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
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
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
glory 2 Cor. 5.14 This will make them esteem nothing to dear for God Rev. 12.11 4. Be hereby drawn to rest and depend upon God as upon an Alsufficient Arme an iron pillar a sure foundation as a sick man upon a Physitian full of art and skill to cure him as a poor man upon a rich friend aboundantly able to supply him as a child upon a loving father able to releeve him to this the people exhort one another upon the sight of the great things which God should doe for them in giving Christ to them in working their spiritual feedom Isa 26.12.3 4. Psal 61.3 4 5. Confidence in God wil surely animate us to do good a man cannot beleeve in God but he must also live to God Psal 37 3. 5. Bee hereby put in minde of God let every gift you receive every blessing you enjoy be a monitor to bring God to your remembrance to make you think upon the Alsufficiency which is in him from whom all these things flow as water from the fountaine to make you consider how respectfull God is unto you how mindfull hee is of you how abundant his mercy and loving kindnesse is towards you every favour must be as an Embassadour testifying Gods goodness as the voice of Watch-men to bring the Lord to your remembrance Deut. 8.13.18 Psa 63.5.6 6. Bee hereby occasioned to rejoyce and delight thy selfe in God as rich gifts and liberall testimonies of love from a friend cause the receiver to rejoyce in his love so must the many gifts which he bestoweth on us cause us abundantly to rejoice and delight our selves in God who is so mindfull of us so open-handed and plenteous in his mercies towards us this must be as sweet sounding Musick in our eares cheering up our dull and drooping spirits as Wine filling our heavy hearts with gladnesse Psa 28.6.7.8 1 Sam. 2.1 Deut. 12 7. Deut. 16.11 7. Endeavour to imploy all thy abilities to the best uses in the way wherein they may bring most honour to God like a good Steward seeke not your owne but your great Masters advantage bestow upon the maintenance of Gods worship every man in his calling place and according to the measure of the gift God hath given to him Exod. 35. from the 20. to the 30. and 1 Chro. 29.3.6.9.10 If thou hast knowledge instruct Gods people if thou hast courage oppose Gods enemies if thou hast joy magnifie God with praises if thou hast sanctity faith patience meeknesse shew it by thy contempt of the world patient bearing of afflictions holy grave and religious carriage glorifie God by giving a good example to others if thou hast earthly abundance say with the Psalmist Psa 16.3 As 1 Tim. 4.14 1 Chro. 12.7 Thus of the giver next of the gift not the world not externall and transitory riches not earthly and vanishing honours but the Spirit none dearer to God then Christ none more regardfull of Gods Glory none ordained to a more honorable service and therefore without controversie God bestowed on him the chiefest gifts the rarest pledges of his Love and what are these but the gifts of the Spirit from whence learn Doct. That the holy and saving graces of the Spirit are of all other gifts the most excellent as the Sun excelleth the Gloe-worm the Vine is to be preferred before the bramble the purest and most perfect wine befor-the smallest water so are the gifts of the spirit to be preferred before all the endowments of the world these like Beniamins portion are five-times as good as any of his brethrens like Isaacs Inheritance far better then Ishmaels moveables this is evident by the titles and attributes given to these graces as precious 2 Pet. 1.1 Exceeding great and precious Verse 4. unspeakeable and glorious 1 Pet. 1.8 Unsearchable riches Ephes 3.8 deep things of God 1 Cor. 2.10 Excellency of knowledge Phil. 3.8 Things more Excellent Ro. 2.18 2. By the similitudes used to expresse the nature excellency worth use and comfort of them the Sun and Moone the most glorious among the starres Cant. 6.10 Doves the most harmlesse among the birds of the Aire Cant. 2.14 Trees of Frankinsense the choisest of all spices a Garden inclosed wherein are trees of the choisest nature a fountaine sealed a fountaine of living and streaming Waters of all waters the most pure and pleasant Cant. 4.14.15 wine and ointments the chiefest liquor of the grape Cant. 1.3 Gold and Silver the purest mettals in the earth Cant. 1.11 An Inheritance choisest among possessions Col. 1.10.11 3. By the comparisons which the Holy Ghost doth make between these and the choisest gifts of the earth Pro. 3.14.15 Pro. 8.11 Cant. 4.10 Eccles 9.16.18 4. By the price which Gods people have put upon them Phil. 3.8 5 By the charge given to seek imbrace them before and above all other things Mat. 6.33 Pro. 8.10 And these are of blessings the most Excellâ—nt 1. Because these have the most excellent authour all things are the common worke of Gods hand but grace holinesse and true righteousnesse are the Crowne of his Labours the Glory of his workeman-ship as the Sun to the Candle as the Flower to the common Grasse a fruit of â—he Sanctifying finger of Gods Spirit Gal. 5.22 2. Because they are of the most pure excellent nature these are Gold without drosse trees not having one fading leafe nor one rotten branch these are of a Holy and Heavenly originall as it was fore-told of men in regard of the paucity of them Isa 13.12 So it is true in regard of the saving grace of Gods Spirit it is more precious then fine Gold even then the Golden Wedge of Ophix Job 16.28.17.18 3. Because these are the best the choisest and most lively expressions of Gods Image it is not gold and silver gorgeous apparell that maketh a man like God but true holinesse Col. 3.10 Ephes 4 22 Therefore God doth not say bee yee rich for I am rich bee yee strong for I am strong ascend you the steps of earthly dignity for I am glorious though this be true but bee yee holy for I am Holy Lev. 11.44 other things are rich as the earth hath store of treasure in her bowels other things are strong for so the Rocks are other things are glorious as the Sun Moone Starres Flowers but holinesse is that which doth peculiarly expresse Gods Image 4. Because this is the gift which God bestoweth on them that are deare to him the Sun shineth on the bad as well as on the good the worst men have often the largest portion of earthly good things their tree is most fully loaden their cup most plenteously filled the wicked mans Barnes must be enlarged to hold the fruits which God hath given him Lu. 12.18.19 Psa 17.14 But the saving graces of the Spirit these are the jewels which God bestoweth on his owne children these are the riches with which hee doth endowe them all things are Gods gift but in comparison of
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
sheeps cloathing have been shunned by the Lords flocke and the Factors of Rome have had no good utterance for their deceiptfull wares But the Gospel happily and well were it if not unthankfully preserved Christ hath tarried with us longer than in the Land of Iudea we may say as Cant. 2.11 12 13. Lo the winter is past the rain is over and gone The flowers appear on the earth the time of the singing of birds is come and the voyce of the Turtle is heard in our Land The figtree putteth forth her green figs the vines with the tender grapes give a good smell c. Vse 2 Is it such a favour a blessing of such eminent nature to have the Gospel continued to have our Souls watered with these dews our eyes lightned with this light and hath our God in this manner for so long from the Grandfather to the Father from the Father to the Children caused this streame to run without any interruption this Sun to shine without any Eclipse to hide it what should we doe for our God which hath don so much for us how should we all say as the Psalmist Psal 116.12 13 14. What shall I render to the Lord for all his benefits towards mee I will take the cup of salvation and call upon the name of the Lord. I will pay my vows to the Lord now in the presence of all his people How should we all study day and night how to honour that God who hath so honoured us above many other nations These things it should cause 1. This should cause us to love God most entirely how do we love the hand which healeth us when we are sicke the hand which feedeth us being hungry which delivereth us being captivated which cloatheth us being naked which bringeth a light to us being in darkenes which advanceth us to honour out of the dust how much more should the goodnes of God inflame our cold revive our dull affections how can we look on these tokens of Gods love and not be ravished with admiration How can we set in this Banqueting house and not be sick of love Cant. 2.4 How can we live so long under the burning beames of this Sun and not burne with love to him who hath loved us How can we receive so much from God and not gladly leave all for the love we beare him Is not the heat of the fire answearable to the quantity of the wood Is not the depth of the waters in the Channel proportionable to the water distilling from the clouds arising from the fountaine remember you not that place Luk. 7.41 42 43. Hath he not given and forgiven us more than others therefore let us accordingly in our love go beyond other people 2. This should cause us to love the Gospel most unfainedly we have had the experience of it we have seen the wonders it hath wrought the powerfull effects it hath produced we have seen the blessings which have accompanied it how the hand of God hath been with it It is said of David that all Israel and Juda loved him because he went out and in before them and God was with him 1 Sam. 18.14 16. We have had as blessed experience of the goodnes of the Gospel of the long continuance of it of the mighty power of God accompaining it toward us against our enemies as ever the men of Iuda and Israel had of David and therefore we should now set our hearts upon it As Solomon saith in another case Prov. 5.19 Let her be as the loving hinde and pleasant roe let her breast satisfie thee at all times and be thou ravisht with her love We should be so affected with it that with them Iohn 6.34 We should say Lord evermore give us this bread that with Peter Math. 17.4 We should say it is good being here if thou wilt let us make here three Tabernacles c. and with David Psal 119.72 The Law of thy mouth is better to mee than thousands of gold and silver and as the spouse Cant. 1.2 Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth c. Long continuance in the Schoole causeth the Schollers delight this is the instrument of our peace safety comfort and direction therefore as