvation to get a gracious perswasion in our hearts of the goodnesse of God in Christ towards our own soules to stay upon Christ as upon a sure pillar to build upon him as upon the onely foundation a foundation which will not faile to fasten our faith upon him as the marriner his Anker on a sure rock and as 2 Chron. 32.8 so let us rest our selves upon the promises of God no other hath promised life and salvation no other can conferre the remission of sinne and life eternall no other can deliver from Hell sinne and Satan therefore let us take off our hearts from all other and relye onely upon him Isa 45.22 for there is no other name Acts 4.12 and all the promises which God hath made in him are most certaine 2 Cor. 1.20 most constant whatsoever change there be this faileth not Isa 40.8 this like the Sea continueth full though other water brookes doe faile these are most pleasant and delightfull full of refreshment delight and comfort to Gods people Psa 23.4 and in beleeving Gods promises in geting interest in them in building upon them wee shall be drawne to attend Gods ordinances with delight as the child sucketh the brests as Job desired it more then his appointed food to come as to our fathers house as into our friends presence to be glad with David Psa 122.1.2 Wee shall stirre up others to seeke God in the use of his ordinances we shall call others Jsa 2.2 wee shall strive to bring them to the Physitian of their soules to make them partakers of his Grace Lu. 22.32 3. Wee shall be full of love to God and to his wayes Gal. 5.6 7. Wee shall be rich in all good works like a tree full of fruit a garden full of sweet flowers and thus shall we abundantly glorifie God by believing to this we should be induced by considering the fulnesse and Alsuffici of Christ Jesus for Verse 34. He whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God for God giveth not the spirit to him by measure The Baptist here rendereth the reason why they doe put to their seale that God is true when they doe receive the testimony of Christ even because the testimony of Christ is the testimony of God for Christ is come from his Heavenly Father and God alone doth speake by him for so Jo. 7.16 Jo. 14.24 Heb. 5.5 6. wherein we may consider 1. Christs authority he whom God hath sent speaketh the Words of God 2. His sufficiency for he hath not received the spirit by measure first his authority hee was sent of God equall with God in regard of his Divine Essence but inferiour to the Father according of his humane nature office of a Mediatour the Sun is said to be sent in that he was appointed put forth and furnished with gifts and authority to fulfill the office of a Mediatour Gal. 4.4 and to speake the words of God in that as a Messenger declareth not his owne mind but his who sent him So Christ doth deliver the mind and Councell of God the Father from whence we may learne that the doctrine which is delivered by Christ Jesus is most holy and infallable the very word of God who is truth it selfe a doctrine of power to convince Mat. 7.28 full of light to give knowledge Mat. 4 16. a key opening Gods Councell which is hidden from the wise men of the World Lu. 10.21.22 a Doctrine not to be reproved but worthy to be beleeved Jo. 8.46 therefore to this wee should come upon this wee should wait as upon the light which alone is able to shew us the way of life as upon the Schoole wherein we may learne true wisedome 2. Tim. 3.17 as on the Jordan which will cleanse us from our iniquities Jo. 15.3 This wee should imbrace as the seed which will beget us againe unto a new life Jo. 1.18 As the voice which will raise us Jo. 11.44 Jo. 5.25 On this wee should feed as on the Milke which will make us grow in the grace of Gods Spirit 1 Pet. 2.2 this wee must follow as the fiery pillar which will lead us to the Heavenly Canaan this wee must use as the Spiritual weapon which will beate down the holds of sinne Satan which will cast him downe as the thunder doth the lightning thus wee must affect as the meanes of peace and reconcilement between us and our God Much more might be said of this but wee have lately heard of this more largely One thing more may be learned out of these words from the preparation of Christ to his office as he comming to preach the Gospel had his commission from God spake no other but the words of God so it setteth before us the duty of Gods Messengers and teacheth us Gods Ministers must be sure that God doe give them their commission and that they preach nothing