and the heart of Cyrus to make Proclamation of Liberty for the Jews return to Jerusalem and hence this is an Expression to set forth the Power of God Isa 44.24 Thus saith the Lord that stretcheth out the Heavens v. 27.28 that saith to the Deep be dry that saith to Cyrus he is my Shepherd he shall perform all my Pleasure What comfort is this when Saints see what bad hearts they have they know that Christ hath power to make them better and what malicious hearts wicked men have Christ can either destroy or incline them to shew kindness as he did the heart of Esau to Jacob. Gen. 23. 6. Christ hath power over all Creatures to do with them as he pleases and to do what he will by them they go and come move or not move live or dye they are or are not at his will He sends forth his Spirits they are created he takes away thâ—ir breath thâ—y dy He hath power of nothing to make something of darkness to make light of evill to turn it to good of death to bring out life from it it 's the Prerogative of God he calls the things that are not as though they were 1. Cor. 1.28 and commands them to be and much more can he confound that which is of Babylon he can say of it Babylon the great is fallen is fallen This is matter of abundant consolation to the Sainis thy Redeemer is strong the Lord of Host is his Name 2. Tim. 2.12 I know whom I have believed and I am perswaded that he is able to keep me c. Believers know whom they have chosen believed in whom they love and serve how full of might he is and when the power of Hell and of the World lying in wickedness is against them they may comfort themselves in this the power of the Lord is for them God made Nebuchadnezzar to know that the Heavens do Rule Dan. 4.25 26. that is the three that bear Record in Heaven the Father the Word and the Spirit which Spirit is in the hearts of Saints also of which the Apostle says Greater is he that is in you than he that is in the World 1. John 4.4 the holy Spirit is the Spirit of the Church Satan is the Spirit of the World the Saints comfort is they have the greater Spirit and if their Spirit be greater than the Spirit of the World much more is it greater than the Flesh of the World Particularly 1. Christ's Riches of Power are to be excercised for the good of the Heirs of Salvation Psa 89.19 I have laid help on one that is mighty the Father hath laid it on Christ with his power to help Unbelief to help Infirmities to help the Spirit against the Flesh the law of the Mind against the law of the Members None will stand by me in these things but Michael your Prince Dan. 10.21 .12.1 Let the weak then say I am strong Joel 3.10 In the Lord have I Righteousness and Strength Isa 45.24 In the Lord it is and in the Lord I have it 2. Christ's Riches of Power is a Fountain of Power to the Saints 1. In Regeneration he propagates his Power he begets and maintains a Power of Godliness in the new nature 2 Tim. 1.7 A Power to serve God a Power to confess his Name to take up a Cross and follow him Joseph's bow abode in strength when the Archers shot at him being made strong by the mighty God of Jacob Gen. 49.24 So are Saints strenghtened by the mighty Power of Christ resting on them Sin is from weakness how weak is thine heart seeing thou dost these things Ezek. 16.30 Vertue is a Power to do good which is from Christ 2. In the Resurrection Christ will give great Power to the glorified Bodies of the Saints 1 Cor. 15.43 It 's raised in Power the Power of raised and glorified Bodies shall be exceeding great there is not such power in any thing in the World as will be in them if God should give commission one glorified Saint might be able to destroy a World of ungodly men 3. In the World to come all weakness shall be swallowed up in Power there will not be cause to complain of the Power of Sin and weakness of Grace Heb. 6.5 there is mention of the Powers of the World to come there is no weakness but power in that World the power of Godliness the power of Love the power of an Endless Life Heb. 7.16 of Endless Holiness of Endless Joy Josh 14.11 As my Strength was then so it is now herein was Joshua a Type of the perfect and abiding strength of the Saints in the World to come And there being such Power in Christ learn 1. To Trust in him Isa 26.4 because in him is everlasting Strength Isa 3.15 O my Soul thou hast troden down Strength Judg. 5.21 Deborah's Soul having strong Faith and being poured out in Prayer did most in that Victory Deborah's Soul with Barah's Sword overcame the Host of Sisera Saints do most with the strength of their Souls and in this have great advantage of their Enemies and with this they shall tread down Satan and the Man of sin when a Saint hath no power in himself he may say as John there is one mightier than I and mightier than all my Enemies Jer. 31.22 A Woman shall compass a Man that is the weak shall overcome the strong as Deborah and Jael did one trod down the strength of the Host with her confidence and the other slew Sisera the Captain of it the Woman clothed with the Sun having the Moon under her feet though driven into the Wilderness yet at last must compass and conquer the Man of sin and then her Wilderness shall be as Eden and her desert as the Garden of the Lord and Babylon's fruitful Field shall become a Forrest 2. Fear him who hath Riches of Power he can destroy both Body and Soul in Hell Who art thou that art afraid of a Man that shall dye and forgettest thy Maker Fear him that hath made Heavens and the Earth the Sea and the Fountains of Water 3. Praise his Power Psal 21.13 Be thou exalted Lord in thine own Strength so will we Sing and Praise thy Power The Saints shall have abundant matter ministred unto them in the last days of praising the Power of Christ and of saying Salvation and Strength to our God and to him that sits upon the Throne Psal 145.11 12. They shall speak of the Glory of thy Kingdom and talk of thy Power 4. Be in subjection to Christ and serve him if we ought to be in subjection to the higher Powers then much more to him that hath the highest Power and take heed that we be not found in opposition to him Do we provoke the Lord to jealousy are we stronger than he Job 9.4 5 6. He is wise in Heart and mighty in Strength which removeth Mountains and they know not Who hath hardened himself against him and prospered