Israel 1 Sam. 4.5 When the Arke of the Covenant came into the camp shouted with a great shoute so that the whole earth rang againe so should we for the continuance of the Gospel 3. This should make us resemble God abundantly in holines and true righteousnes The Iron that lyeth long in the fire burneth like the fire Naaman that hath been seven times in Jordan cometh forth cleansed if the Sun shine long the aire is fully enlightned Moses was but forty dayes in the mount and his face shined we have been more than forty years in this mount with our God and therefore we should shine in holines trees that have long growne in a fertile soile much cost art and labour bestowed about them beare much fruit Psal 1.3 as in the 2 Pet. 3.11 12. Seeing then all things shall be dissolved what manner of persons ought we to be in all holy conversation and godlines So in this case seeing the Gospel hath been so long continued so powerfully preached what manner of persons ought we to be in all holy conversation 4. This should fill our mouths with praises and thanksgivings it should make us to rejoyce as the wise men at the beholding of the starre as the Angels at the birth of Christ. But if insteed of loving God of delighting in the Gospel of God of resembling God of consecrating our selves to God of magnifying him for his long continued merices We dishonour God we disgrace the Gospel by our Religious conversation What can we then looke for at the hands of God but that he turne our long and shining day into a night of everlasting darknes what can we expect but that he take away our Candlestick Rev. 2.5 Put out our Candle Acts 13.46 3. Let us try whither as the long continuance of the Gospel is a blessing in it selfe so it be a blessing to us 1 Sam. 4. Israel had the Arke rejoyced in it Yet the Philistines had the victory Many shall say at last Luk. 13.26 and yet vers 27. Therefore that it may appear to every mans owne conscience that it is a blessing to him it will appear by signes and fruits thereof Signe 1 By the inward holy and thorough chaunge which it worketh to whom-soever God doth blesse it purifieth their hearts as fire doth purify the drosse from every part of the gold like a good houswife it sweepeth every roome like a launcing knife it lets out the corruption which was hidden within like good Physick it hath purged the disease of the Stomacke it hath like a mighty weapon overturned the hold of Sathan like the Arke it hath cast down even Dagon it selfe it hath not onely paired the branch but cut through the roote of sin Signe 2
worke in the heart of his people Ezek. 16.4 Turning the hearts which were as hard as stones into hearts as tender as flesh Ezek. 36.26 This is a sweet and delightfull Sacrifice unto him Psal 51.17 This is a subject capable of Gods Word as the broken and tender ground is capable of the seed Ier. 4.3 4. Gods eyes are mercifully bent towards them he will communicate his comforts in a plentifull manner to them he will not behave himselfe as a stranger but as a most loving friend towards them Isa 57.15 A contrite heart is a loadstone of more force to draw the love of God to us than all worldly Ornaments Isa 66.2 A jewell of more price with God than many rubies 1 Pet. 3.34 To whom will God be a Physitian to to heal the wounds of the Soul but to the broken heart Psal 147.3 With whom will he be present to whom will he be a sure defence but the contrite heart Psal 34.18 To whom will he make his Gospel a joyfull tidings but the broaken Isa 61.1 2. Who will have a joyfull harvest they that sow in tears Psal 126.5 6. That goeth forth weeping This is one end of our baptisme one fruit thereof in all Gods people Luk. 3.5 And therefore let us all strive to be made partakers of it 3. As the water doth quench the flaming and burning fire so let us strive to feel the vertue of our baptisme in extinguishing all the fiery lusts that are within us in quenching all sinfull and libidinous and disorderly affections as a man cast into a deep water will feel his body cooled burning heats removed so must we strive to feel all unlawfull heats in our Souls by vertue of this water extinguished therefore resembled to a grave wherein all our lusts are buried and how strong soever before yet now they are as a dead body which doth every day more and more consume Rom. 6.3 4 5 6. 4. As the waters doth cause the herbes grasse trees and plants arising out of the earth to grow and flourish So must these waters of baptisme cause us to grow in Sanctification to be like the willowes Isa 44.3 Like the tree Psal 1.3 This is that God requireth 2 Pet. 3.18 This is the property of all the trees in Gods Orchard of Gods Planting Psal 92.13 14. We must imitate our Saviour Luk. 2.52 As the children in the family grow so must we as many as are children in Gods family grow to further perfection in the grace of Gods Spirit Like good Schollers in the Schoole of Christ Like Israelites moving after the fiery Pillar Like Jacobs driving his flocks though slowly like Josuah more and more subduing the Cananites which opposed Like David in his warres against Saul growing stronger and Saul weaker this will make us able 1. To discerne the things that differ Heb. 5.14 2. To take the opportunities God affordeth for the welfare of our Souls 3. To run with chearfullnes the race which God hath set before us 4. To conquer with facility all oppositions 5. To depend on God with much assurance 6. To appeare before him with much boldnes confidence and gladness Thus of the first point the second was this Doctr. 2 That in antient times the whole body of the Baptized did use to be washed Christ went downe into Jordan Math. 3.16 The Eunuch and Philip went into the water Acts 8.38 Resembled to a buriall wherein not one part but every member is buried Rom. 6.4 Wherein the Apostle setteth forth three degrees of our Sanctification 1. The first Mortification whereby the power of sin is destroyed resembled by the putting into the Water and expressed by a death of sin 2. The progresse of our Mortification resembled by the resting of the body under the water and expressed by a buriall with Christ because as the body buried doth continually moulder so doth sin in them that are Gods Children 3. Vivification Newnes of heart life resembled by the rising of the body out of the water and expressed by a resurrection out of the grave Thus the whole body was then dipped or dived into the water as divers Councels testifie Yet not of absolute necessity it should be now as it was then For then they were for the most part of mature age before they were baptized being such as were converted from Paganisme they were instructed in the Christian faith and desired Baptisme before they did participate thereof And besides their countrey was very hot But now few of ripe years are Baptized our countries are cold and therefore the sprinkling of water upon the child is used and that without any injury unto or violation of the Sacrament and that for these reasons 1. Because Baptisme doth signify a sprinkling as well as a dipping into the water 2. The thing signified the sprinkling of Christs blood upon our consciences is signified by the sprinkling of the water upon the Child as well as by dipping it into the water The Analogie between the signe and the thing signified remaineth 3. The weaknes of the Children requiring it The Ceremoniall must give place to the Morall Law charity and necessity may dispence with ceremonies and in equity mitigate their sharpness they being ordained for man and not man for them Onely that which was thereby in baptisme represented unto them and unto us and which we are to learne from it is this That as the whole body was dipped in the water so the whole man must be renewed every sin must be renounced every good duty practised every faculty of the Soul every member of the body must be sanctified graciously exercised in the duties of Godlines As the floore of the house was overlaid with gold within and without 1 King 6.30 So must we have the inward and the outward man adorned with the grace of the Spirit we must like the spouse be glorious within and richly arrayed without Psal 45.13 Thus Ps 119.128 and Luk. 1.6 To the end we may so do consider That 1. By this we shall resemble God as the aire thoroughly inlightned doth resemble the Sun in brightnes hence the change wrought in Gods Servants the restoring of Gods image is likened not to the putting off of a glove from the hand or a shoe from the foot but the putting off of the whole raiment Eph. 4.22 23 24. 2. Hereby we shall shew the truth of repentance which like Noahs flood drowneth hills and valleys all sinnes like a faithfull Physician letteth out the corruption out of every wound Counterfeit repentance like Saul spareth Agag and the best of the beasts But true repentance like Samuel sheatheth the sword in Agag too even in the dearest sin Unsound repentance like Pharaoh will let the aged men go some old sinnes wherein the sinner hath now no more pleasure But Pharaoh will not suffer the younger ones to depart no more will the unsound heart suffer his new sinnes to depart wherein for the present he taketh delight