but what is Gods will and councell First they must have a commission as an Embassadour must have a commission from his Soveraigne So Heb. 5.4.5 This is so needfull that without it they cannot discharge their calling Ro. 10.15 Therefore wisedomes Maidens Christs Ministers went not of their owne accord but were sent Pro. 9.3 And the Prophets of old went not upon their owne head but the Lord sent them Jer. 44.4 The disciples of our Saviour had also authority given before they undertooke this function Mat. 10.16 as they must have their commission so they must deliver none but Gods mind and message to the people an Embassadour may not deliver his owne but his Soveraignes message to the people it was the Lords charge Ezeck 2.7 It was Pauls care 1 Cor. 11.23 and 1 Pet. 4.11 And it was Peters comfort 2 Pet. 1.16 2. Cor 1.11.12 2 Cor. 4.1.2 Their commission they must have from God 1. Because otherwise they cannot faithfully open the mind and councell of God how can they preach accept they be sent unlesse they be furnished and prepared by the
accord This you may descerne 1. By the soundnesse the fulnesse holiness of their knowledge in the matter of life and salvation for as the Sun ruling the world is full of light the Sea watring the earth is full of Waters so must the Ministers of God be full of knowledge therefore called starres Rev. 1.16 And light Mat. 5.14 Guides Acts. 8.31 Shepheards Ephes 4.11 Captaines 2 Tim. 2.3 Stewards Lu. 13.52 And it is Gods ordinance Mal. 2.7 Gods promise Jer. 3.15 The contrary to this is an argument men are not sent Hos 4.6 Jer. 2.8 2. By the holinesse and integrity of their conversations Kings send not rebels to reclaim others they who are tainted with the Plague themselves are very dangerous Physitians no man will willingly take Physick from them but Lu. 4.23 therefore God doth purify and cleanse his Messengers from iniquity Mal. 2.5 6. And 1 Tim. 4.12 And therefore our Saviour Matth. 5.16 and Isaiah was cleansed Isa 6.5 And Paul proposeth himselfe and the rest for an example Phil. 3.17 The contrary to this argueth want of commission Jer. 23.14 1 Sam 2.17 Mat. 5.3 3. By the fervency of their Zeal affections they must be full of courage comming forth as it is said of the Sun like Bridegrooms out of their Chamber rejoycing like mighty men to run the race which God hath set them being like burning iron warming them that are about them thus the word as fire shut up in Jeremy his bones Jer. 20.9 Examples hereof wee have in Eliah 1 Kings 18.21 Zacharias 2 Chron. 24 20. In the Baptist Mat. 3.7 In Stephen Acts. 7.51 In Paul Acts. 34 20. The want of this is taxed Matth. 7.29 and Rev. 3.16 4. By their sincere and Heavenly Doctrine such as God sendeth delivereth Gods message good nurses give wholesome milke to the children good Stewards give not gravell but good bread to the family thus 2 Tim. 2.15 They give every man his portion out of Gods word knowledge to the ignorant reproofe to the obstinate comfort to the afflicted encouragement to the opposed and 1 Pet. 4.11 Tit. 1.9 And then Jer. 23.22 But the contrary hereunto Mica 2.11 Lam. 2.24 5. By their industry in their calling expressed by the similitudes of Husband-men builders 1 Cor. 3.6 9. Souldiers 2 Tim. 2.3 It was prophesied Isa 62.5 Charged 2 Tim. 4.2 1 Tim. 4.15 Practised 1 Cor. 15.10 But the want of this discovereth want of commission Isa 56.10 6. By their griefe to see men sinfull as a good Physitian to see his patient diseased a loving Nurse to see her childe sick thus 2 Pet. 2.8 Jer. 9.1 Jer. 13.17 Psa 119.136 But Acts. 4.2 7. By their seeking of the Glory of God and the good of his Church more then themselves or their owne good 2 Cor. 4.5 2 Cor. 12.14 1 Cor. 10.33 1 Thes 2.19 But 2. Pet. 2.3 These meeting together in a Minister are assured evidence that God hath sent such one in mercy to his servants 8. By their constancy in their calling and religious and holy conversation such as God sendeth are not like a broken Bow that starteth back in the day of battle like the sluggard that would not walke because there was a Lion in the Street like the sloathfull man that would not sow because it was cold they grow not weary of the work of the Lord their calling is a delight no trouble their work is pleasant no iron yoke to them and therefore as Eccles 11.6 So they sow in the morning in the Evening are constant in imbracing every occasion looking unto God for a blessing though they fish long with Peter catched nothing yet at Christs command they cast forth the