from wickedness A trembling at the Infinite Glory of Divine Grace will teach us to deny all Ungodliness So thought the Psalmist Psa 36.1 The Transgression of the wicked saith within mine Heart there is no fear of God before their Eyes There is no fear of God in them that delight so much in wickedness there 's no trembling at the Glory and Majesty of God where there is so much delight in walking contrary to God They have not learnt Christ as the way of Life that have not put off the old sinful Conversation 4. As many as do not fear an Oath Where there is the fear of that great and dreadful Name The Lord thy God where there is trembling in admiration of the Glory of God there can't but be fearing of an Oath Where Mouths are so full of Oaths Hearts are void of Fear They do not reverence the Name of God in their Hearts that do so abominably prophane it with their Tongues Vain swearing and fearing of God do not consist together Eccl. 9.2 A continued custom of prophaning the great and dreadful Name of God and working out Salvation with fear and trembling are things inconsistent He counts the Name of God but a common Name he hath very slight thoughts of God that takes his Name in vain Section 14. Use 2. Exhort To consider well this that the Apostle says Work out your Salvation with Fear and Trembling Believers should have full assurance of their Salvation and great confidence that God will carry it on and yet fear and tremble This fear is not contrary to but the Fruit of Faith and Confidence The more is known of Divine Love and Grace the more we should fear This fear and trembling shall continue even when the Saints are made perfect and their Salvation accomplish'd The Seraphims fear and tremble in the beholding of Infinite Glory and Christ as Man fears and trembles at the Glory of the Godhead dwelling in him This is the best frame of Heart a fearing and trembling frame Reverencing Admiring and Adoring the Infinite Greatness and Goodness of God to poor Sinners Hereby God is acknowledged in his greatness and advanced and the Creature brought low and its nothingness is acknowledged amidst the boldness of access we have Fear and Trembling is planted in the hearts of Believers that the infinite distance and disproportion betwixt God and the Creatures might be acknowledged So endeavour to abound in this excellent grace of fear God is called the Fear of Isaac he was the God of Isaac So said God I am the God of Abraham the God of Isaac and Jacob and the fear of Isaac So God your God in Christ God appointing you to Salvation in Christ should be your fear Fear so as to adore his Glory admire his Grace and fear to do any thing contrary to his Glory Take heed of a senceless benummed Spirit unaffected with the glorious discoveries of the Divine goodness take heed of high-mindedness and of carnal confidence be like the Church that walked in the Fear of the Lord. So walk towards Heaven in fear run your Race in fear and trembling you are running towards God the presence of God to see him in Glory God hath given you some glimpses of Glory so fear the more you know of it and the nearer you â—raw to God fear the more still and be the more affected 1 Pet. 1.17 If ye call on the Father pass the time of your sojourning here in fear forasmuch as you are Redeemed with the precious blood of Christ There is a duty and the ground of it because you can call God Father God that is infinite in glory so infinitely distant can you call him your Father What fear and reverence doth this call for from you And how should you be affected with this unspeakable goodness And were you Redeem'd with precious blood How should this goodness be admir'd and ador'd So pass your time here in fear all God's works are God's manifestations and all God's manifestations are a ground of fear Rev. 14.7 Fear God and worship him that made Heaven and Earth the Sea and the Fountains of Waters So fear him that gave Christ to dye for you when you were Enemies that loves you when you are Sinners Here 's a greater work than making the Sea and Fountains of Waters the opening a Fountain for sin and uncleanness the Fountain of Christ'â— blood Fear so as not to sin Exod. 20.20 Let his fear be before your faces that you sin not Let the fear of God singly without any other considerations restrain you from sin As Levit. 