dead as Iud. 2.19 Reas 5 Because spirituall and heavenly things are difficultly understood as Sampsons riddle a hidden mysterie a sealed book a strange thing hardly wrought in our hearts as Characters in a hard stone and therefore have need often to be urged repeated pressed as an unknowne language must be often spoken before we can understand it Isa 28.10 An unknowne way often travelled a fountaine of that depth that we cannot draw forth the water of it Reas 6 Because there is strong violent subtle and constant opposition against us there are many stumbling blocks in the way the World like the Father in Law of the Levite will perswade us to stay Iudg. 19.9 Like the Harlot it will allure us from going our right way Prov. 7.13 Like Dalilah shee will cause us to sleep upon her lap and cut of our locks The devill like Pharaoh will lay heavy burdens upon us to stop us and therefore we have need of very much incouragement to set us forward Use Because our hearts are naturally averse from all holines it is an irksome path an iron yoke a pricking thorne there is in our heart a deadly antipathy against it as between fire and water Esau and Jacob Cain and Abel Saul and David and therefore there is need of much labour often instruction powerfull preaching to winne us to love that which we naturally hate to practise that which we doe now abhorre This discovereth the folly and prophaneness and condemneth the practice of such as content themselves without the powerfull and plenteous Use of Gods Ordinances That come not to the Baptist resort not to the places where God hath set up the light of his truth Many will travell far neer to the Counsellour for advise about their earthly estate to the Physitian for the health of the body to forrein countries for silke spices gold silver and such like Merchandise that will not step out of dores at least not out of their owne parishes for the food of their Souls having none at home As if men had more liberty allowed them to provide for their bodies than for their Souls as if that might be done to preserve the casket which may not be done for the preservation of the jewell that done for the preservation of the house which may not be done for the preservation of the inhabitant as if God had confined men within the precincts of a parish to be damned for want of instruction when we may have enough abroad for the fetching The people in the dayes of the Baptist were not of these mens mindes if they had they would never have gone out of the Region of Judea to him they would never have come to Aenon to be Baptized of him because there was much water there But it is plaine that such men as are so careless of frequenting the means never knew 1. The necessity of them they knew not that these are as needfull to their regeneration as seed to the bringing forth of corne as light to discover the path wherein we must walk as eyes to the body as dewes to the ground without which the one is in darkenes the other withereth 2. That they never felt the comfort of them had they felt how good the Word of the Lord is had they felt them as a River Psalm 44.1 As Noahs Dove bringing an Olive branch as the message of life as Rom. 10.15 Ps 19.20 Doctr. 3. That they never had experience of the change which these worke never felt them as a fan driving away the chaff from the corne as a burning Lamp enlightning their understanding as a Key opening the prison Dores of sin making them the Lords Free men of barren fields made fruitfull vineyards of strangers made Sonnes and Daughters of the Lord had they ever felt these things they would have said as Iohn 6.34 As Ruth to Naomi Ruth 1.26 As Jonathans Soul clave to David no cost paine reproach among men should withhold you from it but as Iohn continued till he was cast in prison so would you as long as you had any liberty which is the next thing here noted and from whence we may collect That Gods Ministers must be diligent in their callings as long as God doth give them ability and freedome to performe the same This is Pauls charge to Timothy 2. Tim. 4.2 It is Gods Mercy to vouchsafe such Isa 66.1 It was the Apostles resolution Acts 20.24 Peter thought it behoofefull 2 Pet. 1.12 This Paul practised 2 Tim. 29. and Ier. 36.5 6. Because Sathan is never weary of hunting the overthrow of Christs Kingdome of seeking the ruine of Gods people 1 Pet. 5.8 His instruments Math. 23.15 These are alwayes sowing their tares therefore we must be as diligent in seeking the welfare of the people we must keep watch as long as the enemy doth lay seidge we must looke to the flock as long as the roaring Lion seeketh to spoile them Acts 20.28 Because the worke is not yet brought to perfection the conquest is not yet fully obtained therefore the Souldiers must still fight the house is not yet finished therefore the builders must still worke the sheaves are not yet brought into the garner therefore the Husbandman may not sleepe the journey is not yet ended therefore the guide must still go forward the Amalekites are not wholly subdued therefore Moses must still lift up his hands The Cananites are not fully overcome therefore Josuah must continually wage warr against them 3. Corruption will still gather strength if it be not continually subdued by the Ministrey of the Word diseased bodies will soone corrupt over-run with corrupt humours if they be not daily physicked the clearest garden will be full of weeds if the gardners hand be not continually imployed about it the purest garment will gather dust if it be not brushed the best vessell will contract some filth if it be not cleansed 4. Received gifts and graces will decay if holy meanes be not used if the dewes distill not the corne in the field withereth if the breasts send not forth milk the child languisheth the fire will go out if fuell be not still administred Vse This exceedingly condemneth the idleness of many Ministers who are as sealed fountains seldome watering the Souls of the people as Merciless Stewards shutting up all their store from Gods Family cruell and careles Physitians Ezek. 34.3 4. slothfull and sluggish Husbandmen who can see Gods vineyard like the sluggards vineyard overgrown with thornes and bryars and not reach out the hand to purge it who can see the Dogs and Lions devour the flock and yet sleepe and securely never seeking the safety of the flock 5. This must therefore occasion both Minister and people to be constant in their callings never weary in the duties of Godlines but still with Paul pressing forward Phil. 3.13 Still following the fiery Pillar like Israel out of Aegypt redeeming the time using well all the opportunities God affordeth delighting
accidentally an occasion of disturbance increase of sin and condemnation an unsavory food 2 Cor. 5.15 a wounding arrow Psalm 45.5 a killing Letter no healing medicine 2 Cor. 3.6 Like soile to some grounds making them more full of weeds like the Sun to some eyes making them more dark but shall we therefore say it were better the Sun did never shine because it is offence to diseased eyes that there were no Physicke because it maketh some diseased patients more sicke that it were good that no dewes did distill that no soile were cast upō the ground because some fields grow the more full of weeds shall we condemne the use of swords because Saul fell on his sword and killed himselfe the use of fire because children instead of warming do burne their fingers in it the use of water because Pharaoh was drowned in the red Sea Vse This must teach us not to take offence at the Gospel the preaching thereof because many strifes do arise much discord is accidentally occasioned it cannot be avoided the Gospel is no way to be blamed the fault is in our selves the corruption the rebellion of mans heart the disorderly lives of mans life is the proper cause of all this trouble If the Kings of Canaan with the people thereof rise in armes at Josuas coming into the countrey Israel must not be offended Josua must not go back If Pharaoh rage thereaten lay heavy burthens upon Israel when they set their faces towards Canaan turne their peace into trouble set the whole Kingdome in a combustion yet they must not accompt it strange nor foolishly charge Moses their leader therewith It is not Eliahs Prophecy Exhortation Doctrine but the sin of Ahab and his Fathers house that troubled Israel it is not Davids fault but Saul's envy that breedeth the quarell between them It is not the Gospel but our corruption not the preaching but our transgressing of the word breedeth all the dissension It is 1. The strength of our love unto sin that causeth so much enmity against the Gospel and the preachers thereof It is Herods love to Herodias that maketh enmity between him and the Baptist Mar. 6.2 21. It is not so much the Womans song that Saul had slaine his thousand and David his ten thousand as Sauls pride love of honour did occasion the contention between him and David 1 Sam. 18. It was Mica his love to his Idoll that made him stirre up the men of Dan to run after him Iud. 18.23 24. 2. The guiltines of our conscience Were our faces cleane the looking glasse would never trouble us Were we good graine currant silver the fanne the touch-stone could not disquiet us Da. 5.5 Had Baltazars heart been sound the handwritting on the wall could not have filled him with such shakeing had not Adam eaten of the forboden fruit the voyce of God walking in the garden could not have been such an offence unto him 3. Sathan hath such sway in the hearts of wicked people they are under his command so obsequious unto his beck Eph. 2.3 so carefull to support his Kingdome so devoted to his service that they will beare armes against all his enemies cast in prison such as seek the ruinating of his Kingdome Rev. 2.10 4. The dissimilitude and discord between wicked men and Gods Children is so great that they can no more agree than fire and water than the Lamb and the Lion the Dove and the Raven the malignity of sinfull mens hearts not the Gospel and power of Religion is so great that the Father becometh a stranger to the Sonne the Mother a stepdame to the Daughter naturall friends accusers executioners of them that are in the bond of nature most strictly tied to them it turneth smiling into frowning faces Math. 10.21 pleasant tongues into quivers sēding out venomous arrowes bowels of compassion into bowells of iron helping into destroying hands as Saul maligned reviled threatned Jonathan for affecting David 1 Sam. As Esau hated Iacob because he had obtained the blessing so do sinfull men maligne the people of God because they love the truth because they shine in the grace of the Spirit This is the fountaine whence the bitter waters of strife do flow the roote whence all the branches of discord do spring as in another case Hos 13.9 so in this thy contention thy quarelling is of thy selfe a fire of thine owne kindling a seed of thine owne sowing but to me in the Gospel is true peace therefore they are much to blame that blame the preaching of the Gospel because accompanied with contention that like the Philistines will needs have it removed because it cannot agree with Dagon 1 Sam. 5.4 6. Like Demetrius accuse Paul because his Doctrine standeth not with his gaine and the honour of Diana Acts 7. They are silly travellers that are offended refuse to go forward that will have the horse legs cut off because the beating of their hoofe upon the pavement doth make the Dogs to barke cowardly souldiers that will not follow the Drum because the sounding thereof doth awaken the enemy Fond men that will have the light hidden under a bushell because diseased eyes take offence at it because wicked men rebell against it Job 24.13 Was it ever otherwise was not Christ a strumbling block a stone of offence 1 Pet. 2.7 Was not Herod troubled to hear of his birth Mat. 2.2 Did not Adam run when he heard the Lords voyce Gen. 3. Was not Ieremy a man of strife and of contention to the whole earth Ier. 15. Was not Amos accused for speaking of hard words Acts 24. The Apostels for seedsmen of seditions it is the power of the Gospel to awaken the consciences to shake the hearts of the wicked it is the honour of the Gospel a seal of our Mynistry to be opposed by them the are unsanctified the fruit of the Gospel to make a separation between the reprobate and Gods chosen Ier. 15.19 20 21. Use 2 2. Is the preaching of the Gospel usually attended with contention strife and discord then let them that professe the Gospel take heed they give not any just occasion hereof for Sathan will most diligently endeavour it he will take hold of any thing that may stirre up this fire take all occasion to sow this seed do his utmost to make these cleare waters foule that he may take the fish living in the same and therefore to frustrate Sathans policie in their behalfe we must study to be quiet and to have our hearts knit together in love to joyne as stones in one building as souldiers in one army as marriners in one Ship to help forward the cause and Gospel of God against all furious oppositions to defend the Gospel and maintaine the honour of it against all spirituall pyrats that seek to rob us either of the being or well being of the same and that we may continue and enjoy this peace we must labour 1. To be truely humble and meek and of