net in hope of a good draught at last they know that God hath severall houres for mens conversion some at the third some at the sixth hour some at the ninth hour some at the last hour of the day so must they continue constant to the last hour in their calling and if none convert by their labours yet they know that their endeavours shall not be altogether fruitlesse Jsa 49 4 And therefore they are not like Meteors and blazing starrs shining for a season and then fall to ground but like the sun they are constant in their care this was Gods charge to Jeremy Jer. 15.19 20 21. And it was his practise Jer. 20.9.10 This was Pauls resolution Acts. 20.24 And this he verified 2 Tim. 4.7 This the Apostles also manifested it was within them as a fire not to be quenched as a streame not to be stopped Acts. 4.19.20 But Apostacy from God either in doctrine or conversation may justly call into question their commission Demas once accounted a fellow-labourer Philimon verse 24. afterward proved an Apostaticall lover of the world 2 Tim. 4.10 And Rev. 12.4 Faithfulnesse to the end in the Ministeriall calling is a gracious testimony that God hath given them a commission and that hee hath sent them for the good of his people Thus of his authority Next let us looke upon his Alsufficiency Authority without ability is like a sword without a hand ability without authority is like a hand without a sword both insufficient both of little use but where both concurre they make a man compleat to fulfill the calling hee hath undertaken therefore that the Baptist might the better move the more effectually perswade the hearts of his disciples to imbrace beleeve and build upon Christ he commendeth him not onely by his authority whom God hath sent he speaketh the word of God but also by his Alsufficiency for God hath not given the spirit by measure Some extend these words to Gods abundant common dispensation of all good things why being the fountaine of all goodnesse doth largely poure out his blessings and yet is not emptied any more then the Sun of his light by Shining or the sea of water by sending forth many streams to water the earth he that draweth out of a vessel what he giveth commeth at length to the bottome but he that dippeth out of the Sea never commeth to the bottome the abilities of the creatures are soone like a little vessell drawne dry but God never giveth so much but there is a great fulnes in him at the last as there was at the first his hand is never short that it cannot help his arme is never weary that it cannot give assistance it is never low water but alwaies full Sea with this goodnesse a singular expression of the transcendency of God beyond and above all creatures a powerfull load-stone to draw men to God from the world a singular encouragement to men to relye upon God as on a sure foundation which will never sinke to draw nigh to God as to the fountaine of living waters which will most certainely refresh us as to a tree loaden with all forts of fruit bearing new fruit every month an admirable comfort to Gods children that their God is their stay and their
grace to the humble 1 Pet. 5.5 If any man want wisedome to discerne the things which differ to know the deepe things of God let him seeke it at the hands of God for this is also Gods gift Matth. 16.17 If any man want faith let him aske of God for this is also the gift of God Phil. 1.29 If any man want peace let him seeke it from the Lord for it commeth from him Ro. 16.20 If any man want love let him addresse himselfe to God for it for hee is love 1 Jo. 4.8 And the God of love 2 Cor. 13.11 If any man want patience let him sue to God for he is the Authour of it Ro. 15.5 As the lame men came to Bethesda to be healed as Naaman came to Iordan to bee washed as the lame man lay at the gates of the Temple for an almes so come you to God to bee healed to be cleansed to be enriched with every good gift hee alone can supply your wants Hos 13.9 All other helpers are Physitians of no value you shall be constrained to come to him at last goe whither yee will for the present Mar. 5.29 You shall be constrained Hos 14.3 All the world shall say as 2 Kings 6.26 27. Hee alone hath promised to lend the hand of assistance to open the fountaine of his Loving-kindnesse to warm us with the Sun-shine of his countenance to delight our soules with his comforts Mat. 7.7 Mat. 11.28 Psa 81.10 Hee alone knoweth our wants is acquainted with our weaknesses he knoweth what wee need before wee aske Nah. 1.5 Hee alone