19.14 Thou shalt not curse the Deaf that can't hear thee curse nor put a stumbling bl ck before the Blind but thou shalt fear thy God That is if you may sin and conceal it from men yet let the fear of God restrain thee from sin Fear so as to yield that glory service and obedience which the greatness grace and goodness of God calls for This is a most excellent grace The fear of the Lord is the beginning of Wisdom 'T is the most comely frame of the Creature that knows God as praise is comely for the upright so â—ear is comely God delights in this temper The proud he beholds afar off such as fear and tremble he dwells with Ps 34 8. O taste and see that God is gracious To give Christ to give Heaven what infinite goodness is this v. 9. O fear the Lord ye his Saints c. Sect. 15. Work out c. For it is God that worketh in you both to will and to do c. The Apostles Exhortation work ouâ— c. doth not argue any free will in Man or power to save himself Man considered in his pure natural state is wholly dead to this work he hath no will to be saved and is without strength to work it out A will to be saved and of doing any thing in the way of Life is of God's working All are exhorted because 't is the duty of all to will to be saved and to walk in the way of Life and all in Adam had once power but as all sinned in him so in him they last the power As for the Elect God out of his meeâ— grace and love intending to make known the Riches of his Glory on the Vessels of Mercy works in their hearts a will and consent to be saved by Christ and a walking in obedience to Christ who is the Author and Captain of Salvation which is here meant by willing and doing So these words contain the ground why Salvation is to be wrought out with fear and trembling Look on it as the sole proper work of God see God willing it and Christ working it out in himself and God working in the heart here 's infinite grace and power tremble at the manifestation of it Believe that your Salvation shall be wrought out and tremble at the glorious way in which it is wrought 'T is God that works so work it out
himself less than the least of Saints For the clearing this Point take these Considerations First The Judgment Saints should have of themselves should be a Judgment of Humility There should be a Judgment of Charity in relation to others so a Judgment of Humility towards themselves By the Judgment of Charity we think and speak the best of others by the Judgment of Humility the meanest of our selves which there is ground to do from the knowledge we have of our own hearts of our weakness corruptions c. and we may say truly of our selves what Eliab spake to David reproachfully I know the pride and naughtiness of thy Heart And this knowledge and experience should keep all humble 2. The carriage of one Saint toward another should be as of an Inferior towards his Superior so far should we be from slighting the least as we are from slighting Superiors Thus we are to understand these places Phi. 2.3 Let each man esteem others better then himself And Rom. 12.10 In honour preferring one another we should honour others and not our selves let another praise and honour thee and not thine own lips As there are Saints of different Ranks in Respect of their measures of Gifts and Graces received so those that have more should prefer those that have less and carry themselves as Inferiors to Superiors The Men in understanding should become as little Children in Humility And as there are Saints under several Forms and too much at a distance their forms being as a partition-wall between them so it were to be wished that the Saints of each form would esteem those of another better then themselves And as there are Saints of different degrees in their outward and worldly Estate there are high and low rich and poor so the high Saints should account themselves less than the poor Saints The rich Saints that have the Goodly Apparel should account themselves less then the least of the poor Saints which have but the vile Garment and rags Thus all should carry themselves with such respect to others as if they were Superiors and with as much care they do not offend them as men have that they do not offend their Superiors The best should account themselves less than the least Saint in that the best ought to become servants to the least Saints should serve one another in Love Gal. 5.13 and Luke 22.26.27 He that is greatest should be as the younger And he that is chief as he that doth serve Whether is greater he that serveth or he that is served Christ himself gave a glorious pattern of Humility in this I am among you as he that serveth and therefore Saints should not excercise Lordship but be amongst other Saints as those that serve Let all Saints then be convinced that it is their Duty to prefer other Saints they ought to be low and lowly in thought speech and behaviour And consider 1. This is not the least Evidence of true Grace when we can thus account of our selves less than the least of the Saints Paul says if we have not charity so may we also say if we have not Humility what are we more than the sounding Brass or a tinkling Cymbal 2. This is the Ornament of a Saint God's Glory is his highness Humility is the Saints Glory God's Glory is his loftiness Saints Glory is their lowliness Be cloathed with Humility 1 Pet. 5.5 This will be like the High Priest's Garment for Glory and Beauty And the more we receive from God the more humble we should be and when we are brought nigh to God when we come to Jesus the Mediator of the new Covenant to God the Judge of all when made Sons of God and Kings and Priests â—nto God say as David when he was brought to the Kingdom What am I that I should be brought hitherto CHAP. II. HEre we may consider 1. That the things of Christ are Riches or why so called 2. That there are unsearchable Riches in Christ and why unsearchable 3. What are these unsearchable Riches of Christ 1. Why the things of Christ are called Riches Fâ—â—st because the things of Christ are things of great worth Riches are things of worth which men esteem Now the things of Christ are of greatest worth which gives ground to call him the chiefest and altogether lovely In him are the best Treasures which should draw the hearts of men to them and make him most worthy to be called that which he shall be the desire of all Nations 