answer to the Papists for none at greater variance than themselves among themselves who can reckon up the discords between the Popes themselves the secular Priests and Jesuits the Monks Canonists and the like they must first heal their owne wounds before they can object our scarres Yet their discords will not justify our contentions no more than quarrels between thieves cut-purses drunkards will justify the contention of honest sober men but we must bewaile the discords that are amongst us pray to the God of peace to suppresse attend the word of peace the instrument with which God doth use to work therefore let mee say to you as the Apostle doth to the Thessalonians 1 Thes 5.13 14. Let us labour for sincerity of heart freedome from corruption this sin is the cause of all quarrell nothing is more effectuall to quench this fire than the water of sanctification which is the internall baptising of the heart and for this the outward baptisme is called a purifying whence note Doctr. The efficacy and the proper fruit of Baptisme consisteth in the purging away of our corruption Therefore Paul resembleth it to a grave wherein our corruption is buried like a dead man Rom. 6.4 Other to a sprinkling of water not upon the body but the conscience 1 Pet. 3.21 not the putting away the filth of the flesh c. Reas 1 Because they who are effectually Baptised have Communion with Christ Gal. 3.27 None are in Christ but such as are sanctified 2 Cor. 5 17. Reas 2 Because they who are effectually Baptised are truely penitent therefore called the Baptisme of repentance Luc. 3.3 Marc. 1.4 True repentance there is none where there is not sanctification where sin like filthy dirt in the house is not washed away Reas 3 Because they who are effectually Baptised are ingrafted into the Mysticall body of Christ 1 Cor. 12.13 Now none are true and living members of that body but such as are truely cleansed from their sin Use This must therefore teach us not to content our selves with the outward washing of the flesh in baptisme but let us strive to feel the internall effecacy of it in our Souls Having our consciences sprinkled within our bodies washed without the inward and the outward man also renued not thinking it enough that we have the shell unles we have also the kernell the sheath unles we have also the sword the bowe without the arrow the parchment without writting hand seale delivery Pharaoh and the Aegyptians were in the red sea as well as Israel but they were drowned Israel had a safe passage as Jo. 6.63 You must feel the quickning Spirit move in your Souls in the use of this Sacrament as the Angel moved in the Pool of Betheshda or the diseass of your Soul will not be healed you must find your lusts mortified it is nothing worth your bodies are washed if the fire of concupiscence within be not quenched as Gal. 6.14 15. Nothing in the Kingdome of God is of any accompt but onely a new creature therefore under circumcision he comprehendeth the preheminence of the Jew which though it were much Rom. 3.1 Rom. 9.4 by uncircumcision the wisedome strength love Policy of the Gentile though of great esteeme in the eyes of the world yet of no accompt in the eyes of God Regeneration sanctification are in chief esteeme with him not the noble wise rich strong creature but a new creature see Luc. 16.15 1 Cor. 1.26 and 1 Tim. 4.18 Therefore as Gideon pulled down the Altar his father had erected and then set up another at Gods commandement as men put off an old and then put on a new garment so let us Eph. 4.22 whatsoever we have hitherâ—o have been let us be so no more but let us strive to be such that it may be said of us as 1 Cor. 6.9 10 11. VERS 26. IN this Verse we have set before us the occasion of the controversy between some of John's Disciples and the Jewes the Disciples of John saw the people frequent our Saviours Doctrine morâ— than they did their Mr the Baptist and hereupon took occasion to quarell with them came to the Baptist and complained of it as loath to see their Masters honour overshadowed by the shining of a more glorious Sun 2. Their ignorance they heard what the Baptist had taught of our Saviour they saw what he did to our Saviour how he Baptised him but yet did not understand that Christ was the Sonne the Saviour and Redeemer of the World 3. The danger of over-much admiring the persons of our teachers they â—o admired his person that they did not rightly conceive his Doctrine that they did disable Christ and cried up the Baptist 4. The fidelity of the Baptist in his calling for so they confesse that the Baptist did beare witnes of Christ 5. Their envy at the successe of Christs Ministry of these in their Order From the of these we learne Doctr. That self-love and ambition are many times an occasion of most contention this is like the evill Spirit that came between Abimelech and the men of Shechem turning their Union into division their love into hatred their peace into trouble this is a bellowes kindling the coales of strif betweeÌ„ such as are knit together in the strictest bonds why did Josephs Brethren sell him into Aegypt but out of self-love because they would not be subject to him Why else did Eliab quarrell with David 1 Sa. 17.28 This made Saul seek the life of David a most faithfull beneficiall Servant this disturbed the peace even of the Apostles Luc. 22.24 and Solomon maketh it a generall rule Prov. 13.10 Reas 1 Because pride and self-love doth breed envy at other mens endowments and at the successe of other mens undertakings envy is the spawn of pride the daughter of self-love a branch alwayes adhering to this root Luc. 15.18 Dan. 6.4 Phil. 1.15 Reas 2 Because pride and self-love cause men to aime at by and base ends neglecting the glory of God the welfare of the Gospel the good of their brethren and to seek their owne applause ease wealth as the Apostle long since complained Phil. 2.21 and our Saviour discovereth this as the speciall cause of the Pharises contention against him Ioh. 5.44 Reas 3 Because self-love and pride doth occasion men to make evill and false constructions of the doings and purposes of others 1 Sam. 17.28 This made the Pharises think that our Saviour came to take their place from them Reas 4 Because pride and self-love doth make men ingratefull yea to contend with and render evill to such as seek to do them the greatest good yea that have shewed them the greatest love let David be a wall about Nabals men and possessions in the Wildernes 1 Sam. 25.16 yet Nabal that regards no man but himself will raile at him abuse him if he demand any assistance from him so Jud. 8.1 and Jud. 12.1 2 3. Thus self-love made the
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.
difficult the change of the heart how hardly the image of God is restored the light of Gods face peace of conscience assurance of the forgiveness of sin is gotten had they ever known this they would never presume upon their owne strength but would with Paul Rom. 4.27 Had they beheld the deep dye filthy spots of sin they would with David Psa 51.1 2. Had they been in this storme they would with the Disciples Mat. 8.25 26. Had they ever felt this burden they should have found it more easy to shake off a mountaine from their backs to pull their skin over their heads as to cast away there sin as easy to withstand a deluge of water or a furious Horse rushing into the battle as to withstand their lusts they should have found that all the water in the bucket of their humane abilities would not quench one spark of this fire that all the arrowes in their quiver would not make this enemy remove one foot that all the ingredients in their shop all the herbs in their garden would do nothing towards the cure of his wound But they should find as Matth. 17.10 the woman spent all upon Physicians and could not be cured so they Mar. 5.26 Vse 2 This must therefore humble us and make us all looke upon our selves as upon gardens wherein groweth not one wholesome Herb not one savoury flower as on trees bearing no good fruit as on wells void of water on dead men void of strength as on beggers having nothing of our owne but the menstruous garments of sinne confessing our selves with Iacob to be lesse than the least of Gods Mercies to be altogether unfit for any good duty unable to performe any worke pleasing in the sight of God Isa 64.6 Gen. 32.10 Not boasting of our owne abilities as once Goliah did of his strength least the Lord overthrow us as he overthrew him 1 Sam. 17.10 Not presuming like the Sonnes of Sheva to cast out Satan by humane art and the powers of nature least he leape on us as he did on them Acts 19.15 19. Not striving with the builders of Babel to ascend the glorious rest of heaven by a Babel of our owne building least the Lord confound us as he did them Gen. 14.4 8. Let us not glory with the Pharisee that we are not as the Publican Luc 18.11 Let us not grow insolent of a few morall endowments a little gilded brasse a few painted flowers as once Rabseca boasted of his Masters victories having overcome a few nations whose God were stocks and stones least as the Lord gave him and his Master so he give us a shamefull overthrow at the last 2 King 18.33 34 35. But let us seriously consider how we have no beauty in us for which the Lord should set his love upon us Ezek. 16.6 No strength whereby to vanquish the enemies that rise against us Rom. 5.8 No understanding to discerne the things which differ Prov. 30.2 3. No ability to comprehend the deep things of God more than a blind eye to discerne colours 1 Cor. 2.14 No quickness of sight to discry the snares of Satan to find out the corruption of our hearts but that as