careth for us in our distresse as a father for his childe a Shepheard for his flock his eyes are upon us Psa 14.15 He is sensible of our afflictions Isa 63.9 As a mother of the affliction of her childe Isa 49.15 Therefore let us not goe to Egypt to Baalzebub to Endor let us not goe to the Physitians which have no skill to the trees which have no fruit to hives which have no honey to the store-houses which have no treasure to the lamps which have no light to withered hands which have no strength but let us goe to God in whom is all fulnesse all goodnesse all abundance and hee will surely give if wee aske in faith Iam. 1.5.6 In humility Iam. 4.6 In sincerity Psa 145 19. In fervency Iam. 5.16 In constancy Lu. 18 3. 2. Over all blessings Gods gifts are the free favours of his hand then be not proud of thy great abundance art thou advanced above others is the roots of thy tree more abundantly watred then others hath the Sun shined more warmly on thee and thy dwelling then others hast thou more feathers in thy nest in thy wings then others have be not proud it is all the gift of God what hast thou which thou hast not received hast thou riches hast thou honoures are not these branches growing upno Gods Tree 1 Chr. 29.12 1 Sam. 2.8 Psa 75.6.7 Hast thou knowledge is thy soule full of light is not this a Lampe of Gods kindling Col. 1 26.27 Hast thou faith is not this a work of Gods finger Jo. 6.29 Hast thou holinesse is not this a garment of Gods weaving of Gods putting on Ezeck 16.8.9.10 Was not thine iniquity purged with a Coale from Gods Altar Isa 6.5 Think upon any gift any endowment of the body or of the minde where-with thou art adorned and see if it be not a streame of Gods fountaine a letter of his writing an undeserved favour of Gods bestowing looke upon the freedome of Gods goodnesse thinke upon thine own unworthiness meditate upon Gods end and purpose in the donation of his favours bee affected with thy walking unworthy of Gods mercies let thy thoughts be upon the strict account whereunto God will call thee for the imployment of all the favours hee hath bestowed on thee and then bee not high minded but feare 3. Is every blessing every good thing we enjoy Gods gift then let us give God the praise of all let us so imploy all that wee may glorifie God in the use thereof as they have their originall from him so in their use they must serve him Rom. 11.36 Who saith the Apostle planteth a Vineyard and eateth not of the fruit thereof who feedeth a flock and eateth not of the milk 1 Cor. 9.7 So shall God feed us shall God plant us shall God water us shall God bestow upon us all manner of blessings and shall not he have the praise thereof shall not he be honoured with it Prov. 3.9 Shall not all be so ordered so disposed that God may be magnified according to that 1 Pet. 4.11 Is not God who hath made all who hath preserved all who hath done all for us worthy of praise Rev. 4.11 Is not this the voice of all creatures doe they not all say Rev. 5.13 And shall not man who hath drunke deepest of the cup of Gods mercies tasted most abundantly of the River of Gods Loving-kindnesse bee thankfull to him for his blessings and study to glorifie him in the use of such talents as you hath received from him and to the end wee may glorifie God in the use of his gifts and be thankfull for his mercies 1. Wee must looke upon and take notice of every gift of every blessing wee enjoy as of a gift comming from Gods hand as on a dew falling from Gods cloud as on fire taken from Gods Altar looke not so much upon second as upon the first cause upon inferiour meanes as upon God who doth all in all raise your hearts to this pitch that you may be able to say with Jacob Gen 30.8 Gen. 33.5 With Joseph Gen. 48.9 As Moses taught Israel to say Deut. 26.9 So thou must be able feelingly to say God hath given mee his Word his Sacrament his spirit God hath given mee health strength liberty food raiment Wife children take it all as a gift of God and then thou shalt strive to give God the glory of it Deut. 26.10 2 Labour to get your heart throughly affected with the goodnesse of God therin strive to see it to take it as a singular mercie from the hands of God to read therein the lively characters of Gods Love to tast the sweetnesse and goodnesse of God in the same to be stirred up to rejoyce in God thereby and then wee shall seeke to glorifie God therein as 1 Sam. 1.27 28. She was affected with Gods goodnesse in the gift and therefore gave the same again unto God and to this we are exhorted Psal 34 7 8. And of this we have example Psa 38.17 19. 3 Be thereby stirred up to love God let it be as a Bellows blowing up thy cold affections as beams from the Sun warming thy heart as a Load-stone to draw thee neerer unto God Psal 116.1 2. And then he disputed with himself casts about what course to take that he might glorifie God verse 12. this will constrain them to doe all for Gods