2. Because he hath things of greatest worth in greatest abundance For as he hath received the Spirit so Riches and not by measure They are counted Rich that have much of this World's goods Christ is most Rich having the fullness of the best things Secondly Why Unsearchable Riches Not because they may not be found for Christ saith I counsel thee to buy of me Gold white Raiment c. There is no Angel with a drawn Sword to keep the way of these Riches but every one that thirsts and covets may come and partake of them But they are unsearchable or untraceable as the word imports in that they are above men's understanding and beyond what men can ask or think they cannot be comprehended prized loved desired delighted in as they deserve but there is cause to say as the Apostle of the love of Christ they have length c. which passeth knowledge and as the same Apostle of the decrees of God Rom. 11.33 How unsearchable are his Judgments and his ways past finding out So how unsearchable are the Treasures of Christ and his Riches past finding out They are not past finding but past finding out They are not past knowledge but past knowing out and as the Psalmist says Those that go down into the deep c. So we may say Those that ascend up to this deep for this is a deep like the Waters above the Firmament There shall they see the Wonders of God CHAP. III. WHat these Unsearchable Riches of Christ are 1. There are the Riches of Love and Grace in Christ which may well be called Riches being of greatest worth of more value then the whole World and also being in greatest abundance The Sun is not so full of Light the Sea not so full of Water as Christ is of Love and Grace to his Spouse to his Redeemed and Sanctified ones over whom he Reigns and by the displaying the Banner of his Love Saints may see what they have in Christ to rejoyce in and live upon and sinners and worldlings and strangers from Christ may see what there is in Christ to allure them to him Consider these particulars 1. The Love of Christ is an abounding Love 1. It abounds beyond Sin where sin abounded Grace did superabound Rom. 5.20 that is the power of Grace to save a sinner is beyond the power of sin to destroy and when Grace undertakes this work sin shall not prevent it Sin hath the Law for its strength and that
He will esteem thy Reproaches c. and thy parting with wealth for his sake 2. Better Riches in regard of better gain by them the gain of Grace Spiritual consolation of a Kingdom c. If sufferings for Christ abound consolations abound more 6. The love of Christ is every thing we need this is the Gold that will make us rich Money answers all things but 't is most true concerning the love of Christ 1 Cor. 15.28 That God may be all in all so he is in himself and by love he is all things to the Saints Christ's love is Grace and Glory and every good thing Jacob might well say to Esau I have all Gen. 33.11 So 't is in the Original because God said Jacob have I loved 7. The love of Christ is such that it will make him when glorified serve the Saints As their Duty is to serve one another in love so Christ doth this he did in his state of humiliation but how much more to be admired is this Luke 12.37 Blessed are those Servants whom the Lord when he cometh shall find watching verily I say unto you he shall gird himself and come forth and serve them Here we may say as the Disciples when Christ said a little while and ye shall not see me and then a little while and you shall see me we know not what he saith we are not to understand it after a carnal manner Christ did serve his Disciples at his last Supper he feasted them with himself as Crucified and with the benefits of his Death In his Kingdom he shall feast them with his Glory and with himself as glorified in that he feasted them now with signs of himself in this with himself in sight shewing all his Riches and Glory to them John 16.14 Christ promising the Spirit said he shall receive of mine and shew it unto you this he doth in the conversion of a sinner shewing the Righteousness Merits Power and Wisdom and Love to his Saints but when Christ himself shall appear then he himself shall shew them all that he is and hath here is my righteousness the price and value of my Blood her 's my Love and Grace her 's my Glory He kept the Passover with his Disciples feasting them with the benefits of his Death in a large upper-room furnished c. Heaven is indeed the large upper-room furnished there Christ is feasting the Spirits of just men made perfect with the Glory of his Life he shall shew his Glory as having the fulness of the Godhead in him as the only begotten of the Father full of Grace and Truth as a Prince and Saviour as a Bridegroom Joseph said to his Brethren ye shall tell my Father of my Glory in Egypt Christ shall when he appears tell the Saints of all his Glory in Heaven and let them see and hear that which Eye hath not seen nor Ear heard c. as Hezekiah shewed to the Ambassadors of the King of Babylon the House of his precious things and there was nothing of worth which he shewed not unto them This is the Entertainment that Christ will give c. What encouragement is this to be found in those duties to which this Promise is made That is Seek the Kingdom of God give Alms lay up Treasures in Heaven let your Loins be girt Lamps burning be like men waiting for their Lord This is farther set forth Math. 26.29 I will drink no more of the fruit of the Vine until I drink it new with you c. Quest What is that Wine Answ Contraries illustrate one another now in Rev. 14.10 there is mention of the Wine of Wrath without mixture as the portion of the wicked on the other side then the Wine of