Agar said Prov. 30.18 19. So may I say of him that we have no aptness in our selves to any good duty more than the thorne to beare figs the bitter fountaine to send forth sweet waters Mat. 7.17 And when we are thus low in our owne eyes then we shall be capable of matter of the highest and most eminent nature Acts 9.3 When Paul was cast from his Horse brought low made blind then he was fit to receive instruction then we shall long after the light of Gods face Luc. 15. the dewes of Gods grace when the prodigall saw himselfe a companion of swine then a place in his fathers house was much desired then we shall complaine with much feeling of the sin of our Souls of the iniquity of our hearts as Isa 6.5 Then we shall be to pour out our Souls feelingly and cry mightily to the Lord as Ionah did Ion 2.1 He slept while he was above the water then the Lord will be favourable unto us Isa 57.15 and shall vouchsafe salvation unto us Iob 22.29 Iob 33.19 to 28. Vse 3 Therefore this must cause us so much the more carefully to use all holy and sanctified means for the supplying of our wants the filling of our emptiness the fitting of us for all good duties the more we see our owne weakeness the more let us seek to be made strong by Christ Iesus the lesse we have in our selves the more earnestly let us beg to partake of his abundance let the sence of our hunger cause us to feed the more frequently with the milk which cometh from the breast of the Scriptures let our dulnes cause us the more carefully to apply this light to our feet and this Lanterne to our paths Let our barrenness cause us with Hanna to pray with teares for grace as she did for a Child let our inability to resist the enemies of our Souls cause us to pray for Gods presence and assistance as Moses did for Gods assistance with Israel in their journey to Canaan the greater stormes of affliction do arise the more strongly let us fasten the anchor of our faith upon the Rock Christ Jesus let our nakednes cause us to long the more to be apparelled with the royall robes of Christs righteousness Let our uncleanness make us desire the more earnestly to be washed in the Jordan of Christs blood the heavy burthen of our sin cause us the more to desire to be unloaden the more the hart is chased the more the water brooks are desired the more the torment of the disease is felt the more the healing Medicine is longed for the more the force fury and near approach of the enemy is beheld the more aid is desired so the more sence we have of our owne weakenes unmorthines the more feeling we have of our sin of the arrows of Gods displeasure wounding our consciences the strength of our corruption and the violence of Satan the more earnestly humbly feelingly let us addresse our selves unto God and so the Lord of his fulness will supply our wants communicate the riches of his grace his goodnes is the Fountaine whence we must draw the treasure whence we must fetch all spirituall riches as the next thing to be observed plainely teacheth Doctr. That whatsoever good blessing is enjoyed by any person or people is the free gift of God as all the waters come from the Sea and all the branches receive nourishment from the roote so all the favours which like streams flow down for the watering of our Souls or bodies have their originall from the Ocean of Gods goodness they are all as beames issueing from the Sun of Gods Love Iac. 1.17 No Merchandise sold at so easy a rate as that which after Solomons estimate is more precious than Rubies and Prov. 3.14
ground the perswasions of our hearts upon apparant testimonies which will not deceive us Let us still be of humble disposition readily subjecting our selves to the Doctrine of Gods Word Let not affection conceit fond opinion but a judgment well informed be our guide Let all truths find entertainment approbation subjection so shall the Word bring comfort stablish our faith reconcile and draw us home to God assure us of his favour enrich us with his grace I. But if prejudice possesse our hearts bear sway within us we are taken in Satans snare we shall be lead like blind men into the pit of our destruction he hath put out the eye of the understanding that we shall not see the glorious light of the Gospel 2 Cor. 4.4 II. The sweet waters of life will be to our Palate as bitter as Gall the most sumptuous feast shall be but as the bread of adversity and the water of affliction Mal. 3.14 The most pleasant and delightfull light will be either an offence to the eye or at least as a Lamp without Oile Iob 34.9 All Religious and holy exercises will be as a cloud without raine as a vine without grapes III. The wisest counsell will be taken either as flattery or as treason the truest testimonies of the sincerest love will be looked on as baits upon the hooke to draw the fish to his death as meat spread by the fowler an allurement to the snare 2 Sam. 10.4 IV. Prejudice like a diseased stomack turneth good food into corrupted humours 2 Cor. 2.14 Like a diseased eye it beholdeth things in contrary colours Like David in one case it taketh friends to be enemies and enemies to be friends 2 Sam. 19.6 Like thornes and bryars in the field it causeth the seed of the word that it can take no roote Matth. 13.12 Like Sheba that blew the Trumpet of Rebellion it causeth the people to disclaime the Messenger of the Lord and to say they have no part in his Doctrine 2 Sam. 20.1 2. Like the evill Spirit that arose between Abimelech and the men of Shechem it doth breed a great division hasten their ruine Iud 9.23 Like a disease in the body it maketh men greedily imbrace what will nourish it Ahab being possessed with prejudice against the Prophet cast him into prison opened his eares to the false Prophets who deceived him 1 King 22. for the prevention whereof we must labour 1. For a sound judgment to be able to discerne the things which differ to make choise of the things which are most excellent a cleare eye judgeth and distinguesheth colours best delight is most welcome to that sight which hath most perfection sound Doctrine hath best approbation among men of sound knowledge and good understanding and surely as Paul said in another case Acts 26 2.3 So may the Minister of God say in this case and therefore 1 Cor. 14.20 Col. 1.9 1 Cor. 10.15 1 Thes 5.21 but ignorance is the common cause of prejudice 2 Pet. 2.12 2. For a good affection an entire love to the Messenger of the Lord this the Apostle requireth 1 Thes 5.13 This will cause us to hearken to their Doctrine with diligence to endure the word of exhortation with patience to imbrace it with thankfulnes to subject our selves to it with readines we take bitter pils contentedly from the Physitian whom we affect and you know what the Apostle saith of love 1 Cor. 13.5 6 7. 3. We must strive for an humble and teachable Spirit the broken ground entertaineth the seed the meeke in heart do readily subject themselves to the Doctrine of salvation the yoke of Gods precept is not irksome to the humble therefore Mat. 11.29 were we humble as Christ was then as he notwithstanding all his sufferings Isa 42 2. no more would we stirre and cry and make a noise and tumult when the axe is said to the roote of the tree we would not kick against the Word of the Lord though it prick like a goade and pierce like an arrow Ex. 12.11 Ps 45.4 The humble â—oul shall find sweetnes in it it shall be a word of glad tidings Isa 61.1 a pleasant food Psal 22.26 4. Carefully try all things by the touch-stone of Gods Word examine it by that line wherein there is no crookednes weigh it in that ballance wherein is no deceit try it by that touch-stone which will infallibly distinguish between good and reprobate silver the day 1 Cor. 13 13. that is the light of Gods Word Rom. 13.12 shall make it manifest the fire Gods Spirit speaking in the Scriptures will certifie you of the truth of what was taught therefore Isa 8.20 1 Joh. 4.1 Acts 17.11 By this meanes shall ye find that it is not so much man as God that speaketh by this meanes ye shall perceive more power in it attend with more feare and reverence to it and subject your selves thereunto with more willingness 5. Allow not your selfe in any evill way be not wedded to any sin but resolve in the uprightness of your hearts to subject your selves to the whole will of God be glad to be informed in any truth and be able to say to Gods Messenger as Cornelius did to Peter Acts 10.33 and the people to Moses Deu. 5.27 Then shall not your hearts rebell against any truth not distast any wholesome Doctrine not take offence at any godly exhortation more than a traveller resolving to go to his journeys end doth to be guided in the right way when he strayeth or a sick man desirous of a freedome from all diseases doth at the good counsell of a wise Physitian but shall with David 1 Sa. 25.32 33. The allowance of sin maketh true Doctrine unacceptable godly admonition unwelcome the tidings of peace an occasion of trouble the sweet flowers gathered out of the garden of the Scriptures as a bundle of noisome weeds the honey comb of the word as gall therefore let us put iniquity farr away and let no iniquity dwell in our tabernacles and then we shall receive the word without prejudice The Third thing is the Baptists deniall of himself the removing of all that honour from himself which they would falsely have ascribed to him Doctr GOds Servants must not seek their owne but the honour of the Lord Jesus This is given in charge 1 Cor. 6.20 this we are taught to make our first Petition Mat. 6.9 This the Saints Angels of God have refused to receive when men either ignorantly or superstitiously would have bestowed it on and have willed them to give it unto God and Christ Acts 10.25 26 Acts 14 14 15. Rev. 19.10 our Saviour blamed the want of this in the Pharises Joh. 5.44 and the Lord plagued them that neglecting his sought their owne glory Acts 12.21 22. Dan. 4.30 31. Reas 1 In regard of that perrogative which God hath over all he is the Prince of the Kings of the earth Rev. 1.5 every knee must bow to him Rom 14.11 He hath
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