earth hee doth not promise them a paradise of pleasures to dwell in a river of wordly delights to drink of a wardrobe of rich raiment a treasury of gold and silver an eminent place of wordly honor but the grace of the spirit a holy fear to displeas him a holy care to walk uprightly before him Jer. 32.38 39 40 41. this is prophesied to be the sequel of God's love to his people Jer. 31. is the promise of his love ver 3. the testimony of it ver 8 9. I will bring them from the north countrey and all the coasts of the earth literally from Babylon Assyria and the Medes where they were detained captive spiritually from the slavery and bondage of sin and Satan and when will hee bring the blinde who cannot see the waies the commandements of the Lord the lame who cannot walk aright in the path of his precepts the woman with childe such as feel themselvs heavy loaden with the burden of their sin and did much long like a woman in travel to bee delivered and hee that travelleth with the childe the broken hearted afflicted and such as want spiritual strength to do good but how in what manner shall they come from their bondage with weeping grief for their sin and with supplication with praier for the remission of sin but by what way shall they bee led by the rivers of the water their spiritual thirst after rightetousness shall bee quenched by the preaching of the Gospel and their souls watered and refreshed by the dews of the Spirit in a right way by the doctrine of life wherein is no terror no obliquity and for why shall all this bee for I a father to Israël and Ephraïm is my first-born that is I love them with a most intimate affection they are very dear unto mee and therefore I will bestow this spiritual favor upon them this the Prophet Hosea after a metaphorical manner doth most lively and elegantly express Hos 14. v. 4. first hee maketh mention of the freedom of God's love toward them then hee setteth forth the consequences thereof the fruit growing on this tree of God's love the gifts given by this hand of God so full of love unto them and first by the similitude of a Physitian healing hee setteth out the free remission of their sin by the similitude of the dew the grace of the Spirit regenerating and quickning to new obedience by the similitude of the growing of the lilie which is an effect of the dew hee setteth out the adorning of the faithfull with heavenly graces that so both they and their services might cast a sweet savour in God's nostrils by the similitude of casting out of roots as Lebanon hee expresseth their constancy and perseverance in the grace of the Spirit notwithstanding all temptations by the similitude of spreading their branches hee declareth their increas of the Church both in graces and also in persons the great glory of the Church and the sweet savour which they should send forth both in the nostrils of God also of men by the similitude of siting under his shadow he expresseth the safety security and peace which they should enjoy under the protection of Christ by the similitude taken from the reviving of the corn hee sheweth their growth in grace even by the storms and tempests of affliction which fall upon us by the similitude of the growing of the Vine and sent of Lebanon hee proposeth the zeal of the godly and the fragrancy of their conversation so that the forgiveness of sin regeneration sanctified and acceptable obedience constancy in the way of God's commandements growth in grace joy and peace in the holy Ghost zeal and courage for God's truth these are gifts which above all the gifts in the world do testifie the love of God therefore 1 Joh. 3.1 2. Eph. 2.4 5. Reas Because these of all gifts are the most excellent these are as the Spouse said of our Saviour Cant. 2.2 Cant. 5.10 as the apple-tree among the trees of the forrest the fairest of ten thousand therefore called by the Apostle the best gifts 1 Cor. 12.31 preferred by Joh above the choicest treasure lockt up in the bowels of the earth Job 28.16 by Solomon before the chiefest riches in the custody of the merchant Prov. 3.14 though other gifts are in