Love without mixture is the portion of the Saints Pure Wrath is the portion of the Ungodly pure love the portion of the Godly Evil without mixture of good is the portion of the Wicked Good without mixture of Evil shall be given to the Saints Wicked men shall not have so much as a drop of Water to cool their Tongues Saints not so much as a spark of Fire to torment them Thus we see what Riches of Love there are in Christ which we should be careful not to despise nor abuse by indulging our selves in any evil way because we hear of such Riches of Love If any shall turn Grace into Lasciviousness they may know that there is fury that shall smoke against such Behold the goodness and severity of God goodness to such as continue in his goodness but severity to such as abuse his goodness as who knows the Power of his Love so who knows the Power of his Wrath His Love is above our Faith and his Wrath above our Fear Learn then to love Christ because he loves to live to him because he loves please him serve him deny our selves take his Yoke because he loves and take heed we do not that abominable thing which he hates take heed of that abominable thing Covetousness of that abominable thing Pride Lying Deceit Hypocrisy Lukewarmness and remember that he that loves Saints so much hates sin as much and he looks that those whom he loves should love him and hate the thing that is Evil. CHAP. IV. 2. THere are in Christ Riches of Righteousness Rom. 5.17 They which receive abundance of Grace and the Gift of Righteousness Abundance relates to both there is abundance of Grace giving and abundance of Righteousness given there is uncreated Righteousness in Christ as God which is Infinite Perfect Unchangeable so there is Riches of it and no Iniquity in him Christ may challenge all as God did the Jews what Iniquity have your Fathers found in me Jer. 2.5 There is also the Righteousness of Christ as Mediator which is twofold 1. In his works for Men. 2. In his works towards Men. First In his works for Men being a surety and representative undertaking to fulfil that Righteousness for them which they could not for themselves that hereby he might reconcile them to God and make them stand as just in his sight Here consider 1. Christ's Righteousness fulfilled for the Elect is a full and compleat Righteousness Christ taking the form of a Servant did fulfil the Law both for matter and manner substance and circumstances The Law requires not more active and passive Obedience than Christ yielded The Law is exceeding broad Christ's Righteousness as broad as that The Law was Spiritual so was Christ's Obedience Sin was infinite in Evil because committed against an infinite Person Christ's Righteousness had infinite good in it infinite Glory because fulfilled by an infinite Person who obeying was Equal with the Person commanding Obedience and demanding satisfaction for man's disobedience so that here are Riches of Righteousness Paul had good reason to be found in it What a glorious change is wrought by its imputation it makes a sinner a righteous Person By the Obedience of one many shall be made Righteous 2. It 's
we ought yet he remains Faithful When the Israelites did so much provoke the Lord in the Wilderness yet he was well pleased for his Rightousness sake to save them 3. Christ shall prosper in a work of Righteousness Ps 45.4 Ride prosperously because of Righteousness It is a Righteous thing with God to render Tribulation to them that trouble you to Babylon to Persecutors to the Man of sin In the last day it will be the great Work of Christ as in Egypt God rendred tribulation to the Egyptians to the Task Masters c. and to the Israelites Rest so Persecuâ—ors of Righteousness most look to have their portion of wrath and vengeance from the Righteousness of Christ 4. Christ shall be a Fountain of Righteousness to the Afflicted and Oppressed World he is the â—un of Râ—ghteousnesâ— he is full of Righteousness as the Sun is full of Light the World is Empty of Righteousness Christ is full of it and this Sun shall arise Psal 85.11 And Righteousness shall look down from Heaven it 's in a great measure gone out of the Earth and almost confined to Heaven all kind of unrighteousness flows from under â—â—e Throne Iniquity flows thence like Water and unrighteousness as a mighty Stream but Righteousness shall have a time to look down from Heaven and the Waters of Life shall issue from the Throne of God and of the Lamb and from thence Judgment shall run down as Water c. And now what abundant comfort may flow into the Saints from the Righteousness of Christ in his Works for and towards Believers By the Righteousness he fulfilled for them they are reconciled to God believing and being in him having this Righteousness there is no condemnation to them and by the other Righteousness they shall be saved from the Wrath of the Devil and wicked men Therefore as Christ's Righteousness sustains him Isa 59.16 that is it bears him up and carries him on in a work of Vengeance upon his Enemies and Salvation of his Servants in the one his Righteous fury upholds him Isa 63.5 in the other his Righteous â—ove so should Christ's Righteousness sustain Believers under their burthens and crosses which they meet withal in the works and ways of God This should support their sinking and drooping Spirits and say to those that are of a fearful heart Be strong fear not for God will come with vengeance and recompence he will come and save you Jacob said with this Staff I passed over Jordan the Saints having the Staff of Christ's Righteousness may pass over Jordan and be above the fears of Death Satan c. The World with this may go through Fire and