of the honour of Christ that seeketh its owne applause Joh. 5.44 1. Pet. 5.5 6. The last thing in this Verse was the manner of manifesting Christ Jesus he must increase Doctr. CHrist Jesus is not fully and at once but by degrees revealed unto his Servants the Sun appeareth by degrees so doth the sun of righteousnes by degrees manifest himselfe unto his people the blind man in the Gospel saw men as trees first he saw obscurely afterwards he saw more plainely thus Cant. 2.8 he was seen as on the mountaines a farre of then vers 9. he came nigher Joh. 16.29 Luc. 24.31 And our Saviour doth after this manner reveale himselfe unto his people I. Because of their infirmity as we reveale things to Children teach them a little and things easy at the first giving them milk and not strong meate Iac. 16.12 Mat. 9.16 17. II. Because they shall be sensible of the difficulty of obtaining it they shall be inforced to seek Prov. 2.2 3. search Ioh. 5.39 to waite Prov. 8.34 III. This he doth to humble us for our ignorance and removing corruption Use Therefore we must strive to grow in the knowledge of Christ as Schollers in learning apprentices in their trades we are not perfect 1 Cor. 13.9 12. therefore with Mary Luk. 10 39. with the lame man Joh. 5.5 we must not set still but 2 Pet. 3.18 we must not cease but strive to be filled Col. 1.10 Vse 2 This will teach us that all such as are Gods Servants do find Christ Jesus revealing himselfe unto them more graciously his Kingdome doth increase within them the longer they are in Christ the more clearly they understand his will the more sensibly they are affected with his love the more glorious he is in their eyes the more firmely they cleave to him the more strongly they build upon him the more abundance of contentement they find in him the more cheerefully they follow him VERS 31. THe Baptist having endevoured to remove from himselfe the sinister opinion which the Disciples conceived of him now he plainely delivereth his opinion of Christ sheweth by another comparison how farre he excelleth all others how much he is superiour to all others likening Christ to a King or supream Commander who speaking from his throne or tribunall is to be hearkned unto with all reverence but likeneth himselfe to one whose seate is in the dust infimetily inferiour unto Christ he who cometh from above who is not onely God-man but also God who teacheth divine and heavenly things in whom is nothing but that which is heavenly and full of Majesty he is above all in the excellency of his nature authority power wisedome and ability to unfold Gods counsell being the onely begotten of the Father in the bosome of the Father no creature man nor Angel being any thing in comparison of him but he who is of the earth even every man who hath an earthly originall and beginning is earthly ignorant carnall weake savouring of the things of the earth and can no further savour perceive or speake of the things of God than as they are revealed to him by him who is from above The Words set before us 1. Christs excellency 2. Mans indignity Christs excellency is set forth 1. By his originall he cometh from above 2. By his Dominion he is above all Man 's indignity is set forth 1. By his originall or from whence he is from the earth 2. By his quality or disposition earthly 3. By his practise speaketh of the earth first of Christs originall he cometh from above that is usually in Scripture said to be from above which is from heaven Acts 2.19 which is excellent and of great accompt of a spirituall and heavenly nature Gal. 4.26 or doth belong to a heavenly life Col. 3.1 The Sonne of God is said to be from above because he is God coequall with the Father according to his divine nature from the Father by eternall generation as he is the second person in the Trinity he is said to come from above in that he assumed our nature into the unity of his person dwelt in our flesh appeared in the forme of a servant to work out our redemption Doctr. That Christ Jesus who came to work out our redemption with a divine and heavenly originall and is even the Son of God by eternall generation Prov. 8.22 23 24 25 30. Psal 2.7 Phil. 2.7 8. Mat. 3.17 and this it behoved him to bee Reas 1 For the full expression of Gods unspeakeable love to his chosen had God sent a man an Angell a meere creature his love had not beene so great so excellent so worthy of admiration but now when he sent his owne Sonne his onely Sonne this did wonderfully disclose his love unto his people If a King send not a common man a counsellour a favourite but his owne Sonne to be a ransome to redeeme the captived a Physician to heale the diseased a teacher to instruct his ignorant subjects it is an argument of singular love so Ioh. 3.16 1 Ioh. 4.16 Reas 2 For the sustaining of his Fathers wrath a burthen which would have ground the rocks to powder and the mountaines to dust a fire whose heate would have dried up the deep waters of the Sea a wind which would have overturned all the Cedars of Lebanon and removed the pillars of the earth out of their places an arrow that would have drunk up the Spirits of all the mighty men of the earth a Wine-presse which neither man nor Angell was able to tread a cup which our Saviour himselfe prayed might passe from him a passion which made him sweat drops of blood which constrained him to complaine of desertion Psal 22.1 Reas 3 For the satisfying of his Fathers justice it was in vaine Mic. 6.6 7. Isa 40.16 the debt was so great that all the World was too little to make satisfaction Isa 53.10 11. as Psal 49.6 7. Reas 4 For the revealing of his Fathers will and counsell a sealed booke which none can open Rev. 5.3 4 5. therefore Ia. 1.18 Col. 2.3 Matth. 11.27 Reas 5 For the making of us to be the Sonnes of God by adoption Gal. 4.4 5. He that was the Sonne of God became a Servant to make us the Sonnes of God by grace who were the Servants of sin by corruption he emptied himselfe that we might be filled Reas 6 For the sanctifying and washing away the sin of our Souls no nitre could cleanse us Ier. 2.22 Abanah and Pherphar could not wash away the Leprosy of our Souls nothing but the Jordan of Christs blood could doe it 1 Ioh. 1.7 This quencheth our burning lusts extinguisheth our carnall and worldly thirst as Christ came by blood to justify us so he came by water to sanctify us 1 Ioh. 5.6 8. these things he could not work for us were he not omnipotent alsufficient and from above Vse This teacheth us whence our salvation and externall happines cometh not from beneath not from
sheep oxen gold silver wordly friends these are empty vessels withered armes broken cisternes Physitians of no value unable to give salvation to lead to life eternall as King 6.26 so may all the creatures in the World say in this behalfe and as Psal 33.16 17. so much more in this case therefore it is in vaine to build on this for these are as God said of Aegypt Isai 31.3 It is to no purpose to cry to them for they will be as deaf as Baal 1 King 18.26 as the Psalmist said of promotion Psal 75.6 so it is also true of this spirituall promotion it cometh neither from the Sea nor from the Land it cannot be gotten by strength bought for money wonne by policy but as Solomon said Eccles 9.11 so in this case and as Iob 28.12 13 14 15 16 17 18. so of salvation for Ioh. 1.13 it is Christ that is made unto us of God 1 Cor. 1.30 earthly abilities have no power hereunto these are a weapon too weake to throw downe the holds of sin Satan will say to these as to the Sonnes of Sheva Acts 19.15 these have no power to enlighten the understanding 1 Cor. 2.10 no ability to purify the conscience Dan. 5.5 6 7. to cleanse the affections it is the word and spirit that maketh wise unto salvation 2 Tim. 3.17 that giveth peace Isa 57.19 reconcileth to God 2 Cor. 5.19 our salvation is wholly from the Lord Ier. 3.29 and therefore let us regard and fasten our eyes upon the meanes which is from above more than on the means which is here beneath let us seek for happines from above where it may be had and not here below where it cannot be found let us not seek for grapes on thornes and for figs upon thistles like them Luk. 24.5 Vse 2 This discovereth the cause why Christ and his Ordinances have such slender entertainement why they are no more respected among the men of the World they are from above they are not of the earth but from a forreigne countrey as the Sodomites resolved to deale hardly with Lot because he was a stranger Gen. 19.9 so doth the Sodomitish World with Christ Ioh. 15.19 Joh. 9.29 2 Pet. 2.12 these things are above their earth 1 Cor. 2.14 as Joh. 4.11 they have no bucket to draw these things have no savour in their nostrils 2 Cor. 2.16 as Job 24.17 so Ioh. 3.20 the head stone of the corner is a stone of offence the way to life is become a stumbling block 1 Pet. 2.7 Ioh. 8.22 23. Vse 3 Is Christ Jesus from above is his originall divine and heavenly then we must also labour to be borne againe from above to be endued with divine and heavenly wisedome that we may know him so the many blessings which come by him a carnall an unsanctified knowledge cannot conceive him an unregenerate a profane heart hath no sence and feeling of these things the carnall palate cannot relish these dainties the unsanctified eye cannot behold this light the profane heart cannot intertaine these misteries Isa 29.11 Christ appeareth as a worme and no man Psa 22.6 as a face wherein is no beauty Isa 52.14 as a store-house having no treasure things heavenly must be looked on with a heavenly eye holy matters must be discerned by a holy understanding intertained with sanctified affections therefore we must pray with the Apostle Ephes 1.18 19. with the Psalmist Psal 119.33 and when our understandings are thus inlightned from above then shall Iesus Christ be glorious in our eyes Cant. 5.10 as the apple-tree among the thornes and briars Cant. 2.3 as the Sun among the clouds as King David in the eyes of his subjects more worth than ten thousand of the common people like Saul the head above all the residue of the people beyond measure more beautifull more excellent than all the World II. Then shall we behold in him all fulness all sufficiency of all good things such as eye hath not seene nor eare heard of shall we find in him 1 Cor. 2.9 we shall find him to be a living fountaine whose waters never faile Joh. 4.14 to be a tree never barren but alway bearing Rev. 22.10 a sure rock never sinking Isai 32.2 a Sun yeelding all fulnes of contentement to his servants Psa 84.11 so that they shall say as Elkanah to Anna 1 Sam. 1.8 and upon better ground than Esau they shall say they have mongh III. Then they shall cast themselves and their burthen upon Christ as upon a never failing friend a sure foundation a strong Pillar a Sepheard able to deliver the flock out of the pawes of the beare and the jawes of the Lion like David a wall of fire able to defend his Servants and consume their enemies for Psal 9.10 IV. Then shall they have a low estimation of the things of the earth look upon them as on waters that passe away as on empty vessels as on cobwebs soone sweept down Job 8.14 as on a slippery place where is no standing Psal 73.18 as on dung and drosse of little value Phil. 3.8 as on things yeelding no true contentment no sound