their kinde excellent and of great comfort to such as can rightly apply apply them yet as Prov. 31.29 so many other endowments deserve much commendation but the saving grace of the Spirit excelleth them all 2. Because these gifts of all other are the most rare most proper and peculiar to God's own children these are precious pearls given to a few they are flowers growing in few gardens a seed sown but in few fields stars shining in the firmament of few mens souls 2 Thes 3.2 earthly endowments are a liquor put into every vessel a sion graffed on every stock a seed sown on every field but these are bestowed only on the elect Tit. 1.1 3. Because these gifts do bring a man nighest to God in likeness of nature these make a man holy as God is holy for the truth though not for the measure of holiness these make a man like God as the childe is like the parent as the aër is like the sun therefore 2 Pet. 1.4 being holy wise simple sincere immortal as God is not in perfection but in trueth not independently but by communication hereby wee have fellowship with God walk with him have our conversation in heaven are of God's counsel Psal 25 9. are his friends Joh. 15.15 enjoy the light of his face Psal 21.6 a man may have all other gifts bee furnished with all other abilities and yet bee a stranger to God and Christ Eph. 1.12 4. Because these gifts of all other gifts are the most pleasant the most delightfull and full of comfort this maketh the soul of a Christian cheerfull and full of rejoycing Lu. 10.20 Isa 55.12 13. 1 Pet. 1.8 Isa 4.6 5. Because these gifts are of all others the most satisfactory and contenting these like living springs do abundantly fill the vessel of their souls like clouds full of rain they quench the thirst of the heart as they do-the dry and barren grounds like trees loaden with plenty and variety of all good fruit they fill the hungry stomack therefore likened to a living spring whose waters never fail Jo. 4.14 to milk and wine which quench the thirst Isa 55.1 to a of the choisest dainties both filling and delighting the hungry soul Isa 25.6 to great gain which quieteth the heart though enlarged with strong desires 1 Tim. 6.6 when all other gifts like water to a dropsie man do inflame their thirst and make them cry like a horsleach and make them miserable as the grave Pro. 30.15 16. then they who have the grace of the Spirit are satisfied as the child that sucketh milk from a full breast Isa 66.11 this is promised Psal 22.26 where the
gooness shall bee to them as a sealed letter which they shall never read as a light under a bushel which they shall never see Deut. 1.35 yea this shall bee the least part of their misery to bee exiles from God's face shut as strangers out of God's kingdom this is a loss infinitely surpassing the loss of the whole world yet this is little to the damage of unbelief for besides this the wrath of God abideth on them From whence learn Doctr. That unchangeable miseries and torments are the portion of all unbelievers hee that had not a wedding garment was not onely excluded the feast but also cast into utter darkness Matth. 22.12 the servant which made no use of his talent had not only his talent took from him but hee was besides cast out where was weeping and gnashing of teeth Matth. 25.29 God doth not only punish unbelievers with a deprivation of all good but also with an imposition of all evil hee doth not only leave them as chaff and tares without the door but hee also burneth them with unquenchable fire Mat. 3.12 Mat. 13.40 John 15.6 Therefore the Apostle saith that all that believe not the truth shall be damned 1 Thes 2.12 the sentence of condemnation and destruction shall be executed upon them they shall not onely be excluded from drinking of the cup of Gods mercy but they shall also be constrained to drink up the dregs of the cup of Gods indignation and fury and the sentence at the last day will not bee onely from Gods gracious presence but to everlasting burnings 2 Thes 1.8 9. this was the judgment befalling the portion given to unbelievers of old Jude 5. and for this there is great reason Reas 1. Because it robbeth God of his glory taketh from him the praise of his truth goodness power mercy and constancy which in effect is to make him no God at all but an idol Psal 78.41 2. Because it is a great reproach to God it maketh God a liar which is an intolerable injury 1 John 5.10 there is nothing more essential nor more dear to God than his truth he that believeth not what God hath spoken esteemeth of God but as of a vaine and light man 3. Because it breedeth a base contempt of all the good things which God hath promised to us it judgeth them to be but an empty vessel a painted fire a withered tree Psal 106.24 25 26. 