Water and be sure to be brought into the wealthy place Jacob with his Staff got into a wealthy State he had a Staff in his hand but a better Staff in his Heart that was his dependance on the Lord his God This is the true Jacob's Staff which if we have it shall sustain and uphold us for doing and suffering It will be our stay and strength in both And if Châ—ist hath Riches of Righteousness and be Faithful and Just to Believers how should this engage them to be Faithful and Just to him He is Just to the Vessels of Mercy in giving Repentance and Remission of sin which should teach them to be Just to him in giving him his due Subjection Service Worship and Glory when he had undertaken it he was just in giving himself for them and should not they be Just in giving up themselves and say we are not our own but bought with a price c. Be Just to confess him be Just to serve him and suffer for him be Just to render all their due and especially to the Houshold of Faith Comforting as being Comforted Instâ—ucting as being Instructed Forgiving as he Forgave and giving freely as we have freely received And if Christ have the Riches of Righteousness then all wicked men that are Enemies to Christ have cause to tremble such as break his bonds and bruise his members that will not have him to reign over them and would not that any of his faithful Servants and Members should live among them hating them because Christ hath chosen them such have cause to fear before him As the Wrath of God is revealed from Heaven against the unrighteousness of men so Christ's Righteousness doth engage him to punish the unrighteousness of men as he is Gracious and Merciful abundant in goodness so he will not clear the guilty Exod. 34.7 As he looks to those of a humble and contrite heart that tremble at his word and rejoices over them to do them good so he beholds them that are proud and rebellious and harden themselves against him and will bruise them with his Rod of Iron c. Psal 2.9 CHAP. V. THere are in Christ Riches of Wisdom in him are hid all the Treasures of Wisdom and Knowledge Col. 2.3 He hath Wisdom in greatest Abundance the Treasures of Wisdom Solomon had Wisdom and largeness of Heart as the Sand upon the Sea shore wheâ—ein he was a type of Christ but behold a greater then Solomon is here Exceeding him more then he did the Children of the East if any ask as Job 2â— 12 Where is Wisdom and the place of Understandig It 's not to be found in the land of the living The depth saith it 's not in me and men must say 't is not in them verse 23. God understandeth the way and knoweth the path thereof and the Scripture discovereth where it is to be found that is in Christ 1. Christ hath the Riches of Speculative Wisdom in the knowledge of the highest and best Objects of all deep things he understands all deep Mysteries they are no Mysteries to him darkness is no darkness to him but Darkness and Light are both alike he knows the Divine Nature That Name which is secret to us is manifest unto him and he hath the knowledge of the deepest Mysteries of Nature He enters into the Treasures of Snow and Hail and Springs of the Sea and walks in the search of the deep He knows the Ordinances of Heaven all which was hid from Job He knows all the Mysteries of the Word all Scripture-truths Promises and Prophecies He opened the Scripture the things concerning himself He hath the knowledge also of the Mysteries of Iniquity which hath been working so long all Antichristian Counsels and coâ—tâ—ivances He knows the Mysteries of men's Hearts John 2 2â— He knows what was in man all tâ—e Churches shall know those of the Synagogue o Saâ—â—n shall know yea all the World shall know that â—hriâ— searcheth all Hearts c. Rev. 2.23 He knows the depts of Satan and is not ignorant of his deâ—ices 2. Chriâ—â— hath the Richâ—s of Practical Wisdom and thus as it is Prov. 8.12 I Wisdom dwell with Prudâ—nce and find out knowledge of witty inventions Wisdom is the knowledge that Christ hath of all thiâ—gs the highest and best the
Kings that gave up their Power to the Beast shall hate the VVhore c. Saints under so long a trouble must needs have fainted had they not believed to see the goodness of God in the Land of the living and had they not been assured that by the witty inventions of VVisdom dwelling with Prudence Babylon shall be made to fall and he that sits in the Temple of God shall come down and sit in the dust nay be cast into the Lake that burns with Fire and Brimstone for the Beast and False Prophet shall be destroyed and their Bodies given to the burning flames 6. Lastly as when the old VVorld was destroyed by water God had a witty invention to save Noah and his Family so when the VVorld that now is shall be destroyed with Fire God will have a witty invention to save whom he pleases Now this glorious truth of the unsearchable Riches of VVisdom in Christ affords abundant matter of Joy and Incouragement to the Saints and Servants of Christ 1. As Christ hath the Riches of VVisdom so he is Wise for them to do them good The VVisdom bestowed on Solomon was for the good of the Israelites that he might know how to go in and out before them to do Judgment He had VVisdom to Teach and Instruct as we see in those Books of Proverbs Ecclesiastes and Canticles Eccles 12.9 Because the Preacher was Wise he still taught the People knowledge as the more wise he was the more he taught the People knowledge And so the more wisdom Christ hath the more shall he teach the Saints knowledge Solomon had wisdom to Build a Temple so had Christ to build a Spiritual House Solomon was wise to put a difference betwixt the Israelites and Strangers and these he made