comfort no sure defence but are as chaungable as the wind as a garment Psal 102.26 and therefore they fasten not affections on things here below but on things above Use 4 Is Christ from above is his originall divine and heavenly then this may comfort all the Children of God I. In regard of their emptiness he hath all fulness he can abundantly supply our wants Ioh. 1.14 16. as the Sea and full clouds fill the chanels II. In regard of our ignorance he is full of knowledge as the Sun of light able to make us wise unto salvation III. In regard of unrighteousnes he is from above he is full altogether righteousnes he hath long Roabs to cover us Ier. 23.6 IV. In regard of trouble of conscience he is a Prince of peace Isa 9.6 Ephes 2.14 Mat. 8.26 Thus of Christs originall next of his Dominion Doctr. CHrist Jesus hath preheminence above and Dominion over all creatures therefore called the King of Kings Rev. 1.5 the great King Rev. 12.5 Phil. 2.9 10. and Dominion he hath I. In regard of creation Col. 1.16 17. II. In regard of gubernation Ioh. 13.3 the very devils are subject to his command Mar. 5.8 III. In regard of subjugation 1 Cor. 15.25 IV. In regard of his office for the executing of Gods judgment upon all men and evill Angels Ioh. 5.22 Dominion he hath over his owne people I. As head of that body whereof they are members 1 Co. 11.3 II. As a redeemer having first bought us 1 Cor. 6.26 III. In regard of conquest having obtained victory over sin and Satan Col. 2.15 IV. In regard of possession having erected his Kingdome within them V. In regard of protection being a continuall defence unto them Isa 32.2 Use This acquainteth us with the dangerous estate of such as disobey Christ cast his precepts behind their backs make him
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
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
roabs of Christs righteousnesse the Needle-wrought Garment of sanctification will abundantly supply that want if a man want dainty food have nothing but the bread of adversity and the water of affliction the spiritual dainties which God affordeth his servants will be sufficient he who hath Christ hath all things hath him who is above all things he hath Lands Gold Silver honour peace pleasure more than all this as he who hath the Sun hath the light which is in many Torches and more again if a man want an earthly object whereon to fasten his love his trust whereon to expresse his joy whereto to reveal his minde yet Christ is above all and on him and about him he may with more delight and fulnesse of contentment expresse his love his joy his trust desire speech than to any creature in the world so that this should exceedingly comfort us in all our wants for Ephes 1.21.22 6. Against the fiercenesse of Gods anger the mighty force of Gods displeasure though it be a fire which all the water in the world cannot quench as the roaring of a Lion that maketh all the beasts in the forrest to tremble like a mighty wind rending the rocks Nah. 4.5 like that 1 Kings 19.11 an Arrow that drieth up the spirits Job 6.4 a burthen which no created shoulder can bear a Sword whose prickings a Scorpion whose slingings a rod whose lashings none can without desperation endure though it makes profane men at last say as once Job in the extremities of his anguish did Job 3.3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13. that Rev. 6.16 though like the appearing of the hand-writing Dan. 5.4 5. like the tidings Jos 5.1 though it be of all terribles the most terrible of all noises the most hideous of all fires the most hot the most fervent of all Arrows the most sharp of all Gall the most bitter of all Clouds the most dark of all wayes the most Thorny of all burthens the most heavy of all tidings the most dismall yet fear not the Lord Iesus is above all he is at the right hand of his Father interceding for us he will stand between us and his fathers indignations his bloud speaketh better things than the bloud of Abel Rom. 5.9 10. 1 Thes 1.10 by him we have accesse to God Rom. 5.1 Eph. 2.17 he will turn the consuming fire into a warm and shining Sun the exceeding winde into a still voice the stormy Tempest into a calm the dreadfull voice into a joyfull sound Mount Synai into Mount Syon he will bring us from Mount Ebal to Mount Gerizim Deut. 11.29 7. Against the difficulty of attaining grace working perfecting true holinesse though it be a work of the highest transcendency a work not to be wrought by the finger of men or any angel not sound in any earthly Mine a flower not growing in our Gardens a Tree not to be planted by the Art of the choisest husband-men though Iob 15.14 though 2 Cor. 3.5 though Ier. 13.23 though Mat. 7.15 16. though Isa 11.6 though Ier. 2.24 Ier. 17 9. though as Martha told Christ Ioh. 11.39 so we stink in the grave of sin yet Christ is above all though Abana and Pharpar cannot wash away Naamans Leprosy yet Jordan can though the Disciple cannot cast out the unclean Spirit yet Christ is able he can turn the Lion into a lamb the thorne into a vine as he turned water into Wine he can open the eyes of the blind the ears of the deaf heal the hands that are withered the feet that are lame he can stop the bloudy issue cure all diseases he can send his Spirit into our hearts 1 Ioh. 1.7 Ioh. 1.29 Ioh. 8.36 1 Pet. 2.9 1 Thes 5.23 Ephes 5.26 27. therefore think on this and be comforted Thus of Christs excellency next let us look upon mans indignity described by his originall of the earth Man is resembled to the earth in regard of the bodily part whereof he consisteth he was made of the dust and in regard of the corruption he hath contracted dishonorable condition whereinto his sin hath brought him for as the earth of all the other Elements is most subject to mens feet tendeth downward is ful of slime corruption and the receptacle of worms vermines and many noisome creatures so are the bodies of men brought into a low estate even as low as hell thorough sin the minds of men are altogether downward upon the things of the earth dens of all uncleaness such doth the Baptist shew mans originall to be to his Disciples to teach them not to magnify man nor to think over highly of him but to ascribe all honour unto God and the Lord Jesus who is from above whence learne Doctr. THat Man is of a very low and weak originall and beginning dust and ashes Gen. 18.27 composed of the dust in regard of his bodily visible parts Gen. 2.7 his foundation is said to be laid in the dust to note his frailty easily cast down as a house builded on no better foundation than the dust Iob 4.19 Use 1 This must teach us humility we are but earth dust weak poor frail vessels of a very base beginning the earth which our eyes always behold whereon our feet continually tread should teach us this lesson this earthly garment of the flesh which covereth us by day and is not put off by night should always minde us hereof be as water to quench as a warlike instrument to throw down all high thoughts which exalt themselves the flowers have beauty the trees have blossoms leaves fruit the Cattle have strength the starres have brightness and glory but what hath the dust whereof to glory no Creature hath lesse cause of glorying than man hath of himself if we look either upon his earthly originall or corrupt condition since the fall of Adam therefore as the blackness of the Peacocks feet take away the pride he would otherwise take in his feathers so must the dusty condition of man take away all occasion of glorying which may arise from the other endowments God hath bestowed on him Use 2 This teacheth us to acknowledge the freedom of God in the Donation of his favours it is earth and dust that God hath advanced therefore let us not dream of any worthiness in our selves of any thing in us that might move God hereunto but 1 Cor. 1.20 Ioh. 3.8 Exod. 3.2 3. Zeph. 3.12 Use 3 This must teach us so much the more to admire the goodness and the singular love of God in advancing us into so high estate as to have sonship with him hership with Christ David thought it much that he having stood behinde the Ewes should be advanced in marriage with an earthly Kings Son how much more should we magnify the Lord for advancing us to Wed-lock with Christ the Sonne of a Heavenly King so did the Psalmist Psal 8.3 4. Oh! let this till our hearts with love to God with joy
the whole man shall be cleansed from all iniquity and to labour for this estate let us be perswaded 1. Because this will interest us in all Gods favours make all things to become ours to be comfortable helpfull beneficial this will make God to be our God our Father Christ to be our friend Mediator Advocate Husband Sun Shield Prince of peace the Spirit of God to be our comforter Ioh. 15.26 our guide Io. 16.13 to be our earnest penny and our Seal to assure us of the Lords mercy and loving kindnesse Ephes 1.13.14 a fire to warm us 1 Thes 5.19 water to cleanse us Isa 44.3 the Ministery of the Gospel to be a Ministery of reconciliation to us 2 Cor. 5.18 a pleasant light to shine unto our feet Psal 119.105 a heavenly Manna pure milk to feed our Souls 1 Pet. 2.2 a goad to drive us forward Physick to heal us a weapon to kill sin and defend our Souls all the earth shall be serviceable to us this life and the life to come shall be ours 1 Tim. 4.8 we shall be the richest people upon earth have better revenues than all the mighty men in the World Psal 34.10 Because this will inable us to finde many sweet and heavenly comforts in Gods ordinances this will make them full of precious and choise delights to our Souls this will make them be a delicate and dainty feast this will cause us to behold them as a letter of love from the Lord Jesus the Bridegroom of our Souls this will make them sweet as the hony-comb to our palate Psal 19.10 even the rejoycing of our hearts Jer. 15.16 this will make them more precious than any Treasure Psal 119.72 more pleasant than any tidings Luke 2.10 this will make them the savour of life to our Souls 2 Cor. 2.14 this will make them speak peace to our consciences Isa 57.19 this will make them as a banquet to the hungry stomack Cant. 2.4 this will make them as the Dove to Noah as the Star to the wise-men as the water out of the Rocks to Israel this will inable us to say of them as David of Jonathan 2 Sam. 1.26 3 Because this will cause all to work for our good if we be regenerate whatsoever is against us shall in the issue be with us prove beneficial for us as David said of Shimei's railing 2 Sam. 16.11 So the fiery darts which Satan casteth the venemous arrowes which the evill speakers quiver shooteth the heavy burthens which the hand of the potent enemy imposeth imprisonment sicknesse poverty temptations disgrace and whatsoever it be it shall all by the gracious hand of God be turned to our good if we like David be men after Gods own heart for Tit. 1.15 all shall be for their welfare all shall be blessed to them the sword which is unsheathed against them shall like Goliah's sword become an instrument to cut off the enemies head the envious practises of their brethren shall be a means of their advancement as in Joseph the pit which is digged the snare which is spread for them shal take and entangle him that spread it every obstacle shall be turned into a furtherance every burthen into wings every lyon shall have a honey-comb in his belly This is the priviledge of Gods people the prerogative of sanctification an inducement full of power to perswade all that are not past feeling to return to God by true repentance to serve him in holiness and true righteousness 4. Since the natural mans workes are all naught water of a poysonous fountaine fruit from an evil tree let us all examine and try our selves what our workes are whether they be good or evill And this we shall discerne 1. By the fountaine whence they spring all good works must come from a good and a sanctified heart The good ground which brought forth good fruit resembled a good and honest heart and Matth. 