4. Because hereby men do continue live and die in their sins unbelief like a girdle bindeth on sin as a suit of apparel how much soever it be shaken and weakened yet infidelity will be to it as bands of brasse and iron to the roots of that tree Dan. 4.15 there is neither removal nor remission while we live in unbeliefe John 8.24 Job 20.11 and this is that whereof the Spirit of God by the mouth of his Ministers doth now convince the world the obstinate the refractory John 16.8 9. 1. That they sin in not believing imbracing and entertaining Christ 2. Of righteousnesse that whereas they condemned him of guilty they are now convinced of his innocency 3. Whereas they run on in sin as if there were no day of judgement yet they are convinced in their consciences that Christ whom they despised shall be the Judge 5. Because unbelief is the mother of all evil hence it is that we run into all manner of sin even because we believe not his word 6. Because unbelief doth violate the whole doctrine of the Gospel whereas other sins are committed onely against some part or parcel of the Word of God but this maketh the whole Gospel of God to be of none effect Vse This therefore setteth before us what a dangerous and fearful thing it is to live in unbelief such are every moment under the wrath of God exposed to everlasting destruction every hour no assurance of freedome from everlasting burnings no not for a moneth without refuge without stay without comfort if God once begin to set himself against them they are like a ship in the stormy sea without anchor like a tree in the midst of a violent winde without roots there is no safety no deliverance no salvation Rom. 2.8 Rev. 21.8 2 Therefore let us all beware of an unbelieving heart if this be removed no other sin shall destroy us if this sway in our souls there is no entrance into Gods Kingdome therefore take heed let not this weed grow in the garden of your hearts let not this disease raigne in your souls let not this viper finde any resting place in your bosomes this will disable the Ministry of the Gospel to work upon us it will make it as physick to a dead man as musick to a deaf man it will work no change no repentance no reconciliation no life of godlinesse it will do little or nothing with us Mark 6.5 it will disable us to overcome any sin to withstand any corruption it will give every base lust liberty to rule over us Mark 9.18 19. it will spoil us of the comforts which the word affordeth make us fear when we should rejoyce make us goe empty from the word of God when we might depart replenished with sweet refreshment Luke 24.25 it will make us like Pharaoh's lean kine notwithstanding the fat which they eat Gen. 41. notwithstanding all the means which God useth yet we shall be poor in knowledge in love in peace in joy for it is faith maketh rich in'grace this fetcheth plenteously out of the store-house James 2.5 it will make us weary of the wayes of God it will open our ears to hearken to any seducing allurement Heb. 3.12 it will give God occasion to withdraw the meanes of salvation from us Acts 19.9 to leave us to our selves to give us over to vile affections and therefore strive against it as against a most mortal enemy labour to be healed of it as of a most dangerous disease keep from it as from a swallowing gulf a killing arrow an intangling snare and strive by a lively faith to draw nearer to God to build more strongly upon God to taste more sweetness in the promises of God to finde more delight in your communion with God and rest and peace everlasting in the heaven that not the wrath but the love of God may abide upon you for ever FINIS Jesus Christ compared to the Sun Christ baptized by Iohn on the 10th year of his age Christ calling of Disciples The first maracle Christ wrought In the Conexion of the words Christ care and practise to win Souls 1. Christ journey 2. Attendants 3. Commoration 4. Worke. Christ baptized none Christ constant endeavour Doct. Heb. 4.12 2 Cor. 10.4.5 1 Sam. 5.4.5 Mat. 11.29 1 Cor. 11.2 2 Cor. 5.18 August haeres 46 cont Maniches Partly from Iudaisme Partly from blind zeale Partly the abuse of the Churchs practise Vse See Perkines 1 volume Page 74. In former times men of age were baptized There countrey was hot Few of ripe years