Servants for his work but those were free and Officers under him and Christ shall make Believers Free so as that they shall be free indeed Thus as Christ is Wise he is Wise for the Faithful Wise to Teach to Save and to perfect that which doth concern them 2. His Wisdom is to be a Fountain of Wisdom to them in his light must they see light by his wisdom they shall have wisdom Christ's wisdom multiplies in Regenerated ones as he hath a Spirit of wisdom so he gives it as the Sun is the light of the VVorld gives light to the Moon Stars to the Earth and living Creatures therein so is Christ the light of the Church he doth give VVisdom dwelling with Prudence to his Members he gives to men natural and civil wisdom for their ordering of their worldly affairs for in such things 't is God instructs men to discretion as he doth the Husbandman in and about his Husbandry Isa 2â— 26. and he gives Spiritual wisdom to the Saints to know God and order their conversaâ—iâ—n aright his work is to give more wisdom where it is begun and this he will do till all the Saints come up to the measure of the stature of his own fulness and this in the latter days will be a work that Christ will more gloriously appear in for mâ—ny shall run to and fro and knowledge shall abound Dan. 12.4 and the Earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the Lord as the Waters cover the Sea and the light of the Moon shall be as the light of the Sun and the light of the Sun sevenfold as the light of seven days Then as he that is feeble shall be as David so he that is simple and but a babe in understanding shall be as Solomon This is incouragemâ—nt to go to Christ for wisdom As the Queen of Sheba came with her hard questions to Solomon and he satisfied her in all so should we come with our hard questions to Christ every true Christian hath many hard questions about Divine Truth about the sence of Scriptures about the dispensations of God and concerning his own Estate whether it be a state of Grace and Peace in which they are with God Now he should go to Christ for satisfaction There are hard questions among Believers in which they are divided as about the form and pattern of God's House Now they should seek to the Lord and wait on him and in due time he shall reveal even this unto them to the making of the Saints all of one Mind and Heart then the Lord shall be King over all the Earth and Antichrist no where King then the Lord shall be one and his name one only be humble see the way of Wisdom ask in Faith and he will give it Again are there unsearchable Riches of wisdom in Christ as Solomon was Renowned for his wisdom Then 1. Have a high esteem of Christ because of his wisdom all the Kings sought the presence of Solomon to hear his wisdom and she that was a Queen said Happy are those thy Servants It is better to be Christ's Servants seeing his Glory and hearing his wisdom than to rule over men David behaved himself wisely and was Respected of all the People 1 Sam. 18.30 shall not Christ be judged much more worthy of acceptation David behaved himself more wisely then all the Servants of Saul and his name was much set by or very precious and shall not Christ's Name be much set by 2. Trust to his Wisdom he knows what is good for us and how to do us good and to make all work for good when we have wants he knows how to supply them when infirmities he knows how to help them when dangers he knows how to deliver out of them When there was an Achitophel giving counsel against David he had an Hushai to defeat his counsel when there are so many Achitophels in counsel at Rome here 's one that sits in Heaven whose Name is Wisdom dwelling with Prudence who knows how to defeat their counsel 3. Justifie Wisdom Wisdom is Justified of her Children as wisdom justifies them so should they justifie wisdom There is much finding fault Flesh is apt to find fault as Jonah said he did well to be angry by murmuring by impatience we condemn the Lord when the Flesh condemns let the Spirit and renewed part Justifie the Lord the world is apt to find fault Antichrist condemns the truth and ways of Christ and sets up many Doctrines and Ordinances to make void the Doctrines and Ordinances of God Now here Saints should Justifie wisdom and confess Christ stand up for his Truths Commands c. Justifie wisdom by words and works Although we cannot and ought not to justifie our selves against the charge of God's Holy Law by works yet there is a sence in which we ought to Justifie Christ by our works 4. Fear Christ because of his Wisdom we reverence men much that have wisdom beyond others and rise up before the hoary head that is because with the Ancient is wisdom Here is the Ancient of days with whom is perfect wisdom worthy to be had in reverence by them that are round about him the Enemies of
love of God in your Electing or accepting Christ on the terms offered chusing him above the World and to serve him rather than your Lusts You may read your own Election or God As 't is said of Mary Magdalen much was forgiven her for she loved much Pardoning love was to be read in her love this is one fruit of the love of God on the Soul So you may say God wills for the Creatures wills This will is of God's working and this testifiâ—s of God's will 2. Such as once will to be saved shall continue to will and to do what they ought in the way of Life They shall not reject Christ they shall not cast of his Yoke they shall so live and do as those that are in the way of Life ought for God will work the immutability of God's Counsel shall cause an immutability in their will of following Christ As nothing shall seperate them from the love of God Angels Principalities