12.35 Matth. 7.17 all the works of a carnal man are dead works in regard of their original nature and issue none but a new creature can doe the works of new obedience All our actions are actions of uncleanness till we be washed and justified by the blood of the Lord Jesus 2. By the rule by and in obedience to which they are done They must not be done after our fancy in obedience to our own will our Sacrifice must be offered with fire from Gods Altar what we doe must be that which God required and it must be done because God hath required it Lev. 10.1 2. 1 Sam. 15.22 out of conscience to Gods precept 3. By the faith and perswasion we have in our heart when we do it We must beleeve that God in Christ is well pleased with us we must bear fruit as branches of Christ else it will be in Gods account as soure grapes Heb. 11.6 As we must ask all so we must do all in the name of Christ 4. By the affection wherewith it is performed It must not arise out of feare nor proceed from constraint but out of unfeigned love to God This must be the first mover in all our undertakings 1 Cor. 16.14 2 Cor. 9.7 as Jude 5.2 5. By the circumstances wherewith it is apparelled as Prov. 25.11 for Eccles 3.1 and Matth. 6.3 4. 6. By the end whereunto it is done We must chiefly look unto God all our arrows must be levelled to his glory as to the chiefest mark we are not our own but his by our election he hath chosen us Eph. 1.5 6. By our creation he hath made us for himselfe Prov. 16.4 By our redemption he hath bought us to himselfe 1 Cor. 6.20 By our vocation he hath called us to shew forth his praise 1 Pet. 2.9 and to him must we live 2 Cor. 5.15 If our works be thus qualified we may be sure they come from a regenerate spirit and are well accepted of him who is above all This is a repetition of what was formerly spoken to shew his disciples that they must needs subject themselves to Christ and to let them see how difficult it is he doth againe repeat it So that you see the repetition and the reason of the repetition The former may teach us Doct. 1 1. It is very needfull that Gods Ministers should often urge and presse the same material duties upon their hearts Phil. 3.1 that they may understand it more clearly be awakened by it more effectually affected with it more throughly that it may be imprinted upon their hearts the more effectually that it may abide with them the more constantly People must not think it unprofitable to heare the same points of doctrine often pressed upon them Naaman went seven times into Jordan Peters cock crowed thrice From the other we may learn Doct. It is a very hard thing to make men renounce all self-confidence and subject themselves unto and altogether rely vpon Christ Jesus therefore the Baptist doth againe and againe presse it This occasioned
Psalmist alluding to the sacrifices and feasts among the Jews sheweth as they fed delicately filled themselvs plenteously so the people of God fed with the preaching of the Gospel and administration of the Sacraments should be abundantly filled with all heavenly comforts with all saving gifts and graces so filled that they should bee therewith satisfied the like expression to this is used Psal 23.5 6. the Psalmist thereby setting forth the large measure of grace which God conferred on him the abundant holy joy and rejoycing wherewith the Lord did replenish him 6. Because these gifts are of all other gifts the most profitable these like the Ark to Obed Edom like Joseph to Potiphar do cause all wee have all wee do to prosper The Apostle doth excellently express it where hee saith godliness is profitable to all things having the promise of this life and of that which is to come 1 Tim. 4.8 godliness profitable helpfull to every duty to every estate and condition of life it is profitable to us when wee hear it causeth our hearts to bee to the word as good ground to the seed as a healthy stomach to the food it maketh the Word to us as the light to the eye very pleasant and delightfull as musick to the ear very comfortable as a joyfull tidings to the sorrowfull for Mica 2.7 2. It is profitable to us when wee pray it maketh us to com before the Lord with confidence 1 John 3.20 21. it inlargeth the desires of our souls strengtheneth our affections and maketh them more fervent carrying them towards God like a strong flood which cannot bee stopped maketh the cry of our souls vehement maketh them as incense the smoak of sweet wood in God's nostrils Jam. 5.16 this is like Aaron and Hur to Moses Exod. 17.12 14. 3. It is profitable to us when wee are assaulted it inableth us to draw nigh to God with fulness of assurance Heb. 10.22 it maketh us confident bold and couragious Prov. 28.1 It defendeth us like a breast plate Ephes 6.14 it is an Ark in the Deluge 4. It is profitable when wee are in any affliction It maketh all troubles to bee as fire to the gold fanne to the corn the fiery fornace to the three children an occasion of nearer communion with God holiness to God's people in the time of trouble is as Moses rod making a way thorough the red sea opening the stony rock as the tree making the bitter waters sweet as the meal making the pot which was full of death to become full of health as a wise Phisitian maketh a healthfull and healing medicine of that which in it self is very poison 5. It is profitable when wee are to perform any sacred duty it is to us as wings to the bird as horsmen an chariots to travellers as wind tide sails to the marriner as art skill and strength to him that undergoeth the labor of handicraft it strengtheneth enliveneth and inableth the soul with a singular readiness marvellous joy great content and unspeakable delight to run that race fulfill that task with God hath set him 1 John 5.3 Psa 40.8 Psal 108.3 and Jud. 5.2 6. It is profitable in the collection gathering receiving affective fruition and using of all outward blessings it teacheth us to gain them lawfully to affect them moderately to rejoice in them sparingly to use them holily to order our selvs in all our businesses religiously wisely graciously as becometh the Gospel of God making all outward blessings occurrents and occasions to bee as feet to help us forward and not as stumbling blocks to occasion our fall to bee as a garment not a burden as a cup whereof to drink to refreshment not a sea wherein to drown our selvs 7. It is profitable in sickness in death holiness inableth us to dy with comfort to imbrace it as the most welcom of all guests to look upon it as a friend of a most lovely countenance as a messenger bringing most joifull tidings as a Physitian curing all diseases as a key opening the gates giving liberty from all troubles entrance into all happiness as the marriage day of our souls this will make us with Faninus the Italian to kiss death as hee kissed the traitor which brought him tidings of his execution these are the fruits which grow on this and the like branches this is the gain which is gathered out of this treasury no gift so profitable therefore no gift so sure a pledg of God's love to his people 7. Because these gifts are of all other gifts the most lasting these are gifts without repentance that know no change Rom. 11.29 a living spring that never faileth Joh. 4.14 a seed that never dieth 1 Joh. 3.9 a jewel which never consumeth Prov. 4.18 a sun that never setteth all other gifts of whatsoëver kinde worth or excellency are but like a cloud soon dispelled a vessel of clay soon broken a sandy foundation soon sunk but they who are endued with the saving graces of the Spirit like trees of deep roots shall surely stand like trees planted by the water side they shall not wither but shall bee as the green olive Psal 52.8 as rich treasure in a strong hand Job 10.28 God's covenant shall have no end his grace shall never dy Jer. 32.39 40. so that in all these respects the holy and saving graces of God's Spirit are the chiefest testimony of God's love Vse This will therefore discover unto us plainly assure us undoubtedly make us see infallibly who they are that are best beloved of God who are the joy of his heart the dearly beloved of his soul not the men who have the largest earthly possessions but they whose souls are replenished with most holiness not they who are endowed with most lordship and autority over their brethren but they who have most sway and dominion over their corrupt affections the most holy the most religious the most sincere in heart the most sanctified in their conversation these are God's dear ones God regardeth not the rich man for his abundance the noble man for his birth the great man for his high place the wise man for his policy these are in the eies of God stars of no brightness flowers of no beauty pearls of no price load stones of no virtue to draw the love of God towards the souls of men hee is moved with none of these things Deut. 10.17 the best common abilities without saving grace are but like glorious apparrel about a dead carcase unable to move any affection or to beget desire of communion the greatest living man will rather enter fellowship and hold communion with the poorest living beggar then with the dead carkass of the greatest princes of the world though cloathed in most rich and roial raiment so will God have fellowship with and set his eies upon the poorest soul that hath the life of grace in him then with the most renowned commander on earth being a stranger to the life of God