Powers c. noâ—hing shall alter God's will towards them so noâ—hing shall alter their will towards God They shall not grow out of the Love of Christ into utter dislike or dis-esteem of him their Conversation shall be in Heaven they shall breath and long for Salvation They shall deny themselves and walk contrary to the World they shâ—ll â—vercome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their Testimony and not love their liveâ— o the Death For God shall work in them both 〈◊〉 will and do of his good pleasure c The End of the Fourth Discourse THE FIFTH DISCOURSE Of Sanctifying the Sabbath or Lord's Day ISAIAH lviij xiij If thou turn away thy Foot from the Sabbath from doing thy Pleasure on my Holy Day and call the Sabbath a delight the Holy of the Lord Honourable and shalt honour him not doing thine own ways not finding thine own pleasure nor speaking thine own words Verse 14. Then shalt thou delight thy self in the Lord and I will cause thee to ride on the high places of the Earth and feed thee with the Heritage of Jacob thy Father For the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it THe occasion of making choice of this Text is a late Discourse concerning a Reformation which there is ground to hope there will be in the World which will be usher'd in with some sweeping Judgment and therefore our present work is to prepare for a Storm Many Directions were given how we may prepare for a Storm The last was this Furnish your selves with those Graces with which the day of Reformation will flourish when it comes Now of many Graces mentioned which will live in that day this is one in that great day when the Church shall be glorious through the destruction of Anti-christ by an increase of â—ight so that the Earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the Glory of the Lord as the Waters coveâ—â—he Sea and the Spouse shall be prepared as a Bride adorn'd to her Husband when the Jews shall be called and the fulness of the Gentiles shall come in and these shall be filled with all the fulness of God and there shall be a Church which shall be the fulness of him which filleth all in all In this glorious day the Sabbath shall be an Holy and Honourable day in the Churches of Christ and the Duties thereof shall be performed with great delight Now if you wiâ—l prepare for a Storm and have some hâ—ding place in the day of the Lord's anger See that you be found in a strict observation of the Lord's day Doctrine When suâ—h a Reformation shall come which shall mak◠〈◊〉 â—hurch glorious on Earth then shall the Sabbath be look'd on by the People of God as Hâ—ly â—nd Honâ—urable and shall be observed as with verâ— much strictne s so with great delight Or in fewer words thus In the last and purest of Gospel time there â—â—ll be a very strict observation of the Sabbath-day â—ich now we call the Lord's day Quest. You will ask what ground there is to conclude this from these words Answ Let the context be well considered and we shall see a Prophecy of such things which as yet have not had a full accomplishment but shall in the lâ—st days And the observation of the Sabbath is made the condition of the Promises here made if the Sabbath be duly kâ—pt then what is promised before and in the Text shall be performed and if it be so then God commands the keeping a Sabbath under the Gospel And as there was before so there was when the Law was given on Sinai a Sabbath given There remains a Sabbath a day of holy rest for the People of God Let us search this Scripture then and see whether there will not câ—me forth of it a Jus Divinum for a Sabbath now under the Gospel The Prophet was sent to shew the House of Jacob their Transgressions and in particular to reprove them of their Hypocrisy in the Duties they performed and especially in their fasting which was a counterfeit Fast and then shews them what is the true Fast and then makes many gracious Promises which is his usual method after reproving present Evils he makes Promises which not only had respect to present times but chiefly to the times of the Gospel as we see plainly in the next Chapter He mentions present Sins and present Judgments ver 16. He complains that no Man did endeavour to set things right and so declares the Lord putting on Righteousness and an Helmet of Salvation to execute Vengeance on his Enemies and then the Effect of this They shall fear the Lord from the West And then the Redeemer shall come to Zion And in this observe how suddenly he falls into Prophecying of Gospel times and the last of them For so he doth as appears Rom. 11.26 There shall come out of Sion the Redeemer and shall turn ungodliness from Jacob. Those words are brought in as a Proof for calling the Jews and bringing in the fulness of the Gentiles In like manner he doth here which will the better appear if we consider the particulars of this Prophecy in this Chapter which will manifest that these chiefly respect the last Gospel times 1. See ver 8. Thy Righteousness shall go before Thee c. that is The Lord thy Righteousness as he is call'd in Jer. 23.6 When we consider that their Righteousness shall go before that 's some evidence of this sense as best Besides in what time is it that Christ and the Church of the Jews shall be called by this Name and why In the place before mentioned it is said Behold the days come saith the Lord that I will raise unto David a Righteous Branch and a King shall Reign and prosper and shall Execute Judgment and Justice in the Earth In his days Judah and Israel shall dwell safely So 't is to be fulfilled when Israel as well as Judah are brought out of bondage then he shall be The Lord our Righteousness Jer.